___________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter one
Joey was faced with an impossible decision. Did she go on the road with a guy she barely even knew? Or did she pick the safe route, and stay at Worthington? She had no idea which she should pick, but she only had two hours to make her decision. She was about to have dinner with her friends, in which Charlie was tagging along with her. He was wanting to spend as much time with her as possible before he left, and she honestly didn’t want to be away from him. At first, she was wanting him to just go away, and leave. Somehow, he’d managed to get underneath her skin, and she didn’t like it. Dawson was back from his Spring Break trip, so everyone was getting together at Jen and Jack’s place for a supper. She really needed to talk to Audrey, because she didn’t know what to do. It wasn’t fair, that they’d just started this relationship, and now he was leaving. He was being nice, though, and not mentioning his immanent departure. They were walking towards the house hand in hand. It wasn’t going to be pleasant, because Jen and Dawson hated Charlie, but Joey really didn’t care. Jack had told her to bring him along, and that’s exactly what she was going to do. She looked over at him, and he smiled at her. It was as if he was reassuring her that everything was going to be okay. She sure hoped it was going to be.They got to the front door, and with her free hand, Joey rang the bell. It was Pacey who answered the door, and he smiled at them, and moved aside to let them in.
" We were beginning to wonder if you were going to get here. Dinner is about ready, and we were so not going to wait on you two. Charlie, glad you could make it. I understand that you’re leaving tonight, right?" Joey rolled her eyes. Leave it to Pacey to say the things you were trying to avoid. Charlie nodded at Pacey.
" Yup, we’re going on tour for a few months. We’re opening for a really awesome band, so we’ll get a lot of attention, and maybe a record deal. I tried to get Joey to go with me, but she won’t do it. I’m sure gonna miss her, and I was hoping you guys would stay in touch with me." Pacey nodded and patted Charlie on the back.
" Oh absolutely Charlie, only because you’re going to get famous, and I can say I knew you once." This made even Joey crack a smile. They walked into the living room, where Jack, Dawson, and Audrey were. Jen was in the kitchen helping her Grams with dinner. Dawson didn’t say anything at the sight of Joey and Charlie, but his face did harden, and he soon excused himself from the room. Jack cleared his throat to break the tension.
" Come on guys, sit down. Joey, don’t worry about Dawson, he’ll be okay." Joey nodded and sat down on the couch with Charlie. Joey tried to get Audrey’s attention, but it didn’t work. Jack on the other hand did see her look, and spoke up.
" Hey Joey, could you and Audrey help me with something in my room?" Audrey looked up completely surprised by this statement, but seeing Joey’s eagerness to do so, she quickly stood up, leaving Pacey and Charlie in the living room.
When they got in Jack’s room, they shut the door, and looked at Joey. It appeared as if Jack wasn’t going to leave Joey alone to talk to Audrey, which was fine. Jack moved his hands as if to say, ‘lets move this along’, and spoke up.
" I saw the look you were throwing Audrey, so I figured I’d help you out, plus I’m not going to miss this." Joey had to smile at him.
" The thing is, I need advice. Charlie asked me to go on tour with him, not as a singer, but as his girlfriend. At first, it didn’t seem like such an attractive offer, but we’ve spent the past week together, and I don’t want him to go. I don’t know what to do. I’m sure I could defer Worthington for a semester, and not have any problems, but do I wanna do that?" They had all sat down on Jack’s bed while Joey was talking. Audrey was the first one to speak up.
" I think you should go, Jo. Sure, I’ll miss the crap out of you, but you should be happy. This has been a really rough year for you, and I think you should go. Plus, you never do anything wild, and this will give you a chance to blow off some steam." Joey smiled at Audrey’s attempt to make her smile. She turned her head towards Jack.
" I’m not so sure about this one. He was awful to Jen, but he seems to be a lot different towards you. You’ve been semi seeing him for awhile now, and he hasn’t made a pass at you has he?" Joey shrugged.
" He’s made some comments to me, but nothing too bad." Jack nodded.
" Well, maybe Audrey is right. I have an even better idea for you than deferring for semester. You could take the classes online, and that way you wouldn’t be behind us when you came back." Joey sighed.
" So, both of you think I should go? I really want to, I just don’t know if I could do something like that. It’s nothing I’ve ever done before, but I think I’m going to really miss him when he leaves." Before they could say anything else, Jen opened the door.
" Come on guys, dinner is ready. I want to get this over with, because I really don’t like having Charlie in my house." With that said, she turned on her heel, and walked out of the room. Jack just shook his head, and patted Joey on the back.
