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# 4 0 4 - F u t r e T e n s e
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Please note: I had this script on
my HD. I don't remember where I got it from, so if you want to provide a link to
its original site, E-mail me. Thanks! |
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[Potter B&B - Joey's room. Joey sits at her desk doing homework while Pacey sits on the bed reading.] Pacey: I'm bored. Joey: Good. Pacey: Good? Joey: Mmm-hmm. Pacey: I thought you were supposed to be concerned about me? In light of the recent tragedy I've suffered. Joey: Pacey, it's precisely because of the recent tragedy you've suffered that you could use a little boredom. Now keep reading. Pacey: I'm serious here, Jo. What's the point of reading a book about the future when the future in the book is already the past? Joey: Everybody's future eventually becomes the past, Pacey. Pacey: Yeah, but 1984? Big whoop! It happened! It's over! It was no big deal. Joey: And how would you know? You were in diapers at the time. Pacey: VH-1 Behind the Music, thank you very much. The point is, these people in the 50s, they spend their whole lives worrying about what the future is going to be like. And when it gets here, it turns out it's okay. Except that whole Boy George thing, but who could have predicted that, huh? (moves a pillow on her bed to sit closer and finds an array of mail under it) What's this stuff? (he starts to gather it up) Joey: Oh, (reaching to grab the mail) here Pacey, it's junk mail. (she moves it to her desk) Pacey: Junk mail? Joey: It's just college mail, it came over the summer. Pacey: You get junk mail from Princeton University? Joey: It doesn't mean anything, it comes from everywhere. I mean, like for instance, like I'm gonna go to Saint Olaf college? Or University of Hawaii? Or Valparaiso University. Where is that? It's like in Brazil or something. Pacey: But you are gonna go somewhere. Joey: Not right this second. I mean it's early yet anyway. I mean, you know maybe I'll just go to one of those fictional colleges. You know, like on those lame high school TV shows that go on for way too long, and then just in time to save the franchise, all of sudden it turns out that there's this amazing world class college just right around the corner where all the principle characters are accepted. Just to be safe, we should probably start the application process. [Capeside High - College Advisor's Office. The scene flips between all the principle cast members sitting in front of a desk.] Advisor: So Miss Lindley, it says here that you want to go to college. Jen: I did until I realized how many little forms I was going to have to fill out. But I intend to get started, I do. I've just been really busy with… Jack: …football. I know it's not going to help me get into college, but I did start this thing and I won't quit until it's… Andie: …done! I am so glad that I did this early action thing. It's just like this giant weight has been… Joey: …placed firmly around my neck. I mean, it's a big decision and it's not like I can afford to apply to a zillion places. Dawson: Everyone just assumes I'm going to film school. Advisor: And you're not? Dawson: Well, I'm not ruling anything out. I mean maybe I will, maybe I won't. Pacey: If the aptitude test says I'm well suited for a career in law enforcement, it's obviously in some serious need of re-tooling. You haven't been talking to my brother, have you? Jack: (laughing, then stopping suddenly) She said what? Advisor: Your sister tells me that you're not quite as far along in the college application process as you could be. Jack: Do you know my sister? Andie: Are you sure there's nothing else I should be doing at this point? I mean, couldn't we call or something? Dawson: How can anybody be sure where they want to spend the next four years of their life? Joey: I'm so sick of answering these lame questions, like... Jen: ...where do I see myself in five years? Pacey: Wish me luck, lady. I'll probably still be here. Joey: I'm actually the first person in my family to even apply to college. Advisor: That can work to your advantage. Elite schools are generally looking for people with diverse backgrounds. You're at the top of your class, Joey. Joey: The top top? Advisor: Number 4. And your board scores are phenomenal. I think that you should be able to get into practically anyplace in the country. Joey: And this must be where the 'but' comes in. Advisor: The Ivy's, Georgetown, Duke, Stanford, I mean, these schools accept only a miniscule amount of the people that apply. And hardly anybody ever gets a free ride. Joey: So you're telling me I've set my sights too high? Advisor: It's a crap shoot. Do I think you're smart, talented enough to be one of those people that gets in? Yes. Do I think you should prepare yourself for the possibility that you might not be one of those people? That couldn't hurt. (Joey looks crestfallen) [Capeside High - outside campus. Jen is walking rapidly as Dru rushes to catch up to her.] Dru: Jenny! Jenny! What, you no longer answer to Jenny? Jen: Not since I left the 2-1-2 area code. Dru: Not so fast. Can I walk you home? Carry your books? Buy you a soda at the malt shop? It's what people do around here for fun in Pleasantville, right? Jen: Dru, I'm going to say this in the nicest way possible. Go away. Dru: If I didn't know better, I'd think maybe you weren't happy to see me. Jen: No really? Dru: And I am your old chum from the big city. Cast