Episode # 502 - Father of the Bride
Disclaimer:Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen, Jack, and Andie are the property of Kevin Williamson and the WB. The song ‘I Do’ is owned by Jude.
Raiting:PG-13
Pairing:D/J & P/A
Spoilers:Everything from the first three seasons, and the first two chapters of the senior year trilogy.
Cut to Dawson’s room.
Dawson and Joey are cuddled together under the covers, facing the television. On the screen is ‘Romeo And Juliet’.
JOEY: I don’t get it.
Dawson looks down at her.
DAWSON: What?
JOEY: How this ended up being the poster-story for romance. Why’d this have to be on?
DAWSON: At least it’s not the DiCaprio version.
Joey rolls her eyes.
JOEY: Seriously Dawson…I’m shocked you don’t agree with me on this. You’re always going on about how things always work out in the end.
DAWSON: So?
JOEY: So, in this story no one lives happily ever after. The lovers end up dead…suicide, actually. What’s so romantic about that?
DAWSON: That they loved each other enough to give up their own lives?
Joey scoffs.
JOEY: You’re losing your touch, Dawson.
Dawson smirks.
DAWSON: Just testing you.
He leans down and starts kissing her shoulder.
JOEY: Not that I’m not enjoying this…
DAWSON: …cause you are!
Joey giggles.
JOEY: But I think you’re just trying to avoid the subject.
He stops, this kisses her on the lips.
DAWSON: Want to know my theory?
JOEY: Do I have a choice?
He smiles.
DAWSON: Shakespeare was the Spielberg of his day, and not just because of the name similarities. He told simple stories, but the message contained within was what he really wanted to tell. Take ‘The Merchant Of Venice’ for example. On the surface it was a romantic comedy. Peel away the layers, and you find that Shylock became what he was because he was persecuted.
JOEY: Yeah, yeah…social commentary cleverly disguised as pop culture. I am an honor student, you know? Your point?
DAWSON: My point is that Romeo And Juliet was the same basic thing. On the surface it was a tragic love story, but really it was a warning. If they had been honest and upfront with their parents over getting married, yeah they’d probably be disowned at worst, but at least they would still be alive at the end. They were so scarred about making things bad for them that they ended up making things worse.
JOEY: You’re reaching.
DAWSON: Aren’t you the one who said sad stories were more powerful?
She smiles.
JOEY: Yeah, I did.
Dawson shuts off the TV and lies back on the bed. Joey lies down too, facing him. They lie there for a moment, looking at each other.
DAWSON: I think the play was meant as a warning to people in love. That they shouldn’t be too impulsive, otherwise there might be consequences.
JOEY: And you’re thinking it applies to us?
DAWSON: I didn’t say that.
JOEY: You didn’t have to. I know you, Dawson. Whenever you analyze a movie this in-depth, you’re trying to see where it fits in your life.
Dawson sighs.
JOEY: We’re not the same. For instance, we live in the 21st century…you can’t be banished.
DAWSON: Unless you’re Jen.
JOEY: Well, Jen’s parents don’t live in the 21st century. Another thing is that they were apparently 13 when they got married. We’re a lot older. Plus, our parents don’t hate each other.
DAWSON: Yeah, but we still haven’t told them.
She bites her lip.
JOEY: Yeah…
DAWSON: We have to tell them eventually, you know?
JOEY: We will.
DAWSON: When?
JOEY: Soon.
They pause.
JOEY: Great, now you’ve got me nervous.
Joey rests her head on his shoulder.
Cut to Potter’s B&B. Out front, Pacey is sitting on the porch, flipping through a newspaper.
DAWSON: Good god, he’s acting like a married man already!
Pacey looks up from the paper to see Dawson and Joey walking up to him.
PACEY: Cute, Dawson. For your information, I was checking out the apartments available. No offence to your girlfriend, but this isn’t the kind of place me and Andie want to spend the rest of our lives in.
JOEY: And no offence to you, but I’d prefer you don’t spend the rest of your lives here.
Pacey points at her.
PACEY: There. You see, bro. Do you think my self-esteem would benefit from that kind of negative reinforcement day in day out?
Dawson laughs.
