[Leery's Fresh Fish - Gail walks into the kitchen followed by Dawson and Mitch. She looks a bit under the weather.]
Gail: I keep telling you, I'm fine.
Mitch: Do people who are fine spend an entire afternoon in our bathroom throwing up?
Gail: But I'm fine now. Dawson: Mom, I'm not taking sides but Dad's right. You're not going to get better unless you get some rest.
Gail: I don't believe this. My own son.
Gretchen: (walking in) Hey Gail, the Guinness tap just ran dry, we're out of Stolie and somebody just found a hair in the pretzels.
Gail: Okay, call the beer distributor, tell him he's a week late. If he can't get his ass over here today, he's fired. Give the guy who found a hair a free drink. Put out a fresh bowl of pretzels and then tell my husband and my traitor son to get off my back.
Gretchen: You heard the woman. (Everyone follows Gail out of the kitchen.)
Mitch: For the sake of your business, go home. Before your customers catch the stomach flu and we have to rename the restaurant Leery's Pending Lawsuit.
Dawson: He's right.
Gail: All right. All right! I give up. (she goes back into the kitchen)
Mitch: She promised me she'd go to the doctor last week.
Dawson: I thought she had the same thing you had. Yours didn't keep coming back.
Gretchen: Guys, Gail's been throwing up a lot, right?
Mitch: Yeah.
Gretchen: And she's still hungry and putting on some weight. She's tired all the time. Her back hurts. Irritability. Mood swings.
Dawson: Yeah.
Mitch: The worst. How'd you know?
Gretchen: Sounds to me like she'll be feeling a lot better in about nine months. (she goes back to tending bar. Dawson and Mitch stare at each other. They both turn around to look at Gail as she walks out of the kitchen.)
Gail: What? (Mitch raises his eyebrows at her. Opening credits.)
[Leery Residence - Mitch and Dawson stand outside the bathroom. Gail is obviously inside taking a pregnancy test.]
Mitch: (holding the box, knocks on door) How's it going in there?
Gail: I can't concentrate in here with you talking out there about what I'm doing in here. (Mitch looks at Dawson as if to tell him to be quiet. They stand there quietly.) Okay. Now it's way too quiet.
Mitch: Uhh, Dawson, uhh, so have you started studying for your SAT's yet?
Dawson: Took the SAT's. Twice.
Mitch: I knew that. (Gail walks out with her pregnancy stick.)
Gail: It's… pink. (Mitch chuckles and hugs her. Dawson doesn’t look that happy.)
Mitch: Great. Great. First thing we do is we get you to a doctor ASAP to confirm the results and make sure everything is okay. (Dawson turns to leave. To Dawson) Where you going?
Dawson: Uhh, I'm late. It's my first day painting Mr. Brook's house.
Mitch: Well aren't you going to say anything first?
Dawson: Congratulations. (he walks off. Mitch and Gail hug again, but notice Dawson's disposition.)
[Pacey's House - the patio. Pacey and Joey are laying/sitting on some chaise lounge type patio furniture, heavily making out. Pacey pulls away suddenly and kind chuckles in slight embarrassment.]
Joey: What's wrong? Why did you stop?
Pacey: (getting off Joey) Uhh, well, cause every afternoon we sit out here and we make out, and inevitably at some point, you stop. Then we just go inside and watch TV for the rest of the afternoon. So today I'm issuing a pre-empted strike.
Joey: (attacking Pacey) And I'm issuing a counter defense.
Pacey: (prying Joey's arms off him) Nope, nope. Stop right there. Haven't you ever heard the term no means no?
Joey: I don't think I've ever heard that from you.
Pacey: Well, you're gonna hear it now. I'm serious. I think we should just go inside and watch some TV. (he walks awkwardly back into the house. Joey follows slowly. Pacey sits on the couch and flips the TV on. Joey sits down next to him.)
Joey: Let me get this straight… Your girlfriend offers you her lips in the spirit of teenage lust and you'd rather sit here and watch the E! True Hollywood Story on Danny Bonaduchie for the fourth time?
Pacey: You always get to stop it. And I never get to stop it. So today I'm stopping it.
Joey: Stop it, Pacey.
Pacey: I just did.
Joey: You know what I mean.
Pacey: And you know how I feel.
Joey: Are we having a fight?
Pacey: Not to the best of my knowledge.