adrift in a one horse town with no decent Chinese food, and you don't roll out the red carpet, you don't sit with me at lunch, you don't introduce me to your friends. Jen: Well that's because you already seem to know my friends. They knew that you were here before I did and they didn't warn me, I wonder why that is, huh? Dru: Okay. Busted. I didn't tell them I knew you. I wanted to lay low and soak up some second hand impressions of Jen Lindley version 2.0. So, what do you say? You and me, one milkshake, two straws, catch up on old times. I missed you these past two years. Jen: No you didn't. You didn't miss me. You missed my idiotic willingness to try out any and all illegal substances you happened to purchase in Washington Square Park, remember? Dru: Hey, come on. Not all that Ecstasy turned out to be sinus-headache medication. You make it sound like you never had any fun. Jen: Dru, the kind of fun that we had, I don't have anymore. So I don't know what you're hoping to gain by this little trip down memory lane but it won't… Dru: Hey, look. It's not like I don't dig this whole hip to be square thing you got going on, because I do. I just think we should hang out. Jen: Hang out? Dru: That's all. So what do you say? Jen: No way. Not ever, never going to happen. (she walks away) [Leery's Fresh Fish - Gretzilla sits at the bar filling out an application. With her back turned to the door, she hears someone come in. It's Dawson.] Gretchen: Uhh, they're closed. Dawson: Uhh, it's okay, I know the owner. Gretchen: Oh, hey! Your mom is in the back. Some fish related crisis. Dawson: It's the only kind there is around here. So you staking out a seat for the early bird special or what? Gretchen: No, interviewing. For a job. Dawson: The bartending job? Gretchen: Hey, I may not be Coyote Ugly material, but I can make a 7 and 7 with the best of them. Dawson: I believe you. So, uhh, how's it going? The interview. Gretchen: Okay, I guess. At least I hope so. I really need this job. I was tending bar all summer up in Province Town, and now that the tourist are gone, bye-bye job. Ce la vie. Gail: Hey, sorry about that. Tonight's special just changed from red snapper to ahi tuna. Hey honey. (she kisses Dawson on the cheek, then grabs Gretchen's app and looks at it) Gail: You know, Gretchen, everything certainly looks great on paper, but I do have one more question. What are your plans for school? Gretchen: School? Gail: College. Are you going back anytime soon because I was really hoping to find somebody who was willing to stick around for awhile. Gretchen: No, I umm, I'm on break. You know, indefinitely. Gail: Is there a reason for that? Gretchen: Not a very interesting one. Dawson: So mom, do you want me to set tables or what? Gail: Yeah honey, it is getting late. You know what Gretchen? Instant decision time here, can you start tomorrow? Gretchen: Yes! Tomorrow, today, yesterday! Gail: That's great. [Capeside High - football field. Mitch is back coaching as the players are practicing.] Mitch: Whenever you're ready, gentlemen. (he blows a whistle and they start play. The QB throws to Jack who catches nicely) Good catch Jack! Take 5 men. Not too much water. I don't want you cramping up out there. Jack: (seeing Andie on the sidelines, he goes over to her) What's up? Andie: You are not going to believe what happened? Jack: Something good, something bad, what? Andie: Something good! Okay, you know Miss Watson, the college advisor? Jack: Yeah? Andie: She actually called Harvard for me! Jack: And? Andie: And the woman she spoke to, not only said that everything looked good, but she remembered my essay! MY essay! Out of thousands! Jack: (doesn't seem that impressed) That's great Andie. Mitch: McPhee! Breaks over, let's go! Jack: Duty calls. (he goes back to join the team) Andie: 'kay. Go team! (play starts again.) Mitch: Go to Jack! (the QB throws to Jack who has to make a dive to catch it. When he lands, he yells in pain. Everyone rushes towards him.) [Capeside High - hallway. It's the next day and Jack is now wearing a sling on his left arm. Andie is trying to help him with his books.] Jack: I got it, I got it. Andie: You got it? (bumping into him) Oh! Oh! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! Jen: (walking up with Dawson) Jack, Jack, that looks a lot worse than what you led me to believe. Dawson: My dad said you weren't even going to be in school today. Jack: Uhh, it's fine. It's nothing. The worse part about it was the sound it made when they popped it back in. Andie: Ewww! It was so gross. You guys, 'ER' does not prepare you for that kind of stuff. Guy: (walking up with two other guys) McPhee! Sorry about the shoulder. Jack: Oh. Yeah. Thanks. (the 3 guys just kinda stand there in front of Jack, Jen, Andie and Dawson) Dawson: (after a pause) Anything else we can help you with? Guy: Yeah, a bunch of us were just kinda wondering if the party was still on? Jen: What party? Guy: Oh, shoot. Was it like a surprise or something? Andie: Was what a surprise? Guy: The birthday party. Guy 2: (walking up) Hey Lindley, happy birthday! (to guys) Party tonight, dude! Rager!! (all the guys walk off) Andie: Okay Jen, you did NOT tell me it was your birthday. Happy birthday! Jen: No, no, it's not. Jack: It's not, her birthday's in May. Dawson: So it's not your birthday, and yet people who call each other dude seem to be attending your birthday party. You might want to look into that. Jen: Yeah. [Potter B&B - Bessie and Joey are outside having coffee. Joey makes