Neverland

(Outside Pacey's car on the side of the road -- Pacey and Joey still kissing -- he pulls away and a second passes before she violently pushes him away)

Joey: (furiously) Are you insane?! How could you do that? How could you take some simple declaration of friendship as an invitation to just maul me, Pacey? (pushes him again) Answer me! How– what were you thinking? (pushes again) What?!

Pacey: What? I– I don't know. God, I mean, it– it– it was an impulse--

Joey: (pushes) An impulse?!

Pacey: Yes, an impulse! Sudden, momentary and, believe me, fleeting.

Joey: Do you have any idea the monumental implications of that meaningless little impulse? The ripple effect that it could create on our small but fragile universe?

Pacey: (softly) You're right, Potter, forgive me for thinking a kiss is just a kiss.

Joey: Well, it's true. A kiss is not just a kiss. Not between you and me, and you know why. (she pauses to wait for his response, but he doesn't say anything.) Dawson, remember? I mean, he factors into this little hormonal meltdown.

Pacey: (upset) Meltdown?

Joey: Yeah.

Pacey: (incredulous) I just had a meltdown?! Forgive me if I don't think that this is the worst tragedy in the history of humankind, that Pacey Witter in a moment of impulsive, compulsive hormone-induced insanity would have the nerve to kiss Joey Potter. And you let me do it! You did, you let me do it. So what? Now I guess the universe begins to unravel. Well excuse me while I get in the car.

(He walks away, she turns and watches him, then walks the other way in a huff)

Pacey: (turning to see her walking away) Would you get in the car, Potter?!

Joey: (turning to answer him) No!

(Pacey gets in the car and drives after her – he comes up right beside her and goes slowly, keeping in step with her)

Pacey: Would you just get in the car, Potter, please?

Joey: No.

Pacey: I didn't even mean to do it. This is me, Pacey. Act first, think later. And now that I get a chance to think about it, I take it all back, okay? So get in the car.

Joey: No.

Pacey: Jo, it's at least another six miles to your house, it is freezing cold outside, and if you don't get in I'm just going to do this the whole way there, so would you get in, please?

(Joey stops – she gets in and looks sullenly out the window)

Pacey: So I guess I'm to take it from your angry silence that you're not speaking to me any more?

Joey: Nope. (buckles her seatbelt)

Pacey: Great. Great, and how long do you plan on keeping that up?

Joey: How does indefinitely sound?

Pacey: Fine.

Joey: Fine.

Pacey: Fine.

Joey: Fine.

* * * * *

(Potter Kitchen – Bessie and Joey are cooking breakfast – this scene goes back and forth between them and Pacey, who's with Doug eating breakfast in a diner)

Bessie: Come on, I’m about to die from anticipation.

Joey: What?

Bessie: How was it seeing AJ? And leave no sordid detail unturned.

Joey: (casually) Well, let's see, we broke up and then Pacey went insane and kissed me.

(Cut to Joey and Bessie)

Doug: Hey, you kissed her, good for you!

Bessie: Oh my god, oh my god! How could he do this to you?

Joey: Well, technically I maybe sort of let him do it to me, but I still blame him entirely.

(Cut to Doug and Pacey)

Pacey: The whole thing was her fault. I mean, you know, she told me I'm the one she thinks about. You know, me! And then she gives me this look, I mean what was I supposed to do? Do you know how long I've been waiting for her to give me that look?

Joey: And then he gave me this look, this look like--

Bessie: I know the look.

(Cut to Doug and Pacey)

Doug: Look, I don't get it. She gave you the look, you kissed her, it was a good kiss, so what's the problem?

Pacey: Well, the hitting, punching, and rejecting, that might be a bit of a problem, not to mention-

(cut to Joey and Pacey)

Joey: Dawson. I mean, if he found out, I mean, I don't even want to think about what would happen if he found out. I mean, I know one thing, we could kiss our friendship goodbye. (She pours syrup over her pancakes)

Pacey: (He pours syrup over his pancakes) He'd never speak to me again, I can't risk that. You know, he's the brother I've never had.

Doug: So what you're saying is Joey is like a bus.

Pacey: (with his mouth full of food) No, what I'm saying is Joey's like a girl.

Doug: No, no, hear me out, okay? Joey is like a bus that can't go below 50. Dawson is the bomb hidden underneath that bus. And you are the brave, heroic police officer wanting to drive the bus to safety but can't because of the bomb.

(Joey and Bessie are now sitting down outside)

Joey: Do you think it was more than just an impulse?

Bessie: I don't know, Joey.

Joey: (annoyed) Thanks you're a big help.

Bessie: I'm sorry, look I'm obviously not telling you what you want to hear because I honestly don't know. You know, maybe you should talk to someone about it, someone who could help you figure it out.

Joey: Who? Dawson, Pacey, Andie? I mean, this is what you're supposed to help me with.

