Show Me Love

(Collage of scenes: In Dawson’s bedroom at night he sits in a chair and stairs at the painting his aunt gave him of Joey and Dawson as kids; Joey stands and stares at the wall Pacey leased for her to paint; Pacey sprays water on his now seaworthy boat "True Love" as it rests by the dock; Jen opens her front door to see Henry in the front yard holding a cardboard sign with the words "Jen Lindley: would you please forgive me" and then goes back inside; Henry puts the sign down and looks distraught; Dawson walks the corridors of Capeside High, he sees Pacey, pauses, then keeps walking; Pacey has seen Dawson walk right past and shuts his locker, then walks away shaking his head; Joey is looking for a table in the school cafeteria... first she sees Dawson who looks away... next she sees Pacey at another table who also looks away... Jack is at a third table and smiles at Joey but then Joey sees Andie next to Jack, so finally decides to sit by herself)

* * * * *

(Joey sits in the vacant lot staring up at her unpainted wall – Dawson approaches and stands beside her)

Joey: You know what, if you came here to discuss me and Pacey, you’re wasting your breath because—

Dawson: Pacey is the last person I want to talk about, trust me. (he kneels next to Joey) I came here to talk about us. (Joey looks at him expectantly) Joey, I want you in my life.

(Joey considers this for a minute)

Joey: Pacey?

Dawson: That damage has been done. I came to salvage the one relationship that I need more than any other, and that’s ours.

Joey: How?

Dawson: Jo, let’s rebuild. Let’s... take a walk, let’s have a picnic, watch a movie...

Joey: After everything that’s happened, how could I possibly climb that ladder into your bedroom and watch a movie?

Dawson: I’m not asking you to disregard what’s happened here, I’m asking let’s move forward from here.

(Joey’s eyebrows furrow and contorts her lips in thought)

Joey: You know what? All I want to do right now Dawson, is– is paint my wall.

Dawson: Well, it’s a free-standing invitation. Anytime you want. (standing) You know where I live.

(Dawson walks away as Joey remains staring at her wall)

* * * * *

(Capeside Docks: People are walking along the street -- A sign proclaims this to be the "Capeside Regatta 2000" – Gale flattens out a "Leery’s Fresh Fish" yacht flag on a table outside the restaurant)

Mitch: (walking up behind Gale) Mrs Leery, you are looking particularly lovely this tourist season.

Gale: (turns to face him) Is it just my imagination, or did this year go by even faster than the last?

Mitch: Each year gets exponentially shorter.

Gale: Which is why we should be making each day count, right?

(Mitch looks uneasy and then notices the flag on the table)

Mitch: (protesting) Gale, I– I can believe this—

Gale: Relax, we made this arrangement with Pacey weeks ago.

Mitch: Yeah, but in light of what’s happened—

Gale: It’s just a boat race. One that we could very much benefit from.

(Dawson exits the restaurant and begins walking over to Mitch and Gale)

Mitch: I’m not sure Dawson will see it that way.

Dawson: See "what" what way?

(He sees the flag on the table)

Dawson: What’s the flag?

Gale: A month ago we offered to sponsor Pacey in the Regatta, honey.

Dawson: Oh.

Gale: We needed publicity, he wanted a sponsor. We thought the two of you would be doing it together, but with what’s happened, we don’t expect you to want to do that.

Dawson: (somewhat sarcastic) I appreciate your concern.

Mitch: Dawson, you’re more important than the restaurant. (placing his hand on Dawson’s shoulder) We’ll pull out of the race.

Dawson: You don’t have to do that. I mean, if it’s important to mom and the restaurant, it’s fine.

Gale: Look honey, I’m not trying to defend Pacey here, but I would just hate to see you lose your best friend.

Dawson: (shrugs shoulders) I’m fine. Alright? I’ll even take the banner to him myself.

(Dawson takes the banner and walks away towards the docks)

* * * * *

(Pacey’s boat – Pace’s friend Will stands forward in the boat while Pacey stands near the wheel – Dawson approaches the boat, leans over and hands the banner to Pacey)

Dawson: It’s for you.

Pacey: Thanks. (he unfolds it) You know, I could have come up and got this from your parents.

Dawson: (a little icily) It’s no problem.

Pacey: Look, Dawson, if you want me to drop out of this race, you’re gonna have to ask me yourself.

Dawson: (shrugs shoulders) Do whatever you want, Pace.

Pacey: (holds up flag) I’m only doing this to help your mother.

Dawson: The way you helped Joey?

Pacey: (sighs) Look, you wanna stay angry? Stay angry. It really doesn’t matter to me any more. I’m just glad it’s finally directed at the right person.

