Title:The Field Trip
Part: 5
Category: P/J
Name: Calie
E-mail: Calie15@aol.com
Disclaimer: Don't own or want them. Enough said.
Summary: Pacey/Joey romance during a field trip in the woods.
Notes: I'm sorry this has taken so long. I've been really busy. The only reason I am writing this now is because it is my week off, and I can't get online. I want to say thanks to Katie for having patience with my laziness. I still have to get another story out. This is the second to last installment.
Jen woke up early because she needed to take a shower early. She looked over and noticed Joey was still sleeping. She couldn't believe this trip was almost over. One more night to go. She was kind of dreading leaving. She had enjoyed the weekend, especially when she got to spend a lot of time with Dawson. Almost everything had gone perfectly this weekend. Almost. It still kind of shocks her when she thinks about it. Now, she just needed to talk to Joey. What does she tell Joey when she wakes up? She thought about waking up Joey, but Jen knew that if she were Joey, she would just want to stay asleep as long as she could. She gathered her stuff and walked over to the showers. She couldn't wait until the dance tonight. But, there was still some planning to do. This thing with Pacey and Joey couldn't be left like how it was. They couldn't stay mad at each other when they still had feelings for each other. Jen had to admit to herself that she was glad Joey was moving on from Dawson. She didn't want Joey to be unhappy though. Why couldn't everyone be happy at once? Tonight at the dance would be the moment when they would find out if Pacey and Joey were meant to work or not. Jen was determined to make it work, even if she had to interfere. When she got back to the cabin, the first thing she noticed was that Joey was gone.
Joey walked slowly down one of the trails. She had a lot to think about and needed time to think about her feelings. Maybe if she hadn't yelled at him, they would be together right now. But she can't change that and besides, he deserved it. It was his fault, not hers! He had pushed her away and made her feel terrible. She had a right to be mad and yell at him for it. Why did he have to yell back though? It wasn't fair. She was still deep in thought when she heard someone call out her name. Her first thought was that it was Pacey ready to apologize again. After a moment, she recognized the voice as Dawson's. She stopped and turned around.
Joey: Hey Dawson
Dawson: Hey Jo. What's up?
Joey: Nothing much. So, are you checking up on me?
Dawson: No, I didn't even know you were out here. I had just decided to take a walk, and I ran into you. How you feeling?
Joey: As good as I can be under the circumstances. I'm guessing you know?
Dawson: Yeah, Jen told me after she had that talk with you. Then, Pacey told us all about it before and after he talked to you. I really wish you would've talked to me, Joey.
Joey: I know, Dawson. There was just so much happening, and it all happened in such a short amount of time. I was so confused. Can we not talk about this right now? Let's talk about anything but that, please.
He lifted her face up to his and noticed her eyes were red and puffy. He took her in his arms. At first, she tried to push him away, but after a little while, she put her arms around him and started crying.
Dawson: Joey, it's okay. Everything will work out in the end.
Joey: How do you know? What if it doesn't? I mean, it may get worse.
Dawson: Let's not talk about it now because you are getting yourself more upset.
He pulled away from her and lifted her face to his.
Joey: I am so scared to face him. Dawson, how do I act around him?
Dawson: You should act like how you usually act, mean and spiteful.
She smiled and gave him a push.
Dawson: Seriously, you did nothing wrong. In the woods, it was his fault for running away. You had a right to be mad. He should've dealt with the kiss. And, it was also his fault that he yelled at you. But, Joey, he really does care about you. That's why you can't let him see how much you hurt. If he does, then he will know how much he hurt you. I know it sounds a little crazy. You just need to show him that you can deal with it. You have to be the tough Joey we all know.
Joey: (pouting) I don't want to be tough. I want to cry and wallow in my own misery.
Dawson: Joey, remember the time when we all had detention?
Joey: Yeah, so?
Dawson: The reason was because that football player was aggravating you. So, at lunch you-
Joey: You want me to hit Pacey?
He laughed.
Dawson: No. You got back at the foot ball player by hitting him.
Joey: You think I should get back at Pacey?
Dawson: Well, kind of. Show him you don't care and you aren't bothered by it.
Joey: How am I going to get him back by showing him I don't care?
Dawson: We are going to deal with that at the dance. Let's go back and face everyone.
Joey: Yeah.
She turned and followed him back up the path to the camp.
Sarah: Pacey, who are you looking for?
Pacey: Huh?
Sarah: I said who are you looking for?
Pacey: No one.
Sarah: Well, it doesn't look like it to me. You haven't been listening to a word I've said. You keep looking at everything but me.
Pacey: I have been listening.
