Joey woke up around four in the morning. She was about to get up quickly, but found that there was an arm wrapped around
her. She turned slightly to see who it was...to make sure it wasn't a dream. It was Dawson. He had wrapped his arm on her side
while he was asleep. He probably thinks I am Jen, she thought glumly. She moved his arm and got off the bed. She moved to
the window sill and placed her shoes on there. As she did she starred at Dawson while he slept. Just like when he returned from
his trip with the guys, he looked peaceful, and almost angelic. She found it hard to leave him, she just wanted to walk up to him
and kiss him on the forehead. Why don't I?, she thought. She got up, and walked toward him. She bent down and kissed him
on the forehead lightly, and quickly turned around and left through the window.
Dawson had felt the bed move, but he didn't wake up. His dream was one of the nicest he had ever had. And it was because
Jen wasn't in it. The dream had Joey and himself on the beach chasing each other, laughing, having a blast! They had fallen
on each other, Joey on top of him, and he swore to himself that when she kissed him on the forehead in his dream, it was more
like in reality. He opened his eyes, but no one was there. Joey had left. But was the kiss from Joey a dream or did she really kiss
his forehead?
Joey had picked up her stuff from the house, without waking up her nephew. She changed into a black tank top, and black
jeans. She grabbed her jean jacket, backpack, and left the house. By the time she was done and left the house it was around
seven. She decided to walk to the ruins to think before going to school. To clear her head.
Dawson woke up this morning feeling a little feverish, but he thought it was just from a nightmare or something. He took a
shower, and felt a little better. He missed Joey, and yet he couldn't figure out why? When just recently all he could think about
was Jen? When Dawson reached the school campus he spotted Pacey walking in to the school building. Dawson yelled Pacey's
name, and ran to catch up to him. "Hey Pacey." Dawson said, adjusting his backpack on his shoulder. "Hey Dawson. So, how
was your night with Joey, huh?" he said sarcastically, but serious. Pacey gave Dawson a wry smile. "What are you talking
about, Pacey?" Dawson was confused. It wasn't a secret to Pacey that Joey comes over most nights to watch movies with him,
but how, if he did, know about Joey spending the night? And why did he think anything happened? "Jen told me she didn't
leave till this morning. So...." they had reached Pacey's locker by this time, and he was in the process of opening the lock.
"Nothing, Pacey. We watched a couple movies, and she fell asleep. Considering the always waking up to a screaming nephew, I
couldn't wake her up and go home to that. So she spent the night. That's all." he insisted. "Okay, pal. I believe you. But tell me
one thing..." Pacey asked leaning up against his locker after closing it. "What?" "Were you disappointed that she fell asleep?"
Dawson was stumped. He couldn't answer the question, because the for the millionth time. Pacey asked him a question he
wasn't sure of the answer. Was he? "Hey, Dawson?" Pacey said this time completely serious. "You don't look so hot today.
Maybe your sick or something?" "No, I am okay Pace. I just have a lot on my mind." Dawson said, smiling. "Really, I am
ok."
Jen walked up to Joey in the hallways at lunch. Joey was trying to be friends with her, but knew how much she meant to
Dawson, found it hard to do. "Hi, Jen." Joey said nicely. "Hey, Joey. So, what happened between you and Dawson last
night?" she said with a smile. "Nothing, Jen. Not that its any of your business if something did. And why do you ask...were
you spying on us last night, Jen?" Joey stopped, turning to face her. "No, Joey. I just asked cause when I got up this morning
I saw you climbing out of his window in your school clothes from yesterday." Jen said. "Well, for your information....Nothing
happened. And if I hear around school anything else...I will blame you. Kay?" Joey said turning walking away. Joey spotted
Dawson leaving the school building. That's strange, she thought. Dawson's not the type to ditch school. Joey looked around
making sure Jen was no where to be seen, and ran after him. She had to make sure he was alright.
Joey followed him to his house. He looked completely out of it. He must have a lot on his mind. Or he's sick. She climbed the
ladder and waited for Dawson to come to his room. When he never did, she climbed down, and walked into the house. She shut
the door behind her, and dropped her school bag to the floor. She yelled his name, and went from room to room. She found
him sitting in the living room. He was sweating badly, and she knew she had to get him to his room. She walked over to him,
and picked him up, luckily he was awake enough to walk easily enough to his room. She laid him on his bed, and she took off
his shoes, and placed a blanket over him. She told him she'd be right back, and went to get a wet wash cloth. While she in the
bathroom she looked for a thermometer. When she found one, she went back to his room. Joey placed the thermometer in his
mouth and took his temperature. It read 102 degrees. She dabbed the wash cloth on his forehead and around his face, finally
leaving the cloth on his forehead. She went downstairs and called Bessie, told her where she was, and why she wasn't at school.