Dawson: Save it, Pacey. You know, everyone else might buy this chivalrous self-deprecating crap... I don’t.

(Dawson shakes his head and walks away)

* * * * *

(Capeside Regatta – Joey and Bessie walk towards the boat race registration table)

Joey: (a little petulant) I’m not doing it.

Bessie: You have to, it’s good PR.

Joey: It’s humiliating.

Bessie: If you don’t cook and serve pancakes at the race registration table, how are people gonna know it’s being sponsored by the Potter B&B?

Joey: I’ll tell them.

Bessie: Look, if you’d rather go home and scrub the toilets, or make the beds, or— (she sees Pacey hoisting the "Leery’s Fresh Fish" flag on his boat) That’s the last thing I expected to see on Pacey’s boat.

(Joey looks at the flag and smiles, looking hopeful that Dawson and Pacey have made up)

Bessie: It’s a good sign. Are they talkin’ again?

Joey: (enthused) Hopefully.

Bessie: Did you mend any fences yet?

Joey: Well, Dawson came by the other day and wanted to know if I wanted to spend some time with him.

Bessie: To which you said... ?

Joey: I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right, you know? Dawson and I becoming friends again while he and Pacey—

Bessie: Let Dawson and Pacey take care of Dawson and Pacey. They’re big boys, they’ll work it out. Besides, you saw the banner. (it flaps wildly in the breeze) Maybe they already have.

* * * * *

(Jen’s house – Jen and Andie sit at the kitchen table which is covered with tons of flowers – Jack and Grams stand at the table, Grams holding a just completed flower wreath)

Grams: Oh, isn’t this thrilling, the start of a new tradition? Fashioning the Regatta winner’s wreaths has always been my sole responsibility (Jen mouths the words) for the Women’s League since 1953. Sharing it with you young people is very exciting.

Jack: (throws a flower on the table in frustration) You know, it’s moments like this I’m convinced I’m straight. (he sits in a chair)

Grams: Oh, come now, (she tries putting a flower behind Jack’s ear) how often do you get a chance to create such a jubilant public display?

(the girls giggle)

Andie: Oh, it looks like we’re not the only one’s creating a public display. (she points with a flower)

Jen: What?

(Jen looks to where Andie has pointed and sees Henry through the flyscreen door standing in the front yard still holding his "forgive me" sign – Jen closes her eyes in embarrassment)

Jen: Oh my God, could this possibly be more embarrassing? How long can he last?

Jack: (smiling) How long has he been doing this anyway?

Jen: For like a week. He stood outside our window for over an hour yesterday.

Grams: (leans over to Jack) In the rain.

Jack: Exactly what unspeakably crime is he asking forgiveness for?

Jen: I defended Henry to Grams, saying that he– he wasn’t a typical teenage boy with a one-track mind.

Andie: (grouping together a bunch of flowers) And?

Jen: Typical teenage boy... one-track mind.

Grams: I don’t know what you expect. All healthy normal boys want the same thing.

Jen: (suspicious) OK, what are you getting at?

Grams: My point is... to err is human, to forgive... divine. Hasn’t he paid enough penance?

(Jen looks at Grams and then they both look at Henry standing holding his sign)

* * * * *

(Capeside Regatta – Dawson walks with Andie and Jack who each carry a flower wreath)

Jack: Dawson, how do you remember our dad has a boat? I don’t even remember our dad has a boat.

Dawson: The question is: is he using it this weekend?

Andie: Well, considering the fact that he takes it out about once or twice a year, Memorial Day and Labour Day, I would guess the answer’s no.

Dawson: Perfect. So... you think I can borrow it?

Jack: (laughs at the very thought) No, no, I don’t think that’s a very good idea.

Dawson: Why not?

Jack: ‘Cause pieces of the last boat you borrowed are still floating around the creek, that’s why.

(Andie has attached her wreath to a post)

Dawson: Look, I really need a sail boat, OK? I’ve entered the Regatta.

Jack: Isn’t Pacey racing?

Dawson: Yeah.

Jack: So don’t you think, uh, pistols at dawn would be more suitable, not to mention romantic way to settle this thing?

Andie: Look, what is the problem with Dawson seizing the day, OK? I mean, Pacey most certainly did.

Dawson: It’s not about Pacey, it’s about Joey. Alright, look. I spent the last two months laying on my bed staring at empty walls. It’s no wonder Joey got away from me. This is my chance to actually show her how much I care. You gotta help me.

Jack: It’s not right.

Andie: No, Jack. You know, I’ll tell you what’s not right. Watching the person you love throw everything away so they can be with someone else. Listening to them lie to your face day after day. That’s not right. So if you’re not going to help Dawson, I will.

