*Dawson's room - Joey is sitting on Dawson's bed and Dawson is sitting until he gets up...*
Dawson: Do you realize it's been nearly two weeks and not for once has she made an effort to get together...its just spend some time together...go to the movies. Do you think it's odd? Because it seems a little odd to me.
Joey: You are aware that she broke up with you, right?
Dawson: There's a certain way to handle these things and I thought Jen would hold herself to this.
Joey: Look Dawson, you don't sound like a guy who's disappointed in Jen's break-up etiquette, you sound like a guy who can't face the reality that it's over.
*Dawson flops down on the bed.*
Joey: Ya know not to sound harsh, you can't live in the past...you have to start preparing for life after Jen.
Dawson: Something tells me Joey has a theory.
Joey: Okay. Three main areas to focus on...first: Public perception.
Dawson: Which is?
Joey: Well, from now until the end of the semester you'll be known as the guy who got dropped. Most girls will view you as tainted goods and of course there will be the few who will feel incredibly sorry for you and offer the certain kind of sympathy. My advice: Avoid them.
Dawson: That's easy enough...what's next?
Joey: Well other guys.
Dawson: Other guys?
Joey: Look Dawson you have to be prepared for the possibility that Jen will begin dating again. Seeing her around with her new boyfriend...from this very window as she pauses coyly at her garden gate and accepts a goodnight kiss from a guy who you feel physically and intellectually superior to in every way and you can't possibly --
Dawson: Okay Jo! I get the point. What's the third thing?
Joey: Well you and Jen.
Dawson: Me and Jen?
Joey: Yeah. The inevitable conversation which frankly I'm surprised you haven't had yet. Ya know she'll ask if the two of you can be friends 'cause she'd really like that if you could and you say....c'mon Dawson you have to have an answer. And you say...
Dawson: I don't know...I want to be her friend...but I don't. I mean how...how can you be friends with someone when everytime you see them you think about how much more you really want?
Joey: Well, I'm no expert at this Dawson but, uh, I think it can be done.
*Dawson's Creek Theme Song*
*telephone rings*
Mitch: Hello? Yeah, hold on, she's right here.
Gail: Hello this is Gail. Yes well why don't we talk about this in the office. Yeah. Okay. Bye.
Mitch: Was that Calvin? I wish I'd known I haven't talked to him in a long time.
Gail: It wasn't Calvin.
Mitch: No? His voice sounded familiar. Who was it?
Gail: It was work-related. It isn't what you think it was.
Mitch: He has the nerve to call here?
Gail: He had a simple question.
Mitch: Oh..well. You tell Bob that the next time he calls here and interrupts my breakfast to talk to my wife, the only simple question he'll be asking is "Do you have health insurance?"
Gail: It doesn't even mean anything. You don't have to be angry with him.
Mitch: Yes wonderful. Starting the day hearing my wife give innocent motivations of her former lover. I'm angry, it just doesn't happen to be at Bob.
Gail: Honey...Mitch...Mitchell!
CUT TO: Outside Capeside High School...people all over the campus...then inside in the hallway.*
Jen: Dawson!
Dawson: Hi Jen.
Jen: Hi. How ya doin'?
Dawson: Great..great, you?
Jen: Great.
Dawson: Alright.
*Dawson starts to walk off, obviously trying to shorten any possible conversations with Jen*
Jen: Dawson, uh, look I know this may sound weird and I know when people break-up there's that awkward time, ya know when two people who used to have so much to say to each other consider conversations reduced to the mirrors to small talk. I'm saying what somebody always says, and what everybody else never wants to hear but do you think it's possible in any conceivable way that we could still be friends? Dawson?
*Dawson stares off in the distance and CUT TO: inside Marine Biology class*
Pacey: So she asked you if you could still be friends....what did you say?
Dawson: I didn't really say anything really. I just kind of stared at her. Then I told her I would think about it.
Pacey: That's okay Dawson. You've still got some work to do here but I think we can salvage this.
Dawson: What are you talking about?
Pacey: *laughs* Just between you and me...you have no interest in just being Jen's friend. You still carry around this huge torch for her that has no hope of extinguishing itself anytime too soon, correct?