Joey: Feels like one of those times when you say that you're kidding around, but we're really we're having a fight, Pace.
Pacey: I assure you… everything is perfectly all right.
[Park - Andie and Jack are walking from the parking lot onto a field. They both wear whistles around their neck. Kids and parents mill around.]
Jack: How did I get myself into this? I was a mediocre soccer play back in junior high. I know nothing about kids. I've never coached anything in my life.
Andie: Come on… Coaching peewee soccer is a great opportunity to help mold young minds. It's about teamwork and sportsmanship. Okay, the only reason to do it is because it looks good on your college apps. But don't worry. I take full responsibility should it turn out to be a disastrous.
Jack: Damn straight.
Boy: (throws a ball at Andie) Here lady! (Jack and Andie walk over to the group of kids.)
Andie: Hey kids! I'm Andie and this is my brother Jack. And together, we are all about to embark upon a soccer experience that will enrich your lives for years to come.
Kids: (complaining) Awww!
Jack: (giving Andie a weird look) Okay. Everybody who wants to have some fun, raise their hands.
Kids: (all the kids raise their hands and jump up and down, except one girl in front) Oh me! Yeah, me!!
Jack: (walks up to Molly) What's your name?
Boy: (she doesn't answer, so the boy next to her speaks) Her name is Molly, coach Jack.
Jack: Molly. You don't want to talk, Molly? How come?
Boy: Cause she hates soccer.
Molly: (to boy) Shut up.
Jack: Hate soccer? Why do you hate soccer, Molly? (Molly just stares at him) Okay, you don't want to talk, that's fine. You don't have to talk if you don't want to talk.
Molly: Gee thanks.
Jack: I heard something. I think she talked. Anyway, what Molly doesn't know is by the end of the season, no one is gonna hate soccer, because we're gonna have so much fun. Running around, win a few games and eat plenty of pizza afterwards. So who's with me?
Kids: Me! Me!! (Everyone jumps up and down and raises their hand. Even Andie smiles at Jack and raises her hand.)
[Mr. Brook's house - Dawson stands on a ladder outside the house painting very slowly. Mr. Brooks walks out.]
Mr. Brooks: I think you have that space covered, Mr. Leery. Unless you'd like to be working off your debt into the next millennium.
Dawson: Sorry about that, Mr. Brooks.
Mr. Brooks: What might be prompting such a distracted performance? Worried which pom-pom girl to ask to the pep rally? Might I remind you that although I'm not paying you, it is you who owes me the debt of service. So I suggest you work it off to the best of your ability and leave the juvenal angst on the playground where it belongs.
Dawson: Will do, Mr. Brooks.
Mr. Brooks: (noticing some photographs hanging out of Dawson's backpack on the table. He pulls them out to look at them.) Well well, what's this? Fancy yourself a photographer, an artist? Have a look at these.
Dawson: Could you leave my personal property alone, please?
Mr. Brooks: Surely the boy who stole and wrecked my boat is not giving me a lecture on the sanctity of personal property. (flipping through photographs) Pedestrian. Holy uninteresting. (missed word?) and terrible composition, too. You didn't take this on purpose? (Dawson comes down from the ladder and takes his pictures from Mr. Brooks. He puts them back in his bag.) Woo. As a photographer, you're a mediocre house painter, Mr. Leery. You know what your problem is? Those photos are cold. Unemotional. There is no spark.
Dawson: Thank you for the (missed word?) analysis. I will keep that in mind next time. (Mr. Brooks goes back inside the house and Dawson continues painting.)
[Capeside High Cafeteria - Jen walks to Joey's table with her tray of food. Joey sits stirring her mashed potatoes and looking glum. Jen takes a seat. I always wonder where everyone else is when it's time to eat. Don't they always eat together?]
Jen: Hey there. (Joey glances up and gives a weak smile) Well, looks like we both got robbed on our history test. B minus my ass. What did you get?
Joey: I think I set the curve.
Jen: Well, I can see how that would be aggravating. What's wrong?
Joey: Nothing. Mashed potatoes are cold.
Jen: I gotcha. So it's just one tragedy after another today, huh?
Joey: Mashed potatoes are cold and so am I.
Jen: Is this about sex?
Joey: Is it that obvious?
Jen: No, not really. It's just that it always is.
Joey: I think Pacey's starting to get impatient.
Jen: Joey, he loves you. He'll wait.
