CAPESIDE HIGH SCHOOL LUNCHROOM
Dawson sat at a table somberly picking at his lunch. Pacey noticed him from the lunch line and headed over for a talk.
"Hey D, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine," he replied unconvincingly.
Pacey wasn't too sure how to approach Dawson. First, he tried small talk.
"That movie 'Cruel Intentions' is in the theatres. You want to go see it with me? I heard it was good. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair. Come on, what better reasons for a guy's night out. What do you say?"
Dawson didn't even look up. "No, thanks."
Second, he tried humor.
"We could go see Riverdance."
Dawson didn't even crack a smile. Pacey realized it was time to be blunt.
"I heard about the breakup. If there's anything…"
"Look, Pacey, I realize you want to help but right now you just can't, all right? I need some time to be alone."
With that, Dawson grabbed his stuff and left. Witnessing Dawson's departure, Andie walked over to a frustrated Pacey.
"He's not doing too well," she pointed out.
"No kidding." She sat down and gave him a puzzled look after his sarcastic little comment. "I'm sorry. I just hate to see them both like that. I wish I could do something."
"Pacey, you can't always fix everything. Sometimes a person has to figure things out for themselves."
"But they're my friends. I've known them both for as long as I can remember. They usually go to each other when things are bad, but now who do they have to turn to? I need to be there for them."
"I'm not saying that you can't be there for them. All I'm saying is that problems in life are inevitable. They always feel devastating when they happen but you work through them, you grow, you learn, and you come out the other end a smarter and stronger person."
Pacey looked doubtfully at her. "All problems?"
The tone in his voice and look on his face made her wonder exactly what he was referring to. He wasn't comparing her family problems to Joey and Dawson's problems, was he?
"Some problems require outside help, yes, but in this case I think that Joey and Dawson just need time to deal with things on their own."
He shook his head and looked away.
"I don't want to argue about this."
"I didn't realize we were arguing," she responded.
"What are you doing after school?" Pacey attempted to change the subject.
"I have to go to the store. It's my turn to get groceries."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, this is something I can do on my own."
Pacey stared at her unable to tell if she was making a joke or not. Honestly, Andie wasn't quite sure of what she meant by her comment either. She wasn't angry with him, was she? She broke the strangely tense moment with a half-smile and said, "Why don't you go see how Joey is doing? Maybe she needs someone to talk to."
"Yeah, maybe I'll do that."
They ate their lunches in an awkwardness that hadn't been there previously. Both trying to figure out what exactly had just transpired. They'd had differing opinions before but for some reason this situation seemed different, more personal. Both felt oddly relieved when lunch was over and they went their separate ways. Something had changed. Neither was sure why.
JOEY'S HOUSE
Joey was sitting in a chair on the porch as Pacey walked up.
"Hey, Joey."
"What do you want?" she responded a little too moodily for Pacey's state of mind.
"For crying out loud! Is everyone looking for a fight today?"
Joey was taken aback by his sudden outburst.
"Geez, Pacey, settle down."
He sighed heavily and leaned against the porch railing.
"I just came to see how you were doing?" He sighed again. "So……how are you doing?"
"I'm ok."
He stared at her waiting for her to elaborate, which she gave no indication that she was going to do.
"You want to talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Talking is very therapeutic."
Joey had to chuckle.
"Since when did you become Mr. Sensitive?"
"Hey, I watch Lifetime."
She laughed again.
"Ya know, Andie has done wonders for you."
"Stop trying to change the subject."
"Pacey, I don't want to talk about Dawson, ok? I just wanted to sit on the porch and not think about my life. I want to enjoy the feeling of this moment. Watch the light reflecting off the creek. Feel the breeze."
Pacey gave her a questioning look.
"Hey, I watch Lifetime too," she responded with a quick smile, then looked away. "I don't know. I'm just tired. I'm tired of having to work so hard for everything. I just want to let things happen for a while and see where it takes me."
He pondered her statement for a minute then looked up at her.
"You mind if I join you?"
"As long as you agree not to talk about…..who we agree not to talk about."
"I think I'll skip that one. I've already had one broken nose. I'll meet you at
depression and bargaining."
Pacey turned to see the smile dance across her face.
"Promise me something, Jo."
"What?"
"That you'll let me help."
Joey was momentarily caught off guard by his comment and earnestness but she
quickly recovered and turned to look confusedly at him. "Help with what?"
He didn't get it at first until she started cracking up. He rolled his eyes and shook
his head.
"Wonderful. I didn't realize that denial could manifest itself as a stand-up routine."
"Then you obviously haven't watched enough Lifetime."
Pacey laughed. "You're a riot, Jo."
"Thank you. I'll be here all week. Try the fish."
GROCERY STORE
Andie pushed a half-filled grocery cart down the aisles of the food section. She
was reading her list as she turned a corner and accidentally ran her cart into
someone.
"Oww"
"Oh my God. I'm so sorry……Dawson? What are you doing here?"
He stood, slightly embarrassed, staring at the rows of sweets in front of him.
"Nothing. Well, actually I'm craving sugar. I just can't figure out what I want?" He
finally glanced up at her. "And no, this is not some grand metaphor reflecting my
present relationship situation, or rather, lack thereof. I just need some sugar."
He laughed at what he just said.
"God, I sound like an idiot."
"No, you don't. Anyway, cravings are natural. It's sometimes the body's way of
saying it needs something." It was her turn to laugh. "Wow, that sounded a little
euphemistic as well."
"Now that I think of it, look at this selection. Some of these snacks could be
considered a bit suggestive. Twinkies. Lady's fingers. Corn nuts."
"Corn nuts?"
"Oh, it's in reference to the movie 'Heathers'. I have this association between corn
nuts, Winona Ryder and, well….nevermind."
Andie raised her eyebrows and turned back to the rows of snacks.
"Here's some more. Hershey's Kisses, of course, and what about S and M's.
Whoops, I mean M & M's."
Dawson had to smile. It felt good to joke around again.
"What about Almond Joy? Remember that commercial. 'Almond Joy's got…'"
Andie had to interrupt him.
"Let's not go there."
Both chuckled.
"I think I'm just going to get some cookies. That should be safe. Oh hey, here are
some I haven't had since I was a kid. Kangaroo cookies."
"Um, you're not really going to get those are you?"
"Why, are they made from real kangaroo?"
"Do you remember what a baby kangaroo is called?"
It suddenly dawned on him.
"Joey."
They looked at each other for a second and then busted out laughing.
"I give up," he said still laughing. He put the cookies back. "I'm not even hungry
anymore."
"You want to help me finish my shopping?"
"Sure. Why not? So, where to?"
"Fruits and vegetables."
"Great. I can check out the melons."
Both cracked up again and headed for the produce section.