Bessie: I can't shed light on this one for you, I'm sorry Joey.

(Doug and Pacey are now walking down the street)

Doug: You need to forge ahead. Things can work between you two if you first diffuse the bomb. Pacey, you need to tell Dawson about Joey, okay? Now the trick is to do it in a manner that makes it impossible for him to hate you. Now, what I suggest, is that you take him to a place that reminds him of the strong history the two of you share. A place where he'll think about how much you really mean to him. Then you tell him. Sure, yeah, he'll be upset. But he'll also understand that your friendship is more important to him. In fact, he'll probably respect the fact that you cared enough to tell him in the first place, in which case he'll tell you to go right on ahead. And you and Joey can just drive off into the sunset.

Pacey: That's your advice?

Doug: And what is wrong with that advice?

Pacey: Nothing, there's nothing wrong with that advice it's just very thought out and un-Dougie like. However, even if your ridiculous plan was to work, you left out a couple minor details, i.e, her hitting, her punching, her yelling.

Doug: Oh, grow up, little brother. Do you think she would've reacted so strongly if she didn't feel something for you too?

(Pacey considers this)

* * * * *

(Jack and Andie's back porch -- Jack is eating his breakfast as Andie comes out to join him)

Andie: Oh, there was no hot water in the shower today, I ran out of shampoo, and I have two tests: French and Math. (looks at Jack) What the hell are you so smiley about?

Jack: Ethan's coming over this afternoon, he's gonna spend the weekend.

Andie: (teasingly) Hmm. Do I smell a romance a-brewing, big brother?

Jack: Come on, it is possible for two gay males to be friends without it turning sexual, you know.

Andie: Jack, I'm not talking about your orientation. I'm talking about the fact that you can't wipe your grin off your face.

Jack: No, I'm serious, I'm just glad I've finally found a friend that actually, you know, accepts me for who I am, and understands. It's just a gigantic relief. That's all.

Andie: So, uh, what does Dad have to say about all this?

Jack: Well, he's got that business trip this weekend anyway, so I figured, you know, why risk a fight? (Andie cringes) What?

Andie: Uh, Dad cancelled it.

Jack: (groans) You know what? So what? You know, it’s– it's a harmless situation, you know, I'm an adult pretty much , and if I want to have a friend come over to the house, I can, you know, and there's not a damn thing he can say about it.

Mr. McPhee: (coming outside) Not a damn thing who can say about what?

Andie: Not a damn thing that congress can say to the president if he decides to veto that new tax initiative reform thingie. (Jack nods dumbly)

Mr. McPhee: (suspiciously) Okay. Bye. (He goes back inside)

Andie: Bye. (She gives Jack a weird look)

* * * * *

(Capeside High School hallway -- Jen and Henry walk to his locker)

Henry: Why are you smiling like that?

Jen: No reason. Let me ask you something, Henry?

Henry: Okay.

Jen: When exactly were you planning on telling me that tomorrow's your birthday?

(they reach Henry’s locker)

Henry: How'd you find out?

Jen: I have my sources. And in honor of your birth, I planned this little outing: dinner, a movie, and then comes your present, which will remain a surprise so don't even try to get it out of me.

Henry: Jen, actually, I can't. Well, not tomorrow at least.

Jen: Why not?

Henry: I have plans.

Jen: You have plans on your birthday, with who? Your other girlfriend?

Henry: With my Mom. And my family. You know, it's a family thing, no friends. I'm sorry.

Jen: That's okay. I mean, I understand that.

Guy: (walks by and gives Henry five) Hey, Henry, I'll see you at your party tomorrow, man. Can’t wait!

Jen: (incredulously) You're having a birthday party and you didn't invite me?

Henry: Okay, just let me explain, okay?

Jen: Oh, I can't think of one thing you would possibly say right now that would dig you out of the Grand Canyon sized hole you are in. While you frantically search for a shell, I'm going to class.

* * * * *

(Cafeteria -- Joey gets her tray – she looks up and sees Pacey sit with Dawson – she stops and looks around for somewhere else)

Dawson: I can't believe- look at this. Look what they’re doing. (hands Pacey newspaper)

Pacey: (reading) Construction to begin next week on phase three of Capewoods Condominiums. And?

Dawson: And Pacey, they're gonna bulldoze our woods, our fort. That's where we did all our pre-adolescent male bonding.

Pacey: Yeah, our first furtive glance at a Playboy, you watching me take my first sips of stolen beer.

Dawson: We should– we should protest, you know? We should handcuff ourselves to the fort or something.

(Joey at a table with Andie)

Andie: You seem a little, I don't know, weird or something.

Joey: No, I'm fine. (She looks at Dawson)

Andie: Oh. So, how was your weekend? Anything interesting happen?

Joey: Um...