Joey: But Jen, Pacey's not the problem. It's me. I mean, let's face it, the waiting just goes on and on. And at this point even I'm getting impatient. But for some reason, I just keep waiting.
Jen: Joey, let me ask you something. Are you sure that you really want to have sex?
Joey: Of course I want to have sex. But the question is, am I ready? I don't know how you know. I mean, everyone just says that you just know. But what if that's just what they say and they never really know?
Jen: Joey, I think that you'd feel more ready if you were actually prepared.
Joey: What do you mean?
Jen: Listen, for girls in New York, a visit to the free clinic to get birth control, safe sex advice, is a right of passage. It's like getting a bar mitzvah or you know, your learner's permit test.
Joey: Free clinic?
Jen: Yeah. Truth is, I don't think that anybody ever really knows if they're ready. But you do know if you're prepared. And you're not.
Joey: You're right.
Jen: (toasts her juice bottle towards Joey) To responsible sexual gratification.
Joey: (clinks her juice bottle against Jen's) To womanhood.
Jen: Cheers.
[Doctor's Office - Gail walks over to the couch with a cup of water and sits with Mitch.]
Mitch: You okay?
Gail: I'm fine.
Mitch: Look, I've been thinking about it. I know this is terrifying. There's so many cards stacked against us, but it's going to be okay. Don't worry about Dawson. He's just shocked. But it'll be fine. It's a good shock.
Gail: You know, Mitch… Have you thought at all about how we can possibly send Dawson to college and raise another child? We're already in debt as it is. And what about the fact that we're not exactly 25 year olds anymore? Do we even have the stamina to be parents all over again? That's 20 more years that we would have to commit to another child. Not to mention what we've put Dawson through these past years. What if that happens again?
Mitch: That's not going to happen again.
Gail: I don't know, I can't help thinking that we should have thought about this before.
Mitch: Maybe that's true. But you're pregnant now. That's the reality.
Gail: Mitch, you're avoiding one thing. Just because I'm pregnant, doesn't mean I have to stay that way. And if I were to make that decision, right this second, I wouldn't. (Mitch stares at her)
[Soccer Field - Jack stands on the sidelines as the kids mill around. Andie is filling out some papers for one of the kids as the parents arrive to pick up their children. A woman walks up to Jack and just begins talking to him.]
Caroline: Oh tragic. All these adults pushing their kids out on the field in order to make one last grasp at vicarious glory. I'm Caroline, by the way. Caroline Saye. Molly's older sister. (Jack looks confused) Mom had me when she was 21, Molly when she was 40.
Jack: Mmm.
Caroline: That would make me 28, in case you were wondering.
Jack: (he becomes nervous) Gotcha.
Caroline: And how old would that make you?
Jack: I'm 18.
Caroline: Hmm. (nodding towards Andie) Your girlfriend?
Jack: Uh, sister.
Caroline: Hmm. Cool. (Jack fidgets around) Coach Jack, am I making you uncomfortable?
Jack: No. Why would you say that?
Caroline: Oh, I just thought maybe you thought I was flirting or something.
Jack: (nervously) Flirting? Why would I think you're flirting?
Caroline: Because I am flirting.
Jack: Uh, Caroline, uh, look I'm flattered and everything, but uh…
Caroline: I'm coming on too strong, and you're shy.
Jack: Yeah, yes, I am shy. And I'm…
Caroline: Shy and what?
Jack: Shy and… (fumbles for a word)
Caroline: All right, you mule that one over. And I'll just be seeing your sweet face tomorrow. Until then, au revoir, coach Jack.
[Leery's Fresh Fish - patio. Gretchen looks at Dawson's photographs while Dawson adjusts the lens on his camera.]
Gretchen: That old man is clearly nuts. These are great, Dawson.
Dawson: Actually, he's right. They suck.
Gretchen: No, they most definitely do not suck.
Dawson: It's okay. You have to suck before you can stop sucking. (he turns the camera to Gretchen, she smiles big and he snaps a photo) Sheer genius begins with mediocrity.
(Now I just want to say that whenever they show Gretchen's face in the next scene, she is looking into the camera, because Dawson is looking at her through the camera. I think she looks absolutely fabulous in this episode, and would love to see the outcome of Dawson's photographs.)
Gretchen: (Dawson takes random photos throughout this scene) Well, I appreciate the humble artist bit. It's way preferable to self described genius. But even you cannot deny your natural abilities. Hey, if you don't stop taking my picture, I'm going to smack you.