Joey walks up the stairs, past Pacey, and into the house. Pacey gets up and walks over to Dawson.
PACEY: Hey, man…I gotta know something.
DAWSON: What?
Pacey grins.
PACEY: Joey never came in last night. Now, am I right…was she with you?
Dawson pauses.
DAWSON: Yes…but we just watched movies.
PACEY: HA! Be glad you want to be a director and not a lawyer, Dawson. Because you suck at lying.
Dawson gave him a warning look.
DAWSON: Pacey…
PACEY: Well, well…our little Dawson is all grown up now. So…how was it?
DAWSON: I’m not telling you!
PACEY: Got ya! You admit it!
Dawson bites his lip.
PACEY: Considering how aggressive and forceful Joey is under normal everyday circumstances, I’m guessing…
Before he can continue, Dawson clamps his hand over his mouth.
DAWSON: Pacey, I’m serious. If you say another word, friendship or no, I’m going to have to seriously kick your butt!
He removes his hand.
PACEY: Sorry, Dawson. But can you at least tell me when it happened. I expected a little more drama outta you.
Dawson sighed.
DAWSON: Prom night.
Pacey smirks.
PACEY: That is so you. Also explains why I didn’t know. I was so occupied with Andie and her folks that I didn’t even notice.
DAWSON: Thank god for that.
PACEY: Both me and Andie were really preoccupied…I almost didn’t pass my exam.
DAWSON: The things that go through your head when you have to explain getting married to your parents, huh?
PACEY: Exactly.
*****
Cut to inside the B&B. Joey walks into her room looking for Bessie.
JOEY: Bess? You home?
Behind her, Mike exits from the kitchen.
MIKE: She’s not here.
Joey turns around.
JOEY: Hey. What’re you doing here?
MIKE: Her and Bodie brought Alexander for his checkup. They asked me to come over and keep an eye on things until they get back.
Joey nods.
JOEY: I’m sorry. I just thought…
Mike sighs.
MIKE: That I was living here now?
Joey hangs her head, slightly ashamed.
JOEY: I don’t want to think like that. But I just can’t help it. I spent so long being mad at you that it just…it’s a tough habit to break.
MIKE: I understand.
Both are silent for a moment, trying to change the subject.
MIKE: So, what happened? You know…that thing with Dawson last week?
JOEY: We talked about it.
MIKE: And?
She smiles.
JOEY: And I said yes.
Mike grins ear-to-ear, and hugs her. Joey starts to giggle.
MIKE: Congratulations.
JOEY: Thank you.
He lets her go.
MIKE: Wow…I can’t believe it! Why didn’t Mitch say anything about it?
Joey’s face suddenly fell.
JOEY: We…haven’t actually told anybody yet.
Mike raises his eyebrows.
MIKE: Why not?
JOEY: I don’t know. We we’re worried someone will overact.
Mike laughs.
MIKE: That’s pretty much a given.
Joey rolls her eyes.
JOEY: You’re not helping.
MIKE: Sorry. I guess I still have some work to do with the ‘father knows best’ stuff, huh?
Joey smirks.
JOEY: That’s pretty much a given.
They both laugh.
*****
Cut to New York City.
Jack is skipping down a street, with Jen walking along side him.
JACK: (singing) Start spreading the news…I’m leaving today…I want to be a part of it…
Jen sighs.
JEN: Don’t quit your day job.
JACK: What day job?
JEN: Well, whatever day job you do get, make sure it’s not in vocal music.
Jack laughs.
JACK: Ok, sorry for being so…
JEN: Giddy?
JACK: I was going to say ‘enthusiastic’…but that works.
Jen giggles.
JACK: Anyway, I haven’t been to Manhatten since I was, like, eight years old. I remember the first time I was here. We went up to the Empire State Building and used those binoculars to see across the river. Andie started crying because she was too short, so Tim let her climb up on his shoulders.
Jen smiles.
JEN: He must have been so sweet.
JACK: Yeah, he would have liked you. And I mean that in the ‘sweet boy with a crush’ sense.
Jen rolls her eyes.
JACK: Come on…why can’t you be more excited about this. You’re home. Your childhood dwelling place.
JEN: Let’s not forget the place where I was forever sullied in my parent’s eyes, thereby causing them to banish me to the boonies.
