(Dawson stands on his pier at night.)
Dawson: This year on Dawson’s Creek…
(“Like a Virgin” – Joey and Dawson are in his bedroom and she’s already taken her shirt off and prepares to kiss him, but he stops her. Joey and Dawson are sitting on the pier from the end of this episode.)
Joey: So we’re friends, then we’re a couple. Friends again, then a couple. What are we now?
Dawson: Dawson and Joey.
(“Homecoming” – Andie is holding Pacey’s hand after they broke up and Pacey removes her hand from his. He walks away from her as tears streak her face. “None of the Above” – Pacey is laying on her pier – where he fell drunk – and is watching his picture of him and Andie sink into the water. Joey is in her house and spins around to face Pacey. “A Weekend in the Country” – Pacey is covering Joey as she sleeps on the couch next to the fire. “Barefoot at Capefest” – Dawson and Joey have just hung his ‘Imagine’ poster. “Like a Virgin” – Pacey and Joey sit at the end of her pier – from the end of the episode.)
Pacey: You know, it’s a new year, who knows. You and I might even become friends.
(“Stolen Kisses” – Joey and Pacey are standing out by the fire. Joey grabs Pacey’s hand to stop him from leaving, pulls him back and kisses him. “Neverland” – Pacey and Joey are on the side of the road after they just finish kissing and Joey is pushing him backwards down the road. “The Longest Day” – Dawson looks outside his door to see Joey and Pacey arguing. Joey and Dawson are up in his room afterwards and it’s right after he tells her she has to choose. She begins to cry and he walks out. Pacey is sitting on the pier next to his boat after Joey tells him they have to break up. A tear gently rolls down his cheek. Joey turns around after she left and sees he’s not there. “The Anti-Prom” – Dawson is kissing Joey right before he leaves.)
Joey: You thought if you orchestrated this whole evening that I would be convinced in to picking you over Pacey, right?
Dawson: You have to pick somebody, Joey.
[Capeside – Mitch and Dawson are walking out of a place of business as Joey and Gail come walking up. They carry bags as if they have just finished shopping.]
Mitch: Well, if it isn’t my blushing bride to be and her maid of honor.
Gail: (kissing Mitch) Hi. We just stopped by ‘C’est Magnifique’ and Debbie said the dresses will be ready tomorrow, but the cake’s ready right now and I want you to come and see it.
Mitch: Let’s go.
Gail: Bye honey. Thanks Joey!
(They walk down the street. Joey seems a bit uncomfortable by the previous scene and she watches Dawson nervously.)
Dawson: They are as happy as I’ve ever seen them. If you can believe that.
Joey: I can. How’s the ring?
Dawson: It’s beautiful. And the dresses?
Joey: Oh, your mother’s is gorgeous, however, I’m starting to believe everything I’ve heard about the unflattering nature of brides maids dresses.
Dawson: I’m sure you’ll look amazing. Joey, thanks for doing this again. I really appreciate it.
Joey: Dawson, it was an honor when your mom asked me. How could I refuse?
Dawson: I know it means a lot to her, but it also means a lot to me. I couldn’t imagine you not being a part of this ceremony. And despite any awkwardness this might stir up…
Joey: You know what? It’s an important day for your parents and I’m not counting on it changing either of our lives, so it’s not going to stir anything up unless we let it, right?
Dawson: My point exactly, yeah.
Joey: You know what, I have to go. I have something borrowed, but I don’t have anything blue yet.
Dawson: Shouldn’t be too hard. Seems to be a lot of that going around these days.
[Capeside Pier – True Love is docked. Pacey carries boxes down unto the boat as Dougie watches.]
Doug: Hey Pacey, you sure this trip is such a good idea?
Pacey: I already cleared it with dad, okay? Stay close to shore, call home every week, I know the drill.
Doug: That’s not exactly what I’m talking about…
Pacey: You going to miss me? Is that it, Doug?
Doug: You know what you think you’re leaving behind here is just going to be that much bigger when you’re out there alone. Does Joey know you’re leaving?
Pacey: If she knows, I didn’t tell her.
Doug: So I guess she really doesn’t know how you feel about her either, right?
Pacey: She knows how I feel.