Dawson: Am I making you uncomfortable?
Gretchen: Yes.
Dawson: Good.
Gretchen: Stop it, I mean it. (she starts walking away, Dawson jogs in front of her to continue taking pictures. They cross the street.)
Dawson: Come on, let me just finish this role of film.
Gretchen: No. (a Suburban coming down the street honks at them to get out of the road. Gretchen makes a noise and pushes Dawson to the curb. He still walks in front of her taking pictures when they finally reach a bench. They sit.)
Dawson: So. You were right about my mom. She's pregnant.
Gretchen: I figured.
Dawson: Maybe you can help me. When I found out, I was upset.
Gretchen: Really? Why?
Dawson: They're in their 40s, they're about to send a kid away to college. They barely have any money in the bank. The relationship the past couple years hasn't exactly been rock solid. Everything is so unstable. It seems completely irresponsible.
Gretchen: It is.
Dawson: Yeah, but I can't feel that way. I mean, I don't want to feel that way. You know, I want to be happy for them. Any idea how I can swing that?
Gretchen: You mean, how can you make yourself feel something that you're not? I don't know. All I know is, I can't help but wonder how your mom feels right now. She's the one with the baby growing inside her. The one who doesn't have any money in the bank. The one whose kid is about to go off to college. The one who just got back together with her husband.
Dawson: I knew you were the right person to talk to. I'm starting to feel bad already.
Gretchen: Gotta go.
Dawson: Why?
Gretchen: Breaks over. See ya later.
Dawson: Okay.
[Free Clinic - Joey and a nurse walk into an office and take a seat.]
Nurse: Have a seat. Did you schedule a pelvic examine with the doctor?
Joey: Mmm-hmm.
Nurse: I'm gonna ask you a few questions. And I apologize ahead of time if they are a little bit unsettling. Are you ready? Are you currently sexual active?
Joey: What do you mean?
Nurse: Are you currently having intercourse?
Joey: Oh. I'm sorry, I wasn't sure. Never mind. No, but I'm going to be having intercourse. That's why I'm here.
Nurse: Are you aware that there is a clamidia epidemic and that syphilis cases are on the rise?
Joey: Syphilis?
Nurse: Are you aware that there is currently no cure for the sexually transmitted diseases herpes, HIV, and HPV? (Joey nods) And are you aware that while the pill offers excellent protection against pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases? Have you had sexual relations in the past, and if so, were there any instances of unprotected sex?
Joey: No. I'm… virgin, 100%.
Nurse: And are you currently in a monogamous relationship?
Joey: As far as I know?
Nurse: Is there any reason why you think your partner's not being monogamous?
Joey: Oh, no, no. I was just kidding. He's definitely monogamous.
Nurse: You know, Joey, sometimes we think our partner is being monogamous…
Joey: No, he's definitely monogamous. There's really no doubt in my mind.
Nurse: Regardless, it's important to practice safe sex. Now, is your partner willing to wear condoms?
Joey: (timidly, after a long pause) Yes.
Nurse: Miss Potter, these aren't even the hard questions. What if you become pregnant? Or contract an STD? I mean, these are the potential consequences of sex. (Joey looks down upset) Okay. Maybe you should know the other side of the coin, Joey. Sex can be a wonderful, fun, fulfilling part of life. There's nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. I just want you to approach it with a certain level of maturity and responsibility. That's all.
Joey: 'kay.
Nurse: So you scheduled your pelvic examine for next week. In the mean time, here you go. Condoms, spermicide, some information about birth control, other birth control options. (Joey takes the Ziplock bag of 'goodies' and turns to leave) And Joey? Smile. (Joey smiles faintly at the nurse and walks out)
[Soccer Field - the kids have gone home and Jack and Andie kick the ball around. Jack stands at goal.]
Jack: You know that girl Molly that never wants to talk?
Andie: Yeah?
Jack: I don't know, I feel like I'm bringing her out of her shell. Making a difference or something. Think that sounds stupid?
Andie: No, I think that's pretty awesome.
Jack: There is one problem. You know that girl Caroline? She comes to practice with Molly? I think she propositioned me yesterday.
Andie: What? No! Okay. Was she just flirting? I mean, maybe she was just flirting.
Jack: No, no, no. She was one step away from reaching her hand down my pants and checking out the merchandise.