JACK: You make us sound like hillbillies.
They laugh.
JEN: Sorry about that. Old habits die hard. It’s just that…the way my parents looked at me before they sent me to Capeside. They were disgusted with me, just for…
JACK: For being a teenager.
She sighs.
JEN: In the worst possible way. My mom and I never really got along to begin with. It always felt like I was just a showpiece she set up to impress people. But dad…it just really hurt to think that he was embarrassed by me.
JACK: Yeah. I know how that goes.
JEN: Yeah, but you and your dad got around your differences.
JACK: And so can you. That I’m sure of.
She smiles again, as they continue walking.
*****
Cut back to Capeside, at Leery’s Fresh Fish. Mike walks inside, to see Bessie, Bodie, and Alexander sitting at one of the tables. Gale is talking to them.
GALE: Hey, Mike! I thought it was your day off?
MIKE: It is…I just had a message to deliver to Bessie here. Full rooms now…I had to put up the ‘no vacancy’ sign.
Bessie smiles ear to ear.
BESSIE: You’re kidding?
MIKE: Nope. Everyone’s out for the day, including Pacey and Andie. I wouldn’t want risk someone robbing the cash register otherwise.
BODIE: For a moment there I was worried.
Mike smirks.
MIKE: Funny. So…what’s up?
Bodie points at Gale.
BODIE: Just your boss here being paranoid.
Gale rolls her eyes.
GALE: I am not being paranoid.
MIKE: Well, what are you not being paranoid about?
Gale pauses.
GALE: Have you noticed Dawson and Joey have been acting…different lately?
Mitch walks by, looking over one of the menus.
MITCH: Other than the fact that they’re actually going out?
Gale gives him a warning look.
GALE: Honey…
MITCH: Sorry.
She sighs.
GALE: No, I mean they’re all secretive about things. Yesterday Dawson told me they were going to the library. School’s out…why would he be going to the library?
MIKE: Some sort of film project? I don’t know…
GALE: I think that maybe they’re…you know?
Mike smirks.
MIKE: That’s a relief. I was beginning to think Mitch wasn’t really his father.
Gale crosses her arms, while Bodie laughs.
MITCH: What?
MIKE: Oh, come off it, Leery…compared to you, your son’s a monk.
Mitch points at him.
MITCH: Hey…you weren’t here for his ‘sexual being’ speech.
Everyone looks at him.
MITCH: Please don’t ask.
GALE: I just think you should be a little more worried.
MIKE: (sarcastically) Oh, I’m sorry. You’re right…I’d better march over there right now and put Dawson in a full-body cast.
Mitch sighs.
MIKE: So what if they are? They’re going to college soon.
MITCH: Because I’m not exactly comfortable about it happening under my roof.
Mike smirks.
MIKE: My god…you’ve become your dad. That’s who you sound like. Come on…don’t you remember what you were like as a teenager?
MITCH: Well, Dawson’s not me.
MIKE: You’re absolutely right. Which is why you should trust him to make the right decisions. Dawson’s a good kid.
BESSIE: Besides, it’s not as if he’ll do something stupid like Pacey did when he and Andie eloped, right?
Mike bit his lip.
*****
Cut to the Leery house. Dawson and Joey walk through the front door.
DAWSON: Mom? Dad?
JOEY: Gale? Mr. Leery?
They turn to each other.
DAWSON: Guess we beat them home, huh?
JOEY: I guess.
They pause for a second, then walk over to the couch and sit down.
DAWSON: Would you believe me if I said that I’m actually more scarred about telling my parents about us getting married than I was about asking you to marry me? Does that sound crazy?
JOEY: Not so much. It scares me too, Dawson.
DAWSON: Believe me, Bessie’s going to take it a lot easier than my parents.
Joey chuckles.
JOEY: Actually, I was talking about your parents.
Dawson looks at her, confused.
DAWSON: Why would you be afraid about that?
JOEY: Dawson, when my mom died…well, Gale sort of became this surrogate mother to me. It felt so great to belong to a family like yours, and I don’t want her to hate me for taking you away.
Dawson smiles.