They all sat around the dining room table, which was full from everyone being there. Grams smiled at everyone and asked if everyone would let her say a blessing. They all agreed, and the meal began. Jen kept throwing glares at Charlie through the whole meal. Dawson didn’t speak through the whole thing, which left Jack, Pacey, and Audrey trying to hold a conversation. Joey and Charlie were in there own little world of each other. He leaned in to whisper to her.
" Wow, it’s really tense in here. I have a feeling that there are a few people who don’t want me here, which is understandable." Joey smiled at him, and leaned in towards him.
" Charlie, don’t worry about it. We have to leave in about an hour so you can go pack. I still can’t believe you put off packing until now. I think it’s cute, and annoying at the same time." Charlie smiled at her, and kissed her on the cheek.
" I only did it so you could come back with me. I told you I want to spend every second I have left with you. I’m gonna miss you, Potter." She sighed and looked away.
" I’m sad to say, that I’m actually going to miss you too, charlie." He grinned.
" I’ve been waiting for you to tell me that! If you tell me to, I’ll stay right here, Joey."
Joey shook her head at him. She refused to let him throw away this opportunity. Before she could say anything, Jen spoke up.
" Okay, I can’t do this anymore. Joey, I can’t believe you’re sitting there, having a cutesy conversation with him. You know what kind of person he is. I’m just wondering if this is retaliation on me for sleeping with Dawson." At this statement everyone at the table shook their heads, except for Joey.
" I told you once, Jen, it has nothing to do with you at all. I’ve gotten to know Charlie, and he’s not like you told me. Sure, at first he threw the cheesy lines at me, but I saw through that, and he’s had to show me his true self...mostly." Jen threw her fork down and got up.
" I don’t know why you’re kidding yourself, Joey. You just want some attention, so you’re going after Charlie. I just never thought you could be so stupid." Charlie spoke up then.
" You know, Jen, you don’t even know me. We went out for like three weeks, and it was over. The only thing we did the whole time was sleep together. I’ve been trying for over a month to get Joey to pay attention to me, and now she is. We’ve been hanging out for about a month now, and we haven’t slept together, not even close. If I was trying to use her, don’t you think I’d have moved on by now?" Jen shook her head.
" No, I don’t charlie, because that’s just a challenge for you." Everyone in the room, looked up at Jen in shock. Joey was very angry, because she stood up in her spot and leaned over the table.
" Jen, I still don’t understand why you care so much. You’re not my friend, and we never really have been friends. I think I’ll be going now. Mrs. Ryan, thank you for a lovely evening." With that she walked away from the table, leaving Charlie to follow her. Charlie and Joey were about to walk through the door, when Dawson stopped her. Charlie kissed her hand and excused himself outside to wait for her.
" What is it, Dawson? Have you come to lecture me too?" He ran his hand through his hair, and sighed in frustration.
" I just can’t believe you’re doing this. Jen is only trying to look out for you, and you’re being a brat about it. You know Charlie is only going to hurt you, leaving us to pick up the pieces." Joey laughed at this.
" As if I’d come to you for that reason, Dawson. We haven’t really been best friends since I got on that boat with Pacey. I’ve been spending a lot of time with Charlie, and I’m usually a good judge of character. Plus, you won’t have to worry about me coming back to you guys. I’m going with Charlie." With this said Joey walked out of the house, leaving everyone stunned by her remark. She vaguely heard Audrey squeal.
Chapter Two
Dawson stared after Joey and Charlie for quite some time before Pacey finally came up behind him. He placed his hand on Dawson’s shoulder, and he turned to look at him. Pacey went around Dawson, and shut the door. He didn’t say anything at first, he just walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. Pacey sighed and followed him. He sat down on the coffee table across from him, and waited for Dawson to start speaking. He looked up at Pacey, and his expression spoke volumes.
" I can’t believe she’s going with him. I mean, she’s going to be gone for a really long time." Pacey lowered his head, and spoke.
" Dawson, She’s been dating him for awhile. I don’t understand why you’re so upset about this. It’ll do her some good to get away from us, and have some fun. She deserves the fun Dawson." He ran his hand through his hair, and took a rugged breath.
" I know she does Pacey, I’ve just always thought she’d do something like this with me. She did it with you when she got on your boat with you. I was hoping it was my turn. I just always seem to have horrible timing when it comes to Joey." Audrey and Jack walked into the room at this statement. Jack sat on the couch next to Dawson, and Audrey sat next to Pacey. Jack was the one who spoke next.
" Dawson, I understand you’re upset. We’re all here for you, and we’ll hang out." Dawson shook his head.
" I don’t know where she got this idea of going with him. I know he asked her, but last I heard she wasn’t going with him." Audrey and Jack looked away from Dawson. Pacey snickered at their faces.
" You two talked her into to it, didn’t you? When you went into that room, you talked her into going with Charlie." Audrey stood up then.