Jack: (sighs resignedly and nods) Alright.

* * * * *

(Capeside Regatta – Dawson walks up to the race registration table where Joey is serving pancakes)

Joey: (sees Dawson) Hey!

Dawson: Hey.

Joey: (putting a pancake onto a plastic plate) Would you like to sample a homemade Potter B&B hotcake?

Dawson: (taking it) Yes ma’am, I believe I would. Thank you.

Joey: Thank you, Dawson.

Dawson: (smiling) You heard already.

Joey: (smiles back) Well, I had to admit, I had my doubts about whether or not things would get better, but when I saw your restaurant’s banner on Pacey’s boat, I– I just felt this huge sense of relief.

Dawson: That’s what you’re thanking me for?

Joey: (confused) Yeah.

Dawson: I thought that somebody had told you already.

Joey: Told me what?

Dawson: (crosses arms and looks smug) I’m entering the boat race.

Joey: This boat race?

Dawson: Hm-hmm.

Joey: Well who’s your sponsor?

Dawson: You are.

Joey: What?

Dawson: I’m being sponsored by the Potter B&B.

Joey: Dawson, we can’t afford the entry fee.

(Dawson takes out an envelope from his pocket that has the entry fee)

Dawson: It’s been taken care of. (he hands Joey the envelope)

(Joey looks concerned)

Dawson: Your sister’s pretty psyched about the idea.

Joey: (trying to cover up) She was!

Dawson: Joey, a victory, however slim my chance might be, would guarantee the Potter B&B covered the tourist brochure. You guys would be booked the whole season.

Joey: Look Dawson, I really don’t think this is a good idea.

Dawson: It’s not what you think, alright? All I want to do is help. If I needed help, you’d be there for me, right?

Joey: Dawson—

Dawson: Course you would. (holding out pen) So, sign me up, and wish me luck.

* * * * *

(Capeside Regatta – Bessie approaches Joey at the boat registration table)

Bessie: OK, before you get mad at me—

Joey: (turns angrily to face Bessie) You know what, you’re about 300 hotcakes and one sponsored sail too late for that, Bessie. (she turns back to her hotcakes)

Bessie: He begged to enter the race on our behalf. Are we really in a position to turn down free advertising?

Joey: (turn to face Bessie again) It’s not free! OK? Dawson may have put down the cash, but you’re obligating me—

Bessie: To what? Appreciate his friendship?

Joey: This isn’t about friendship. Dawson wants to be Pacey.

Bessie: Well, if two boys want to compete on our behalf, I say let ‘em race.

Joey: This was supposed to stop. I mean, we broke it off and it was all just supposed to stop.

Bessie: (hands on hips) What did you expect, Jo? That you would end things with Pacey and all of a sudden things are just gonna go back to the way they were? That’s the hardest part about being an adult, sis... your actions have consequences, forcing life to constantly move forward. Why do you think they call it "growing up"?

Joey: Well since you’re such an expert grown up, do you have any advice?

Bessie: Accept the consequences, and do something to make things better.

* * * * *

(Andie’s bedroom – Andie sits at her desk in front of her i-Mac – there is a knock on her door)

Andie: (sings out) Come in.

Will: (opens the door and steps inside) I, uh, hope you don’t mind. Jack let me in.

Andie: (smiling) No. So is Dawson still downstairs with him going over "Sailing for Dummies"?

Will: Actually, they’re, uh, heading out to get some hands-on experience.

Andie: Hmm. Looks like you and Pacey will have some competition after all.

Will: Yeah, but that’s not why I came here. I got some really good news. That scholarship to (Rharely?)... it came through.

Andie: (jumps out of her chair, rushes over and hugs him) Will, that’s fantastic.

Will: It’s amazing, isn’t it? I finally caught a break.

Andie: And now you don’t have to worry about your dad any more, and that’s great.

Will: Yeah, but... Pacey. I’m kinda worried about him.

Andie: (scoffs) Yeah, well, Pacey and Joey brought this situation on themselves, alright? (she sits back at her desk)

Will: Why, because they developed feelings for each other and had the guts to do something about it?

Andie: Is that the way you see this, Will? (Will takes a seat opposite Andie) We were all friends.

Will: They didn’t set out to hurt you.

Andie: Yeah, well once upon a time I didn’t set out to hurt Pacey either, but he offered me no forgiveness, and our relationship came to a earth-shattering halt. (sighs) Now things are never gonna be the way they were.

Will: If you can’t let go of all this anger, Andie, they probably never will. And instead of you being this warm-hearted and cheerful person that I met on spring break, you’ll just end up being the kind of person that– that I feel sorry for. (Andie turns away, upset) And I know you’re better than that.