Sarah: What have I been talking about?
He didn't hear Sarah say that. Right after he said something to Sarah, he saw her. She was walking with Dawson, coming out of the woods. He had considered what to do when he saw her. Should he apologize, ignore her, or just be mean? He decided on a combination of the last two. He was not going to apologize. He was too stubborn for that. He decided on ignoring her, but he would fight with her if it came to that. He didn't even get a chance to ignore her. She didn't even look at him. Instead, she was laughing. He didn't understand. The night before, she had been upset and crying. Now, she acted like nothing had even happened. Then, Dawson said something to her, waved to Pacey, and Joey laughed. She still wasn't looking at him. That was just fine with him since two could play at this game. He turned back to Sarah, who was still babbling. He was going to have to put up with this for another day.
Dawson: (As they were coming out of the forest.) All right, there he is. Don't look.
Joey: Is he talking to that little hooch?
Dawson: I guess you mean Sarah?
Joey: Yeah.
Dawson: Yeah, but I never thought of her as a hooch. I kind of thought of her as a bitch.
Joey laughed as she heard a curse come from Dawson Leery's lips. Good, she was laughing. That's what he had planned on.
Dawson: I am going to wave at him because he is staring right at us. (He noticed that she smiled.) When I do, I want you to laugh.
Joey: That'll be easy. This is too funny.
Joey laughed as Dawson waved over to Pacey. Then, Pacey waved back turned back to Sarah.
Joey: Well?
Dawson: He just waved back.
Joey: This is productive.
Dawson: Come on, Jo. It is only the beginning of the day. A lot can still happen.
Joey sighed.
Joey: Yeah whatever.
Dawson: Look, here comes Jen.
He pointed in the direction of their cabins. Joey didn't even acknowledge him. He at least expected her to make some rude comment about Jen, but Joey didn't even look like she was paying attention. Boy, she must have it bad for Witter, he thought.
Jen: Hey guys.
Dawson: Hey Jen.
He leaned over and gave her a kiss.
Jen: Anything happen that I missed?
Dawson: Nothing big. Just working on Joey's problem a little.
Jen: Is he talking to that little whore again?
Joey: You mean Sarah? (She smiled at Dawson.)
Jen: Yeah why?
Joey: Dawson and I had already decided she was a hooch and a bitch. Someone else's opinion is always appreciated.
Joey smiled.
Jen: I am sure she is a little bit of both. By the time we leave this camp, she is going to be a jealous person as well.
Joey smiled again. Jen was glad she was at least able to get a smile out of Joey.
Jen: New subject, please.
They all just stood around not saying anything.
Jen: Since there isn't anything else to talk about, let's go to the kitchen and get some food. I'm starving.
Dawson: So, Joey are you feeling better now? No more sickness? I noticed that you are getting your appetite back.
He pointed to her plate of food. Joey took another bite of her food and looked back up.
Joey: I was feeling fine this morning. I guess it was just one of those 24 hour things.
Dawson: That's good. Does anyone know what the plan is for today?
Jen: Nope. I haven't heard anything. Why can't they leave us alone though? This is a field trip, not school. We should be doing what we want.
Dawson: I agree.
He looked over at Joey and noticed she was staring at a particular person sitting at another table. He waved his hand in front of her face.
Dawson: Earth to Joey. Come in please.
She turned to him.
Joey: What?
Dawson: Want to share with us what you're thinking about?
Joey: I'm sure it is written all over my face. I mean, he is sitting over there talking to Sarah. What could they be talking about? She is so not his type. Is he going to be doing that all day? If he is, I should just play sick and spend more time alone in my cabin and play sick.
Jen: NO!
They both looked at her.
Jen: I'm sorry about that. I meant, (softly) no. Look Joey, we will get near him even if that means we have to go to him.
Joey: Oh no. I am not going to him.
Jen: We don't really have to go to him. (Dawson and Joey looked at her with confused looks on their faces.) This is what I was thinking…
Jen: Come on Joey, just a little. Please!
Joey: No. I am not going out there to impress him. I put on that shirt already. I am not letting you put any makeup on me.
Jen: I'm not giving you a makeover. I promise I won't make it too noticeable. This won't be enough to make it look like you are trying to impress anyone.
Joey: (She sighed.) All right, but just a little.
Jen's face lit up.
Jen: Great!
Joey: I feel stupid.
Jen turned around and looked at Joey as she closed the cabin door behind her.
Jen: No, you don't. You have to admit it looks good.