Dawson: Yeah.
Pacey: The last person who needs to know about this eternal flame is Jen. What serves your purpose here is to let her know that you're completely over her. Okay? It's yesterday's news. That's the quickest way to your ultimate goal of getting Jen back.
Dawson: How do you do that?
*Girl walks over to the table where Dawson & Pacey are sitting in the classroom*
Mary Beth: Hey Dawson!
Dawson: Hey Mary Beth.
Mary Beth: So I hear we're getting our mid-terms back today.
Dawson: Yeah? I can't wait.
*Girl walks off.*
Pacey: Now okay. Upgrading Jen to girlfriend status is really a two-part tactic. The FIRST thing you gotta do is let her know that you're completely cool with the idea of being her friend. Okay? The quicker you can ray in some sort of indifference the less special she's going to feel. And the less special she feels the more she's going to crave that very special feeling that comes from being Dawson Leery's girlfriend. That's a feeling that's not included in the friend package.
*Bell rings*
Dawson: So what's the second thing?
Pacey: Slow down my friend. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Dr. Rand: Okay, the rumour is true you will be getting your mid-term exams back today. Most of you did very well. Well before I hand them back I'd like to see the following people after class....Pacey Whitter....well, I guess that's it.
*CUT TO: timelapse, Pacey in Mr. Hannah's Marine Biology room after class, looking at his test and seeing a big red 32% F*
Dr. Rand: I know you're a bright kid. You know what I did first thing after I finished grading this?
Pacey: Stopped laughing?
Dr. Rand: I went to the guidance office. And looked at your standardized test scores. You have an aptitude for this stuff Pacey. So when a student who is really bright makes a 32 on a mid-term....do you know who's fault that is?
Pacey: Yours?
Dr. Rand: Of course not. It's entirely yours. Look, maybe marine biology is not your thing alright fine I'm not offended. But I'm going to make you an offer that I highly recommend you accept. I want you to complete an extra-credit project for me. Show me that you understand everything that we're learning here and I'll pass you.
Pacey: Yeah. Sure what do I have to do?
Dr. Rand: First you have to wait for a student from my 6th period class to arrive.
Pacey: Another rocket scientist I presume.
Dr. Rand: And then I'm going to assign a project that the two of you will work on after school and on free periods.
*Joey walks in*
Joey: Hi Dr. Rand. Oh I can come back ya know if you...
Dr. Rand: No no no no you're right on schedule. Joey, meet your new lab partner.
Joey: Him?!
Pacey: Her?! Dr. Rand I'd like to lodge a formal protest. You never told me I was going to be working with a repressed control freak.
Joey: And you never said my grade was dependent upon some remedial underachiever.
Dr. Rand: Well, wonderful. I see no introductions are necessary.
Joey: *mumbling* No.
*CUT TO: Capeside High hallway. Dawson is walking over to Jen.*
Dawson: Jen! Hi.
Jen: Hi...
Dawson: Look I'm a little embarrassed. You asked me a very simple question earlier and I said I'd think about it and I have come up with a very simple answer. Jen, I would love to be your friend.
Jen: Really?
Dawson: Absolutely. And to ease any of your remaining doubts, let me prove it to you.
Jen: Okay...
Dawson: Okay. So...let's have a friendly conversation. How was your day?
Jen: Not too bad, yours?
Dawson: Excellent, thank you. Any exciting plans for the upcoming weekend?
Jen: Look Dawson...your....your friendship means a lot to me but I mean maybe this isn't such a good idea.
Dawson: We're friends now, okay? Look whatever it is, I think I can take it.
Jen: Okay in the name of friendship, however misguided, I have a date...with Cliff...this weekend. We're going to the carnival on Saturday.
Dawson: Is that what you didn't want to tell me? 'Cause quite frankly I'm relieved.
Jen: Relieved?
Dawson: Yeah the truth is I also have a date this weekend. And we're going to the carnival. Isn't that a coincidence?
Jen: Yeah it is...uh...ya know if you want us to go someplace else we can easily change our plans.