She tried reaching Dawson's mom and dad, but she couldn't get in touch with either of them. Joey returned to Dawson's room.
"Well, Dawson I guess its just you and me until your parents get home." She said sitting down in the chair next to his bed. "I
won't leave you, not until this fever is gone. I promise."
All day long, in all Dawson's classes, all he could do was think about Joey. Why Joey? When not too long ago it was Jen he was
fantasizing about. It was a good thing none of his teachers called on him today. He wouldn't have responded to them in the
slightest. What was wrong with him? Was Pacey right after all? Did have more than friendship feelings for Joey? Did he love her?
If he did, why didn't he realize it sooner? He knew the answer to that. It was because of Jen. She came to town and changed
everything. Everything that it but his friendship with Joey, and Pacey. He just never got the chance to explore his feelings for Joey
better. Any possible thoughts that he might love her were pushed to that back of his mind when he saw Jen. So, he doesn't even
know if Joey loves him? Why was he so interested who Joey loves? The day in detention, when Abby wanted to play Truth or Dare,
Pacey asked Joey who she liked, or loved for that matter? It had sparked his attention, and was slightly relieved when she didn't
answer. But then Pacey dared Joey and him to kiss...and to his surprise he had a serious reaction to it. He had liked it, a lot...and
he had forgotten about Jen when he was kissing Joey. It was almost like they were alone in the room. There was some serious
thought and feelings to sort through, and he had to find the answers to them before he went insane. Joey kissed him the night of
the beach party, and his reaction was one of shock, yes...but he was affected by it more than that. Maybe Pacey is right....maybe he
does love her, and she does love him.
It was the end of the school day, and Dawson was outside waiting for Joey. Jen had come and gone through the big doors to the
high school. Pacey also had come and gone. Dawson wanted to hang out with Joey. He was hoping she would agree to go see a
movie with him or something later. He wasn't really in the mood to see his mom and dad try to sort through their feelings again
tonight. Joey was one of the last people out. He stood up, and walked right into her path. "Dawson...Hi? What's up?" Joey was
shocked to see him waiting for her. Usually he walked with Jen, or Pacey. Or by himself. They began walking side by side.
"Nothing, I was just wondering if you would like to escape from your nephew for awhile tonight, and for a little while now?"
Dawson said smiling at her. "Well, sure. I could stand a little time away from that Rosemary Child....(laughs)." Dawson laughs as
well. They start walking toward the Icehouse, instead of to his house. "What did you have him mind for tonight, Dawson?" she
asked with curiosity. "You'll have to trust me. Do you trust me? That I can make tonight a night to remember? One filled with
laughs and a fun time?" he asked her, stopping. And staring at her with a smile. "Yes, Dawson. I trust you. You know that." Joey
said...but with a little hesitancy in her voice. "Great. C'mon. let's go get something to drink." he smiled, glad that maybe tonight he
can settle this matter on his feelings for Joey. Once and for all.
Joey and Dawson had walked around their fair little town for a couple hours, until she realized she had some homework to do
before this evening. He had some to do as well, but some things that wasn't homework as well. She was getting curious by the
minute as to what was going on inside that head of his. Usually she could read it just fine, but today was different. He walked her
home, and he took a rowboat to his house. She stared after him as he walked away, and she slowly walked inside the house to face
an angry mother. She had to run to work, and she needed Joey to watch Alex for a while. She ran out of the house without letting
Joey answer. The door slam woke up Alex, and Joey groaned as she walked up to the cradle. She rocked it lightly as she told the
baby of Snow White. All the while though her thoughts were on Dawson, and what his plans were for tonight.
Joey's question on what Dawson was up to was slightly answered when she received a call from Dawson saying to dress nice, but
not formal. So. she enlisted Bessie's help to find something nice in her closet to wear. Bessie couldn't find anything that was right
for Joey, so she got a nice sunflower dress from her closet for Joey to wear. It had fit her perfectly, Bessie told her to keep it, she
was never gonna fit into it again any ways. Bessie also gave Joey a pair of nice semi- formal dress shoes. Bessie did her hair, she
pulled back in a half pony-tail, with two strands of curly hair on the side of her face, framing it. She had placed a touch of
make-up on her face. Barely visible, is what Bessie said, and that's just what Joey was going for. Bessie had wanted to do her
make-up too, but Joey wanted to do that. She felt like she was playing house or something. Dressing up wasn't one of her
specialties. She sat in the front room when she was done waiting for Dawson to come pick her up. "I am gonna meet him
halfway..."Joey said out loud to her sister, Bessie sitting across from her reading a romance novel. Joey was halfway to the door
when the doorbell rang. "Speak of the devil...." Bessie mumbled under her breath, but Joey heard her. "Dawson anything but a
devil, Bes." Joey opened the door to see Dawson holding a single white rose in his right hand. The rose was beautiful, it had red on
the tip of the flower. Dawson was dressed nicely. A plain white shirt, and jeans. He looked very handsome in the moonlight.