Andie: Eww! Okay, I did not need to hear that!
Jack: I know, but you gotta help me! Because she won't take no for an answer. I mean, I think the word no just turns her on even more.
Andie: Well, just tell her you're gay.
Jack: Andie, the word 'gay' is kinda controversial when you're talking about working with kids.
Andie: Oh, that's crap.
Jack: I know it's crap, but it's a reality. All I want to do right now is put 'soccer coach' on my college apps. Not 'gay, civil rights crusader'.
Andie: All right. All right. I'll help you out with this.
Jack: Thanks.
Andie: Oh, and uh, Jack? You know, I just hope you're a better coach than you are a player because (kicks the ball in the goal) you suck. Ha! Yes! Another one.
[Leery Residence - Dawson is in his dark room when he hears the front door open. He goes upstairs to find his parents.]
Dawson: Good, you guys are home, because I want to talk to you.
Mitch: What is it, Dawson?
Dawson: It's about how I reacted when I found out that mom was pregnant. Umm, I was really shocked, and maybe a little bit disappointed. But I've been thinking and I realize that, this is amazing. I mean, I'm gonna have a little brother or sister. I mean, how cool is that?
Mitch: Dawson, we're not going to have the baby.
Dawson: What?
Mitch: I know. Believe me, this isn't exactly the way that we wanted to tell you.
Dawson: Wait a second. Just… like that you make a decision, in a day?
Gail: Uh, well no, actually Dawson. It wasn't just like that. I had suspected that I was pregnant for some time. I just didn't want to deal with it because I knew what my decision would be if I was.
Dawson: I can't believe this.
Gail: Well, honey, you should be happy. Your lackluster attempt at excitement wasn't exactly Oscar worthy.
Dawson: Mom, I meant everything that I said. I'm trying to be supportive. Dad, you actually agreed to this?
Mitch: Yes, I did.
Gail: No, Dawson, he's lying to protect me. It was my idea and my suggestion. And yes, I know, I'm a terrible mother, aren't I?
Dawson: That's not what I said.
Gail: Let's not pretend that's not what you think, honey. It's no lie that I have messed up at being your mother at every turn. That I'm the one who tore your family apart.
Dawson: Don't use me as the excuse for making this decision. That's not fair.
Gail: It's not an excuse, Dawson. No, I sat down and I considered all the facts. And the fact is, I can't do it again. I can't handle the mistakes. And you put that together with the money issues and my age and everything else, and the only answer is, I can't have a baby. Now honey, maybe you're going to hate me forever because of this, or maybe you'll never be able to understand, but the fact is, this is my decision, and I have made it. And now this discussion is over. (She rushes off to her room.)
[Leery Residence - Dawson's room. He sits at his desk as Mitch walks in.]
Mitch: (knocks on the open door) Your mother wanted me to tell you that breakfast is ready.
Dawson: Well, tell my mother that I'm not hungry.
Mitch: She also wanted me to tell you that she's sorry you're upset. And I can personally attest to her not sleeping a wink last night.
Dawson: Is she really going to do this?
Mitch: Yes.
Dawson: What about you? What do you want?
Mitch: I don't know what I want. But I do know that I don't want her going through with the pregnancy if it's not the right thing for her to do. Ultimately, it's her body. Her decision. I respect that.
Dawson: What if it's the wrong decision?
Mitch: Did I ever tell you that we tried for three years to get pregnant before we had you?
Dawson: No.
Mitch: Just about given up. And then after you were born, we tried again. Five years of hope and disappointment. I always wanted a big family, you know? House filled with love and all that. Admitting that it would never happen… that was devastating. But then one morning I woke up and I realized it did happen. My house is filled with love and my life is full. I don't know, maybe for the rest of my life I'll wonder, what if? But now, I'm am just so grateful to have you. And your mother. It makes all the rest easier to deal with.
[Potter B&B - Joey's room. The room is empty, but Bessie calls to Joey as if she's in there.]
Bessie: Joey, will you please tell your stupid boyfriend to stop sneaking his smelly clothes into our laundry? I'm trying to run a business here. (she walks into the room) And I'm talking to an empty room. (She goes to the dresser with a handful of clothes, opens a lower drawer and places some clothes inside. She closes the drawer and opens the top drawer. She instantly sees the packet of 'goodies' that Joey got from the clinic inside. Condoms can obviously be seen. Her face turns to shock. Just then, Joey walks in.)