Dawson: Change plans? Jen, ya know, we shouldn't run away from these things. We should look at them as opportunities.
Jen: Opportunities for what?
Dawson: A double date.
Jen: Are you serious?
Dawson: Yeah c'mon what do you say? The four of us?
Jen: I'd say it's a little unexpected but if you're okay with it...
Dawson: Completely.
Jen: Okay. Great...great.
Dawson: So I will see you Saturday...
Jen: Yeah.
*Dawson walks away and in the background you see Jen with a not-too-happy look on her face and Dawson seems to have the same look and he turns around and they both put on a fake reassuring smile. Dawson walks around the corner as the bell rings*
Pacey: Remember how I told you getting Jen back was a two-part process?
Dawson: Yeah.
Pacey: Well, this is the second part.
Dawson: What? Humiliating myself at an amusement park?
Pacey: No man, dating other women. This is your chance to let Jen see you in action with other girls. Now I'll admit that going on a double date would be kind of an advanced manoeuvre but high risk, high reward, this could be exactly the thing you're looking for.
Dawson: Except for one thing.
Pacey: What's that?
Dawson: My companion for Saturday at this point is Fiction.
Pacey: That's not really a problem. I mean, I admit, it's kind of short notice but there's a lot of young ladies who would give up their very uneventful plans for a date with Dawson Leery. Huh?
Dawson: Yeah.
Pacey: In fact, I think I have the perfect candidate, right there.
*CUT TO: Close-up of Mary Beth. CUT TO: Dawson standing above Mary Beth's table.*
Dawson: Mary Beth.
Mary Beth: Oh hi Dawson.
Dawson: Do you mind if I join you?
Mary Beth: Oh no no no please.
Dawson: Look I was...*laughs*...maybe this is short notice and if it is I apologise but I was wondering if you wanted to sort of go out with me on Saturday.
Mary Beth: Like on a date?
Dawson: Yeah. Of course. Is there something wrong?
Mary Beth: No...yeah, well, yeah, um, I know that you just broke up with Jen. And I don't know the particulars of it all but I do know it's a common mistake made by many to date before they're really ready.
Dawson: I'm ready. Completely ready. Could not be more ready.
Mary Beth: Honest?
Dawson: Honest.
*CUT TO: Inside Marine Biology classroom where Joey and Pacey are sitting behind an aquarium.*
Pacey: Boy this is fascinating.
Joey: I'm sorry there are no cartoons to make it interesting for you Pacey but it's not designed to be fascinating. It's designed to be educational.
Pacey: Thank you Dr. Schweitzer. Now refresh my memory as to why we're here again.
Joey: Observing the reproductive process of pomenatis snails. And Dr. Rand said that they reproduce more when they're happy so by varying the contents of the tank we can determine which factors are most conducive to the reproduction.
Pacey: Why didn't you just say that? We'll buy 'em a couple drinks, turn off the lights, and come back in a couple days.
Joey: You know you never fail to disappoint do you Pacey? I mean, why did I actually think that the very real prospect of repeating marine biology next summer might cause you to take this project seriously.
Pacey: Please. Summer school?
Joey: Yeah.
Pacey: *laughing* It'll never happen. Only morons go to summer school.
Joey: Yeah, well the last time I checked you're pulling a stellar F minus so without this extra credit project, Pacey, I'm very well certain that, you're grade will not only place you squarely among the morons, but you may very well be their leader!
*CUT TO: Dawson's room. Dawson is doing some kind of craft and his dad [Mitch] walks into the room.*
Mitch: Hey.
Dawson: Hey.
Mitch: Sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if anyone called that I should know about.
Dawson: Nope. Nothing.
Mitch: What about yesterday? Any calls?
Dawson: C'mon I always leave your messages on that little pad next to the answering machine.
Mitch: Forgive me Dawson but maybe I'm not being clear. I didn't ask if anyone had called for me personally. I asked if anyone had called that I should know about.
Dawson: No. He didn't call.
Mitch: Ah, well then, very good. Thank you Dawson.
*CUT TO: Inside the marine biology room.*
Joey: Pacey it was your responsibility last night to check on these snails and now look at them. They're dead. Their shells are completely empty.