herself a cup and sits down next to Bessie on a patio chair.] Joey: Can I ask you a question? What does it mean when you dream that your teeth are slowly receding back into your head and the world's leading experts are powerless to stop it? Bessie: It means you shouldn't stay up all night stressing about college. You're gonna end up some place great. It'll give you tons of financial aide and everything will be perfect. Joey: That's what I thought, too, until yesterday. Bessie: What happened yesterday? Joey: I had a meeting with the new college advisor. Bessie: So? Joey: I'm fourth. Bessie: Fourth. Fourth? Fourth in your class! Joey! That's amazing! Joey: Yeah, it's amazing that… Bessie, all of the places that I thought I wanted to apply to, they're looking for people who are number 4 and they are concert violinist. Or they won the Westinghouse Science prize. Or they're legacy's like Andie. I mean, maybe I should even bother. I mean, I'd probably just be wasting the application fees. Bessie: Your defeatist attitude has got to go. What's Pacey say? Joey: Pacey's barely going to graduate, I can't exactly cry on his shoulder about my tragic lack of extra-curricular activities. If I tell Pacey how stressed I am, he's just going to think I'm this pathetic whiny cry-baby, you know? Bessie: Look, going to one of these schools could open up opportunities that you've always dreamed about, right? Joey: Yes. Bessie: So your dreams are your dreams, Joey. You can't apologize for them. Just talk to him. You'll probably find out that they're his dreams, too. [Capeside High - hallway. Jen hunts down Dru.] Jen: Unacceptable. Dru: Excuse me? Jen: You throwing me a birthday party. Unacceptable. Dru: So you found out about that. Jen: Yeah, well, how could I not? I've spent the entire morning fielding birthday wishes from complete strangers. My French class sang to me, in French. Dru: Aww, bummer. (as a guy walks past) Hey, Palmer! Jason! I'm gonna see you there, right dude? Palmer: Oh yeah! You know it, man. Dru: Excellent. (to Jen) You know what's great? Yesterday I didn't even know that guy from a hole in the wall. Today… Guy: See ya later, Dru! (Dru waves) Dru: …I'm telling you, this party has been a great way for me to get to know people. Jen: Good. But the fact that it's not my birthday, that puts no damper on the festivities, huh? Dru: I like to think of tonight as an omnibus retroactive birthday celebration. It covers all those parties we missed while we were apart. Plus, I'm doing a public service. You need to get you out of this funk you've been in since phantom freshman dumped you. Jen: Okay, first of all, he dumped me. I dumped him. Dru: Technicality. Jen: Second, this isn't a funk, it's my personality. Dru: Harsh. Jen: Third, it's not my birthday. Dru: Another technicality. Look, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Okay? Something the old Jen Lindley used to know. People are sheep. They need a reason to celebrate. 'kay, and that's where I come in. I give them something to celebrate. You. Jen: Answer me one thing. Why on earth would I actually attend this little shindig? Dru: Well, can't miss your own birthday. Jen: But it's not my birthday. Dru: I know, I know. But everyone here thinks it's your birthday. So work with me. It's your birthday, and you don't show up, I guess that kinda makes you sorta a… Jen: You know what, don't say it, Dru. I'd hate for endangered turtles to die while they're dragging the creek for your body. Dru: Hmm. Starts at 8. Dress is casual. (looking her up and down) But not that casual. Might want to come home first. Spiff yourself up a little. 'Kay? See ya later. [Capeside - Jack and Andie are walking down the street.] Andie: You know, Jack, things aren't as bad as you think they are. In fact, this whole injury could be a really good thing. Jack: Oh yeah, let me guess. It'll give me more time to work on my applications? Andie: Exactly! Jack: Yeah. Andie: Cause you don't want to get behind. Not like you already aren't. Jack: (holding his shoulder) Andie, I am in some serious pain here. Could you just lay off the lectures for a little bit, just until I get some pills in me? Andie: Sure thing. Jack: Thanks. Andie: Although! You might want to consider that this whole experience could make a really great essay topic! Jack: (sarcastically) Yeah. Yeah, that's good. I'm gonna get working on that as soon as I get home. Are we done with this little shopping excursion of ours? Andie: Almost. I just want to go into the bookstore and get a present for Jen for her birthday. Jack: You know it's not actually her birthday. Andie: I know. It just seems kinda rude to show up empty handed. (seems kinda rude to get her a book! haha!) [Leery's Fresh Fish - Dawson sits at a table alone doing homework. Gail walks up with a plate of food for him and sets it down. She takes a seat opposite him.] Gail: Mmm-hmm. Dawson: I am never eating a home cooked meal again, am I? Gail: Yeah, it looks like you're stuck, yet again, with 4-star gourmet cuisine. Dawson: (turning to look at the bar where Gretchen works) So, uhh, Gretchen seems to be working out? Gail: Oh yeah, so far. I just wish I knew that she was going to be around for more than few months. Now why would this incredibly beautiful and bright and talented young woman who could be off at college furthering her education, choose to be back in Capeside tending bar? Dawson: Because maybe college isn't the be all and end all that parents make it out to be. You know, maybe once you get past