" Come on, Pacey, it’s not like it’s a bad thing, you know. I’m sorry, Dawson, I really am, but she deserved some fun. She waited on you forever, then you get with Jen. She’d never tell you guys, but she was devastated. She told me it ripped her heart into pieces. I couldn’t tell you guys that, because she said she wanted to keep the brave front, t hat she had no right to say that to you. She said that you needed to figure out some stuff about your dad. I hate to bring him up, I’m sorry. It was at that dinner that Pacey cooked. I took her into the kitchen, and she told me then, but she had no right to say anything about it. In my opinion, she should have thrown her dinner on Jen, and slapped the crap out of you. I don’t want to see you sit here, and sulk about this, because you blew your chance. So please, Dawson, get over yourself, and move on!" After Audrey made this statement, she stormed out of the house. Pacey stood up a little shocked at the outburst, and slowly went after her. Jack and Dawson just sat in stunned silence.
Dawson didn’t know what to say. Did everyone think he’d blown his chance with Joey when he’d gone with Jen? He knew he’d eventually get his turn again with Joey, he just obviously didn’t have any idea when. He looked at Jack who wasn’t saying anything, just sitting there. He turned to face him.
" So, you think I blew it? I mean, you must have, because you talked her into leaving. I’ll never understand that, Jack." With that he got up and left. Jack called out to him, but Dawson just went up the steps to his room. Jen came into the room and faced Jack. He looked up at her, and didn’t say anything to her.
" So, it’s your fault that Joey is going with Charlie? How could you do that, Jack? I mean what possessed you to tell her to go?" Jack scoffed at her statement.
" I have to agree with Joey on this one, Jen. Why the hell do you care what she does? You obviously weren’t thinking of her when you slept with Dawson. You’re over Charlie, so why does it bother you?" She stammered at first, then she finally spoke.
" I know that he’s only going to hurt her. I know it, because he did it to me, and I think he’s scum. Not to mention the fact that I still have feelings for him." This made Jack look up at her in disbelief.
" You are unbelievable, do you know that? You only want Dawson when Joey wants him again. Then when she’s going out with the guy that you’ve been cursing for over a month, you want him again? Jen, you don’t have feelings for him, you just don’t want Joey to have him. I’m outta here." Jack walked out of the room, leaving Jen to sit on the couch by herself.
vyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyJoey was walking hand in hand with Charlie on their way to his Dorm room. She wanted to tell him that she wanted to go with him, but she didn’t know if that window was gone or not. He wasn’t saying anything, and it was probably because of the fight she’d just got into with Jen.
" I’m really sorry about that, Charlie. I had no idea that she was going to jump at us like that." Charlie swung their hands for a few seconds, then smiled at her.
" It’s alright, Joey. I kind of figured that she would, I mean she hates my guts. I wasn’t really good to her, but I’m sure you don’t want to hear that." Joey sighed.
" I do want to know why you did it. You gave her this big speech about not being that guy, and you turned out to be that creepy guy." He sighed, not wanting to answer the question.
" Joey, I don’t know. I saw her at the party, and she seemed really cool. Then, she saw me having dinner with my sister, and she thought I was cheating. She threw ice cream and whipped cream all over my crotch. My sister was none to impressed. She tried to apologize for it, but it pissed me off. Therefore, the other girl I had been talking to only, I had sex with. It’s not an excuse, but I didn’t really want to be with her anymore." Joey nodded.
" How do you know I wouldn’t do something like that?" He grinned.
" I think it would be great if you did. That would mean you were jealous, and if you were jealous that would be fantastic. I’ve never tried to get a girl’s attention as hard as I’ve tried to get yours. I just wish we had more time together." Joey lowered her head.
" Um, about that, I did have a question for you, Charlie." He looked up at her hopefully.
" Spit it out, Potter, what would that question be?" She took in a ragged breath, and looked back up at him.
" I was just wondering if that offer was still good?" His face lit up at what she said.
" You mean for me to stay here with you?" She shook her head at him.
" No, I want to go with you. I figure, you’ll never really forgive me if you miss this opportunity. I would like to get to know you some more, and you asked me once to go with you." Charlie stopped dead in his tracks to look at her.
" Well, I would have to say...Hell yeah!!" With that said he grabbed Joey and picked her up. He was hugging her and swinging her at the same time. Joey was laughing right along with him. When he finally put her down, she grabbed onto his shoulder to steady herself.
" Okay then, we have to get you packed, and then we have to get me packed." He grinned, grabbed her hand, and started running.