Pacey: I know it. I'm sorry. I really am.
Joey: Ridiculous. I mean, yesterday we had a science project and now we have what? Two-thirds of a charm bracelet? Look I'm going to tell Dr. Rand that this experiment within an experiment just isn't working out.
Pacey: Hey before you go run off to Dr. Rand there is an explanation for all this. There is. Alright ya know how you said this experiment was all about seeing which environment was best for the snails right? So I did come in last night. And I was watching the snails and I'm watching the snails and nothing's happening. So I added some food and then I added some water and there was still nothing happening in there so I thought the problem maybe wasn't the environment. Maybe these snails just didn't like each other. Right? Maybe they just needed to loosen up a little bit.
Joey: Pacey I told you yesterday. Pomenidis snails are single-sexed they DON'T need another organism to reproduce.
Pacey: Alright and I would have remembered that if I actually listen when you talk to me. But I just thought that maybe snails are just like guys, ya know, that their ultimate fantasy is to be with two female snails at the same time. Right? Maybe that's what this project needed to get moving along.
Joey: Let me get this straight: You tried to create some sort of a snail menage a trois?
Pacey: Well it sounds stupid when you say it outloud, but it...I just saw this REALLY pretty snail over in the tank over by the window...and I don't know last night it just seemed really brilliant.
Joey: Let me fill you in on something here. You know this pretty little snail over here by the window? It's what you call a carnivore snail...and do you know what carnivore snails eat?
Pacey: Other snails.
Joey: Yeah. Other snails. Other snails such as our snails. Such as the snails that we're desperately relying on to raise our marine biology grade.
Pacey: Okay. I'm sorry. Okay? I know how important this project was for you...to us, okay? So whatever I need to do...however I can make this up to you Joey.
*CUT TO: Joey's front lawn. Dawson is outside telling Joey about what's going on and Joey is picking stuff up in her yard.*
Joey: I'm disappointed in you Dawson. I mean, it's obvious you're just using Mary Beth to make Jen jealous.
Dawson: I know. Do you think I don't know that Joey? I'm a eel (?) of the worst kind. The kind that preys on an innocent young girl with an inexplicable crush on me and convinces her to go out with me for my own personal gain.
Joey: Well if you know that then don't do it. Just call her up and tell her you have to stay in to....wash your hair or something.
Dawson: Yeah but I can't Joey. It's just I know if I was really the person I thought I was I would have enough consideration for Mary Beth's feelings and cancel the date but I don't know I just....I don't feel like myself lately, ya know? Anyways, Pacey says I should look at this as an opportunity.
Joey: Wait you're taking romantic advice from a guy who spent his evening trying to get three snails to sleep with each other?
Dawson: Well when you put it that way...
Joey: Look, Dawson. Your little departure into Jerkdom is understandable perhaps but it's nothing to be proud of. Just promise you won't make a habit of it?
Dawson: Jo. I won't. I promise.
Joey: Because, despite current evidence to the contrary, you're one of the good ones Dawson. And the other side is populated enough.
Dawson: Ya know, all things considered, I really wish I was taking you with me tonight.
Joey: Well, all things considered, I kind of wish you were, too.
*Pacey pulls up in a truck. Honks the horn twice.*
Pacey: C'mon Joey let's get a move on.
Joey: I see my deviant lab partner has arrived. Pacey has graciously offered to transport me to the tidal pool so we can find a pair of suitable replacement snails. See ya!
*CUT TO: Carnival*
Mary Beth: Dawson! Dawson!
Dawson: Mary Beth! Hi.
Mary Beth: Hi. So is it too forward if I tell you you look really nice?
Dawson: No it's not, thanks. So do you.
Mary Beth: Oh no you shouldn't feel obligated to say that. I mean...I uh...let's just start over again. Hi I'm Mary Beth.
Dawson: Dawson.
*Jen and Cliff walk over.*
Cliff: Perfect. Looks like we're just in time for introductions, huh?
Dawson: Yeah! Mary Beth...this is Jen Lindley....and Cliff....her date.
Jen: Hi Mary Beth. Nice to meet you.