all rhetoric of all these great books that nobody reads, college is basically just a holding pen for 18-22 year olds. Like one of those airports that everybody has to stop at on their way to some place else. Kinda like prison with a better meal plan. Gail: Please tell me you're saying these things for the adolescent thrill of getting a rise out of your mother. Dawson: It's true, mom. Most people aren't in college to learn. They're there to kill brain cells and cohabitate with the opposite sex. Gail: Not that I'm complaining, but how did I end up with the only 17 year old in the country who thinks that sounds like a bad idea? Dawson: Well, I'm not opposed to those things, I'm just saying I think the whole idea of higher education is a little bit of a misnomer. You know, I think they should just call things what they are. Gail: Like when people are running away from their problems, they should admit they're running away from their problems? Dawson: Are we talking about somebody I know? Gail: Well, honey… your father and I couldn't help but notice that all the college applications arriving in the mailbox seem to be coming from zip codes more than a 1,000 miles away. Dawson: Right. And you and dad never suspected that your movie-obsessed son might want to go to school in California? Gail: Well, honey, we don't have a problem if you want to go to California or New Mexico or Alaska, if that's what you really want. We just don't want you to make a decision that's going to effect the rest of your life, based on the wrong criteria. Dawson: Like? Gail: Like the desire to put an entire continent between you and a certain girl we both know. [Potter B&B - Joey's room. Pacey and Joey are on the bed talking.] Joey: If I tell you what's bothering me, will you promise not to laugh at me or tell me I'm insane or insist that I should get over myself. Pacey: I think I can probably do that, yeah. Joey: I found out yesterday that I'm fourth. My class rank. I'm fourth. Pacey: (laughing) That's your problem? That's not a problem. If anything, that's a reason to quit studying. Joey: I don't know why I bother. I knew you wouldn't understand. Pacey: Okay, I'm sorry. That was bad. Can we try that again? Yeah? But this time you gotta cut out all that stuff about being number four. Cause I know that can't possibly be the reason you're so bothered. Joey: Well, no, it's… It's just that I always thought if I did well in school, that these doors would open for me, you know? And maybe I was just being naïve. Maybe I just set these goals that are really unrealistic. You know, certain people get into certain places because of who their parents are or how… You're not even listening. Pacey: No, I was listening. We should just all have your problems, you know? You're sitting here as one of the girls with the brightest futures on the face of the planet talking to a guy who's not going to get into any school where they don't give him his own tools. Joey: (getting up from the bed) Put your shoes on, let's go out. Pacey: Out? We can't go out. Joey: Yeah. Pacey: You know, just when this conversation starts getting emotionally complex, you want to bail. Who's the guy in this relationship? Joey: You are. And as the guy, you have a choice. You can either stay here prove how sensitive you aren't. Or, we can go to Jen's un-birthday party. Pacey: Alright. I'll get my shoes. [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - the house is swarming with teenagers. Jen and Dawson walk in.] Jen: (pointing out Dru who stands in front of the largest bucket I've ever seen, serving some drink from it) Look at that, there he is, our host. You know, on a good day, he'll ruin your chances of getting into the college of your choice, convince you he's the sausage king of Chicago, and wreck your father's car, but somehow you'll end thanking him. Dawson: Can I ask you an inevitable question? Jen: Was he my boyfriend? No. Was he an indiscretion? Yes. But to be quite honest, I'm not quite sure what he remembers. We were both chemically altered at the time. I don't think I need to go any further than that. [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - Pacey and Joey walk up to the 'punch bowl' where Dru is.] Dru: Witter. I knew you couldn't resist a party. I see you brought the Grim Reaper (Joey). Joey: We came for your immortal soul. That is, if you have one. Pacey: Actually, I'd just like a drink. Dru: Here you go. This one for you (Pacey). And for you (Joey). Pacey: Oh, no, no, no (taking drink from Joey). I don't think so. It is a proven fact that you madam, can not hold your alcohol. Joey: Let me get this straight. You can drink at parties, and I can't? Pacey: Yes. Cause as you so rightly pointed out, I'm a guy. And if I'm going to get in trouble for being a guy, I think I should at least get to act like one every once and awhile. (Joey gives him a look. Pacey succumbs to it) You know, with your advanced permission and approval. Of course, I wouldn't… do it without asking first. Joey: That's fine. Pacey: That's fine? Joey: Yeah. (grabbing her drink again and bring it to her lips) We'll both be guys tonight. Cheers. (she walks off taking a swig of her drink) [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - Jen catches Dru alone.] Jen: Dru. Dru: So, guest of honor finally decides to honor me with her presence. Jen: Well, unavoidable. Listen, I'm working on a little theory. This isn't your house, is it? Dru: I am shocked. Here I welcome you and 65 of your closest friends into my home