Doug: Pacey, have you spelled it out to her, in clear unwavering terms? Have you done that?
Pacey: And what exactly do you think would happen if I did that, Doug?
Doug: Worst case, nothing. Best case, she gives you a reason to stay.
Pacey: See, that right there is what happens to the male mind when it’s exposed to too many Katherine Hepburn movies.
Doug: Every time you look at the stars, you’re gonna see her face. You can’t run away from her face.
Pacey: Well, I can try.
[Capeside High – Jen and Jack are in the hall cleaning their lockers – which are across from each other. A trashcan sits between them as they gather their things and toss papers away.]
Jen: You know, there really is a certain pleasing summitry to this. You, me, together again. President and vice president of the bitter club, reunited for one last session.
Jack: I’m not bitter.
Jen: Oh yeah, sure, everyone wants their prom nights to end with the person they are most attracted to in the whole entire world speeding away from them on a commuter train. (she walks back to her locker and notices Henry at the end of the hall. She turns back to Jack) Hey Jack, when he comes over here would you mind telling him that I still mean everything I said, that I haven’t changed my mind, and that I hope that football camp in Cleveland is sweaty, gross, girl-free, not to mention painful and debilitating.
Jack: Do you realize how mature this is?
Henry: (going over to talk to Jen, then turning away and going to Jack) Jack, could you do me a favor? Could you tell Jen that I left my copy of Sid Arthur in her locker and I want it back.
Jack: No.
Henry: Why not?
Jack: Because she’s standing right here.
Henry: Could you just ask her, please?
Jack: Henry, this is ridiculous. (giving in) Hey Jen, guess what? Henry’s come over here with this ridiculously lame, Sid Arthur related pre-text because he’s secretly hoping that you’ll give him another chance.
Henry: That’s not what I said.
Jen: Why don’t you tell Henry that if he would like his book back, he should probably start digging.
Jack: Translation? She threw it away because it’s a painful reminder of how much she regrets freaking out like a total drama queen and breaking up with you at the prom.
Jen: Okay, I’m not a drama queen and I’m not the only one who totally freaked out.
Jack: Personal front. Must be the going rate for converting young lover subtext to text these days.
Henry: She’s right, Jack. Neither of us is being very direct right now. So how’s this? (turning to Jen) I’m sorry.
Jen: You know what, Henry? I’m sorry, too. I’m sorry we ever met.
Henry: That’s too bad. Because… I’m not. You have nothing else you want to say to me?
Jen: Nope, nothing.
Henry: (walking off) I guess that finishes that.
[Leery Residence – the doorbell rings and as Dawson goes to it, a mover is walking out carrying some chairs for the wedding. Andie is at the door with her yearbook.]
Dawson: Andie!
Andie: Oh. Hey!
Dawson: Hey, come on in. It’s a little hectic around here.
Andie: Yeah, so I see. Guess that’s why you ran out of school without signing this. My yearbook.
Andie, as much as I admire your unswerving devotion to high school rituals, I can’t believe you paid $34.95 so that you can one day look back at the disaster otherwise known as junior year. (Dawson flips to a bare page to sign)
Andie: (stopping him) Oh wait, no, no, no. I marked a page for you. (she flips to a page of candid shots of people around campus. The top one is of Pacey and Dawson)
Dawson: Subtly is not exactly your fortay, is it?
Andie: He’s leaving. He’s gonna take this summer sailing trip, you know, some macho adventure.
Dawson: (flipping through the book) Well, good for him.
Andie: Yeah. So, uhh, well, we’re gonna have this little send off tomorrow night. You know, a picnic down by the docks.
Dawson: Tomorrow night is the rehearsal dinner, so even if I wanted to go, which I don’t…
Andie: Dawson, you do realize that one is gonna have to make the first move, don’t you?
Dawson: (signing the book) It’s not going to be me and it’s not going to be tomorrow night, so… There you go. I signed on the page with all the faculty headshots.
Andie: Dawson, for what it’s worth, I’m not over the pain of this either. Letting go isn’t a one time thing. Something you have to do over and over again, every day. Thanks.
Dawson: Sure.