Mary Beth: Same here. I think. Um Dawson...a word, please.
Dawson: Sure. We'll catch up!
Mary Beth: This wasn't a pre-coincidence, was it?
Dawson: A word, no.
Mary Beth: Look maybe on your planet taking your ex-girlfriend on a double date is a good idea, but from where I come from it's not. In fact it's a decidedly lousy idea. Especially when you fail to inform your evening's companion.
Dawson: It's not what you think.
Mary Beth: Well, before you tell me what I think, let me tell you. I think it's pretty obvious that you're still hung up on her.
Dawson: Mary Beth!
Mary Beth: Please know that I am not often wrong about this.
Dawson: Not now.
Mary Beth: Humor me.
Dawson: Okay. Here's the absolute truth.
*Commercial break*
*Joey and Pacey rowing down a stream*
Pacey: I've often regarded trowing for snails one of the most underrated ways of spending one's leisure time.
Joey: Ya know despite what you may think this isn't my first choice for a Saturday afternoon either. But then again I wasn't the one who tried to turn our aquarium into Plato's retreat now was I?
Pacey: Ya know Joey I've been curious about something. I thought you were this great student....so what happened to you on this mid-term?
Joey: What do you mean what happened?
Pacey: What grade did you get? Was it a massive failure like mine or was it one of those near-misses? I'm dying to know.
Joey: Ya know we're almost there and we don't have a lot of time. Let's just save the chit-chat for later, okay?
*CUT TO: Carnival*
Mary Beth: So you're really doing this for Jen?
Dawson: Exactly.
Mary Beth: Oh it's one of her first dates with Cliff...she probably doesn't want to be alone with him...she probably doesn't even know if she likes him....so in order to take the pressure off...she asked to make it a double. God Dawson that is really very sweet of you.
Dawson: Really don't mention it.
Mary Beth: I can imagine some of these guys even trying to sabotage their ex girlfriend's dates.
Dawson: Really? That’s terrible.
Mary Beth: Yeah I know. But anyway...what should we do now?
Dawson: Um...*sees Jen and Cliff at a game booth*...I think I have an idea.
*CUT TO: Joey & Pacey looking for snails on a marsh*
Joey: Alright Pacey the water's getting kind of high so we should probably --- Pacey!
Pacey: What?
Joey: Please tell me that you tied our boat up and the one floating downstream isn't ours.
Pacey: I tied the boat up and the one floating downstream isn't ours.
*Joey sighs*
*CUT TO: Carnival. Dawson & Cliff are throwing baseballs at three bottles. Cliff knocks down more than Dawson.*
Cliff: Oh tough luck little man.
Booth Guy: And we've got a winner.
Cliff: Which one?
Jen: Go ahead. Pick whichever I trust you.
Cliff: Great. We'll take....that one.
Booth Guy: Big cat for the little lady.
Mary Beth: You know what the ferris wheel is working again so if anybody wants to take a ride...
Dawson: Once more you and me.
Cliff: What's that?
Dawson: You heard me. Rack 'em.
Cliff: Look Dawson there's no shame in losing here. I mean I did come in 3rd in the pitch-hit-and-run summer contest in Boston so if you don't wanna get--
*Dawson throws a ball*
Dawson: Your turn.
Mary Beth: Classic pissing contest.
Dawson: After you.
Cliff: Oh Dawson, no pressure here, alright?
Dawson: Yeeessss!
Booth Guy: And we've got a winner. So my friend who's the lucky lady?
*Dawson looks and Jen and the looks at Mary Beth and then looks back at Jen*
Dawson: Um we need to talk.
*CUT TO: Pacey & Joey in the water*
Pacey: Look it's no big deal the boat will wash ashore eventually.
Joey: Well believe it or not the boat isn't my first concern. I should have know after what you did to our snails that I wouldn't be far behind. I'm freezing.
Pacey: Look it's just a little cold water you're going to survive. It's a prediction I make with all due (missed the word here) at this point.
Joey: Hmm clever. Speaking of survival I thought all creatures of your brain power went extinct a few years back.
Pacey: You know it's amazing. A personality like yours and you still can't get any names.