Chapter Three
Instead of going to their rooms together, they’d decided to go their respective rooms by themselves to pack. Joey was in her room, packing her clothes for the road trip. She was so beyond nervous, her hands were shaking. When she’d been walking up to her room, she’d started to have several doubts about the whole thing.. Dawson’s words to her kept running through her head, and she didn’t know if she could go through with it. She really liked Charlie, and she wanted to go. She just didn’t like having everyone so mad at her. Bessie had hung up on her, telling her if she went, it would be the worst mistake she ever made. She finished packing, and sat down on her bed. She contemplated calling Dawson, and telling him she was sorry. Audrey and Pacey burst through the door, causing Joey to jump up off her bed. At the look on her face, Pacey shook his head at her.
" Don’t chicken out, Potter. You have to go, and everyone thinks you should." Joey sighed, and sat back down." Not everyone, Pace. Three people have told me I should go. I called Bessie to tell her what I was doing, and she hung up on me." Audrey rolled her eyes and sat down next to her.
" Oh, who cares! You’re an adult, Joey, and you should be able to do what you want. Who cares what other people think, just as long as you’re happy?" Joey couldn’t help but smile at Audrey. She was only trying to make her feel better, but Audrey wasn’t finished.
" Not to mention the fact that Charlie is hot, and you get to spend every night with him." Joey finally laughed when she said this.
" Thanks, Audrey, that’s helpful. You don’t have to worry, I’m still going to go. I’ve already told Charlie I would, but I still feel like throwing up." Pacey and Audrey grinned. Pacey was the next one to speak.
" Look, Jo, there is nothing wrong with going on a road trip for a couple of months. I’m sure you’re going to end up hating the clubs, but at least you’ll get to know Charlie." Joey shook her head at Pacey, smiling. Before she could say anything else, Charlie was knocking and entering her room at the same thing.
" Hey, Joey, we have to go now. The boys are all loaded up and waiting." Joey smiled and nodded at him.
" Okay I’m coming, just let me say good-bye to these two." He nodded and stepped outside of the room. Joey turned and faced her two really good friends to say good-bye.
" Guys, could I get a ride if this is totally awful? I’m hoping it won’t be, but we’ll see, won’t we?" Pacey smiled gently at her, walked towards her, and hugged her.
" Call me day or night, Jo. I’ll be there in a heartbeat, wherever you are." Joey smiled back, and hugged him. When their embrace finally broke, Audrey moved forward. She immediately started crying, and grabbed Joey.
" I’m going to miss you so much! You have to call me at least three times a day, okay?" Joey just kept laughing and nodded her head in agreement. When Audrey released her, Joey picked her bag up off of her bed, and headed towards Charlie. When saw her, he winked at her, and reached for her bag. She turned to wave one last time at Pacey and Audrey before walking away. Charlie just shook his head at her expression.
" I still don’t know how you do it." Joey looked over at him, and smiled.
" How I do what?" Charlie paused long enough to take hold of her hand, and then continued walking.
" Seeing Pacey with your roommate. I can tell you still care deeply about him. What I’m trying to say is, you’re absolutely amazing." Joey glowed at his words.
" Why thank you, Mr. Todd." He nodded his head, and opened the front door of the Dormitory. The van was waiting outside for them when they got out there. Charlie put Joey’s bag in the back, and Joey climbed into the van. Only the back seat was open, which Joey was certain was all Charlie’s doing. He soon climbed in beside her, and settled in for the trip. To make himself more comfortable, he put his arm around her shoulders, and for the first time, she didn’t mind. As the van pulled away from Worthington, Joey watched it fade away into nothingness from the window.
sssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Audrey slowly closed the door where Joey had once stood. She probably hadn’t even pulled away in the car yet, and she already missed her. She walked quietly over to Joey’s bed, and sat down. Pacey smiled at her, and sat down next to her.
" What’s wrong, sweetie? I didn’t think you’d get sad over this, after all you were the main one rooting for this." She sighed and laid back.
" I know I know, I did want her to go. I knew she’d be miserable if she didn’t go. It’s just that she’s turned out to be one of my best friends, and now she’s gone." Pacey sighed, and put his head down.
" That Joey, does have a tendency to make you love her. The interesting thing is, she usually doesn’t have a clue." Audrey turned her head, and looked at him closely.
" You really love her don’t you, Pacey? I don’t know why I never saw it before, but it’s there plain as day. You’d do pretty much anything for her, wouldn’t you?" Pacey didn’t look at her, just answered.
" That’s right, I would. I do love her, I probably will continue to love her for the rest of my life. It just doesn’t look like it’s meant to be. I didn’t want to tell you this, because I thought you’d misunderstand. I love her yes, but it’s not like it used to be. It doesn’t hurt to see her, or to see her with someone else. We’ve both moved on, and I think it’s made us stronger." Audrey took a shallow breath before speaking.
" Talk like that doesn’t usually make a girl want to date you, Pacey." He turned his head towards her.
