They started through the airport following the signs to get to their gate. They heard the last boarding call for their flight and started running. They made it just as they were about to close the door. They got the last two seats that were by the window. Dawson sat next to the window, while Joey placed her bag above their heads, and then she sat next to him smiling.
"Well, how was this trip for you?" Joey asked Dawson.
"It was great." he said smiling, and taking her hand. "But it wouldn't have been if you didn't come with me."
"I wouldn't have let you come here without me, Dawson." she said smiling. "I would have been home wondering what you were doing every minute of the day. I would have been calling your hotel until I annoyed you."
"You couldn't annoy me Joey." he said leaning over and kissing her.
"Same with you..." she said. She laid her head on his shoulder, and closed her eyes. Dawson laid his head on hers, but kept his eyes open. He was definitely ready to tell Pacey, Jen, and everyone in the world that Joey and him were together. And he knew they would be together forever.
Pacey stood outside Jen's house. He was picking her up to go get Dawson and Joey from the airport. She went home instead of staying at his house the other night. Even though she was scared that Eric might come after her, she was sure her grandma wouldn't have liked her staying over at Pacey's...and he knew his parents wouldn't have liked that either.
"See you later, Grams." Jen called after her as she came through the front door.
"Ready to go pick up our friends?" Pacey asked as they walked to his car.
"Absolutely." she said walking to the passenger side of the car.
"Are you called in for missing school?" Pacey asked as he got into the car.
"Yeah, it took a lot to convince Grams that I wasn't missing anything today, but she finally caved in." she said smiling as she buckled up.
"Good, my folks knew why I had to miss school, and knew it was legit, so they called me in as well." he said starting the car.
"So," Jen said looking over at Pacey. "Are we gonna wait to tell Dawson and Joey, or are we going to just come out and tell them over lunch?"
Pacey was on the main rode heading toward town. All the kids were in school, so there weren't many cars on the rode. At least not until they reached the busy streets.
"I was thinking we just go up to them and say 'Welcome home? What did you win? And oh...by the way, Eric might be trying to kill you Dawson. And kidnap you Joey. So, what do you want to do for lunch?'" he said, looking at Jen for a minute, smiling.
"That is what you want to do?" she said, trying not to laugh.
"Yeah, I mean...we are gonna tell them any ways right?" he said, smiling.
"Yeah, we have to." Jen said, finally letting out a laugh. "But not like that. I mean they will be like 'What are you talking about?' We have to talk to them somewhere we can sit down and explain things to them."
"I know, I know..." he said making a left turn into the airport.
Eric was waiting at the airport. He was sitting in the waiting section, and was reading a magazine. He looked up every few minutes to see if the plane had landed. He had to watch their every move, and plan the perfect way to snatch his 'prize' and make his escape to the cabin. He was reading the Time Magazine that someone had left behind. There was an article on murders by children's fathers. It brought back memories of his sister's murder, her funeral, and his undying promise that someday he would make his father pay for killing her. In the end it was his father that brought his world to a crash and burn. He had to hand in it, and would never be charged with a crime. Hopefully, no one would even think that he could kill someone in cold blood. But he knew everyone thought he was capable to do something like that, everyone but his sister. And Joey reminded him of his sister a lot. She trusted him, and was his friend. She was threatened by him, and he was comfortable to be himself around her.
He will get her away from Dawson Leery. No one will stop him from doing that. No One.
Dawson and Joey grabbed their bags, and started out of the airplane. The people were slow getting out, but Dawson didn't mind being squished next to Joey. They finally got freed from the crowd as they entered the airport to Capeside. Joey placed her suitcase down, and Dawson placed the bags down. They were both looking for Pacey. Joey was looking at the left, and Dawson was looking at his right and in front of them.
"There he is," Joey said pointing. "And Jen's with him."
"Well, I guess we can tell them now then. Kill two birds with on stone?" he said sarcastically. Joey picked up her bag, and Dawson picked up his and the outfits.