* * * * *

(Mr McPhee’s boat – Jack stands on the boat and Dawson stands on the dock pulling it closer until it hits the dock and Jack hits his head – the name of the boat is Carpe Diem, Latin for "Seize the Day")

Jack: Dawson! God.

Dawson: (jumps onto to boat) You OK? You alright?

Jack: Um...

Dawson: OK, so it doesn’t happen again, tie the rope to the thing.

Jack: (still rubbing his head) What the hell is the "thing"?

Dawson: (pointing) The metal thing.

Jack: Yeah, that helps, Popeye.

Mitch: (stands on the dock) It’s called the aft winch. And if you don’t tighten that gyp sheet, and secure your tiller... it’s not gonna be pretty.

Dawson: Ok, I got the tiller, you get the gyp sheet, alright?

Jack: Where the hell’s the gyp sheet?

Mitch: You’re standing on it.

Jack: OK, you know what? Maybe I should go back to helping Grams, I might live a little longer.

Mitch: (stepping aboard) What are you doing?

Dawson: Well, I’m trying to get out on the water before the fireworks start.

Mitch: Looks like you guys could use a little help.

Dawson: Well, dad, everyone who knows what they’re doing is in the race already.

Mitch: Not everyone.

Dawson: Or sponsoring a boat.

Mitch: No, the restaurant is sponsoring Pacey. I, on the other hand, am still available.

Dawson: (sighs) Look dad, the last thing I want to do is divide the Leery household even more.

Mitch: Any worthwhile relationship has to endure some conflict, don’t you think, Dawson?

Dawson: (smiles, relieved) If you’re saying you’d like to lend a hand, we’d be more than happy to accept.

Mitch: Sure.

(Dawson goes forward and raises the Potter B&B banner on the boat)

* * * * *

(Joey sees the Potter B&B banner being raised and frowns – she turns and sees Pacey who also sees the banner – Pacey begins to walk away and Joey follows)

Joey: Look Pacey, this wasn’t my idea. I didn’t ask him to do it, but I mean, you know Dawson, once he gets something in his mind... (she holds out her hands)... I’m sorry.

Pacey: (speaks in a quiet, yet upset tone) If it wasn’t your idea, why are you apologising?

Joey: Because you’re obviously upset.

Pacey: I’m "upset" because we haven’t spoken in two weeks, and now finally do, the first words out of your mouth, as per usual, are about Dawson.

Joey: Well this conversation is just about to get harder, Pacey.

Pacey: (nods, knowing what Joey is about to ask) You want me to drop out too?

(Joey just looks at her feet and doesn’t reply)

Pacey: Wow, Dawson Leery couldn’t have scripted this one any better, could he?

Joey: What do you mean?

Pacey: Don’t you get it? No matter what I do, he wins. If I drop out, he wins. If I stay in the race, I’m forced into direct competition with the guy. (voice starts to rise) And if I actually win, I don’t actually beat him, I beat you. So guess who really wins there?

Joey: (sighs) Well– maybe you could talk to him, try to work it out—

Pacey: Yeah, we tried that. He doesn’t really want to talk to me right now, and when he does, it’s not entirely civil.

Joey: (looking pained at having to ask) Could you try again, Pacey, please?

Pacey: Yeah... if that’s what you want. (pauses) If that’s all that you want.

Joey: (pauses) That is all that I want.

Pacey: (nods) OK. OK, that’s what I’ll do.

Joey: Thank you, Pacey.

Pacey: (whispers) Yeah.

(Joey turns and begins walking away)

Pacey: (calls out) Hey Potter?

(Joey stops and turns)

Pacey: Nice talkin’ to ya.

(they both turn and walk away in opposite directions, both looking miserable)

* * * * *

(Leery’s Fresh Fish restaurant – Jen stands at a table where two customers are seated)

Jen: (handing over menus) And somebody will be with you shortly to take your drink orders. Enjoy your evening.

Gale: (grabs Jen just as she begins to walk away from the table – she speaks in hushed tones) OK, a few hours ago Henry was cute and endearing, now he’s getting into annoying and psychotic.

(Jen looks over her shoulder and sees Henry still holding his "forgive me" sign)

Jen: Oh my God, I am so sorry, I didn’t think he would last this long.

Gale: Honey, this is getting ridiculous. This is our busiest weekend. Not only is he distracting the customers, but he’s blocking the view. (exasperated) Go talk to him, throw a net over him, I don’t care, just drag him away, get him away from my restaurant.

(Jen goes over and drags Henry away)

* * * * *

(Rooftop of Leery’s Fresh Fish restaurant – Jen and Henry emerge onto the roof)

Jen: Alright, look, I’ve already accepted your apology, I don’t understand why you’re making me come up to the roof.