(Pacey and Dawson's table)

Pacey: You know what we should do? We should go camping, you and I, give the old fort one last hurrah.

Dawson: Really?

Pacey: Yeah, you know, I mean this could be our last chance, man, Pacey and Dawson paying homage to their swiftly disappearing childhood.

Dawson: That's a really good idea. Let's do it. Let's go camping.

Pacey: (nervously) Great. Okay.

(Jen sits with Joey and Andie)

Joey: What's wrong?

Jen: Well, my boyfriend is ashamed of me and a weaselly little liar, but other than that, I'm just peachy.

Andie: Sorry, Jen.

Joey: Me too.

Jen: Well, given the pathetic track record of my love life, why would I expect any less?

Andie: Okay, you know what, friends? Other girls don't have these problems like we do, and you want to know why? Because they actually hang out together.

Jen: What do you mean?

Andie: I mean, this mood of yours is in clear need of a little oestrogen energy boost. Not to mention the fact that there's this mysterious black cloud hanging over Joey's head. So, I think this calls for a girls' night out.

Joey: (sceptically) Girls night out?

Andie: Yeah. Okay, don't you guys think it's a little abnormal that the two of you never hang out with anybody that doesn't have a penis? You'd be surprised at how powerful female bonding can be. Haven't you ever seen Thelma and Louise?

Joey: Andie, they killed somebody.

Jen: Yeah, and– and then they drove off a cliff.

Andie: Yeah, but the point is they did it together, solidarity. I mean, in this cold, cruel world, a girl can rely on one thing – her sisters. I need a little female bonding, and so do you. So what do you say?

Jen: (She sees Henry walk in) You know what, I'm in.

Andie: Yay, Jen.

(They both stare at Joey)

Joey: (shakes her head) Yeah. I'm– alright, I'm in.

Andie: (excitedly) Yay, okay you're not going to regret it.

* * * * *

(McPhee residence -- the doorbell rings – when Jack answers he sees Ethan)

Ethan: Hey.

Jack: Hey

Ethan: Jack.

(They hug)

Jack: What's up, man?

Ethan: Yeah, it's good to see you, man.

Jack: You, too.

(A door slams, they look over – it's Mr. McPhee getting out of the car)

Jack: Dad. You're home early.

Mr. McPhee: Can I see you for a minute?

(Jack walks over to him)

Mr. McPhee: What's the meaning of this?

Jack: No meaning, he– he's a friend.

Mr. McPhee: If you had just asked my permission, you would've saved yourself the embarrassment of having to tell that boy to go home.

Jack: He just took a two-hour train ride from boarding school. I'm not telling him to go home.

Mr. McPhee: Jack, this is not a good weekend for guests.

Jack: This is not a good weekend for guests, or this is not a good weekend for the kind of guests that I would have?

Mr. McPhee: That is not what I said.

Jack: No, but you know, it's what you mean. Look, Dad, I don't care, alright? He's a friend, he's staying, I don't have to justify that to you.

Mr. McPhee: Yes, but you thought you had to keep it from me, which makes it all the more clear that it's not a good idea.

Jack: Yeah dad, I thought I had to keep it from you because I knew you'd react this way.

Mr. McPhee: My answer is no.

Jack: Look, you know what, I don't care what your answer is because I'm not asking. When I moved back home, there was a promise that– that this would be an open household, that I could live my life free of judgment.

Mr. McPhee: As long as you're under my roof-

Jack: Look, the only reason I'm here is because of Andie. You know what, I'm glad you came back here this week, because if watching me hang out with my friends makes you suffer, then you deserve to suffer.

(Jack storms off)

* * * * *

(Pacey carries Buzz on his shoulders as they walk around the side of Buzz’s house towards the front)

Pacey: I gotta say, that was good work out there today, Buzz. A couple more weekends like this, we’ll be done. All right, down you come. (takes Buzz down and puts him on a ledge) You little monkey. Alright, slam me some skin man, that was good work.

Buzz: (grabs Pacey’s shoulder) You can’t leave yet, my friends are coming over and I’ve told them all about my semi-cool mentor.

Pacey: I wish I could stay, but I’ve already made plans, little buddy.

Buzz: (grabs the front of Pacey’s shirt) Are you trying to give me a complex about my height?

Pacey: Look, this has been a ton of fun, but I’m already late to meet my buddy, okay?

Buzz: (teasingly) Girlfriend!

Pacey: No, nosy, I’m going camping with by buddy, Dawson.

Buzz: But I wanna go camping. Why don’t you take me camping?

Pacey: Buzz, I can’t, this is a no-kids trip. It’s just me and Dawson. But next time, you and me, camping, I promise. How does that sound? Huh? See you on Sunday?

Buzz: (disappointed) Whatever. Bye Pacey.

Pacey: (mutters) Okay.