They walked up to each other. Joey noticed that Pacey and Jen had something on their minds. It was written all over their faces. The only thing that might have thrown her off a little was their smiles.
"Hey, you guys." Jen said, smiling.
"So, did you have any fun in good ol' Boston?" Pacey asked, smiling. "Huh?"
"We had fun." Dawson said smiling.
"Here let me help you with those bags, Dawson?" Pacey said, taking them away from him.
"Come on we have to talk to you guys." Jen said, starting to walk away.
"Follow her..." Pacey said, moving his head in her direction. He started to follow her.
"What is with them?" Dawson said, taking Joey's bag from her. Dawson took Joey's hand in his, and started to walk after them.
"I wish I knew, Dawson." she said, confused.
"Well, we can tell them over lunch, ok?" he said.
"Yeah, after they explain to us why they are acting so weird." she said.
Eric wrinkled up the magazine in his hands as he saw Dawson take Joey's hand. He threw the magazine down in the chair next to him. He stood up, and started walking after them. He knew they would be getting into Pacey's car and taking off back to town. So he would have to get his car, and meet them at the intersection. He took off in the opposite direction and started running. He looked like a blur running in his black clothes. He ran out the doors to the airport, and toward the visitors parking lot on the ground level. He ran up to his black motorcycle, and pulled it out of the parking space. He slipped his leg over the right side, put his helmet on, and started the bike up. He took off, and saw Pacey getting into his car. Eric smiled and waited till he saw which way he went, and followed him. He would stay a safe distance behind...after all, Pacey wouldn't think he was following him. His smile widened at the thought that every minute, was another minute closer to being with Joey again.
Pacey drove to the Icehouse, and pulled into the parking lot. Pacey got out first, and met Jen. They walked ahead of them, and chose a table close to the very back of the restaurant. It was secluded and far from anyone overhearing their conversation. Dawson and Joey followed the, but they were getting more suspicious of what was going on with those two as the day continued.
"So," Dawson said sitting down next to Pacey. "Mind telling me and Joey why you have been acting so strange?"
"Yeah, you've been acting extremely strange since you picked us up from the airport...even strange for you Pacey." Joey said sitting down next to Jen.
"Well, it has to do with Eric." Jen said. She felt outward, but was positive she had to tell Joey and Dawson.
"What about Eric?" Joey asked, confused.
"Well," Pacey said entering the conversation. "We suspect," he emphasized the word, while he looked at Jen, then back to Joey. "That Eric might be a little wacky in the head."
"Okay, explain?" Dawson said. He was getting interested.
"Well," Jen said. "We don't have any proof, ok? I admit that. But I swear to you, Dawson. I don't like him. I am sure he wants to get Joey back, and he will do anything to accomplish that."
"Basically, yeah." Pacey said, sitting back in his chair.
"Okay, and we are to believe this because..." Joey asked, skeptical.
"Well, because he tied me up in his attic, and hit me over the head. He gagged me, and blindfolded me..." Jen said, almost yelling, but controlled her voice so that they didn't attract any attention.
"Is that true, Pacey?" Dawson asked.
"Yeah, and he lied about his sister. She died by her father's hand at the age of fifteen. He was fourteen at the time. His parents are also dead. His dad killed himself, and his mother in the process." Pacey said.
"But why would he lie to me about his family?" Joey asked them.
"We don't know, but I would watch your back, Joey." Jen said. "He can't be trusted."
"Well, I'll keep that in mind. But," she said smiling at Dawson. "On to another subject."
"Yeah," Dawson said smiling back at her.
"What?" Pacey said, leaning in. "I think we could use a happy topic."
"Well," Dawson said taking in a breath. "We have something to say..." he looked at Joey, then back at them. "Why don't I just show you?" he said, smiling. He pulled Joey close, and kissed her. Joey was taken by surprise, but kissed him back. She didn't mind the demonstration.
"Wow..."Jen said. "So does this mean you two are an item?"
"Hmmummm..." Joey said smiling, still a little light headed from the kiss. She looked at them.
"Well, its about time. That's all I have to say." Pacey said, smiling.