Joey: Even more amazing, a personality like yours and you can.
*CUT TO: Joey and Pacey climbing out of the water*
Pacey: We'll get some dry clothes when we get to your house. For right now though, change into this.
Joey: A blanket? You want me to change into that?
Pacey: Yeah take off your wet clothes and wrap yourself in this blanket just like I'm going to do.
Joey: Wait a minute you want me to get naked?
Pacey: Please this is not for my enjoyment it's so you don't get sick. But if you have your heart set on pneumonia, feel free.
Joey: Fine.
Pacey: No peeking.
Joey: Oh yeah. The idea of seeing you in your birthday suit is really my idea of a thrill.
Pacey: Well a lot of people would consider you a very lucky woman.
Joey: Many people would consider you a very deluded man.
Pacey: Okay. All set over here. How you doin'?
Joey: You take one more step in this direction and I can almost guarantee you a permanent disability.
Pacey: Tell you what...why don't I just start the car?
Joey: Good idea.
*Pacey jumps into the truck and watches Joey change in the side mirror on his truck*
Joey: What?
Pacey: Nothin'.
Joey: What? What's that smile of yours? Is it because I look ridiculous?
Pacey: No.
Joey: Or is it that my misfortune amuses you? Or maybe it's because you like putting me in the most awkward situations and watching me squirm Pacey.
Pacey: No it's nothing like that. I was just thinking to myself that when you loosen up you're not half bad to be around...bordering on fun even.
*Joey looks confused...then she smiles.*
Joey: Home please.
Pacey: Yes, Miss Daisy.
Dawson: Mary Beth?
Mary Beth: Oh God. I'm so embarrassed. Good ol' Mary Beth...creating scenes wherever she goes.
Dawson: Please Mary Beth I'm the one who should be embarrassed. I have an explanation and this time I owe you the truth. And you have every right to be upset with...everything you told me before...everything that I convinced you wasn't the truth...well it was. You're right. I'm not over Jen yet. Not nearly. And I came on this date not to help her but to get her back.
Mary Beth: Dawson look. You're a nice guy and I like you. Do I like you like you? No. You're a little too neurotic for that.
Dawson: Okay. So then why did you go out with me?
Mary Beth: First I felt sorry for you. I mean you seemed to be still hung up on Jen. And ya know, you seemed nice enough. And my Saturday wasn't exactly action packed.
Dawson: Ok. So if it wasn't my feelings for Jen that upset you what was it? Mary Beth?
Mary Beth: Do you ever notice how Cliff's eyes sort of smile when he talks to you?
Dawson: Oh God you have a crush on Cliff?
Mary Beth: It was at that moment that I fully processed that he had absolutely no interest in me. He's too hung up on Jen.
Dawson: He is.
Mary Beth: She's pretty hung up on him too.
Dawson: She is?
Mary Beth: Afraid so.
Dawson: Move over.
Mary Beth: Of course. This doesn't mean we can't help each other out.
*CUT TO: In line for the Ferris Wheel*
Dawson: You havin a nice time Jen?
Jen: Yeah. Yeah great.
Dawson: Are you ready?
Mary Beth: Yeah let's do it.
Jen: Wow looks like we're finally next huh?
Mary Beth: Perfect so Cliff why don't you ride with me because we partly chatted all night.
Cliff: Uh...but...
*CUT TO: Inside Joey's house*
Pacey: Thanks for the clothes Jo.
Joey: Well don't thank me thank Bodie they're his.
Pacey: Ya know Joey...we are on dry land and you never did answer my question.
Joey: What question was that?
Pacey: Your mid-term grade. Listen I know you're a little embarrassed so I'll reveal mine. I got somewhere in the neighbourhood of a 32.
Joey: Pacey...
Pacey: C'mon Joey just toss it out there.
Joey: No.
Pacey: Okay then let me guess at it...58..38...18...
Joey: 98.
Pacey: Nine eight? Which one was it a 9 or an 8?
Joey: Both of them. Ok?
Pacey: Ok. I assume there's a suitable explanation for that story, right Jo?