Henry: I wanna show you something.

Jen: (stepping out onto the roof) Will you promise to drop that whole sign thing, right?

Henry: I promise.

Jen: Yeah, well I hope so, because you’re rapidly approaching the point where I—

(Jen turns and sees rose petals lining a pathway to the corner of the roof which it lit by dozens of candles and blankets – it looks very cosy and inviting)

Jen: (in wonder) Henry. You did all this?

Henry: Well, the– the town organised the festivities, I just did the roof part.

Jen: Why?

Henry: For you. I want you to know how really sorry I am.

(they walk over to the little area Henry has created)

Jen: I know, you just—

Henry: I told you. But I wanna show you too. I can do more than just talk.

(they sit down and lean against the wall)

Jen: I know that you can. And you can listen too, which is– which is why I got so upset.

Henry: ‘Cause I stopped hearing you.

Jen: (nods) Yeah.

Henry: I promise that will never happen again. I’m– I’m glad we didn’t rush into having sex.

Jen: (surprised) Really?

Henry: Well, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I think about it pretty much every time I breathe in or out. (Jen smiles) I can tell you I’m going to stop wanting you so badly, that I get a little crazy sometimes, but... I don’t want to be like every other guy in your life, Jen. I want everything we do to be new, something you’ve never done before.

Jen: I have definitely never had a picnic on a roof before.

(they kiss)

Henry: From now on, I’m going to do everything in my power to be the most original person in your life.

Jen: (smiles) Henry Parker, you already are.

(they begin to kiss again)

* * * * *

(Docks – Dawson walks along the docks – he walks past a spot where Pacey had been hidden from view – Pacey stands)

Pacey: What are you trying to prove?

Dawson: (stops and turns) I was trying to help Joey.

Pacey: (jumps over the railing and walks up to Dawson) Look man, why don’t you just take a swing at me? I mean, honestly, just take a poke. Get it over with, save both of us a lot of time and trouble, wouldn’t involve our friends.

Dawson: Or our family.

Pacey: Do you think indulging yourself in some James Dean meets Grease Lightening fantasy that you’re actually gonna prove you’re a better man than I am?

Dawson: I don’t have to prove that. You made that clear when you moved in on Joey.

Pacey: For the very last time, Dawson, I made a mistake.

Dawson: (nods in agreement) Hmm-mm.

Pacey: I thought you of all people would understand someone falling for Joey Potter.

Dawson: (scoffs) Are you delusional enough to believe that you actually have something real with Joey?

Pacey: Well if I do, it’s because of her own free will.

Dawson: Do you really think a couple confused weeks means anything compared to the lifetime that we’ve had?

Pacey: And do you actually think that you could possibly hold on to that beautiful woman with some sort of selfish ultimatum?

Dawson: (shakes his head) Answer my question, Pacey. Do you really think that you can compete with history?

Pacey: (sarcastically) Some history. Fifteen years of watching PG movies in your bedroom followed by another year-and-a-half of pretending to be grown-up only to drop each other at the first sign of crisis. That’s your history?? Come on, man. You call this woman your soul mate?

Dawson: (getting heated) Yes! I do! And you knew that, but you went out after her anyway.

Pacey: Right after you rejected her.

Dawson: Oh, so she was vulnerable. Perfect for you right? ‘Cause you’re only interested in girls you can save or screw, right Pace?

(they exchange angry stares before Pacey walks away)

* * * * *

(Early morning at Jen’s house – she enters the front door, obviously just getting home – Grams sits at the kitchen table)

Jen: You’re up early. (she walks over to the table)

Grams: I see I’m not the only one dressed in what they were wearing last night.

Jen: (all smiley and happy) I know, I’m sorry. I– I should have called, but I figured you’d be in bed asleep.

Grams: (angry) You figured wrong. I was moments away from calling Sheriff Witter.

Jen: Grams, I was fine. I was with Henry.

Grams: (shocked) You spent the night with Henry?

Jen: (smiles dreamily) Yeah, on the– on the roof of the restaurant. God, it was so beautiful... the boats were all lit up on the water, and– and the whole town was below applauding for the fireworks, but it felt like it was just all for us. And he had a blanket and a picnic and– well, not much of a picnic actually, it was– it was two "Lunchibles", but it’s the thought that counts.

(Grams has her hand to her mouth and looks very upset and mad)

Jen: Grams, I’m sorry, we just lost track of time.

Grams: (scoffs) Oh! Is that the fashionable euphemism bandied about on "MTV" these days... "losing track of time"?

Jen: (confused) I thought that you’d be happy. I mean, it was your advice that compelled me to move forward with Henry.