"Thanks, Pacey." Joey said.
"Yeah, you were right all along Pacey." Dawson said, smiling. "And I guess I was in denial."
"You guess?" Pacey said, stunned.
"Ok, I was." Dawson said, smiling.
"So, this is great news." Jen said, putting a fake smile on. "I am truly happy for you two." she lied.
"Thanks, Jen." Dawson said. "I wasn't sure how you would take it."
"Yeah, he was. But that's Dawson," Joey said. "All Heart."
"Well, what did you win, Dawson?" Pacey asked.
"He won for Best plot," Joey said.
"Best cast, and Best Director." Dawson finished.
"You won THREE awards?!" Pacey exclaimed. "That's great man!"
"Thanks, Pacey." Dawson said.
"That is wonderful, Dawson. I am glad for you." she said, smiling.
"Thanks Jen." he said.
"Okay, I don't know about the love birds, or you Jen. But I saw we order something to eat." Pacey said signaling over a waitress.
"Yeah, I am a little hungry." Joey said.
Eric was siting on his motorcycle on the corner of the street. He sat there for awhile before deciding to park somewhere inconspicuous. He would wait in the shadows, so they wouldn't see him. He entertained the thoughts that ran through his head. His plan was foul proof, and he wasn't gonna make any mistakes. He couldn't afford to. This was his only shot, and he had to get it right first try. There would be no retakes. It wasn't like the movies, where there was a take until it was done just right. He got off the bike and moved it to the darkest corner that he could see Pacey's car from. And the easiest exit so he could follow them as soon as they left.
Dawson, he thought. This will be your last day to be with Joey. So, you better make it last. Cause the only place it will be remembered is in your mind. Unless you are a fool, and you try to find her. And if you succeed in finding her, to try and save her. Then, Dawson, I will have to kill you. And believe me...killing you will be a great pleasure.
His smile returned to his face, while he waited for the group of friends to leave the restaurant.
Pacey dropped Joey and Dawson off at Joey's house, and told them to call him later. Jen said goodbye, and Pacey took off. Dawson walked up to Joey's front door with her, and she unlocked the door. Joey walked in yelling for Bodie or Bess, but neither one replied.
"I guess they aren't home." she said, walking up to Dawson.
"Yeah," he said. He started to Joey's room, and sat her suitcase down.
"So, are you gonna come over to my place with me?" he said as he laid the outfits bag on her bed, and started to unzip it open.
"Yeah, after what Jen and Pacey said I don't think I want to be alone right now." Joey said wrapping her arms around her.
"Yeah," he said taking out her dress. "I can see why." He walked over to her closet, and hung it up for her. He turned around and saw her zipping the bag back up.
"So, are you thirsty?" Joey asked standing up, her hands going into her back pants pocket.
"Yeah," Dawson said smiling.
"Then I'll get us a drink, and then we can start to your house." she said walking out of the room.
Dawson followed her out of the room. He walked over to the counter, and stood up against it watching Joey reach into the refrigerator. She took out two cokes, and shut the refrigerator door behind her.
Joey turned and saw Dawson right behind her. She smiled and walked over to him, and handed him his coke. They opened them at the same time, and started into the living room. They sat down on the sofa that he laid her on when he brought her home drunk. He let out a slight laugh.
"What's so funny?" she asked, taking a sip of her coke.
"I was just remembering something..." he said smiling.
"What?" she asked, getting more curious.
"Do you remember that beach party at Cliff's?" he asked her, looking over at her.
"Yeah, and you ditching me for Jen. You didn't even say anything to me, you just took off with her to the beach," she said hitting him in the arm, jokingly.
"Yeah, and I am sorry about that, Joe. But do you remember anything else from that night?" he asked, hoping she would say yes.
"Sort of," she said, looking away from him. "I remember this tall guy with long blonde hair come up to me and offer me a drink. I remember he kept giving me a drink, and then Pacey coming up to me. He tried to get me to stop drinking and get away from the guy, but I wouldn't go. I was so out of it!!" she laughed.