Joey: What are you doing?
Bessie: (she places the socks over the packet and pretends like she didn't see it) Nothing. Just laundry. I gotta go. (Joey goes to the drawer and opens it. She shuts it closed and sighs heavily.)
[Soccer Field - A kid goes to make a goal, but the ball goes way out of goal. Jack makes a face and walks back to where Andie is.]
Jack: They stink. (Caroline walks up)
Caroline: Ready for the game this afternoon?
Jack: Well… defense sucks and our offense is merely terrible.
Caroline: I'm sure they'll do great. So, Jack, listen… I was thinking, maybe tonight we could get together…
Andie: Oh, Jack. We have that thing we gotta do tonight.
Caroline: And who are you?
Andie: I'm Jack's girlfriend.
Caroline: Oh really? I thought you were his sister?
Andie: Oh, yeah, uhh, well, actually I am. I'm just making sure no one lays a hand on Jackers here, cause Natasha, that's his girlfriend, she's a black belt. She'd get really pissed.
Caroline: Really? Natasha. Natasha who?
Andie: Natasha Boy-Ar-Dee.
Jack: (he looks shocked at Andie) Natasha Boy-Ar-Dee? (he mouths 'Good one!' to Andie)
Caroline: Look, I really appreciate this over protective sibling thing, I do. But I think Jack here can make his own decision.
Andie: And he's decided. He's not interested.
Caroline: Or, maybe he's decided that it's none of your business. And you should butt out and let him speak for himself.
Andie: Okay, you know what? It's just not going to happen, okay?
Caroline: And why is that?
Andie: Because.
Caroline: That's why? Because?
Jack: Because I'm gay, all right?
Caroline: Wait a minute. Oh, no, you didn't think I meant… because I knew that. Of course I knew that. (she walks away)
[Park bridge - Gretchen stands on the bridge as Dawson walks up. It is some place I've never seen before.]
Dawson: Hey.
Gretchen: Hey.
Dawson: Thank you for meeting me here. I didn't want to go to your place for obvious reasons.
Gretchen: Understood. What's up?
Dawson: My mom's having an abortion and I'm not sure that I'm dealing with it too well. And on top of that, I feel awful about what they must be going through.
Gretchen: What's the problem really, Dawson? Are you worried about them? Or is it that your illusions of parental infallibility are finally shattered?
Dawson: Well, they were pretty much shattered during my Mom's affaire. But umm, what's your problem?
Gretchen: What do you think my problem is, Dawson?
Dawson: I think you went through what my mom's going through.
Gretchen: You're good.
Dawson: We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.
Gretchen: Isn't that why you called me here?
Dawson: I need to understand why she's doing it. I know that your situations are probably completely different, but… I thought you might be able to help me. Otherwise I never would have brought it up.
Gretchen: It's okay. Forget it. (they walk down the bridge some) You're right. I did get pregnant last semester. In the back seat of my boyfriend's Geo Prizm. Dorm parking lot, while my roommate was studying for finals. Leonard Skinner was on the radio. And I hate Leonard Skinner. Which made me even madder when I found out that I was pregnant. So there I was, you know, 20 years old, piles of student loans, 2.9 GPA… So I made a decision. It was the hardest decision I ever made in my life. But if didn't matter because a week later I woke up and it was over. I had a miscarriage. You'd think that I'd be happy, you know? But I wasn't. I felt really guilty. For getting off easy. For feeling relieved. For putting myself in the position where I even had to make that kind of decision.
Dawson: Does that mean your decision was the same as my mom's?
Gretchen: Does it really matter?
Dawson: No. Thank you.
Gretchen: For what?
Dawson: For trusting me. I won't tell anyone.
Gretchen: I know you won't.
[Potter B&B - Bessie, Bodie, Joey and 3 guests sit at the table eating a meal. Bessie and Bodie sit at the heads of the table. Joey sits next to Bodie.]
Bessie: I hope you're hungry.
Woman: Smells delicious.
Joey: Hey, I got an A on my English test.
Bodie: Oh, good for you, Jo.
Joey: Yeah, I was up all night studying at Pacey's. I'm exhausted.
Bessie: I'm sure you are.
Joey: Excuse me?
Bessie: Nothing. Pass the potatoes.
Joey: Not till you tell me what that meant.
Bessie: Bodie dear, will you please pass the potatoes?