DAWSON: Jo, my parents love you. Almost as much as I do. They won’t hate you. Trust me, they’ll blame this whole thing on me. I’m the one who bought the ring, then popped the question. You have nothing to fear.
She half-smiles.
JOEY: You’ve got to stop doing stuff like that, Dawson.
DAWSON: Like what?
JOEY: Taking the blame. No man can resist the Potter charm.
DAWSON: Is that so?
JOEY: Mmm-hmm?
She wraps her arms around him. Then she kisses him.
DAWSON: Well, how do you know whether or not you can resist the Leery charms?
JOEY: Let’s find out…
They start kissing some more…and more…
*****
Meanwhile, just outside the house…
Mitch, Gale, Mike, Bessie, and Bodie walk up to the front door.
BESSIE: If you’re so worried, why not just ask Dawson whether or not they’re sleeping together? He won’t lie to you.
MITCH: (whining) It’d be awkward.
BODIE: And walking in on them wouldn’t be?
Gale spins around.
GALE: So you think they are…?
BESSIE: He didn’t say that. It was a hypothetical question.
They open the door and walk inside.
MITCH: Well, I think…
All five of them freeze at the sight in front of them.
Dawson and Joey are on top of the coffee table, furiously making out. Dawson has his hand down Joey’s shirt.
GALE: OH MY GOD!
Upon hearing her, the both of them snap to attention. They fall off the table.
DAWSON: Mom? Dad…?
JOEY: Oh god…
They quickly stand up, Joey readjusting her shirt. The adults continue to stare open-mouthed.
JOEY: We were…
DAWSON: …just…err…
JOEY: …checking if you needed a new coffee table?
Dawson laughs at the little in-joke.
Unfortunately, his parents didn’t seem to be in a laughing mood.
*****
Cut to somewhere in Boston. Pacey and Andie exit an apartment building, tired looks on both their faces.
PACEY: (sarcastically) Well, that was useful.
Andie sighs.
ANDIE: Think positive, Pacey.
PACEY: I was thinking positive…about ten places back. How hard can it be to find a decent place to live?
Andie looked at him, panic in her eyes.
ANDIE: Why did you say that? Everyone knows that when someone says ‘how hard can it be…’, you then decrease your chances of actually accomplishing that task!”
Pacey stares at her.
PACEY: You know, you’re cute when you’re panicking.
ANDIE: I am NOT panicking!
Andie closes her eyes, silently cursing herself.
ANDIE: Ok…ok, so I’m panicking. But Pacey…I really, really want us to have a place of our own.
PACEY: So do I, babe. And we will…it’s just gonna take some doing.
She smiles.
ANDIE: Really?
PACEY: Sure. Just trust me.
They kiss.
ANDIE: You know what…there was this really nice place by that restaurant back there.
PACEY: Lead the way.
They walk down the street.
*****
Cut to the top of the Empire State Building. Jack and Jen and looking through the mounted binoculars, looking out at the city.
JACK: Wow! You would think that, seeing this as an adult, it would look smaller. If anything, New York seems bigger.
JEN: You think so? I actually prefer small. Not as intimidating.
Jack sighs.
JACK: Haven’t you ever heard the expression ‘there’s no place like home’?
JEN: If it’s all the same to you, Toto, I’d rather catch the nearest twister back to Oz.
Jack laughs.
JACK: You know what I think?
JEN: Tell me, Dr. Freud!
JACK: I think you’re scared.
Jen scoffs and rolls her eyes.
JEN: What was your first clue? And I’m right, you know. I’ll go there and my parents will be convinced I haven’t changed a bit.
JACK: No, just the opposite, Jen. You’re scared that they’ve changed.
Jen looks at him, confused.
JACK: Compare yourself now to yourself when you first moved to Capeside.
JEN: Well, I’ve got better hair. I get along with Grams. I’m not drunk every other night…
JACK: …and you’ve got friends. Real friends, not those jerks who hung around with you just to take advantage of you, or because you were popular. You have people who will stick by you no matter what, and your parents are going to see that. Stop and think for a moment…if you can change so much in so little time, maybe they can too.
She looks at him for a moment.
JEN: Wow! You really had me going there, Dawson…now what’d you do with Jack?
Jack chuckles.