(Pacey walks away)

* * * * *

(Jen’s bedroom – Jen and Joey sit on the bed – Andie is standing)

Andie: I’ll go first. (excitedly) Facials and pedicures, what do you think?

(Joey and Jen look at Andie, eyebrows raised)

Andie: Great, okay, I’ll go get the stuff ready.

Jen: So, what’s up?

Joey: (pauses) Not much.

Jen: Really? ‘Cause Joey, if– if you’re going through a particular situation right now, and you need somebody to talk to, somebody to shed light, but yet who’s still uninvolved, I just wanted to let you know I’m here.

Joey: (looks quizzically at Jen) Do you have any information you’d like to share about a particular situation?

Jen: Look, you, me, Dawson, Pacey – it’s a real incestuous little group. Now I know I’m just sitting on the periphery, but it seems like there’s a whole world balance that’s definitely been shifting.

Joey: You know, what I’d like to know is, uh, how some meaningless and impulsive scenario which was over before it began somehow became public knowledge. And what makes you think I wanna talk about it?

Jen: Joey, nothing’s public knowledge. And– and I have no idea what particular scenario you’re referring to, but (pauses) it’s pretty clear from your attitude that it’s not meaningless.

(Joey has her hand on her forehead)

Jen: And like I said before, if you need somebody to talk to, to help figure things out with, I– I just wanted to tell you that I’m here.

(Joey just nods)

* * * * *

(McPhee residence – Jack and Ethan are playing chess – Mr McPhee enters the room)

Mr. McPhee: So what are you guys up to?

Jack: (very sarcastic) What does it look like we’re up to?

Mr. McPhee: (takes a seat) Mind if I join you?

Jack: Actually, yes. Why don’t you go over to Jen’s with a pair of binoculars and spy on Andie for a while?

(Mr McPhee gets up and leaves)

Jack: God! You’d think he’d be a little less blatant about watch-dogging us. I’m sorry to put you through this.

Ethan: Don’t worry about it. I’ve been there and back with my own dad. I know how to handle it.

* * * * *

(Pacey and Dawson on their way camping, laden with backpacks and walking along a footpath)

Pacey: How the hell did we do this when we were ten years old?

Dawson: We’d normally have our bags packed with a bag of chips and a couple of Capri Suns.

Pacey: I guess a lot’s changed since then?

Dawson: Yeah, of course.

Pacey: But, um, a change is good, right? I mean, a change can be good? You know, sometimes change that seems bad, can end up being good.

(cut to Dawson and Pacey reaching their old fort)

Pacey: Hey, there it is, man. Our old fort. The fruit of an entire summer’s labour. She’s still standin’.

Dawson: You know, this is typical.

Pacey: (venturing inside fort to look around) Of what?

Dawson: Of me. I mean everything. I mean this fort, of everything we’ve seen today I remember as being bigger than life. But now it’s just ordinary. Maybe my whole life has been ordinary.

Pacey: (comes back out) All this over an old fort? We were nine years old when we built this, Dawson. What did you expect, the Taj Mahal?

Dawson: Of course not, it’s just that... I dunno, the reason I’ve been trying to connect with who I was in the past. I knew why I had this passion, and I knew who I was. Everything was simple, magical even. And now I just ... maybe I never was that person, maybe I just thought I was.

Pacey: (breathes deeply, looking nervous) You know, it’s funny you should put it that way, because what it sounds to me like it... it sounds like you’re looking for an answer, you know? And so am I, because just this morning I was sitting over breakfast with Deputy Doug, of all people to ask for an answer, but, you know, so he tells me that I should probably come to you, ‘cause you’re the one who’s gonna have the answer that I need, so... (realises Dawson is looking around, listening)

Dawson: You hear that?

Pacey: No, what?

(Buzz and two of his friends come riding into view)

Buzz: Yes, we found them!

Kid # 1: Hey, neat fort.

(All three kids dump their bikes and run into the fort – Dawson looks at Pacey who has a ‘why me?’ expression)

* * * * *

(Jen’s house – all three girls are wearing some green facial cream)

Joey: Could we take to gook off now?

Jen: Oh God, I know, I can barely move my cheeks.

Andie: (painting Joey’s toenails) Still two and half more minutes.

Joey: This popcorn is good. (stuffs more into her mouth)

Andie: Thanks. It was my mom’s specialty when I was a kid. It reminds me of being a child. Don’t you ever wish you could be 10 years old again? Everything was so simple and under control then. God, I felt so protected.

Joey: You know, I know what you mean. I mean, I miss the time when I could just climb trees and roll around in the mud and hang out with the boys, and it was like, we were the same. None of this stupid man-woman stuff getting in the way, and I– and I felt free to just be myself.

Jen: I never really got to be a little girl. My mom wouldn’t let me play in the dirt, because it wasn’t proper, and she wouldn’t let me dress up in her high heels because they were too expensive. And she was not about to let me pig out – she was afraid I’d get fat.