" Audrey, it’s not like that. I hope you realize what I mean. I like you a lot, Audrey, I’m sorry if what I said made you think I didn’t" she sat up on the bed, and stood up to face him.
" I don’t doubt that you like me, Pacey. I just wonder if you’ll ever want to be in a relationship with me." He sat up and placed his hands on her hips.
" Oh, I think I want to be in a relationship with." Without giving her a chance to respond, he picked her up, and threw her back on the bed. He was soon on top of her kissing him, when Audrey made him stop.
" Wait, we’d better get off of Joey’s bed. She’ll kill me if I have sex on her bed." When she said this, Pacey couldn’t help but throw his head back roar with laughter.
Chapter Four
Dawson was up in his room lying down on his bed. He couldn’t get over what had happened downstairs. The fact that Jack had been one of the main people rooting for Joey to go, completely baffled him. Jack knew how important Joey was to him, and how important she was to everyone else. Everyone loved her, and it wasn’t just him that was going to miss her. Pacey, he knew, was going to miss seeing her. Jack had come to rely on Joey to cheer him up, or to help him study. He wanted to go downstairs and hear Jack’s argument, but he was still reeling with everything. Joey Potter, his best friend in the entire world, had told him he was the last person she’d go to for help. That’s the other thing of many that was bothering him. Last, but not least, he was worried that Audrey didn’t like him anymore. He really did like her friendship, and didn’t want anything to ruin that. He just hoped that she’d let him explain his side, and why he wanted her to stay so bad. With all of these thoughts running through his head, Dawson didn’t hear Jack enter his room." Dawson, are you going to continue to give me the silent treatment?" Dawson whipped his head around to face Jack.
" I didn’t hear you come in, Jack. I’m not giving you the silent treatment." Dawson sat up, and looked Jack straight in the face. " I just don’t understand why you pressed the issue of her going with Charlie. I know you don’t like him, yet you send one of your good friends on a road trip with him." Jack sighed and moved to stand in front of Dawson.
" Look Dawson, I know you’re angry with me, and that’s fine. I had my doubts about her going with him, yes, and then I heard her talking about it. The thing is, is it’s none of our business what she does. She was coming to us for advice, and as soon as I saw how smitten she was, I agreed. I’m very protective of Joey, because she was so nice to me, but this is what she wanted. You know how Joey is, she won’t do anything until she’s absolutely sure about something. I think the reason you’re so upset, is because you know that. That’s why she left with Pacey, even though they weren’t officially together anymore. I don’t mean to lecture you, Dawson, it’s just I don’t think you should be mad at me." Dawson sighed and lowered his head.
" I’m not really mad at you, Jack. I was just kind of shocked that you would be the one to root for the relationship between them. I mean, Jen is your best friend." Jack didn’t say anything at first, but finally did speak up.
" Jen is my best friend, Dawson. Joey is special to me, too. If one of my friends deliberately hurts the other, than I’m going to have a problem with it." He couldn’t get another word out, before Jen walked into the room, glaring at Jack the whole time.
" I’ll have you know, that Joey had nothing to do with the fact that I slept with Dawson. I’ve always liked Dawson, and Joey has always known this. The whole Charlie thing, is because of Joey. I had him first, and now she has him. I’ve always had a problem with the fact that she’s so much more beautiful than I am. She doesn’t even have to try. I’ve had a huge crush on Charlie, since I first met him, and then he cheated on me. He then proceeded to try to woo the other girl back, and not me. The fact that he’s stuck around so long with Joey, irks me. It really doesn’t have anything to do with her, it’s him. If I see him with any other girl, it’s going to drive me nuts. The fact that it is Joey...well that just sucks. It’s my thing, though, it’s not Joey." Dawson and Jack didn’t know what to say, they just stared at her.
‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚ Joey awoke in the van that she’d first started her journey in. She looked over, and saw that Charlie was asleep too, and her head was resting on his shoulder. She looked over at his band mates, and most of them were asleep, too. She sat up in the seat, and the stiffness in her body made her groan. Charlie stirred, and turned to look at her." Did I wake you up?" Joey grinned at him.
" How could you have woke me up, Charlie? You were asleep yourself." He shrugged and yawned.
" I was just checking. I think we’re almost there, so it shouldn’t be too much longer. It’s getting down right cramped in this van." It was as if they’d heard what he said, because fifteen minutes later, they pulled into a motel. Joey looked at her watch, and it was a little after midnight the following day. They’d been traveling pretty much non stop, only stopping for gas and snacks. They’re first show was that evening at a local club. When she got out of the van, she stretched, and yawned. Charlie went to the back of the van, and grabbed their bags. When he came back around, Joey reached for her bag, saying he didn’t have to carry both bags. Joey waited outside while the boys went inside to get the room keys. She was very nervous, and she was very far from home. They’re first show was in St Louise, Missouri. When the guys came out of the lobby, the lead singer, Joey wasn’t sure of his name, smiled, and slapped Charlie on the back. She smiled at him. He walked up to her, and held up the key.