JACK: Hey, I outdid him once, remember? Even the esteemed Mr. Leery has his superiors. So, you ready?
She nods.
JACK: Good. Because I can’t wait to meet your parents and tell them what a wonderful friend their daughter is.
They head towards the stairs, arm-in-arm.
*****
Cut back to the Leery house. Dawson and Joey are seated together, ironically, on the love seat. On the couch, facing them, are Bessie and Gale. Mitch, Mike, and Bodie are standing up, looking at the couple.
Mitch shakes his head.
MITCH: I don’t get it…I should have noticed sooner. Am I really that oblivious?
JOEY: It runs in the family.
Mitch points and her.
MITCH: I’m not talking to you, I’m talking to him!
He looks at Dawson.
MITCH: Dawson, what have I told you?
Dawson smiles.
DAWSON: No hat, no glove?
Mike and Bodie look at each other, confused.
BODIE: Isn’t that supposed to be…
MITCH: (quickly) I know what it’s supposed to be!
GALE: How many times have you two, um…?
Dawson blushes.
DAWSON: Twice.
JOEY: Does it only count as once if it’s the same night?
BODIE: Would’ve been two if we had gone home first.
Bessie looks at her boyfriend openmouthed, then turns back towards Joey.
BESSIE: Oh good…joking. You really think this is funny. I thought that after that scare you had awhile back, you would have learned better.
Mitch and Gale stare at Bessie.
GALE: What scare?
BESSIE: Right around finals, Joey thought she was pregnant. She told me about it, and realized it was just nerves.
MITCH: And you waited until NOW to tell us about it?
BESSIE: I thought you knew. I thought Dawson would have told you himself.
The three of them turned to Dawson.
DAWSON: I didn’t think it was necessary.
BESSIE: Well, obviously it was!
Dawson looks at Bessie.
DAWSON: What is this, tag team? Dad, considering how you and mom act on a day-to-day basis, I’m surprised you have any say in this.
Gale blushes bright red.
GALE: Honey, I’d really prefer if you not say things like that when guests are over.
Dawson scoffs.
DAWSON: So it’s not ok to discuss your sex life in front of other people, but with mine it’s ok?
GALE: That’s different.
DAWSON: Care to elaborate?
MITCH: I’m just not comfortable with the idea of my son having pre-marital sex in my house.
JOEY: Well, it’s not going to be pre-marital for much longer!
Upon hearing that, Mitch, Gale, Bessie, and Bodie stare at Joey wide-eyed. Joey quickly clamps her and over her mouth, realizing what she has done.
Dawson closes his eyes in frustration.
DAWSON: (muttering sarcastically) This is gonna be fun…
Gale’s eyes wander to Joey’s hand, where she notices the ring. Quickly, Joey covers it with her other hand.
GALE: (whispering) Oh my god…
Realizing that he has to do something fast, Dawson puts his arm around Joey’s shoulder.
DAWSON: Yeah. Mom…dad…Joey and I… Well, we’re engaged.
Joey nods.
JOEY: Yeah.
Everyone is speechless. Everyone except Mike, who just sighs in relief.
JOEY: Well…say something!
Mitch finally finds his voice.
MITCH: And…you did this without telling your parents?
Mike steps up.
MIKE: Not exactly. I knew.
Mitch, Gale, and Bessie look at him.
BESSIE: Dad?
MITCH: Why didn’t you try and talk them out of it?
MIKE: It wasn’t my place. They’re adults. They can make their own decisions.
MITCH: Like hell they can!
DAWSON: We’re still in the room, you know?
Mitch turns towards Dawson.
MITCH: Dawson, you’re grounded.
Dawson’s jaw drops.
DAWSON: For what?
MITCH: For getting married without my permission.
Joey sighs.
JOEY: We’re not married. We’re just engaged.
MITCH: Fine then. For getting engaged without my permission.
Joey groans, and gets up.
JOEY: I’m going to get out of here before I make things worse. See you, Dawson!
As she tries to leave, Bessie stands up.
BESSIE: You’re not going anywhere, Joey!
MIKE: Joey, go home. I’ll sort this out.
Bessie turns to him disbelievingly.