and this is how you repay me? By accusing me of what exactly, misrepresenting my place of residence? What could I possibly gain by such tactics? Jen: Plausible deniability. I know what you're doing. See, if you throw a wild, raucous party at your own house, chances are, you'll get caught. But, if you throw the same party at some stranger's summer house, there's nothing to link you to the scene of the crime, and voila. Dru: Plausible deniability. You know, that's a pretty sophisticated theory you got going on there. Jen: Well, I'm a pretty sophisticated kind of girl. Dru: Yeah. Jen: Oh, and I almost forgot the best part. The thing that really elevates this whole happy birthday Jen thing from a mildly amusing run to an ingenious little plot twist. Dru: And that would be? Jen: Should the cops happen to show up and ask who's responsible for this mess, all the drunken masses are gonna remember is that it was Jen Lindley's birthday. Dru: So it's just absolutely impossible that my intentions were pure. All I wanted tonight was for you to have a good time. Jen: Well, I wouldn't say it's absolutely impossible, but I'd put the chances somewhere around 3%. Dru: You know what? I have a theory about your theory. I think the first half is right. I think this isn't my house. Cause maybe my house isn't the type of house that would impress anyone in this town. Least of all you. Maybe my house isn't even a house. Jen: What is this, some sort of riddle? Dru: (guys are calling from the other room - missed word?) calls. See ya later, birthday girl. [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - Joey is refilling her cup out of the 'punch bowl'. Dawson walks up.] Dawson: So, number four with a bullet, huh? Joey: How do you know that, Dawson? Dawson: Kenny Reiling and friends have already established a betting pool. Joey: How pathetic is this? I mean, 12 years of being a total control freak about school, practically giving myself an ulcer, hunting snails and building balsa wood bridges just for extra credit and where does that get me? Fourth. Dawson: Joey, this is amazing. And the race isn't even over yet. Is that what you're doing tonight? Celebrating? Joey: Yeah. The future. Whoopie. Dawson: Joey, everything is working out exactly the way you always wanted. Between your grades and your SAT scores, you can go anywhere. Joey: Not you, too, Dawson. Can't two people sit down and make small talk without the subject of college coming up? I mean, isn't that possible? I mean, what's next? You gonna ask me where I see myself in five years? Dawson: I don't have to. Aren't you the same girl who wanted to be an anthropologist or an oceanographer? Joey: Yeah. Dawson, do you have any idea how much money anthropologist make? Besides, I was just saying that to get your goat. Your buttons are so easy to push. Well, were so easy. Dawson: So you never really have any desire to do great and heroic things with your life? See far away places. Uncover lost civilizations. When it comes right down to it, you'd be just as happy hanging out here in Capeside? Joey: I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth. Dawson: I'm just trying to figure out why someone who's about to reap the benefits of something she's worked for her entire life, is trying to drown herself in some 80 proof fruit punch. Joey: Don't do this, Dawson. Dawson: Okay. Cheers. (he walks off) [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - the guys have set up a table and Dru throws some poker chips on it.] Dru: (missed name) that looks good. Poker time gentlemen, who's playing? (Pacey stands nearby) How 'bout you, Witter? You up for a little cards or do you need to ask permission from the ol' ball and chain? Pacey: I'd be happy to just find the ol' ball and chain right now. Dru: Oh yeah? I thought I just saw her talking to Dawson? Oh no, wait. That's wrong. She took a walk with the birthday girl, which is why you should stay here and play cards with us. So what do you say? Five card draw, you in or out? Pacey: Well, it's your money. (Pacey takes a seat and someone sets some chips in front of him) [Gazebo - Jen and Joey walk down a path and enter a gazebo. Joey is drunk and carries her cup.] Jen: Alright, Joey, I think we've walked far enough. Now what did you need to tell me? Joey: Is here good? Jen: Yes, here is good. Joey: Good. Because I… would like to make a toast. All the love and happiness in the world to my friend, Jen Lindley, on her birthday. Jen: Well, thank you very much, Joey. But you do know, it's really not my birthday. Joey: That's all right, we're not really friends. (they laugh) I'm just kidding. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. We are. I think we are. Do you think we are? I can't really pinpoint exactly when we became friends… Jen: You know what, Joey? Let's not delve too far into it because we'll just remember why we're supposed to hate each other. Joey: (hurt) I don't hate you. Jen: Oh… (laughing) Joey: I love you. I do. Jen: (laughing) Oh, Joey, you love everybody tonight. Jo, let me ask you something? Joey: Hmm? Jen: Do you think you can summon enough brain power to answer one little question? Joey: Is it about our future? Jen: No, it's purely about the present. Joey: Shoot. Jen: Do you happen to know where Dru lives? Joey: Ding ding ding. I do know the answer to that one. Dru lives in an apartment at the Yacht Club with his mother. Jen: Okay, and what about his father. Joey: Taos, New Mexico, I think. I guess he ran off with some new aged