"But do you remember anything else...?" he asked sitting on the edge of his seat. He sat down his drink on the table.
"It gets blurry after that." she said, pausing. "I remember I am lying on the sand and I see you. I said something like "you're here. You're my hero.' and you pick me up. You and Pacey bring me home. I tell Pacey to shut up..."she pauses, trying to think. "I remember lying on this couch, and then I don't remember anything." she said looking up at Dawson.
"Well, something else happened..." he said standing up. "But I want to make sure you don't recall what that was. It might have been a dream, maybe...do you remember any dreams after you blocked out?" Dawson asked.
"I remember a dream with you in it...but nothing special...why?" she asked standing up, and walking over to him.
"Well, you leaned up and kissed me." he said. "But after you kissed me you just turned over like nothing happened. I told Pacey that you might have mistook me for Brad Pitt or someone, but he was like 'she mistook you for nobody. That girl is 100%, in the clouds, ass backwards in love with you.' Or something like that, but I shook it off, telling him that he didn't know what he was talking about." Dawson finished. Walking back over to the couch. "He was right, huh?"
"Yeah, and I did dream that I kissed you. But I wasn't going to tell you." she said. Sitting down next to him on the couch. "Come on, Dawson. Let's start for your place." she said getting up.
"Yeah, let's go." he said standing up with her.
Eric watched Dawson and Joey enter Joey's home. He waited outside. He hide in the shadows, and just sat there on hi bike, watching...waiting. He knew they would be leaving soon to go to Dawson's house. And most likely she would leave to go home alone. If not alone, she would be offered a ride home. He would just stay here at her house and wait for her to come home, go to sleep, and then he would make his move. He turned around and walked to his bike on the street. He got on the bike, and started the engine. He would go home, get his supplies, and come back. Even if he had to kidnap Joey from Dawson's own room, he would do it.
He was gonna have Joey if it was the last thing he did.
Pacey took Jen home, and walked her to her front porch. Jen walked over to the couch and sat down. Pacey walked over with her, and sat next to her.
"Ya know, you don't have to worry anymore." Pacey said.
"Yeah, I do." Jen said, looking at him. She had concern on her face.
"Why?" Pacey said. "We told them what we knew, and they know not to trust Eric. What else could we have done?"
"I don't know, but I just feel like something is not right." She said, standing up, wrapping her arms around her. "I feel like something is just starting."
"Well, look..." Pacey said standing up. "If they aren't at school tomorrow, then we will worry, ok?" he said, turning her around.
"I don't want to be right Pacey." she said looking up at him. "I know, I don't want you to be right either. But if anything happens, we have to help each other. Ok?"
"I know." she said.
"Look I have to go home. And your grams might be worrying about you. After all this is a school night, and she already doesn't trust me...so..." he said, smiling.
"You're right. She might send out the police looking for me if I don't go inside." she said smiling back at him.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow." he said. For some reason he kissed her on the cheek and walked around her, down the steps to his car. He honked the horn twice after he left.
Jen walked inside, and found her grams asleep on the couch. Jen walked over to her and covered her up with the blanket on the couch. She kissed her cheek, and walked upstairs to her room.
Pacey drove home with thoughts of Jen on his mind. His date with Abby almost a blur, and he was starting to worry about his friends as well. Dawson, he knew, wouldn't let anything happen to Joey if he could prevent it. And if something does happen to Joey, he knows he will blame himself for not being there for her. That was just the type of guy his best friend was. He wished he could be more like that, because it seems girls like him more than they ever liked him. They always chose Dawson over him. Except for the older women, which deficit to say he wasn't all proud of. He did love Tamara, but it was something that was not to be. But what was he feeling for Jen? He was puzzled over these new feelings he was having for his best friend's ex-girlfriend. He drove all the way home, and thought about this till he fell asleep in his bed.
Dawson and Joey walked inside his house. His parents were in the living room, having a special moment, which Dawson wasn't going to interrupt. They walked to his room ever so quietly, and closed the door behind them. Dawson sat his suitcase by his closet, and hung up the outfit bag in his closet. Joey was sitting on his bed, and Dawson walked over, and sat next to her.