Grams: It was not my advice to sleep with the boy!

Jen: You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Grams: To see you slip back into your old lifestyle like– like you never left it... (sighs in frustration)... I expected more of you, Jennifer.

Jen: (getting upset) You know what? I expected more of you too. Believe it or not, I have changed, and it hasn’t been easy, especially considering that the one person I count on the most can’t even see it.

(Jen stands and storms off)

* * * * *

(Leery restaurant – Gale sits at a table reading the morning paper while Mitch wipes his hands with a hand towel)

Gale: I can’t believe you’re helping him race.

Mitch: Well, it’s a boat race, right? Not Ben Hur. Besides, one way or another, this is a fight that’s gonna happen. And I for one am proud of Dawson for sticking up for himself.

Gale: Well, I’m not against fighting for what you want, but shouldn’t we be teaching Dawson that you fight with your mind? With words? (she puts the paper down and looks at Mitch)

Mitch: Well yeah, but– well sometimes two people have been through so much and had so many... "conversations" (he sits on a chair opposite Gale), that the only way to really make it clear, is action. Obviously Dawson has more guts than either one of us.

Gale: What are you talking about?

Mitch: Just what I... thought might have been going on around here lately. Between you and me.

(Gale remains silent and looks away)

Mitch: (stands) OK, uh, well, I’d stick around and talk about his more, but, uh, that doesn’t really seem to be very effective now, does it? (he grabs his bag and jacket and leaves)

* * * * *

(Capeside Regatta – the boat race is about to begin)

Announcer: Welcome to Capeside’s Regatta. It’s ten seconds before the start. The boats are manoeuvring into position. (cannon fire erupts) And they’re off!

(Scene’s cut between Pacey and Will on "True Love" and Dawson, Jack and Mitch on "Carpe Diem" – True Love heads Carpe Diem to the marker)

Announcer: And as the leaders reach the pivotal mark the leader is... looks like True Love’s out front but Carpe Diem in a bold move here, they are gaining ground.

Mitch: Alright now Dawson, we gotta pick it up here, we gotta give it more room. OK, two legs at the mark.

Pacey: What the hell are these guys doing?

Will: I don’t know, I don’t know.

Pacey: (yells out to Dawson’s boat) Hey! Hey, give us room!

Announcer: True Love and Carpe Diem are neck and neck. They’re fighting for the finish here. Carpe Diem is not giving any ground. In fact, Carpe Diem is not acknowledging True Love’s request for steering at the mark. If one of these boats doesn’t veer off course here in a minute, we’re gonna have a major collision.

(cut to Joey watching anxiously on the dock)

Joey: They’re both heading for the same spot, are they crazy?

(cut to True Love)

Pacey: (yelling) Hey, we got the right of way!!

(cut to Carpe Diem)

Mitch: You’re gonna have to back off.

Dawson: I’m not getting out of his way.

Mitch: Two legs.

Dawson: I’m not getting out of his way!

Jack: Let them through, come on!

(the boats are getting close to one another)

Pacey: Get off our line!!

Will: Move over!

Mitch: If you don’t we’re gonna run into the dock.

Jack: Dawson, come on!

(Pacey waves madly)

Pacey: Give us room!!

(the boats get closer and closer and are just about to collide when True Love veers off just before the finish line)

Announcer: Oh my God. True Love with the right of way, changes course to avoid a collision. Carpe Diem does cross the line first.

Announcer # 2: Oh boy, there is gonna be a protest.

(On Carpe Diem Dawson holds his cap high in the air and smiles joyously)

Announcer: (to man standing next to him) I’m sure that is a disqualification.

Announcer: "Mischief" is approaching to be the second, and unfortunately, True Love, they’ll finish a distant fifth.

(Cut to the docks – Joey is storming down towards Dawson’s boat – Pacey is ripping off his gear and looking very angry – Dawson approaches Joey smiling)

Dawson: We won!

Joey: (really angry) No you didn’t, Dawson, you lost.

Dawson: What?

Joey: (raised voice) If you knew a little bit more about sailing you would know that you got disqualified.

(Pacey arrives and stands right in front of Dawson)

Pacey: (yelling) Your nearly killing me!

Dawson: (incredulous) What, I got disqualified?

Pacey: (scathing) Oh, I got a couple more words for what you are.

Dawson: OK, let’s not forget who started this, Pacey. You’re the one who said you wanted—

Joey: OK, stop. The both of you, stop this. I’m not some damned trophy.

Pacey: (yelling) No, Jo, let’s not forget who started this, OK. Let’s not forget who pushed me towards Joey Potter in the first place. (to Dawson) It was you!