Joey: You want an explanation? Look around me Pacey. Look at what my life is. I mean I'm a boarder in my sister's house, I share my bedroom with the living room, and my social life consists of a part-time job. And as far as I know there's only 2 ways to make my life better. The way that doesn't involve me waking up and finding this is all a dream involves a college scholarship. And when I apply I better have the grades that don't give them a choice because a scholarship is pretty much my only way out of Capeside. And if I don't get out of here Pacey...well, I'll be a sadder story then I care to imagine.
Pacey: I wouldn't worry Jo. You're going to make it outta here. You're going to go to some great school and send me postcards back here. I'll be tending bars and pumping gas.
Joey: C'mon Pacey you'll get out too.
Pacey: If the circuses hire. Tell you what though...don't bet against that Potter girl.
*CUT TO: Carnival.*
Dawson: So you havin fun tonight or what?
Jen: Yea.
Dawson: Is that a yes to the fun or a yes to the what?
Jen: The fun. *the ferris wheel stops* Ohhh great.
Dawson: I'm sure it will be fixed in a minute.
*CUT TO: Mary Beth and Cliff*
Mary Beth: You know what I find fascinating? Um is the word flammable and inflammable mean the exact same thing. Isn't that bizarre?
*CUT TO: Dawson and Jen*
Dawson: So you and Cliff seem pretty together.
Jen: Oh I wouldn't exactly say that.
Dawson: What would you say?
Jen: I would say it's only a date. I would say we're just getting to know each other. I would also say that I don't think I want to talk about this with you anymore. Dawson I know I made a big deal out of remaining friends with you and at the risk of sounding rude I think I should take back my offer.
Dawson: What's that supposed to mean?
Jen: It means you shouldn't be here. I don't know why you wanted to come here or why I let you come but I really don't see that a smooth transition into friendship is in the cards for us Dawson.
Dawson: Well I don't know if you'd have time for me anyways with your busy dating schedule and what not...
Jen: You know I would love if we could get off this ferris wheel without insulting each other any further.
Dawson: Oh am I insulting you Jen?
Jen: Yeah.
Dawson: Is that what I'm doing? Because that's not my intent. My intent was to ask for one small clarification.
Jen: And what's that?
Dawson: When you broke up with me one of the many questions that I asked you was why. Remember that? And do you remember your response? Your very convincing, very heartfelt response? That you needed to be alone. That there were too many men in your life and that you needed time away from them.
Jen: Dawson I didn't --
Dawson: And correct me if I'm wrong but Cliff Elliot isn't exactly with the women's class (or something).
Jen: It's a date. Alright? It's not like I'm planning our engagement party.
Dawson: Okay then why didn't you just tell me the truth? Why didn't you....why didn't you just say what I'm now, much to my dismay and embarrassment beginning to realize? That you weren't tired of men you were just tired of me.
Jen: That is not true. Dawson that is not true.
Dawson: Alright enough. Prove me wrong then. Look at me and tell me I was wrong. That I completely misread the situation. Jen look at me.
Jen: Dawson I don't want to do this right now. Alright?
Dawson: You asked me two questions awhile ago and I'd like to answer them. First of all, why am I here? For all the obvious reasons Jen, all the cliches about the ex boyfriend who's still hung up on his ex. That doesn't want to say goodbye. Who can't let go. Now why did you allow me to come? Could it be...could it possibly be that your reasons are the same as mine? That you need me just as much as I need you? Jen?
Jen: Dawson.
Dawson: Okay just...just don't tell me I was wrong.
*Dawson is sitting on a bench alone. He sees Joey & Pacey*
Dawson: What are you guys doing here?
Joey: Just checking out some of the fame of Capeside nightlife.
Pacey: Oh uh actually I need to talk to you Dawson.
Dawson: Okay.
Pacey: In private.
Dawson: Alright.
*They walk away.*
Pacey: How's tonight going for you?
Dawson: Put it this way...terribly. You?
Pacey: Not so bad actually. Um and that's what I'm here to ask you about. I gotta ask your permission for something.
Dawson: Permission?