Joey: All I’d wanna do is eat ice-cream. Eat ice-cream, pretend to be a kid, and forget about those stupid boys.

Jen: Oh, I know, they’re twits. Awful. Maybe it’s genetic or something, but enough is enough. (sighs) And they lie.

Joey: Mm. (points her finger) They mess with your heads.

Jen: And the worst is when they have feelings for you but they won’t even admit it.

(Joey looks back at Jen awkwardly for a few seconds)

Joey: You know what, I’ve decided on my activity. My favourite place as a kid – the roller rink.

Andie: (nods) Yeah, roller skating.

Jen: Good! I think that your activity can overlap with mine.

(Jen pulls out two bags and smiles – neither Joey nor Andie can see what is inside)

* * * * *

McPhee residence – Jack and Ethan are about to go out – they pass by Mr McPhee in the kitchen)

Ethan: Uh, Mr. McPhee, would you care to join us for dinner?

Mr. McPhee: (surprised) Well, you know, if you boys don’t mind... I’d love that.

Ethan: Great, let’s go.

Mr. McPhee: Well, uh, just let me get my jacket.

Jack: Okay.

(Mr. McPhee goes to get a jacket – Jack walks past Ethan and gives him the evil eye)

Ethan: What?

* * * * *

(The old fort at night – Pacey walks towards Dawson and the boys who are sitting around a campfire)

Pacey: All right, I talked with your parents, they said it’s okay for you to stay here tonight.

Three boys: Yea!

Pacey: (without any enthusiasm) Yea. I just want you to know – a ten year old with a cell phone is just plain wrong.

Buzz: Dawson was gonna tell us a story.

Dawson: That’s right. That’s right, I was gonna tell you a story, about a very old man, he was very rich and decided to build a very unusual type of amusement park.

Buzz: With dinosaurs and they called it "Jurassic Park". And I’ve seen it twelve times. Try again.

Dawson: (smiles) Okay. Um... all right, this is a story about a boy named Elliott, who thought he saw a goblin in his tool shed out back—

Boy # 1: Hello? That was a movie, it was called "E.T."

Dawson: Okay, a great white shark?

Three boys: No!

Boy # 2: Why don’t you tell us one of your stories?

Dawson: Okay. All right, well, this is a true story, and Pacey... well, I shouldn’t tell you guys, but yeah, I think he can handle it. Actually it takes place in the woods we’re sitting in right now. It’s about an old man, who actually used to live (points) in that fort right back there. (ominous music begins) It used to be his home. His name was Max, which is an ordinary name, but Max is not an ordinary guy. Max is evil. And nobody knows why, but he hates things that are adorable, or kind, or even happy. He walks around these woods. He used to be a lumberjack, so he carries this huge, bloody axe. He stalks the woods killing, bunnies, birds, whatever he’d come across. But his favourite target, were nine year olds.

(Buzz looks like he’s gonna leave skiddies in his underwear any minute)

Dawson: You okay, Buzz?

Buzz: Just keep going.

Dawson: One day, Max arrived home, to find three boys sleeping in his house.

* * * * *

(Roller skating rink – Andie, Jen and Joey are skating, holding hands – they also wear outrageous costumes that Jen had in the bags earlier -- satiny sleepwear, feather boas, and forties-vintage hairdos and make-up)

Andie: You know what? I was thinking about what you said earlier, about how all guys are twits, and I think you’re right. But, I think there’s more to it than that, because sometimes you know when they give you that certain look. You know, that look that says you are exactly where they wanna be right now, and you feel it for them too. And then you just melt, like this big blob of ice-cream, even when you don’t want to. (smiles) Pacey used to do that to me all the time. Right before he kissed me. It made my knees weak.

(Joey just smiles guiltily)

Jen: Henry’s got a look like that. Does it to me every time.

(they all skate over to the side of the rink)

Andie: Okay, who wants to go again?

Jen: Oh no, no, no. I’m gonna take a break.

Andie: Come on Jo. (she takes Joey’s hand)

Joey: Okay.

(Andie and Joey begin to skate away)

Andie: Bye.

Joey: Bye.

Jen: Bye.

(Jen smiles at them then turns around at the sound of chanting – Henry is blindfolded swinging at a piñata and his family and friends are all chanting "Henry, Henry" – Jen goes over to the group)

Jen: Henry?

(the chanting stops and Henry takes off the blindfold – he is surprised to say the least)

Jen: (waves timidly) Hi.

(Jen looks just as embarrassed with the costume she has on)

* * * * *

(Restaurant with Jack, Ethan and Mr McPhee)

Ethan: (with admiration) A ’57 Ford Thunderbird? I can’t believe it, that’s my dream car.