(Dawson goes to protest but Pacey cuts him off)

Pacey: Yes! It was you who couldn’t be bothered—

Dawson: (starts to yell as well) Because I didn’t want to get hurt again, Pacey! I still had feelings for her, I still loved her! (Joey just looks at Dawson and Pacey and shakes her head) I– I (speaks in normal tone) I still love her.

Joey: I... I hate this. I hate all of this. God, I hate you for kissing me and forcing me to figure out what it all means, Pacey. And I hate you Dawson, for– for forcing me to make a choice between our friendship and what I might have had with him. And I hate myself. I mean, I wish we could go back to the way it was, I wish I could take it all back, but I can’t. Nothing is worth going through all this. No one person is worth this. Neither one of you, and especially not me.

(Joey storms off)

Pacey: (to Dawson) Are you happy now?

(Pacey walks off back to his boat – Dawson stands alone for a moment and then goes after Joey)

* * * * *

(Joey walks along the docks crying – she sits against the handrail – Dawson approaches and stands next to her)

Dawson: (speaks softly) I’m glad he kissed you.

Joey: (wipes tears with the back of her hand) Well that makes one of us.

Dawson: I’m glad he kissed you because it forced me to deal with notion of losing you, Joey. And I can’t. I can’t lose you. Not now, not ever.

Joey: Dawson, I’m no good for you. I mean, look at the way you behaved today.

Dawson: I behaved the way that I did today because I was threatened.

Joey: (confused) What are you talking about?

Dawson: Honestly? I’m just trying to be the kind of guy you want.

Joey: What kind of a guy is that?

Dawson: (sighs) Well... the one who beat up a bully, and bought you a wall...

Joey: That’s not you.

Dawson: No. (shrugs shoulders) No, it’s not, Joey. I– I’ve– I’ve just been trying to show you how much I want you instead of just telling you.

Joey: You don’t want me, Dawson. You said it yourself, you just don’t want to lose me.

Dawson: Of course I don’t want to lose you, Joey, I– I want you more than I ever have.

Joey: If you really felt that way about me Dawson, then you would realise that the last thing that I need right now is another person with romantic intentions for me.

Dawson: (nods) OK. What do you need? (Joey doesn’t respond) Jo, what do you need? I will do anything. I am willing to do anything.

Joey: I need a friend. Someone who will be there for me without any agenda. (pauses) The person that you used to be.

Dawson: Then– Then I’ll be there for you. (Joey turns her head) Let me prove it to you. Let me show you.

(Joey looks at him but doesn’t respond)

Dawson: Joey?

(Joey turns and walks away)

Dawson: Jo?

* * * * *

(Train station at night – Will and Pacey sit on the steps)

Announcer: Train from (name?) to (name?) now departing on Track 10.

(Pacey and Will both stand)

Pacey: Well, that’s you, man. Will, be safe, man.

(they embrace)

Will: I’ll do my best. So, any advice?

Pacey: Yeah, you know, avoid public nudity, stay off drugs, try not to murder anybody, the obvious stuff. And one last thing... don’t sleep with any of your teachers. Believe me, it never works out as well as you think.

Will: (smiles) Witter words of wisdom. Priceless. (pauses) Here’s some for you. Don’t give up.

Pacey: Give up?

Will: On true love. It always wins in the end.

Pacey: Hey, be good, man.

(Will enters the train station and waves)

* * * * *

(Jen’s bedroom – Jen sits on her bed with earphones – Grams knocks and then enters – Jen realises and takes the earphones off)

Jen: You may not respect many of the decisions I have made, but the least you could do is respect my privacy.

Grams: I– I just– I just wanted to... (holds out an old dress of Jen’s)... to bring you this.

Jen: (tiredly) Why are you giving this to me?

Grams: I have been doing a great deal of reflection, looking through old photographs, and I came across this dress packed away in a box.

Jen: (looks at the dress then puts it aside) It’s packed in a box for a reason. It’s not my style.

Grams: (sits on the bed) I know. Just looking at it reminds me of how much you’ve grown up. When you first came here to live, you were still a child.

Jen: And now?

Grams: Now you know more. You’ve become a beautiful, poised, confident, mature young woman, who isn’t afraid to risk her heart. (speaks slowly) I think you finally believe, after all this time, that you really do deserve to be loved.

Jen: What are you saying?

Grams: I’ve seen the affection you have for Henry and the affection he has for you.

Jen: (begins to protest) Grams—

Grams: And I’m not so old that I don’t remember how truly difficult it is wait when you’ve found someone who gives you the love you so much deserve.