hippy. Nice, huh? Left him high and dry. [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - Jack sits on a couch. Andie sits on the arm. He looks at Andie's gift to Jen which is a book with a bow on it.] Jack: (reading the cover of the book) 'You too, Can Get Into the College of Your Choice'. Please tell me it's a private joke between the two of you. Andie: It's not a joke. It's a very helpful book. Jack: Maybe so, but as a birthday present or an un-birthday present, it pretty much sucks. Andie: 'Kay, what's your problem? Jack: My problem is that… not everyone wants to spend every waking moment of their life thinking about college. Some of us want to actually enjoy the remainder of their senior year. Andie: And I don't? Jack: No, you don't. Cause ever since you finished your applications, all you've been doing is getting on my case about mine, Andie. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for you. I'm glad that everything's going so well, that you've got everything under control. Look, I don't need you to control my life. And you certainly don't need to branch out into Jen's. Andie: Oh, so you want me to just stand there and watch as you back yourself into a corner and totally ruin your entire future? Jack: Andie, it is not my future I'm concerned about at the moment. It's the present. Look, 24-hours ago my senior year officially began to suck. The only thing I was looking forward to this year, the only reason I fit into this damn high school is cause of football. And I don't even have that anymore. So can we please just forget about the future for now? Just for tonight? (he walks off) [Gazebo - Jen and Joey are seated in the gazebo when Andie walks up.] Andie: There you guys are! I've been looking all over for you! Joey: Well, except here. Cause if you would have looked here, you would have found us. Cause this, Andie, is where we are. Jen: (whisper) Ignore her. (regular) So where's Jack? Andie: He's avoiding me. Am I too controlling? Jen and Joey: Yes. Andie: Thanks for the vote of confidence. Jen: Andie, it's not a judgment. Joey: Some people like salad dressing on the salad. And some people like it on the side. Andie: (giving her a weird look) 'Kay. Well. It's just that I want everyone that I know to be able to live up to his or her potential. Joey: Well, I have great potential as a waitress. Jen: (giving her a weird look) That's great Joey. What do you say that we get out of here? Alright, I've got somebody that I owe an apology to. Joey: No, no, no. Stay here. Before anyone leaves this spot, we have a very important question to answer. Where do we really see ourselves in five years? And not the version you answer to your college advisor. Come on. Jen: Alright, I plan to be starting work on my master's thesis on 'Are men necessary'. (they laugh) Andie: And, I guess I'll be in PR. Cause I mean, that's all I've really ever been good at in life, painting a happy face on disaster. Jen: Andie! Andie: Oh. You know, think about it. Jen: Okay, you're up. Joey: Uhh… you tell me. Jen: Alright, alright, that's an easy one. You will have graduated from a ridiculously expensive ivy league school, moved to New York, where you will have taken a job in a funky So-Ho art gallery where your starting salary is actually less than a year's tuition. Joey: (laughs) Why New York? Jen: Because, New York is finishing school for cynics like us. Joey: I'm not a cynic. Andie: (laughing) Okay, you're not exactly sunshine personified, Joey. Okay, okay you guys. Come on, right here, right now let's make a deal. In five years, we'll get back together and we'll see if any of these predictions actually came true. Jen: Deal. Joey: Deal. Andie: 'kay. Joey. (Joey joins Jen and Andie and they put their arms around each other and start to walk back to the house) Joey: Oh wait! You guys, how are we going to remember the date? It's not really Jen's birthday. Jen: I'll remember. Joey: You promise? [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - Jack and Dawson are walking through the party.] Jack: So do you think we're the only two people not having fun at this thing? Dawson: It's hard to tell. Everybody else could be having fun, or they could just be imitating the fun they see people have in movies. Jack: (laughing) Yeah. (some guy leans against a wall of cans and they fall to the ground. Behind the can is some big guys.) Big guy: Hey, we've been working on that all night! (the kid who knocked the 'wall' down gets up and runs. The big guys chase him out of the house.Dawson looks concerned for the little guy.) Dawson: Should we, uhh... Jack: (laughing) Oh, no, they're guards. They're slow as hell, they'll never catch him. Dawson: I forget you actually know these people. Jack: Yeah, well, it's all part of being on a team, I guess. Sitting on the sidelines, as it seems to be now. Yeah, it's funny. You think something is making your life a living hell, and when it's gone, you really miss it. (Joey walks in and Dawson and Jack notice her) But then again, I guess you probably know that feeling. Dawson: Yeah. [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - Poker game. It has now turned into strip poker and some girl is taking her shirt off. Pacey sits on a chair, which has been pushed back from the table a bit.] Dru: Excellent. I love this girl. It's like she's trying to lose. Joey: (stumbling up. She is very drunk now) Strip poker! I leave you alone for two seconds and you end up playing strip poker? Pacey: Originally this was just poker poker. Until I