"Ready,..." Dawson said handing her the flower. "Yeah...huh....see ya later Bessie." Joey said walking through the door into
Dawson waiting arm. "Have fun!" they heard Bessie yell as the door closed behind them. "This is beautiful, Dawson. But you
didn't have to." Joey said taking his hand. "I know, but I wanted to Joey." Dawson said. His feelings for Joey was becoming quite
clear as the night went on. Especially when he saw her in her sun-flower dress. Even Jen couldn't beat Joey in a beauty contest
tonight.
They went to see the recent movie playing in the theater first. The theater was empty except them. Joey felt like they were on the
sci-fi show where they critiqued the movies they watched. Dawson had a good laugh with her on that. They spoke out loud, and no
one was there to tell them to be quite. All they needed was a third person....but they both disagreed on that after Dawson said it.
Even though Joey said Pacey could be that third person. They left the theater around nine o'clock, and heard on a stereo ahead of
them "Overload" by Zappacosta. It was off of Dirty Dancing. A lot of teenagers were dancing to it. Dawson pulled her with him,
and had them join in. Joey couldn't help but laugh as they started dancing. She felt so silly, but Dawson was laughing too. When
the song was over, everyone that had participated clapped, and left as the car pulled away with the stereo. Dawson and Joey walked
away from the corner where the car was. They walked to the pier, the very place where Joey stood and watched Dawson slow
dance with Jen for the first time. They stood against the railing and looked at the water beneath them. The water was a dead
calm, but very peaceful. There was a full moon out, and Dawson saw Joey starring up at it every once awhile. He took her hand,
and started walking toward a ice cream cart. The guy was about to close up, and he told them they caught him just in time.
Dawson got them a one scoop come with chocolate ice cream. They walked away, thanking the man, and laughing as they ate their
ice cream. Dawson had gotten ice cream on his nose, and Joey wiped it off laughing. They Laughed and joked about their night so
far. Why they had joined in on the dancing on the corner. And about the movie. Dawson told her there was one more thing tonight,
and they started walking toward the ruins. The ruins was beautiful tonight. The stars were shining their brightest, and Joey at
down on one of the benches as Dawson walked away. Joey starred after him, until he disappeared. She wanted to ask him what he
was up to, but knew he wouldn't tell her. When he returned he had a stereo in his hands. He sat it down on the other bench, and
started the tape that was inside the machine. The song that began was "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley and
Jennifer Warnes--the love theme to Dirty Dancing. He held out his hand and she took it, at the same time standing up, and walking
into his arms. They began to slow dance at the beginning, then they started dancing somewhat like they did in the movies. They just
let go. Every song after that was more or less slow. "It's been a Dirty Dancing kind a night. Almost every song we have heard
tonight has been from that movie, ya know it Dawson?" Joey said. "Yeah, I have." he looked down at her in his arms, and asked
her the question he's been waiting to ask her. "How has tonight been, Joey? Have you had fun? Was tonight memorable for you?"
More things happened tonight than he had planned on, but fun things none the less. "Yeah, I did Dawson. And it has been very
memorable. Thanks, Dawson," she said her head lying against his shoulder. "But can I ask what brought this on? I mean...this
was more like something you would have done with a girlfriend Dawson." "I know, that is why." he said. "What?" she was
confused and she pulled away slowly. At the same time she stopped dancing. "You have always been my girlfriend, Joey. Jen
made me realize that. Well, her and Billy. I realized if I lost you.....It would be hell on earth Joey. I need you in my life. Always.
Your my better half." he brushed the side of her face with his left hand. Along her cheek, and the strand of hair. "What are you
saying Dawson?" Joey asked, she thought she knew, but wanted to hear him say it. She needed to hear him say the words. " What
I am trying to say to you Joey is that...I love you. Always have." Dawson said. This time he didn't wait for a response from her. He
kissed her, gently on the lips. And to his happiness she responded by kissing him back. She wrapped her hands behind his neck,
and his arms went around her waist. "I love you too, Dawson Leery!" Joey said when she pulled away from the kiss. That made
Dawson smile, and he kissed her again. This time he started to slow dance at the same time. The night was a total success. And
Pacey was sure gonna throw it in his face when he finds out that he does love Joey, while the whole time he refused to admit it to
himself.