" Is it alright that we’re sharing a room?" She smiled, and took the key from him.
" Of course it is, Charlie. I didn’t expect to have my own room, and if I did, I’d have paid for it myself. Let me guess, it’s a one bed, isn’t it?" He lowered his head.
" It’s cheaper, Potter, and we’ve slept together before. Have I once tried anything, since we’ve been going out?" She laughed, and grabbed his arm.
" You’re so easy to mess with. Lets go to sleep, shall we? I don’t know about you, but I’m very sleepy."
Together they walked to their room. When they got settled, and were lying in the bed, Joey took a chance. Instead of staying on her usual side of the bed, she turned around to face him, and curled up beside him. Charlie was surprised when she first did this, but he soon moved his arm to accommodate her, and left her head resting on his shoulder next to his head. It was the best that Joey had slept in a long time.
Chapter Five
Joey woke up slowly, and found that she was alone in the bed. She sat up, and kept the covers on her. She had expected him to get up before her, but she had also expected him to wake her up as well. She got up, and looked for any indication that he was in the room. When she decided it was safe, she took her shirt off, and began looking for her suitcase. When she found it, she pulled out her clean clothes, and finished undressing. She was about to replace her dirty under clothes for clean ones, when the door opened. Joey screamed, and reached for something to cover herself with. The only thing she could get her hands on fast enough, was a pillow. She held it protectively in front of her, and realized it was just Charlie, and none of his buddies. This knowledge didn’t alleviate any of her anger and embarrassment. Charlie, who had been taken completely by surprise, had dropped the bag of breakfast he had, and jumped around. He had his back facing her, when he ventured to speak.
" Geeze Joey, I’m so sorry. I thought you were still asleep, I had no idea...oh man." Joey didn’t know what to say at first. She was still in complete shock of what happened.
" Don’t you dare turn around, Charlie. I’m going to go into the bathroom to finish changing. I’m dead serious, you better not turn around until you hear the lock on the bathroom door click." After saying this, Joey quickly made her way into the bathroom. She quickly changed into her clean clothes, and went red faced into the outer room.
Charlie didn’t know whether to laugh with enjoyment, or hide for fear of his life. He’d wanted to surprise her with breakfast in bed, and it never occurred to him that she might have woken up. He’d just had the brilliant idea of waking first, so he could rouse her with the smell of food. He was mostly speechless from what he’d seen. He’d imagined what she’d looked like, but nothing was in comparison to the real thing. He wanted to tell her how beautiful he thought she was, but he figured that wasn’t the best way to go. So, his big plan was to sit quietly on the bed, while she worked through her embarrassment. When she finally was able to speak, it was not in the greatest of tones.
" Okay, Charlie, we’re going to have to work out a system of sorts. I’m going to need to know a schedule of when you’re going to be here, and we’re you’re not. I’ve also learned, that I need to change in the bathroom, which I should have done in the first place. I don’t want a word spoken about this right now, got it? I realize that I’m being bossy and snippy, but that can’t be helped right now. Do we have a deal? We’ll work something out, so I don’t walk in on you, and you don’t walk in on me?" Charlie smiled, and nodded.
" Absolutely Joey, and I want you to know, that I had no idea you were changing. I was trying to surprise you with food. I thought you were still asleep, and I wanted to give you breakfast in bed. I know it’s fast food, but still, it’s the thought that counts." Joey sat down next to Charlie, and sighed.
" It’s not your fault, Charlie. I should have gone into the bathroom, I just thought you had gone to band practice or something. I had no idea that you would be walking back into the room. Honestly, that thought never entered my head." Charlie put his arm around Joey’s shoulder.
" Okay, how about we knock before entering? If we know that the other person is the room, we knock, to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Is that a deal?" Joey smiled back at him, nodded. She just hoped she could get over embarrassment of this day.
Pacey had a great day at work, and he wanted to share it with Joey. He had forgotten for a moment, that she was out traveling with Charlie, and actually gone to the room looking for her. When he got there, Audrey had opened the door, and he had immediately remembered that she was gone. He quickly covered and told Audrey his good news. They’d celebrated the only way they ever did, and he was currently laying on the bed. Audrey had long since passed out, and he was thinking. Was it natural for him to be thinking about Joey so much, lately? Maybe it was because she was gone, and he couldn’t actually talk to her face to face. He could always call her on her cell phone, which he intended to do later this evening. It just shook him that the first person he wanted to share his good news with was Joey, when it should have been Audrey. He really cared for his girlfriend, but usually all they did was have sex. They went out occasionally, but mostly they had sex. The weird thing is, he’d probably bring this up to Joey on the phone when he talked to her. She’d probably giggle, and say something like, ‘I’m glad you thought of me, Pace.’ That was just how Joey was, she was very sweet natured. Well, unless you pissed her off, then she wasn’t so sweet. Pacey sat up, and shook his head. He really had to get this woman out of his head, especially when he was sleeping with someone else. He bent his head, and put his head in his palms. This was going to be a long vacation without Joey here to talk to.
