| The moment froze. The shocked expressions of her friends and family were now etched onto her mind forever. She looked over at Dawson who was still smiling, until he realised what everyone was looking at. He walked over to Joey and helped her off the floor. He protectively placed his arm over her shoulder, pulling her into a hug. �Joey? Is this what I think it is?� Bessie took the picture from Jack�s hands, looking closely at the little grey blob that was her niece or nephew. �It is Bessie,� Joey turned around to face her sister, her face trying to remain composed but failing. Her lip quivered waiting for her sister�s reaction. �You�re pregnant?� Andie added, looking at Joey and realising that she did look different. �She is. We are,� Dawson responded, knowing that it would be the next question on everyone�s lips. �How far along are you?� Jack joined in the questioning, looking over a Doug. He had no idea what was going through his mind. �I�m almost 3 months. We were going to tell you then, just in case anything happened.� Joey answered in a croaky voice. For a moment no one moved. The shock had held everyone in place and Joey felt everyone�s eyes firmly glued onto her. She didn�t know what else she could say. She looked up to Dawson who was also scanning the room for reactions. �Joey, this is so wonderful!� Andie suddenly said, reaching over for the two of them to envelope them in a hug. �I�m so glad everything has worked out for the pair of you,� She hugged Joey tightly, the two friends reunited in their shared joy. �Thank Andie,� Joey whispered in Andie�s ear. �Hey, I�m gonna be the special Aunt here! Make way,� Bessie grabbed Dawson and hugged him tightly, before moving onto her sister. Everyone else took their cue from these initial hugs and soon the room was again full of cuddles and handshakes. Doug smiled and looked at how glowing Joey had suddenly become. He knew she had made the right decision. He wasn�t looking forward, however, to telling Pacey. That night was spent talking and catching up on each other�s lives. Joey was asked endless questions about the baby and she was finally becoming more comfortable with the idea. She held Dawson�s hand under the table all night, revelling in the comfort it provided. Dawson, likewise, was starting to realise that this was real. He was going to be a father, just like Doug and Jack. He saw how alive and happy they were. He hoped the same things for himself and Joey. The group made plans to see each other tomorrow, so they could all spend time with Amy and each other before they all had to go home. Slowly the night wound down and everyone went home. Dawson and Joey were sitting on the couch in front of the fire, the glow from which was the only light in the room. Bodie, Alex and Bessie had long gone to bed but Joey and Dawson couldn�t sleep. �So, we still have to tell Gail,� Joey said, sleepily snuggling into Dawson�s chest. �I know. But I think she will be really happy. She�s wanted grandkids from us since we were 18!� Dawson replied, closing his eyes and taking in the warmth of the fire. �I suppose so, I just hope she�s pleased,� Joey�s eye�s started to close too. The day had been very long and slowly the pair of them drifted off to sleep, wrapped up in each other�s arms. |
| In your own time... |