BESSIE: You can’t just…
MIKE: You’re Joey’s sister, I’m her father! I’m pulling rank!
Mitch turns to Dawson.
MITCH: Dawson, go upstairs.
DAWSON: But…
MITCH: Upstairs. Now!
Dawson got up. He walks past his father, ‘accidentally’ hitting his shoulder, then heads up the stairs towards his room.
Joey quickly left through the front door. Once they’re gone, Mitch and Mike face each other.
*****
Cut to upstairs in Dawson’s room. Dawson enters and sits down on the bed. Then he hears noise coming from the window.
He turns around and sees Joey climb inside.
JOEY: Hey.
He smiles.
DAWSON: Hey.
She sits down next to him.
JOEY: Ok, I admit it. You were right. Over-reaction city.
DAWSON: We could always just elope, you know?
Joey half-smiles.
DAWSON: I’m serious. Just you, me, Pacey, Andie, Jack, and Jen.
JOEY: And my dad, don’t forget.
DAWSON: Yeah, him too. I can’t believe you told him. When did you?
JOEY: After you asked me. And before I said yes. I was freaked out and confused, so I asked for what he thought. He didn’t judge me or tell me what to say. He just listened.
Dawson smiles.
DAWSON: It’s ironic, isn’t it? Every one in both our families are against us getting married accept your dad…the last person you ever expected to be on your side.
Joey looks at him.
JOEY: You’re right, it is strange. And kind of fitting.
DAWSON: I think I’m going to like having him in my family.
They pause for a moment.
JOEY: I know I do.
They lean over and kiss.
*****
Cut to New York City. Jack and Jen walk step out of a taxi, arriving at a virtual mansion.
Jack looks at the building in surprise.
JACK: This can’t be the place.
JEN: Guilty as charged.
JACK: Wow!
Jen giggles.
JEN: You are such a townie.
JACK: You’re forgetting that I was rich once. But I just…didn’t expect you to be. Guess we’ve got more in common than we thought.
Jen knocks on the door.
JEN: Now, if things get rough, remember…they’re old. You could probably take them.
JACK: Oh, come on…
Just then, a door opens. A man in a business suit steps out.
MAN: Jen?
She makes herself smile.
JEN: Hey dad.
He smiles back, then looks towards Jack.
MR. LINDLEY: And this is…?
JACK: Oh. Jack…Jack McPhee.
MR. LINDLEY: Any relation to Joe McPhee?
JACK: Yeah, he’s my dad.
MR. LINDLEY: No kidding? Well, welcome to the Lindley’s.
They shake hands.
MR. LINDLEY: Your Grandmother said something about you coming to visit, Jennifer. She didn’t mention your boyfriend here, though.
Jen’s eyes went wide.
JEN: Wait…boyfriend? Jack’s…
JACK: Found out, apparently. Is that a problem?
MR. LINDLEY: Not unless you try anything funny in my house, kid.
Jen looks over at Jack nervously.
JEN: Oh, I doubt that’ll be a problem…
*****
Cut to the Potter’s B&B. Bessie is in the kitchen cleaning up when Dawson and Joey enter.
Joey looks at her sister nervously.
BESSIE: (bitterly) Well, if it isn’t the happy couple…
Joey bites her lip.
DAWSON: Jo, why don’t you check on the guests or something? I want to talk to Bessie for a moment.
Joey looks at him, then nods her head. She leaves.
Once she’s gone, Dawson walks over to Bessie.
DAWSON: Listen. I think I owe you an explanation.
Bessie looks at him.
BESSIE: You know what, Dawson? I’ve always liked you. When I was sixteen, and my friends were over, you kept Joey out of our hair. You always did that…taking care of her when she needed it. Being there when mom died. When dad went to jail. Then, last year, I always hoped she’d pick you over Pacey. Not because I didn’t trust him, which I didn’t…but because I knew you wouldn’t try to turn her into something she’s not. You wouldn’t try to take her away from me.
She takes a deep breath.
BESSIE: Ever since mom died, I’ve thought of Joey as my second chance. She’s so much like mom that when she’s around it feels like she’s still here with us. I know you won’t hurt her or leave her or anything like that. It’s just not in you. But I…I’m just selfish, I guess. I don’t want to lose her.