[Capeside – Joey is driving Bessie’s truck when she hears a siren behind her. She pulls over and the cop car pulls in front of her and parks. Joey sighs and looks annoyed as Dougie approaches the car. He looks at her as if she’s any old speeding person he pulls over.]
Doug: Driver’s license and registration, please.
Joey: (shocked) You’re kidding, right?
Doug: Driver’s license and registration, please.
(Joey looks down surprised and reaches for her paperwork. She hands it to him.)
Doug: Miss Potter, I clocked you going…
Joey: You have a radar gun?!
Doug: Visual assessment. You were going 5 to 7 miles per hour below the posted speed limit on this particular Capeside thoroughfare, but I’ll let it go with a warning this time.
Joey: I promise to be careful.
Doug: It’s not that kind of warning. I just thought you might like to know, that unbeknownst to you a particular attitudedly challenged younger sibling is preparing to leave Capeside for the summer. Seems he’s going to sail himself down to the Florida Keyes for the next three months.
Joey: When does he leave?
Doug: In a couple of days. I just thought you might like to know about it before it was too late for you to say or do something.
Joey: Thank you.
Doug: It’s not a problem, Miss Potter. Passenger advisories is typical officer protocol.
[Capeside – Pacey walks out of a mini mart with a bag of groceries. He’s eating a Three Musketeer. Joey leans against the wall waiting for him.]
Pacey: (offering her some candy) Want a bite?
Joey: This is your solution?
(walking down the street. Joey follows behind) What are you talking about?
Joey: You’re leaving?
Pacey: Uh-huh.
Joey: Just when things get tough you’re gonna pack up and leave?
Pacey: That’s the general idea, yeah.
Joey: Oh, real mature, Pacey.
Pacey: Well what do you want me to do? Sit around all summer and watch from afar as you and Dawson attempt to resuscitate your ailing relationship. No thanks.
Joey: Well, I expect you to at least say goodbye.
Pacey: Oh, yeah, the goodbye scene. I’ve played that one over a thousand times in my head. I come to you, heart in hand, and announce my plans. You look at me, pained, but then of course, the Potter sarcasm kicks in and I leave never getting what I came for.
Joey: What is that, Pacey?
Pacey: You never asked me to stay. Ever.
Joey: That’s not my decision.
Pacey: (stopping and turning to Joey) Yes it is. It always has been. You may be too afraid to make it but let’s be honest with each other here, the decision to be together or not be together has always been yours.
Joey: All I asked for was time.
Pacey: And that’s exactly what you got. And you’re gonna get three more months of it.
Joey: You know, I maybe undecided, Pacey, but at least I’m not running away. You can dress it up anyway you want, it still comes down to the same thing. You’re giving up.
Pacey: I’m giving up?
Joey: Yeah. You.
Pacey: Me?
Joey: Mmm-hmm…
Pacey: (laughing) Turn around. (she does) It’s your wall. (the wall now has a blank white square where Joey planned to paint)
Joey: Mmm-hmm.
Pacey: It’s unfinished. Just like us.
Joey: (turning back to Pacey) You know, believe it or not, Pacey, this is not the ending that I asked for.
Pacey: Me neither, but, it’s the ending we got, isn’t it.
Joey: Yeah, I guess it is. (she gives him a cold stare and walks off. Pacey sighs and looks up at the wall.)
[Leery Residence – the rehearsal has started. They are outside in front of the creek. The priest goes over the ceremony with Mitch and Gail. Dawson and Joey stand behind them in their places.]
Priest: This time, Gail will begin her vows to Mitch. (Dawson smiles over at Joey, but Joey has a scowl on her face.)
Gail: No offence, Reverend, but I have at least 20 people coming for dinner in about an hour.
Mitch: And sees as how Gail and I have done all this before…
Priest: Go on. We’ll do the rest when it’s for real.
Gail: Thank you, Reverend. (Gail and Mitch go inside, the priest follows slowly. Dawson and Joey walks off a bit.)
Dawson: I haven’t finished my best man speech yet. Any thoughts?
Joey: Ugh, I don’t have much to say about relationships these days, Dawson.
Dawson: If you have some place else you’d rather be, why don’t you just go?
Joey: What are you talking about?
Dawson: Do I have to spell it out for you? Pacey’s going away party.