They began walking and realized they were closer to his house. Dawson looked at his watch and saw it was nearly midnight. They
had so much fun they lost track of time. They discussed it, and said it would be easier to go to his house for the night. She'd spend
the night, like last night. She'd call Bessie tomorrow and explain. Main reason was she didn't want to wake Alex. They walked to
Dawson's and he climbed in through his bedroom window first, she followed close behind him. Dawson set the alarm clock for
noon, when he turned around to face Joey, she was lying on the bed already asleep. But this night she had a smile on her face. He
smiled at her, and moved up on the bed to his pillow. He kissed her on the lips, whispered good-night. And turned over on his side.
He turned the light off, and fell asleep.
Dawson woke up, and looked at his alarm clock. It read seven in the evening. He turned over on his bed, and found it was all a
dream. That would have explained how he knew what Joey was doing when he wasn't there. He was covered up, and had a wash
cloth on his forehead. What was going on here? How....before he could ask himself that, he saw Joey walk into the room with a
glass of water. "Hey, sleepy head." Joey said setting the glass on the side of the bed. She helped him sit up a little bit, then she
handed him the glass to drink. "Why are you here, Joey? What happened today?" Dawson said taking a sip of the water. "You
don't remember?" she asked. "No, fill me in on what you can...please?" Dawson asked. "Dawson, you left school early. During
Lunch. I followed you home to make sure you were alright, because I know you. You don't ditch school. So, I helped you up to
your room, laid you down, covered you up, and took your temperature. It was 102, Dawson!! I tried calling your parents, but I
couldn't reach them. So I stayed here to take care of you." "You ditched school to make sure I was alright?" Dawson said
surprised. "Of course. After all you are my best friend Dawson Leery." she said, standing up. "And besides, I care about you."
she heard the door shut downstairs. "Be right back." she left the room. She cares about me?? Dawson repeated in his mind. He
couldn't believe it. Maybe his feelings weren't apart of the dream. Maybe he does care about her as well. Maybe he does love
her, and the dream helped him to uncover his true feelings. The dream might have been triggered by the temperature, but he bet
the feelings were from his heart. "Your parents are home, Dawson. I told Bessie I'd be home when they got here, or a little past.
Do you want me to stay? Or do I go home?" she asked him from the doorway. "Stay...please Jo. I could use the company."
Dawson said smiling. "Okay, but you are staying in bed, Dawson Leery. That's an order." she said in a sarcastic-but- stricken
voice. "Okay, captain." he said laughing. She left smiling. And he knew how he really felt for the first time this year. He knew
who he really loved. It was Joey. Josephine "Joey" Potter. His longtime best-friend. "Okay, so do you want to watch a movie?"
Joey said walking into the room. "Yeah...you pick it." Dawson said. "Okay,....she gazed over the movies, and knew the exact
one that would make him happy. She took it out of the case, and put it back making sure he didn't know what it was. "This
should make you happy." "Tell me, Jo." he said laughing. "What is it?" "Just wait and see." she popped it into the VCR, and
pushed play. He fast forwarded through the previews, and knew what it was instantly. "ET!!" he said. "But we watched this
already. Just yesterday." "Are you complaining? Cause I could easily eject the tape, and put in another one." she said walking
toward the VCR. "No, I am not. I just didn't think you would want to watch it again that's all." he said. "Thanks, Joey." "No
problem."
Joey covered Dawson up again, and stopped the tape. She pushed rewind, and turned the TV off. Dawson had fallen asleep at
the beginning of Jurassic Park. She took his temperature again, it was almost back to normal. It was now 99 degrees. She could
go home now. She told him she'd stay until he fell asleep, or the fever broke. And they both happened at the same time. But he
had told Bessie, she wasn't sure when she'd be back. So to entertain herself she turned the TV back on, and started Dirty
Dancing. She wanted to hear the music, and watch Patrick Swayze. But in the place of Patrick was Dawson, and Jennifer Grey
was her. But only in her dreams would Dawson Leery ever dance like that with her any ways. She turned off the lights in
Dawson's room, so that it looked as if they were both asleep to his parents. But she was not likely to fall asleep for awhile. She
wished she knew what Dawson was dreaming about, about her maybe? Probably not. But she knew her dreams would be with
him. That was a given. Joey got up from the chair, and walked to the side of the bed. She laid down, and watched the movie
from there. Close to the end....Joey fell asleep. Her head very close to falling on Dawson's shoulder.
Joey was dreaming of the movie Dirty Dancing. Like she thought before she fell asleep, Dawson was Patrick Swayze, and she
was Jennifer Grey. They were dancing at the end of the movie. She was loving this dream, and hoped she didn't wake up soon.
Both asleep...Dawson grows closer to Joey, and Joey moves closer to Dawson's shoulder. Dawson turns his head to the
direction that Joey is lying. He feels her head touch his, and he moves her head up with a nudge of his shoulder. Their lips are
only inches apart....Dawson moves in closer, and he kisses her. Joey kisses back, as Dawson's hand touches her face lightly. The
kiss ends, and Joey turns over her back to Dawson.