Mr. McPhee: Oh, let me tell you, Ethan, it drove like a dream too. Mint condition, cherry red, black interior, eight cylinders, three speed convertible. Jack, you remember that photo that year you’re mother took of the– the two of us on the bumper when you were just a baby?

Jack: (looking very annoyed) I guess I blocked it out.

Ethan: Why’d you get rid of it?

Mr. McPhee: Oh, well, kids and everything... "impractical". But I loved that car – cried when I traded it in, I mean, tears...

(Jack is looking increasingly pissed off with how Ethan and his dad are getting on)

Ethan: Oh, man! I can’t believe that.

Jack: Me neither.

Mr. McPhee: I haven’t thought about that in years. Jack used– used to beg me to take him for rides in it. You remember that car, Jack?

Jack: I think I already said no. (shrugs his shoulders)

Mr. McPhee: Right. There’s a classic car museum just down the road. They stay open late on weekends. They’ve got a 1926 Cadillac. Blow your mind, Ethan.

Ethan: Sounds great.

Mr. McPhee: Jack?

Jack: Great.

(Jack gives Ethan the evil eye and Ethan looks away)

* * * * *

(Camp site – the three boys are sound asleep – Pacey is digging for something next to the camp fire and with some effort finally pulls free an old tin box)

Pacey: Dawson! Hey, check it out, man.

(Dawson walks over and laughs when he sees what Pacey has digged up)

Dawson: God, I completely forgot about this. (sits down next to Pacey)

(Pacey open the box and Dawson takes some items out)

Dawson: This is (laughs)... look, a ticket stub from the first time I saw Jurassic Park, and the second and the third.

Pacey: That’s just sad, man.

Dawson: Tell me about it.

Pacey: Hey! Check this out. (holds out a pocket knife) This is Deputy Doug’s pocket knife. (laughs) You know, my dad never found the evidence, but he still gave me the spanking of a life time. Go figure.

Dawson: Oh my God, look at this. (laughs) It’s a picture of me and little Joey Potter. (holds it for Pacey to see) God, look how beautiful she was, even then. I really had no idea.

Pacey: Well, you must have been deaf, dumb and blind not to notice.

Dawson: What’s this? (reads a piece of paper) The Secret Code of Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery. Do you remember this? We drew this up the day—

Pacey: (finishes) -- day became blood brothers.

Dawson: Yeah. It’s our Oath of Loyalty. This is great. I can’t– I can’t believe you found this. It’s so weird you can just put your friendship with somebody in a box and bury it and completely forget about it.

Pacey: (nods) Yeah.

* * * * *

(Roller skating rink – Jen and Henry skate side by side)

Jen: Again, let me– let me assure you that this is a pure coincidence. I’m not crashing your party and your mom insisted that we stay, and that’s the only reason. So you can stop being mad.

Henry: I’m not mad. Humiliated maybe, but not mad.

Jen: Oh, wait a minute. Firstly you lie to me about this party, then you hurt my feelings by not inviting me, and now I accidentally show up anyway wearing this (holds out her bright pink feather scarf)... and– and you’re humiliated?

Henry: Can you blame me? I mean, look around, this place is fit for a six year old. I told my mom I would do this for the last time. How could I have brought you? You couldn’t have possibly understood.

Jen: How do you know what I’ll understand unless you tell me?

Henry: It’s been hard enough just trying to get you to stop thinking of me as a little innocent kid. And then what? Bring you to this? Come on.

Jen: Henry, how many times do I have to tell you this? Your innocence is one of the best things about you. And it– it’s helping me find the same thing inside myself. You don’t have to hide who you are. Not from me.

Henry: So, are you saying you forgive me?

Jen: I’m saying I don’t like being lied to.

Henry: You know, I’m sorry. I understand if you never want to speak to me every again. (he skates off)

Jen: (sighs) So dramatic. (follows Henry) Come back here, Parker!

(Jen skates over to Henry who is standing at the side of the rink)

Jen: You know, by the way, you’re– you’re birthday present would have been a "Born To Run", mint condition, on vinyl.

Henry: Would have been?

Jen: Well, I– I– I sort of sold it back to record store, and bought some angry chick music.

Henry: I guess it’s the thought that counts.

Jen: Yeah, something like that.

(Jen smiles then hooks the bright pink feather scarf around Henry’s neck, drawing him to her – they kiss)

Jen: Happy birthday, Henry. Come on.

(they go off to skate some more)

* * * * *

(Car Museum – Mr. McPhee is seated behind the wheel of an old car)

Mr. McPhee: The beauty with the old car is– is the simplicity. Everything is right here. There’s nothing automatic. You have to prime—

Jack: (puts his hand on Ethan’s shoulder) Can I talk to you over here for a minute, please?

Ethan: Sure.

(they walk a few metres away from Jack’s dad)

Ethan: What’s up?