"So, do you want to stay here tonight? Or are you gonna walk home?" Dawson asked Joey.
"I think I'll ask your mom to take me home." she said. "If Eric is insane, I think I'd rather have your mom or dad drive me home, than me walking in the dark." she said smiling. "See what those scary movies did to me, they've made me afraid to walk home like I used to always do."
"Hey, the movies have nothing to do with it." he said holding up his hands like surrendering. "Those fears are there because of what Jen and Pacey told you and me today."
"Yeah, you're right." she said. "For once in your life." she laughed.
"Hey!" he said, surprised. "What was that comment for?"
"Sorry, I had to ad-lib a line..." she said hitting him with her side, jokingly.
"Well, something like this would have been better," he said, putting his hand behind her head, and the side of her face, and pulled her in for a kiss.
"Yeah," she said backing away slightly, "I can see why that would have been better."
"Would have been?" he said. "Let me try that again..." he said kissing her again. This time longer, and he felt her put her hands around his neck as they fell backwards on his bed.
"Yeah, that was a lot better. But..."she was stopped with another kiss from Dawson.
"Sorry, no rambling allowed. This is a script and we have to rehearse." he said smiling.
"Oh, yeah..." she said with a cocky smile. "Every line must be rehearsed to perfection."
"Exactly." he said, kissing her again. They heard a knock on his door, and they bolted up. Dawson wiping his mouth. "Come in." he said.
"Hey, honey." his mom said, walking in. Dawson stood up, and gave him a hug.
"Hi mom." he said hugging her back.
"So, where are the awards?" Mrs. Leery asked Dawson as she pulled away.
"They are in my suitcase." he said walking over to it.
"Except for the best director award..." Joey said. "It wouldn't fit into the suitcase so its now in mine. I'll bring it over tomorrow." she said smiling, and as she moved sideways on the bed.
"Oh, you won Three..." she said shocked as Dawson handed her the two that he had. "Honey, that's great!" she said, hugging him again.
"Mrs. Leery?" Joey asked.
"Yes, Joey?" she said looking at Joey after pulling out of the second hug with Dawson.
"Could you give me a ride home tonight? I am so tired." she said, standing up.
"Sure, just let me take these down and show your father Dawson." she said starting for the door. "Then I'll grab my coat, and take you home Joey." she said turning to face Joey.
"Okay, mom." Dawson said smiling.
"Thanks, Mrs Leery." Joey said. As Mrs. Leery walked out of sight.
"Well, I guess this is goodnight." Joey said walking up to Dawson.
"Yeah," he said smiling at her.
"Well, goodnight." she said leaning up to kiss him. "See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Joey." he said, taking her hand. "I love you."
"I love you too." she said smiling. She gave him another kiss, lightly on the lips, and walked out of his room.
Eric stood in the bushes waiting Joey's return. He really expected her to walk home. But she proved him wrong, she was returned to her house by - who he presumed to be- Dawson's mother. Joey got out, said something to her and started walking to the front door. The car didn't leave until after Joey had gone inside. Eric waited till all the lights in the house went out, except Joey's. He smiled, and like a cat hunting its prey, walked up slowly to the house. He went around to Joey's window, and stared in. He watched her turn on her radio, and the song "I Love You Always Forever" by Donna Lewis was just starting.
"Feels like...I'm standing in a Timeless Dream...
Of Light Mists...of pale amber rose
Feels like...I'm lost in a Deep Cloud of Heavenly Scent
Touching...Discovering You...
Those days...of Warm Rains come rushing back to me
Miles of windless...Summer Night Air...
Secret moments...shared in the heat of the afternoon
Out of the Stillness...
Soft spoken words..."
Eric watched Joey as she started to get dressed for bed. She took off her top, and changed into a sky blue short top. She then she took off her tennis shoes, socks, and jeans. She reached for her shorts, and put them on. She took her hair brush and started to brush her hair.