started kicking his ass and your friendly neighborhood co-worker decides to change the stakes on me. But, I'm finished now, and we can just leave. Joey: Why leave? There's a half naked chick in the room. Pacey: It's just a game. Up until now nobody's taken off anything other than socks. Joey: So it's just all good clean fun? Pacey: Yeah, exactly. Just good, clean, American guy fun. Joey: (taking an empty seat across the table from Pacey) Deal me in. Pacey: Excuse me? Joey: You heard me. Now what does a girl have to take off in order to play this game? Pacey: Okay, that's enough. It's time for us to leave now, because you see, you're drunk, you're bordering on disorderly and you are definitely insane. So get up, let's go. (walks over and stands next to her chair) Jo? Finished? Stand up, let's go. Joey: You want me to stand up? Pacey: Yes, I would like for you to stand up now. Joey: And why would I do that? Pacey: (as she stands up) Because, you are forcing me to make the ultimate guy maneuver. (he throws her over his shoulder and carries her out of the party. Everyone laughs and watches. Dawson watches silently from the other side of the room) [Jen's Un-Birthday Party - The party is over and everyone has gone home. Jen and Dru sit on a table with a cake next to them. Candles are lit on the cake.] Jen: You know, I can't believe I'm saying this, but thank you. For the party. Turned out to not be so horrible. Dru: Well, thank you for coming. I hope I got the number of candles right. Jen: It'll do. So should I make my wish? Dru: First your present. (he hands her a tiny box with a bow on it) I'd hate for you to squander it on something that may actually be in this box. Jen: Listen, Dru, I'm sorry about your parents. Joey told me. And I'm sorry that I just assumed everything would be the same. That was stupid of me. Dru: Was. What are you waiting for? Open your present. Jen: Alright. But you didn't have to do. Dru: I know I didn't have to. I wanted to. Jen: (smiling, she opens the box. Inside is two large pills. The smile leaves her face) What the hell is this? Dru: I think you know what it is. Jen: Ecstasy. Dru, I thought I made my feelings perfectly clear on the subject. Dru: You did. Too clear. Which led me to suspect the lady was protesting too much. Jen: God, I'm really an idiot. You haven't changed a bit. Dru: Oh, and you have? Please! Your hairstyle, maybe. People don't change. Not that much. Jen: Yes, they do. They grow up. They accept responsibility. They realize that dying young and leaving a good looking corpse is not all it's cracked up to be. I don't want your present, Dru. Dru: Fine. Since you've become such a paragon of responsibility, I guess it won't bother you if I just leave it right here. (he sets it on the counter) For safe keeping. (he leaves Jen alone) [McPhee Residence - Jack is in his room when Andie knocks on the door. He lets her in.] Andie: Hey. I just wanted to make sure that you got home okay. Jack: Yeah, I hitched a ride with my one good arm. Andie: Oh, I thought maybe Dawson gave you a lift. Not that I care one way or another. I'm not going to get too involved in your life or anything. Jack: You know, this is all your fault. Andie: I know. That's why I'm here apologizing. Jack: (Missed what he said, something like "I haven't gotten the apology part.") Andie: I'm sorry. I really am. I'm sorry that I wasn't more understanding with football and I'm really sorry that I got all over your case about college. Jack: Keep going. Andie: You want me to abase myself further? Jack: Uhh-basically, yeah. Andie: Okay, Jack, you seem to think that I'm really obsessed with the future and I'm not. I mean, really, I don't want it to get here any quicker than you do. Jack: Well, you have a really funny way of showing it. Andie: Look, in less than a year, my life is gonna be completely changed. I mean, everything is going to be different. I'm gonna live some where different, I'm going to have different friends. I mean, everything is going to be different. And in times of uncertainty, I look for things that I can fix. Jack: You can't fix me, Andie. You gotta let me make my own mistakes in my own way and my own time. And it's not just for me. You gotta work on letting go of things you can't control. Like where you're gonna go to college. Or where I'm gonna go to college. Andie: Agreed. But do you realize that next year is gonna be the first year ever that we're not going to be in the same school together? Jack: Hey, I tried to start Kindergarten without you. Andie: What? That is such a story that mom and dad told you. And besides, how could your version of the story possibly be true when everybody knows, it's a fact, that I, the more responsible one, am definitely the older siblings in this relationship. Jack: Yeah, all right. [Potter B&B - Pacey has pulled up to Joey's house. He gets out of the car and goes around to open her door.] Joey: (not moving from the cab of the truck) I can't walk, Pacey. Pacey: Before I have to drag you kicking and screaming. But now, you want to be carried. No. Joey: It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. Pacey: Ahh, but tonight you're one of the guys, remember? And guys walk. So come on, number 4, up you go. Watch your head. (he helps her out of the truck) Joey: (she stumbles a couple steps then stops) Uhh. I don't really feel so good. Pacey: Well guess what? You're gonna feel even worse tomorrow morning. And you still won't be any closer to getting into the ivy-covered institution of your