Jack: (scoffs) What’s up is that I didn’t ask for you to come and visit some we can hang out with my dad, who hates me, okay? And doesn’t even try to understand me. Who can– who can cry stupid tears over a car, but can’t muster up a shred of emotion for his own son.

(Ethan goes to say something)

Jack: No, no. He stopped being my father a long time ago, Ethan. I don’t want to spend some excruciating evening being reminded of that.

(Mr. McPhee can easily overhear Jack who has gotten quite loud – he gets out of the car)

Jack: I mean come on, this is a nightmare.

Ethan: Jack, calm down, I mean—

Mr. McPhee: (walks over) Boys, I’m uh, I’m gonna head back. You– you can get home okay?

Jack: (emphatically) Yes!

(Jack and Mr McPhee stare at one another for a moment before Mr McPhee walks past Jack – he then pauses)

Mr. McPhee: You know, I really thought things were getting better. I was so grateful for tonight.

(Jack turns and faces his dad)

Mr. McPhee: I cancelled my business trip this weekend, to spend time with you. I guess I’m just not the father you want. Or need.

(He walks away leaving Jack to ponder his father’s motives)

* * * * *

(Camp site – Pacey and Dawson lay in their sleeping bags around the fire)

Dawson: Pacey, you awake?

Pacey: Wide awake, yes. What’s up, man?

Dawson: It finally occurred to me, one thing in my life hasn’t lost it’s lustre over time – my friendships. You know, I might not be sure about a lot of things in my life, but I’m always gonna be sure of you. And Joey.

Pacey: Me and Joey, huh?

Dawson: Yeah. I mean, you– your pure loyalty, you know? You’re still the same guy who drew up that oath we took as kids. Still the guy who’d do anything for a friend.

Pacey: (looking forlorn) And Joey?

Dawson: Joey? She’s my conscience. My soul mate. My inspiration. Point is, I’m really glad to have you guys in my life, I’d be lost without you.

Pacey: (looks up at the night sky) You know, if I’m loyal to you Dawson, it’s only ‘cause you cast me in the role. You’re a story teller, you know? You see everything and figure out what it means. Did you see the look on those kids faces when you were telling them that story tonight? How caught up they were? You’re the guy who builds this fantastic world. You just let the rest of us live in it.

Dawson: These days it doesn’t feel so fantastic.

Pacey: It will, bro.

* * * * *

(Jack’s bedroom – Ethan is setting up one of those portable fold-out beds)

Jack: Night.

Ethan: Hold up, don’t you think we should talk about what happened tonight?

Jack: Actually, I’d just like to pretend it was all a bad dream.

Ethan: Well that would be a mistake, Jack. Look (sits down on bed) I know you’re mad at me, but don’t be, I was just trying to help.

Jack: No, I’m not mad at you, I’m just... I’m just mad. (Sighs and throws his hands in the air) I– I mean, I mean tonight– tonight, he just somehow managed to make it look like he was the victim in this whole thing, and– and I was like some malicious ogre, but it’s not like that...

Ethan: God, Jack. Don’t you get it? You’re both victims here. And it’s not gonna get any better unless you start letting go of some of that anger.

Jack: Yeah, but he’s the one who did this to me, okay? He’s the one that made me this angry. A year, Ethan. A whole year he spends acting like I’m the worst thing that ever happened to him. And he cancels one trip so he can– he can passively aggressively throw it back in my face and everything’s just supposed to magically fall back into place? It just doesn’t– it just doesn’t work like that!

Ethan: (stands) Well, let me tell you how it does work, Jack. You keep walking around with all that anger, you and your dad are gonna lose another year. And another one. And before you know it, you’re gonna wake up one morning and realise that you need him, or he needs you, and it’s gonna be too late.

(Ethan and Jack look at one another for a moment)

Ethan: You know, the another nice side effect of letting go of your anger, is that you don’t have to angry any more.

(there’s another pause as Jack considers this)

Ethan: Just think about it. (he goes over and gets into bed) Goodnight, Jack.

Jack: Night. (Jack gets into bed)

* * * * *

(Jen’s house – Andie and Joey brush their hair in the bathroom – Joey goes into the bedroom and sits opposite to Jen on the bed)

Joey: Weird night, huh?

Jen: Yeah, I’ll say.

(Joey looks towards the bathroom door to make sure Andie hasn’t finished brushing her hair)

Joey: I was talking to Bessie the other day, and she told me to talk to somebody about this, and– and I can’t believe I’m telling you, but... (she looks towards the bathroom again) Pacey kissed me the other day.

Jen: Yeah, I figured this thing would come to a head sooner or later.

Joey: I mean, nothing came to a head, I mean, there is no "thing", I’m just freaked out, and angry and I just don’t understand why he would do something like this. I mean, it came out of nowhere, and...

Jen: (puts down the book she was reading) Well, if it came out of nowhere, then why am I not surprised? You should ask yourself, Joey, if this is really nothing, then why are you so upset and so confused?