Joey: You'll get the potatoes when you tell me what that meant, Bess.
Bessie: You wanna know what it meant? Fine. It meant either you were at Pacey's having sex all night or you started your own mail order birth control business out of your bedroom. (the other patrons glance around the room nervously.)
Joey: I knew it! I can't believe you snooped in my room.
Bessie: It's hard to miss, Jo. You got enough in there to fill a warehouse and I tell you, I'd lock you in there if it was legal, cause you are not ready to have sex. (Bodie glances at the patrons nervously.)
Joey: Oh, so now you're playing miss responsible caretaker? Bessie, you let me spend an entire summer sailing around on a boat with Pacey alone.
Bessie: I didn't let you. You just went. What could I have possibly say?
Joey: Nothing. Just like there's nothing you can say about this. (she walks over to the kitchen)
Bessie: (following) There is one thing I can say about it, young lady. You're making the biggest mistake of your life.
Joey: Bessie, for your information, I'm not having sex, okay? But at some point I probably will and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
Bessie: You're a seventeen-year-old girl who doesn't understand the first thing about consequences and responsibility. You are NOT ready to have sex. (the patrons leave the table and go off to their rooms)
Joey: I am the oldest seventeen year old in Capeside, Bessie. My whole life is consequences and responsibility, okay? If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go to my 'birth control warehouse'. (she goes to her room)
[Soccer Field - Jack is in a group huddle with the team. They do their team 'break' and the kids go off to begin the game.]
Jack: Go get 'em. Good luck. (Molly fidgets next to Jack) What's a matter Molly? Nervous about the game?
Molly: Billy and Todd aren't coming. We're definitely going to lose.
Jack: No, they're coming. They're just a little late, that's all.
Molly: Their dad called my dad. They said they had to quit the team because you're dangerous. They're not coming.
Jack: Okay, ummm, I want you to remember something. Whether or not Todd and Billy quit the team, or if, for that matter, everybody quits the team… You and me, we're going to play some soccer and then we'll get some pizza. Okay?
Molly: Don't worry coach Jack. They're all just jerks. I know you're not dangerous. (she goes to join the rest of the team)
[Potter B&B - It's night time. Bodies walks out on the porch with Alex. He sees Joey sitting next to the fire pit and walks over.]
Bodie: Interesting floor show earlier. Though I'm not sure it's good for repeat business.
Joey: You know, sometimes I don't get her. I mean, it's not like I'm perfect by any means. There's a lot of kids out there doing a lot of stupid things. And I just think she lucked out with me.
Bodie: I'd say you're right.
Joey: Than why is she being so irrational?
Bodie: Your sister worries about you, Jo. All the time, in fact. She doesn't want you to end up like her. She wants more for you. You know, you're the one who's suppose to get out of here. She just wants to make sure that happens.
Joey: I haven't made my decision yet… about sex. I just thought that if I got prepared that I would be ready. Then afterwards I got really scared. I mean, this morning I thought I was ready again. Then… this afternoon, I wasn't so sure.
Bodie: You know, Jo… I can't tell you what to do. No one can. For now, all I can say is, if you're not ready to be prepared for sex… then you're probably not ready for sex.
[Leery Residence - Dawson comes down the stairs and finds his parents sitting in front of the TV. He joins them and turns the TV off.]
Dawson: Um… I just have a few minutes before I gotta to go to Mr. Brook's, but uhh.. I wanted to say something about how I feel about your situation. Mom, you said that when you sat down to make this decision that you considered all the facts. But I think you're forgetting the most important one… I just want to make sure you haven't before you make your final decision. You were the best mother that I know. And you were wrong if you think you've disappointed me at every turn, Mom. All you've done is made me proud. You're not afraid to make mistakes. And when to pick up and to keep going and keep trying new things. And I owe some much of who I am to you. To both of you. I used to idealize this perfect childhood. This perfect little house. And then you guys gave me something so much better. You gave me something real. And if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing. If you guys are even half the parents to your next kid that you were to me, he'd be the luckiest kid in all the world. (Gail hugs Dawson)
[Pacey's house - living room. Pacey and Joey are getting the smoochies on.]
Pacey: You know, I think we should probably slow this down a notch.
Joey: Okay.
Pacey: What?
Joey: Slow it down a notch. If that's what you want. I can respect that.
Pacey: Well. Uhh, thanks.