Jack was sitting on the couch in the living room of Gram’s house, when Dawson came downstairs. It was better now that they had cleared the air. Dawson and Jen weren’t really on speaking terms, but there really was no helping that. Dawson was really taking it hard that Joey had left. He couldn’t really comprehend that, since they hadn’t been that close since high school ended. Hell, they’d stopped being close when she hopped on the boat with Pacey. Dawson said that he’d gotten over that a long time ago, but he really hadn’t. He probably would eventually, but that time had yet to come. Jack was secretly playing match maker with Dawson, and friend of his from his Lit class. Her name was Madisyn Calloway. She was very pretty, and she was kind of sassy. Jack thought that sassy was just what Dawson needed at this particular moment in time. Of course, Maddy had been completely opposed to being set up on a blind date, but he’d talked her into it. Besides, it wasn’t really going to be a blind date. She was going to come here for dinner, and Jack and Jen would be here as buffers. Okay, he and Grams would be there as buffers. Dawson sat down beside Jack, and looked at him quizzically.
" Earth to Jack, come in Jack. What were you thinking about? You were very lost in your own thoughts." Jack smiled, and looked over at Dawson.
" Oh, I was just thinking of movie ideas for a friend I have coming over for dinner tonight." Dawson tilted his head back.
" What kind of friend are we talking about?" Jack laughed, knowing exactly what Dawson was asking.
" The female kind, Dawson. She was in my English Lit class, and I invited her over for dinner. I think you’ll like her, she’s a big movie buff, like you. She’s majoring in writing, though. She wants to write screenplays and stuff like that." Dawson nodded his head.
" Well, I’ll be here for dinner tonight, so I’m sure I’ll get to meet this mystery friend of yours. What time is she coming over?" Jack just smiled, because he knew that Dawson was curious about her. The set up was perfect.
Chapter Six
Madisyn was not a happy camper, and she was going to make sure that Jack knew this. He was trying to set her up on a blind date, and she didn’t want to go. The only reason she’d agreed was because she loved Jack to death. He was one of the sweetest and funniest people that she knew. He’d also helped her a lot with her Lit class. She was currently walking up the sidewalk to his house. She’d only been there once before, and no one else had been there. He’d stopped in to get one of his books, and had let her take a peek. He was very specific even then about his pal Dawson, and how he needed a girlfriend. She’d sensed his plan even then, and had tried to squash it, but he would hear nothing of it. When she came up to the door, she seriously debated turning around and leaving. She took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. A pretty girl with blonde hair opened the door, and Maddy knew that this must Jen. Jack had talked some about her, but hadn’t gotten to descriptive. He’d mainly focused on Dawson, and praising his saint hood. The girl just looked at her, and sighed.
" Um, can I help you with something?" Madisyn once again, almost turned around.
" Actually, I was invited to dinner by Jack. I’m not too early am I?" Jen didn’t respond, just looked at her with a confused expression on her face. It was then that a guy opened the door even wider, and smiled at her. Maddy thought that this had to be the Dawson Jack kept talking about. She was surprised by how cute he was. He continued to smile at her as he spoke.
" You must be Madisyn, Jack told me you were coming over. Come on in, and I’ll go get him for you." Maddy smiled back at him, and followed him into the pretty house. The girl who answered the door, Jen she was assuming, kept looking at her, until she finally spoke.
" You’re a friend of Jack’s? That’s funny, because he hasn’t said anything to me at all about a friend from school. Not to mention, he didn’t mention that we’d be having company for dinner." Before Madisyn could respond, an older woman came out of the kitchen, must have been the Gram’s he talked about, and spoke up.
" Now Jennifer, be nice to our guest. As a matter of fact, Jack did say something to me about a guest coming for dinner and a movie, I just forgot to mention it to you." Madisyn stayed put in her spot wondering how she got herself into these predicaments. Jack came tumbling down the stairs, and stopped in front of her.
" Maddy, I’m really glad you came. Come and sit down, we’ll talk while dinner is cooking. Grams, did you need any help with dinner?" After telling him that she did not need his help, he took her jacket from her, and led her into the living room. Dawson and Jen followed suit and sat down as well. Jack trying to break the ice, introduced her to everyone.