Jen: Grams—

Grams: And I know you think you know all about the birds and the bees. But what I want to talk to you about is not only the joy of sex, but the responsibility of birth control—

Jen: Grams, Henry and I didn’t have sex, OK? I– I mean, we– we literally slept together, but, um... we didn’t have sex.

Grams: (relief washes over her face to the point that she looks like she’s about to cry) You don’t know how glad I am to hear you say that.

Jen: Now that you know what really happened, do you still mean the stuff you just said?

Grams: (with conviction) Every word of it.

(Grams holds out her arms and they hug)

* * * * *

(Leery restaurant – Gale lights candles at a table – there are no customers – Mitch enters)

Mitch: I thought there was a private party tonight?

Gale: There is... ours. (she motions to the table which is set for two)

Mitch: What’s going on?

Gale: Well, I thought about what you said about what’s been happening around here lately, and I decided that we should have dinner, and figure a few things out.

Mitch: (walks towards Gale) But what about business? Our customers? This is an important weekend for us.

Gale: You’re more important. You always were. You always will be.

(Mitch just stands still, words escaping him)

Gale : (smiles nervously) Aren’t you going to say something?

Mitch: (walks up close to Gale) I was just trying to find the words.

(they embrace and kiss)

* * * * *

(Joey stands before her blank wall in overalls and paint tin in hand – Pacey walks up and taps her on the shoulder)

Pacey: Hey.

Joey: (turns, surprised) Hey.

Pacey: You thought I was Dawson?

Joey: No, I just didn’t—

Pacey: Maybe a better question would be did you want me to be Dawson?

(Joey gives him a "don’t start now" look)

Pacey: I’m sorry, I take that back.

(an awkward pause ensues)

Joey: Well, the lease is gonna be up soon.

Pacey: I’ll renew it again if you wanted me to.

Joey: (considers this for a moment) Oh, I dunno Pacey... I don’t wanna give it up, it’s just I don’t feel like I’m ready to...

Pacey: Paint?

Joey: (pauses) Yeah.

Pacey: (sighs) I gotta be honest with you, Jo (pauses) I really thought after the way he behaved today that you’d love him less, but you don’t, do you? If anything, you just love him more.

Joey: (shakes her head) Pacey, please don’t make this any harder than it is.

Pacey: OK. OK. I just gotta ask one more question and then I’m gonna stop making this hard on both of us, I swear. If it weren’t for Dawson, could you ever love me like that?

Joey: Like what?

Pacey: Like a soul mate?

Joey: Pacey, please don’t make me choose this... don’t make me choose. I really think the best thing is is to just take a couple steps back, and...

Pacey: Yeah. (he begins to walk away and the stops and turns around) Hey Jo?

(Joey composes herself and gives him an expectant look)

Pacey: I’ll renew the lease first thing in the morning.

Joey: OK.

Pacey: And I understand. I do, I understand. There are no ultimatums here.

(Joey half smiles and nods before Pacey walks away)

* * * * *

(Capeside Docks – Pacey works on ripping free the "True Love" name off his boat – he finally does so and then tosses it in the water – a hand retrieves it – Andie walks up to Pacey holding "True Love" in her hands)

Andie: I have something I need to tell you.

Pacey: I already know you hate me, Andie. I just don’t think I could hear it tonight.

Andie: OK, look, could you just stop? I need to say something. (she walks over to Pacey and sits next to him) Look, I don’t hate you, OK? I have felt hurt and betrayed, and it would be really, really easy to turn all that anger into hate. I don’t want to carry around that burden, OK? It’s not the person that I want to be, and it’s not the person that I am, so I don’t hate you.

(there is a moment of silence)

Pacey: Thank you, Andie.

Andie: You know, hate is a pretty strong word, Pacey. (hands over the boat name) So is love.

* * * * *

(Dawson’s bedroom – Dawson sits at his desk by a pink lava lamp, writing – he looks up as Joey enters his window carrying a video)

Joey: Does the invitation still stand?

Dawson: (stands) Yeah. Yeah, of course.

(Joey hands him the video)

Dawson: E.T?

(Joey just shrugs)

Dawson: After everything that’s happened, this is what you rented?

Joey: I thought it was time to see it again.

Dawson: You always said this movie was sad and depressing, remember?

Joey: I just feel like watching something tonight with an ending that I know like that back my hand.

Dawson: (putting the tape in the VCR) Remember when E.T turns to Elliot and says "I’ll be right here"?

(Joey lays on her stomach on Dawson’s bed facing the TV – Dawson sits on the end of the bed next to her)

Joey: Hmm. Right now, those are some of the comforting words in the world.

(Dawson also lays on his stomach hands under chin watching the movie – Joey sneaks a glance at Dawson – Dawson then sneaks a glance at Joey)

* * * * *