Joey: Perhaps you were hoping that if you turned the tables on me, I might get paranoid. Cause I'm always the one stopping things and now suddenly you're stopping things and maybe I need to go further. Maybe even, you know, pay a visit to the free clinic, stock up on goodies, come back here and then we'd have sex.
Pacey: Wait a minute. Did you actually go to the free clinic to stock up on goodies?
Joey: I can neither confirm nor deny such report.
Pacey: All right, hold on. Jo… I really would… I was just kinda kidding about the whole thing. All I wanted to do was jump start the conversation.
Joey: I'm actually really glad that I went. Cause, now it's fine.
Pacey: No, it's really not okay. I don't want to make you do anything that you're not ready to do.
Joey: No. Pacey, I get it. Just as long as you realize that if you do turn into some typical hormone filled silly ass boy and try to manipulate me again, you're out the door.
Pacey: Jo, I'm sorry.
Joey: I know. You know, Pace, just because we're not having sex yet, well, there are certain things we can do.
Pacey: What kind of things?
Joey: (whispering and moving towards his mouth) I could kiss you.
Pacey: (whispering and moving on top of Joey) Or perhaps I could just come over there. (suddenly he stops the smoochies and attacks Joey's stomach with his hands, tickling her all over
)
Joey: (shrieking and laughing) No, no, Pacey, Pacey, no! Pacey stop it! (shrieking) Stop it!
[Soccer Field - the game is over and it's dark out. Andie and Jack are cleaning up all the gear from the game.]
Jack: What the hell was I thinking? What possessed me just to blurt it out like that?
Andie: Come on, Jack. It's not like it's a big secret. Anyone can find out if they want to.
Jack: I know, I know. But it's naïve to think that people aren't going to care. You know, it's naïve to think that people aren't going to be small minded and bigoted and ignorant and this whole thing isn't going to just get worse from here on out. I don't know, maybe I should just quit.
Andie: Okay, now that is ridiculous, Jack. Because you did the right thing. The alternative is to not tell people who you are. And who wants to live like that? And besides which, you are great with these kids. So what you need to do is stick with the coaching and just stop worrying about the parents and their stupid hang ups. Okay? Because it will blow over.
Jack: I'm a good person, Andie. People look at me and they see something awful. Do you know how that feels?
Andie: Give it time. It will blow over, I swear.
Jack: It never does.
Andie: It will.
Jack: Do you mind if I finish up alone?
Andie: You sure?
Jack: Yeah.
[Mr. Brook's house - Dawson is painting when Mr. Brooks walks up.]
Mr. Brooks: Each time I step out on this porch to watch you at work, Mr. Leery, I breathe a sigh of relief that I'm not paying you. This way I can still hire a professional to paint over your mess.
Dawson: You know, Mr. Brooks, I actually think I'm doing a pretty good job.
Mr. Brooks: We all have our illusions. (noticing Dawson's photo book) Ohh! I see you've been hard at work adding to your collection. (flipping through book) Trite. Naked attempt to evoke sentiment. Why not just shoot a photo of a puppy in a garbage can, eh? (flipping to another page) Hmm.
Dawson: (impersonating Mr. Brooks) Ohh! (back to Dawson) Is that the best scathing criticism you can muster?
Mr. Brooks: Sometimes honesty is scathing, Dawson. I can't help that. This last one, this last one's actually not bad. The first picture makes a connection with the subject. As if you're not only shooting her melancholy, but your own. This is the first one I've seen with a bit of you in it. This one has potential. (Dawson has stood and smiles at Mr. Brooks.) I don't see you painting, Mr. Leery. (he goes back inside. Dawson picks up the book and flips the picture Mr. Brooks was referring to. It's a picture of Gretchen - but it's a remarkable picture. Gretchen has her head down and it's really only one side of her face you see. The texture of a wisp of hair on her face, and the slight blur to the background make it very beautiful.)
[Montage of scenes. Potter B&B - Joey is washing dishes and as she lifts a rinsed dish to put it in the drain rack, a hand reaches out and takes it from her to dry. It's Bessie. They both look at each other and share a look. A silent apology. Dawson's dark room - Dawson is developing more of his pictures of Gretchen he took in the street. He stares at them meaningfully. Soccer field - Jack wanders around the field thinking. Leery residence - Gail is looking through a photo album when Mitch walks up. They both stare at a picture of baby Dawson in the tub. Credits.]