" Dawson, this is who I was telling you about, Maddy. Maddy these are my friends Dawson and Jen. Dawson is majoring in Film, Maddy, I thought the two of you would have some things to discuss." Maddy could tell that Dawson was trying his best to hide his amusement, because Jack was not being very subtle. Jen must have thought so too, because she stood up.
" Um Jack, could I see you in the dining room for a minute, please?" Jack looked like he was going to refuse, but finally conceded and followed her into the other room. Madisyn sighed, and looked over at Dawson.
" So, Jack tells me that you’ve made a couple of movies. Have you gone to any film festivals?" Dawson smiled as if he was glad she was talking about movies.
" Yes, actually I’ve entered in several. I entered the first film I ever did actually, and it was kind of corny. I had a little hand held camera, and my friends acted out the parts." Maddy smiled at him. He seemed nice enough.
" That’s great that they helped you along with your project. What kind of movie was it?" Dawson smiled once again before speaking.
" It was a horror film. It was called " The Creature from the Deep." It won in t he festival, and I have no idea why." Maddy couldn’t help but chuckle.
" Oh, I’m sure you have an idea why it won. You’re still making movies, aren’t you? That must have helped you along." The two of them kept talking about his movies for several minutes.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeMeanwhile in the dining room.....
Jen pulled Jack into the dining room, and shut the door. She turned to face him, and Jack knew instantly that she was upset. It had to be because he was trying to set Dawson and Madisyn up, he just didn’t understand why she was getting so mad. She glared for a few minutes, then finally spoke.
" What the hell do you think you’re doing? It’s obvious that you’re trying to hook Dawson and your little friend up. What I don’t get, is why you’ve never mentioned her name until she’s knocking on our door." Jack sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
" Is that why you’re upset? Because I didn’t tell you that I had other friends besides you and the core group? There is life outside of the five of us, Jen. I’m sure you have friends, that you’ve never mentioned to me. What’s wrong with me inviting one of those friends over for dinner?" Jen opened and closed her mouth a few times.
" What’s wrong? You’re trying to play matchmaker, that’s what’s wrong! You have no right to try to set two people up, who obviously have nothing in common." Jack grinned.
" You’re really starting to confuse me here, lately. What I can’t figure out here, is if you’re angry because I didn’t tell you about Madisyn, or if you’re angry because if you look out into the living room, they’re talking and getting along great." Jen stopped what she was about to say, and ran to the door. She looked through the window, and sure enough the two of them were talking and laughing together. Jen turned and looked at Jack’s smug expression, she then was about to open the door to the living room when Grams told them it was time for dinner.
‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚
Joey was at the club that the boys were playing at tonight. They were going to start playing in about ten minutes. The plan was that they were going to open for this other band. Joey had no clue what the name of this band was, but she was sure she didn’t care. She hadn’t really wanted to come in the first place, but Charlie had really wanted her there. He’d talked her into it, and she didn’t want to disappoint him. She was standing at the bar, when she heard a familiar voice.
" Well, well, well, if it isn’t ms. Joey Potter. What are you doing in a dump like this, pray tell?" Joey rolled her eyes, and turned to face him.
" Tell me this is a nightmare, and that you are not really here. Honestly, Dru, why are you all the way in Missouri?" He grinned, and sat on the stool next to her. It was then that the band took the stage, and they started to play.
" That’s not fair, Jo, I asked you first." Joey sighed. At least he was a face she knew, even it the sight of him made her sick.
" I’m traveling with the band on stage. My boyfriend plays the guitar. Now, you’re turn." Dru smiled at her.
" Wow, I never figured you for the type. Especially since he isn’t Pacey, or Dawson. I always thought that you’d marry one of them, and cheat on him with the other one. As to what I’m doing here, it’s actually similar. I travel with the other band. I’m their manager, you could say. So, it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other on this trip. Isn’t that great?" Joey just grimaced, and realized that the band had already played and finished their first song. She tried to pay attention, but Dru stayed by her side the entire set. When the band finished, Joey tried to get of him by telling him to get lost, but he stuck around. Charlie was on his way to her, when he saw Dru, and started walking slower.
" Hey Joey, did you like the set?" Joey smiled at him, kissed him.
" You were great." Charlie grinned at her.
" So, who’s your friend?" Joey started to say something, but Dru cut her off.
" Oh we go way back, went to high school together, and it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other, since I’m going on the tour as well. I’m off, and I’ll see you two kids later." With that said, he walked away. Joey sighed, and grabbed Charlie’s hand.
" Sorry about that, I absolutely hate that guy." Charlie put his arm around her shoulder and grinned.
" Well, that’s relief. What do you say we get out of here?" Joey nodded, and they left the sleazy bar.
To be Continued...
bravenet.com