(Joey shrugs and leans back against the bed)

* * * * *

(Jack’s house – Mr McPhee is busy using a calculator at a table– Jack enters the room in his dressing gown)

Mr. McPhee: (curtly) It’s late. What is it?

Jack: I– I just, um, (exhales heavily and sits down in a chair next to the chess board) I just wanted to ask you why. Why this weekend? Why this trip? Why now, when for the past year you’ve treated me like I was a leper? Okay, so can you answer me that – why?

(Mr McPhee turns off the calculator, takes off and folds his glasses, then gets up and walks around his desk, then sits in a chair opposite side of the chessboard)

Mr. McPhee: It was just... time. I was talking to Richard, at the office, he has a son, just failed out of his fourth college, got caught stealing a car, drug problem, the whole nine yards. It just suddenly occurred to me, Jack is a good kid. I have a good kid, and I don’t even know him. But I wanna know him. So I cancelled my trip. Look, I don’t see what the big deal is, somebody had to make the first move.

Jack: I just didn’t think it would be you.

(Mr McPhee moves the knight on the chessboard and Jack moves a piece also – Jack and his dad look at one another for a moment – Jack smiles a little)

* * * * *

(Camp site – morning – Dawson and Pacey are finishing packing their backpacks and the boys are having a sword fight with sticks in the background)

Pacey: I’ll talk to you later, huh?

Dawson: All right, I’ll see ya.

Pacey: (slinging his backpack on his shoulders) Okay, let’s go guys.

(the boys go to get their backpacks and bikes)

Buzz: Bye Dawson, watch out for Max and his bloody axe.

Dawson: (smiles) See you guys.

* * * * *

(Local store – Pacey and Buzz enter)

Buzz: I’m gonna get 12 pixie sticks and five candy bars.

Pacey: How about an orange soda and a box of pretzels?

Buzz: One pixie stick, one candy bar, and an orange soda.

(Pacey and Buzz virtually run into Joey)

Pacey: Hey.

Joey: Hey.

Buzz: Heeyy.

(Joey looks down at Buzz)

Pacey: Just a second. If you give us two minutes, I’ll give you ten sodas and box of sugar, what do you say.

Buzz: Done!

Pacey: (handing over the cash) There you go.

(Buzz walks off to get his goodies)

Pacey: Hey.

Joey: Hey again.

(they speak at the same time)

Pacey: So, I just wanted to say—

Joey: About the other night—

(they both smile, the tension somewhat broken)

Joey: You go first.

Pacey: Well, I just– I just wanted to say... that, uh, I’m... sorry. All that stuff about disaster and Dawson, and the ripple effect on our universe – it was all right. (Joey looks disheartened) I mean, what I did was monumentally stupid, I don’t know what I was thinkin’, so... I– I just wanted you to know that it was an impulse. Plain and simple. One that has left my body, permanently. (whispers) Promise.

Joey: Look, it’s okay, Pacey, I mean... I totally overreacted. I mean, something isn’t a big deal unless you let it be, and it– and it’s not a big deal. Why get so upset? I mean, it obviously meant– meant nothing, right?

Pacey: Right, right, because what I did was a mistake.

Joey: Right.

Pacey: Right, well, um, I guess that puts us back to just being friends.

(they shake hands)

Joey: Definitely.

Pacey: Great.

(Joey nods)

Pacey: Uh, all right, well, uh, I should, uh, I should probably get going. Once that kids gets all that sugar in him, watch out, he’s a little terror. I’ll probably have to chase him home. It’s two miles plus – not pretty.

Joey: Well then I guess I– I’ll see you later, Pacey.

Pacey: Yeah, I’ll see you later, Jo.

(Pacey walks away – meets up with Buzz outside the door and they begin walking home)

Pacey: (as Buzz is about to push his bike over the curb) One, two, three, grab it (he grabs the bike and lifts it) There you go.

Buzz: That her?

Pacey: Who?

Buzz: The girl?

Pacey: What girl?

Buzz: The girl you wanna kiss, stupid? The one your in looove with.

Pacey: Nope.

(Joey reaches the store doorway and watches Pacey and Buzz as they walk)

Dawson: We’d normally have our backs free ... bag of chips and a couple of Capri suns?????????

(Jen smiles at them then turns around at the sound of chanting – Henry is blindfolded playing ??????? and his family and friends are all chanting "Henry, Henry" – Jen goes over to the group)

Mr. McPhee: It was just... time. I was talking to Richard, at the office, he has a son, just failed out of his fourth college, got caught stealing a car, drug (pump????????), the whole nine yards. It just suddenly occurred to me, Jack is a good kid. I have a good kid, and I don’t even know him. But I wanna know him. So I cancelled my trip. Look, I don’t see what the big deal is, somebody had to make the first move.