"You've got...the most unbelievable Blue Eyes I've ever seen
You've got...me almost Melting Away
As we Lay There...under a blue sky with Pure White Stars...
Exotic Sweetness...a magical time...
I Love You Always Forever Near and Far Closer Together
Everywhere I Will Be With You Everything I Do for You (Repeat)"
Eric moved away from the widow as Joey turned around, and started toward the window. Eric hid behind the bushes, and waited till Joey left. Joey opened up her window, and stood there for a while just starring at the stars. She had the widest smile on her face that Eric had ever seen. He could only guess she was thinking of 'him'. That made him tighten his fists. When she left, he opened his hand and saw blood start to trickle down his hand. He moved back to the window, and looked back in.
Joey turned off the radio when the song was almost over. She stretched a few times, and then moved her blankets so she could get into bed. She turned off her lamp, and got into bed, facing a picture of Dawson and her by her bed.
Eric left then, he walked around the house to the lake. He had rowed his boat there. He knew if he took one of their boats that they would just send out a search team around the lake to locate it. He had placed his bike back at his house, and came back to Joey's in the boat. He stayed in the shadows in front of the house so he would be certain when she got home. He got into the boat quietly, and went over to his duffle bags. He took the small one, and opened it. Inside were the handcuffs, the ammonia, rope, and his extra bullets for his guns. He took out the ammonia, and a handkerchief. He placed a little bit of the ammonia on the handkerchief, and laid it on the seat next to him. He placed the lid back on the ammonia, and started back to the house with the handkerchief in hand.
She was lying on her back when he returned to her window. He slowly climbed in through the window, she left conveniently open for him, and walked quietly over to her. He bent down and stared at her sleeping. She was so beautiful to him. And always would be. I hate to do this to you my sleeping beauty, he though as he placed the handkerchief over her mouth, but its the only way. He watched as she took a deep breath of the ammonia, and was definitely asleep now. He placed the handkerchief in his pocket of his coat. And moved the blanket off her. He wrapped her arm around his neck, and lifted her off the bed. He moved to the window, and climbed out the same way he had come in.
Without a sound he made his way to the boat dock, and got into the boat. He sat her down on the floor of the boat, and he sat down on the opposite end with the ores. He started to paddle his way away from Joey's house, and to the cabin. Soon they will be at the cabin, and his plan will have been accomplished perfectly.
Dawson woke up in the middle of the night like something had kicked him in the but to wake up. He felt like something was terribly wrong, but he didn't know what that could be. He sat up, and got out of bed. He wasn't wearing a shirt, but he had on his plaid pants. He walked over to the window, and looked outside. He stared at the stars, and saw they were shining their brightest tonight. He smiled thinking of Joey. He loved her so much.
Dawson walked over to the side of his bed, and picked up the picture of Joey and him from a few years ago. He smiled thinking of all the fun they had that day. He placed the picture back down, and laid back down on his bed. He starred at the ceiling for the longest time. He was trying to figure out why he woke up so suddenly. He couldn't figure it out...he fell back to sleep with thoughts of Joey.
The next morning Dawson woke up to the sound of his alarm. A sound he didn't miss while he was in Boston with Joey. He slammed his hand down on his alarm button turning the noise off. He got up and grabbed his towel to go and take a shower. He walked like a zombie to the bathroom. It wasn't until he got into the shower, and felt the water hitting his face that he started to wake up. He got out, wrapping the towel around him, and started back to his room.
He closed the door behind him, and walked over to the closet. He opened it, and took out his red sweater. He walked over to his dresser, and took out some clean socks, and under wear. He put the underwear on first, and took the towel, and rubbed his hair lightly to dry it a little bit. He took his jeans out of the bottom drawer of the dresser, and walked over to the closet.
Dawson put his jeans on, then sat down on his bed, and started to put on his socks and shoes. The last thing he put on was his sweater. He brushed his hair, grabbed his book bag, and headed out the house.
He didn't exactly know why, but he knew he had to go meet Joey for school.