Joey: I’m here, aren’t I?
Dawson: Yeah, in body, but not in spirit. Joey, you’ve got nothing positive to say. You’re basically going through the motions with a scowl on your face.
Joey: Dawson, I’m doing the best I can, can you cut me some slack?
Dawson: Cut ME some slack, Joey. Don’t make me feel like this.
Joey: Like what?
Dawson: Like you’re stuck with me (she is). Alright, I don’t deserve that. (you do)
Joey: You’re right. You don’t. I’m… I’m sorry.
Dawson: Why don’t you just go? Alright, give the guy my best.
Joey: I’m staying. (she walks off)
[Capeside Pier – it’s night time and True Love is in the water. Grams, Andie, Jack, Pacey and Jen sit at a picnic table off to the side and eat.]
Grams: Oh look! Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. Okay, who wants to make the first wish?
Jen: Oh my… Oww… Oww, I just bit into a crab shell. Chip my tooth, great, great. Just what I need to keep men permanently away from me.
Andie: Well, if that doesn’t work you can always join me this summer in the nunnery.
Jack: Hey, at least you get to have relationships before they failed.
Grams: Good grief, you all sound like a bunch of old babies.
Andie: Grams, it’s been a tough couple of months.
Grams: You don’t know what tough is.
Jen: No offense, Grams, but you have no idea what our lives are like.
Grams: What, you think I’ve never been in love before?
Jen: Yeah, once. With one man your whole entire life.
Grams: You know, when I was just a few years older than you, I was working at (missed word?) Naval hospital and I met a boy who had the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. He was leaving for Posan in the morning. But we had an entire, glorious day on the beach. And at the end of that day, he leaned in close to me and whispered, ‘Will you wait for me?’
Andie: So, what did you do?
Grams: I froze. I knew if I leaned just two inches closer, the world as I knew it would be changed forever.
Pacey: So you did nothing? You didn’t kiss him, you didn’t try to speak to him, you just did nothing?
Grams: Nothing.
Jack: Do you ever wonder what your life might have been like if you had kissed him?
Grams: That’s just the point. I don’t have to wonder. The very next day I got my best friend Sally to cover the shift for me. And after seven turbulent hours in the cargo hold of the C-130, I arrived in San Diego, went straight to the docks and in front of the entire crew of the USS Missouri, I kissed him.
Jen: That’s funny, I had no idea Gramps was in the Korean war.
Grams: He wasn’t. Thomas Coalpepper. The boy with the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen died in Pusan in shallow water, before he ever made it off the boat. Two years later, I married your grandfather. So I’ve had 46 wonderful years with one man and one perfect kiss with another. And I have no regrets. How many of you would be able to say that about your lives? (they all sit around the table thinking.)
[Leery Residence – the rehearsal dinner is underway. Gail walks into the house as Dawson walks out.]
Gail: Honey, have you seen your dad?
Dawson: No, have you seen Joey?
Gail: No. (she goes inside. Dawson sees Joey standing on the pier by herself. He walks out to her as she sits on the pier.)
Dawson: (sitting next to her) Bessie called. She said she wants you to stop by the store on your way home.
Joey: Thanks.
Dawson: Sure. Joey, about this afternoon… I don’t want to fight, that’s the last thing I want to do.
Joey: I don’t want to fight either, Dawson. I’m sorry. If we’re going to have an honest relationship, Dawson, there’s something you should know. I broke things off with Pacey, not entirely, but a large part because I didn’t want to lose you. I may have lived across the creek, but it was only when I was rowing in this direction that I actually felt like I was rowing home. When you’re so much of my life, Dawson, I mean… Your house is my house and your family is my family, and there’s not a single significant event I’ve experienced that you haven’t experienced with me. And… I was so afraid of losing that. But, if that wasn’t the choice… and if I thought there was a chance that you would forgive me, I may have chosen differently. And you deserve to know that.
[Grams’ car – Grams is driving Jen, Jack and Andie home after the going away party.]
Grams: Jennifer, what’s wrong?
Jen: I wish that I haden’t let Henry go without telling him how I really feel. Now it’s too late.
Grams: It’s never too late.
Jen: Yeah it is.