Joey did think she looked kind of good. Even though she refused to admit it. The shirt was pretty nice, and it didn't look too bad on her. She didn't even mind the make-up because it wasn't too much. She was kind of impressed since she thought Jen was going to make her look trashy. Her good thoughts didn't last for long when she remembered the reason for doing this. Pacey. Earlier, the thought of him just made her want to cry. Now, it just made her want to yell and lash out at someone, preferably him. Maybe this is what Dawson meant when he said she needed to act like her old self. A girl with an attitude.
After breakfast, Jen decided they should wait it out until lunch to see if Pacey makes an appearance to them, but he didn't. That's why she was mad. He was being so damn stubborn! Jen had said if he didn't talk to them during lunch or before, then they would have to move on to plan B. (Jen was starting to sound like a detective with all of her plans.) But, plan B was for Jen and Joey to go back to the cabin after lunch since they had a couple of hours to do nothing. Dawson would just go talk to Pacey. That way, when they got back they would have to walk over to Dawson, who would be talking to Pacey. Now, they were on their way to Dawson and Pacey.
Jen: Look, I see Dawson, and look whom he is talking to?
Jen: Who?
Joey smiled.
Jen: Remember, no negative looks. Think positive. You know, "If he wants to be an ass, then fine. I'll show him."
Joey: I get the idea. No attitude.
Jen: No. I know it comes natural to you, but not this time. An attitude is negative. Just keep repeating that.
Joey laughed. Jen seemed more nervous then she was.
Pacey saw them coming as soon as they came in to view. She was laughing. What is up with her? It almost seemed like she felt nothing had happened. He had been expecting her to keep her distance like he had, but she was heading right over in his direction. She didn't even seem nervous about it. He had tried to get away from Dawson when he saw them coming, but Dawson kept talking. It was too late to get away as they were already here.
Joey: Hey Dawson. We were wondering where you had went.
Dawson: I've just been standing here talking to Pacey while you two were up at your cabin.
Pacey: I'm going to go talk to some people. See you guys later.
Jen grabbed his arm.
Jen: Come on, Pace. Stay over here. Joey and I just got here. Talk with us. What are you afraid of?
He looked over at Joey, answering Jen's question. Joey smirked. It was one of those smirks she gave when she was getting ready to make a smart-ass remark.
Joey: Yeah, Pace. What are you so afraid of?
Jen gave Joey a nudge. He looked at her with a scolding face. Pacey tried to think of something to say back, but he couldn't. He was so surprised by her attitude. Luckily, Sarah saved him. No matter how much Sarah aggravated him, he was glad she interrupted this awkward conversation.
Sarah: What is going on over here? (Speaking with a fake sweet voice) Are you guys trying to take Pacey away from me?
Joey tried her best not to laugh, but she failed. She snorted loudly. Sarah glared at her and Joey gave her a little smile. She couldn't contain it any longer. She had to say something.
Joey: Yeah, Sarah, we were keeping him here against his will. Hello? He was here on his on free will. Maybe he was just trying to get away from you.
Pacey couldn't help, but give a little smile.
Sarah: I don't know why he would stay over here, considering the company. (Referring to all of them.) Come on, Pacey. (She linked her arm through his and he walked off with her.)
Once they were out of hearing range, Joey just let it all out.
Joey: Argh! I can't put up with this any longer. I am about to hit someone. It is going to be either Sarah or Witter. How about I hit both? I'll hit both of them. He just stood there. Jeez! He could've at least fought with me! Let's not forget the fact that he just couldn't wait to get away from me. I should've expected that. I mean, it is my fault, right? It was my fault that he decided he didn't want to kiss me after he already did. It was my fault that I actually got mad at him about it, right? Then, there is that little bitch, Sarah! Why can't she just be quiet for once? I should've expected her to go after Pacey. She's had every other guy in this damn school. I guess she needed someone new. You better watch out, Jen, because once she is finished with Pacey, she will probably move on to Dawson next. Since Pacey and he are friends, it could happen. Maybe you and I should just go get her now! Save us both the trouble.
Joey took a deep breath and stormed over to one of the benches in the woods, leaving Dawson and Jen standing there.
Jen: Well…
Dawson: Well…
Jen: I think it is time for plan C.
He looked at her with confusion.
Dawson: I didn't know there was a plan C.
Jen: There will be.
Dawson: Don't you think we have interfered enough?
Jen: I wouldn't call it interfering. I call it helping out a friend. I think we went about plan B all wrong. Next time, we don't let Joey know about the plan. We are going to have to wait until the dance. Now, let's go try to console Joey.
If you didn't think the Joey and Sarah fight was good, I'm sorry. I just couldn't think of anything to write. There will be more Pacey/Joey interaction in the next part. Please send me feedback at as it really helps. Thanks.