Dawson puts his hand on her shoulder.
DAWSON: Well, you’re not going to. Believe me. Bessie, I have no intention of taking Joey away from you. But…she was going to leave after the summer’s over, whether it was with me or not.
BESSIE: (whispering) I know.
DAWSON: But I love her, with all my heart. But her and I getting married…it’s not about taking her away from her family. It’s about me trying to join it. I just hope you’ll be willing to accept me.
She looks at him for a moment.
BESSIE: I’ve always wanted a little brother.
He smiles.
DAWSON: Come here…
They hug.
I got a letter today
An invitation
And the writing looked like you
*****
Cut to later, in front. The Potter’s pickup truck pulls into the driveway. Pacey and Andie step out and walk towards the house.
Hello how are you
and by the way
Please RSVP I do
ANDIE: Well?
PACEY: I liked it.
She hugs him.
ANDIE: Really?
PACEY: Well, ok I’ll admit, the place could use some work. A little paint, a little polish…a foosball table maybe.
I thought of writing sad words
of how it used to be
But I didn't want to bring you down,
no
Andie’s eyes narrow.
ANDIE: Foosball?
PACEY: Ok, ping-pong then!
I guess the bells will ring pretty well
there without me
ANDIE: Pacey, it’s not that big of an apartment where are you going to fit a foosball…
PACEY: Or Ping-Pong…
She rolls her eyes.
ANDIE: Whatever.
PACEY: The kitchen. You see, I gotta plan. We eat off it in the day, then…
ANDIE: Pacey?!
PACEY: What?
Just then, Joey walks out towards them.
JOEY: Hey guys. What’s up?
Don't worry 'bout me baby
I'll wear the thorny crown
I will play the clown
ANDIE: We found a place. In Boston.
Joey smiles.
JOEY: That’s great. When are you moving in?
PACEY: In two weeks. So, anything interesting happen while we were gone.
Joey prepares to tell them, but stops herself.
If you think that I don't love you,
you're just wrong
And that don't matter
now anyway
JOEY: Just the usual.
ANDIE: Watching videos.
JOEY: Yeah…watching videos…
I couldn't bear to see you up there
with a white dress on
Here's my vow to you
I'll stay away
*****
Cut back to the Leery house. Mitch and Gale are in the living room, talking.
I remember when
in a lover's whisper you said
No other man
would ever share your bed
Dawson walks in through the door and goes up to them.
DAWSON: Mom? Dad?
They stand up.
Well we both know
that's not been so
And I wish
I'd never let you go now
You found a better man instead
MITCH: Dawson? Listen…
DAWSON: No, you listen. I love you both. But I love Joey too.
Mitch crosses his arms.
I wish you health and wealth
and a white house on a hill
and I
I hope you raise a family
Little boy
and a little girl,
a little more joy
in this little old world
Well, that'd be
enough for me
DAWSON: This isn’t a impulse. I thought about it, analyzed it…stressed for over a week. This is what I want, and nothing you say is going to change your mind. I am going to marry her, with or without your approval.
He turns and walks upstairs, leaving the two of them standing there.
Gale turns to her husband.
MITCH: Well?
GALE: Looks like we’ve got a wedding to plan.
*****
Cut to upstairs in his room. Dawson is lying on his bed, staring upwards at the ceiling.
Suddenly, a smile forms on his face.
If you think that I don't love you,
you're just wrong
And that don't matter
now anyway
I couldn't bear to see you up there
with a white dress on
Here's my vow to you
I'll stay away
*****
Cut to the Potter’s B&B. Joey is sound asleep in bed, a peaceful smile on her face.
At the open door to her room is Mike, who looks at her. He’s smiling proudly.
Time rolls on
And dreams they die
And I've thrown out the pictures I had
of you and I
And if you're ever wondering
if love can be true
Well, think of me
and remember darling
like I,
like I do
Ole friendships fade away,
love falls apart
And you've not spent a single day
outside my heart
But, there's just one more dream
that I have left for you
I hope you're smiling when
he turns around
and says I do. . .
I do
I do
I do
I do
Fade to black.
End credits.
Next: Don’t miss part 1 of ‘Sins Of The Father’.
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