Pacey: Yeah. You know that Joey and I have never particularly liked each other. Right? That's why it seemed like such a bad idea when we got stuck together on that marine biology thing. Funny thing is...it wasn't. And somehow...somewhere not only did I stop disliking her...but I started liking her.
Dawson: As a friend.
Pacey: At first.
Dawson: Okay at first implies that your feelings for Joey are somewhat beyond the friendship stage.
Pacey: Thats good because thats exactly what I meant to imply.
Dawson: You have the hots for Joey? Pacey what have you been inhaling too many lab chemicals? You and Joey are mortal enemies.
Pacey: Hey would you mind keeping your voice down? This isn't exactly public knowledge at this point.
Dawson: You're serious?
Pacey: Yeah!
Dawson: Okay. So you like Joey. What do you need my permission for?
Pacey: I don't know how to say this. I know you two have this long tortured subtext together. I just wanted to make sure that if I were to do something about this like kiss her or whatever that I wouldn't be stepping on any toes.
Dawson: You're my friend. Joey's my friend. I don't care who she kisses. And if it's you so much the better. I mean, my two best friends...kissing...what could be better than that?
Pacey: Great so you're cool with it then?
Dawson: Yeah.
Pacey: Alright Dawson see ya later.
Dawson: No wait I'm not cool with it.
Pacey: You're not.
Dawson: No.
Pacey: So what do we do now?
Dawson: Nothing. Nothing. Cause you know what? I am fine with it. Momentary lapse there. I couldn't be more fine with it. Go ahead. Kiss her. You have my blessing.
Pacey: You're sure this time?
Dawson: Absolutely. Definitely.
*CUT TO: Pacey & Joey pulling up to Joey's house*
Pacey: Well am I going to have to fail another mid-term or can we do this again sometime?
Joey: Well we still have a report to write and I'm pretty sure we're going to spending a lot of time together.
Pacey: Actually that's not what I was talking about Joey.
Joey: Then what did you mean?
Pacey: Well let me put it to you this way...
*They kiss. Joey pushes him away.*
Joey: Pacey! What the hell was that for?
Pacey: If I have to explain myself then it clearly didn’t have the desired effect.
Joey: Why in the world would...well I guess I know why you would...why would you?
Pacey: I had a nice time today. A nice time that exceeded my wildest expectations. I was confused, and surprised....and attracted. You?
Joey: Well...confused and surprised.
Pacey: Not...it's okay. I can deal with rejection pretty effortlessly. So long as we don't extend this really awkward moment any longer than we have to.
Joey: Goodnight Pacey. I had a nice time too today.
Pacey: Jo.
Joey: Yeah?
Pacey: By some slim chance if you would have kissed me back. You would have probably been thinking about someone else, right?
*Joey looks down and kinda smiles to herself and then turns around and goes inside.*
*CUT TO: Dawson in his room and then he gets up and comes downstairs and the phone is ringing.*
Mitch: Let it ring.
*Gail laughs*
*CUT TO: Video store. Dawson comes in.*
Dawson: Pacey! I figured you'd be here. Listen what we talked about before, what you asked me, I changed my mind I don't want you to do it.
Pacey: Please you're going to have to refresh my memory so we're on the same page here.
Dawson: You know what I'm talking about.
Pacey: Joey? You don't want me to kiss Joey? Whoa. You seem a little worked up Dawson. I don't know how to break this to you.
Dawson: Break what to me?
Pacey: You're a little late.
Dawson: You kissed her.
Pacey: Oh yeah. Not only that she kissed me back. Right there in the back seat of the Whitter family truck. We played tonsil hockey for about an hour. She invites me in but it was a little late, so I didn't. She's cooking for me tomorrow night. She said she's always wanted to cook for the right man...I guess she's found him. We're thinking about heading up to this cozy little B’n’B up the coast...spend a little quality time this weekend.
Dawson: You're so full of it.
Pacey: Yes I am. So are you. You know...it's time you start asking yourself some serious questions Dawson, 'cause you exhaust way too much time and energy on a girl you call your friend. So you know what? Let's just set the record straight here...who's it gonna be? Is it Jen or is it Joey? Do you like the blond or do you like the brunette? These questions are not going to go away Dawson. It's time you start providing some answers.