choice. Joey: Pacey. I've been doing some thinking. Pacey: Yeah, drunk thinking. Joey: Maybe, maybe that's not what I really want. Maybe I just want to stay here. You know, I mean, look, it's really beautiful here, and I could just… Pacey: Just what? Stay here and work as a waitress all your life? Come on. I mean, forgive me if you lose me here, Jo. But to be perfectly honest, you haven't made the slightest bit of sense tonight, even before you were drunk… Joey: (cutting him off) I want to be with you, Pacey. I want to stay and be with you. Pacey: Well, if you want to be with me, than staying here would be a really stupid idea, considering I don't plan to be here. (she looks surprised and upset) I plan to be wherever you are. Joey: (a smile comes to her face slowly) Really? Pacey: Yes, really. Not that you deserve to hear such things right now. Joey: I know, I know. It was a very stupid thing to get drunk. Pacey: Yes it was. I mean, let's face it here Jo. You are destined for academic glory. And your boyfriend is circling the drain, which is a problem. In fact, that is a very big problem. You couldn't possibly have thought you could have solved all of your problems in one night, with alcohol of all things. Joey: No. Pacey: No. Cause alcohol, you know, it has that effect on problems it just never solves them. Ever. And I would hate to think I fell in love with a moron. Joey: (smiling) You're in love with me, huh? Pacey: Well not currently, no. Right now you're just some crazy drunk girl I gotta get in that door without waking up all the paying customers at her sister's B&B. But generally speaking, yes. Joey: (throws her arms around Pacey's neck) May I kiss you right now? Pacey: Yes, please. (they laugh and get some smoochies on. Pacey makes these little Mmm noises while they kiss, kinda like the Mmm, good Campbell's soup thing) Mmm, mmm, mmm. Mmm, mmm, mmm. But I'm still not carrying you. Joey: (she brushes her lips against his neck and touches his ear with her mouth as she whispers,) Please? Pacey: Nope. (Joey gives him puppy dog eyes) You can give me the eyes, it's just not going to work. Oh, come oh, honestly, you don't… (she covers his mouth with hers in some big time smoochies. Pacey talks the entire time, his words completely muffled by her mouth) Jo, what do I look like I just fell off the turnip truck? Jo? You think I'm going to fall for this? (he pulls away from her) Half way, that's it, I swear. I'm not kidding! My back's killing me here. (he picks her up and carrys her. Half way to the door) Well, I guess since you're up here... (he finishes the rest of the distance to the door) [Leery's Fresh Fish - Dawson walks in and finds Gretchen doing some finishing touches to the bar clean up.] Dawson: Oh, I saw the lights on. I thought you were my mom. Gretchen: It's okay. She went home early. Dawson: Oh. Oh, so congratulations on the job. Gretchen: Thanks. I feel like I owe you one. (she places a glass on the bar) Dawson: Can I take a rain check? Gretchen: Oh, we're not going to drink. But, for every quarter that I bounce into that glass, you're going to tell me one thing that's bothering you. Dawson: How do you know something's bothering me? Gretchen: Please! (she bounces a quarter off the bar and into the glass) Oh there! See! Perfect. So spill. Dawson: All right. Earlier this evening, my mother accused me of wanting to go to school in California so that I can run away from my problems. Gretchen: And you think she's right? (she bounces another quarter into the glass) Dawson: I don't know. I mean, the past few weeks I've seen plenty of things that would make me want to run screaming to the opposite coast. Gretchen: (bouncing another quarter into the glass) Like? Dawson: Don't make me answer this. Gretchen: Come on, this is much more therapeutic than drinking. Dawson: I've seen how much she loves him. I've seen it in her face. I've seen them hold hands; I've seen them kiss. And tonight, I saw them fight, which is something I've basically seen everyday of my life since the 1st grade. Gretchen: But not like this? Dawson: I think it was actually worse than the kissing. Gretchen: You know, Dawson, it might interest you to know that I did take one film class in college. Dawson: Was it a monumental waste of time? Gretchen: No, it was great, actually. But do you know what my teacher said was the most bogus line in Hollywood cinema? Dawson: What? Gretchen: 'There's no place like home.' Dawson: Wizard of Oz. Gretchen: Exactly. It's what everybody remembers about the movie, but it doesn't resonate with the rest of the story. Think about it. You know, home is this desolate, gray, dust bowl of a place where this nasty old lady is trying to kill your dog. And Oz is… Dawson: Technicolor. Gretchen: And sure it has it's problems. Poppy fields, flying monkeys… Dawson: Talking trees… Gretchen: But along the way, you make friends. Good friends. With people you never even knew existed when you were growing up. Straw people, tin people… Dawson: And lions. Gretchen: Exactly. And you help each other realize that all the things you want to be, you already are. And it's fun. Dawson: And if it's so much fun, what are you doing here? Gretchen: I don't recall you getting to ask any questions as part of our deal. Dawson: What if I can bounce a quarter in that glass? Gretchen: Never happen. Dawson: You're not even gonna let me try. Gretchen: Oh, you can try, but you're gonna have to use your own money. Because I worked very hard to earn these quarters. Dawson: You're not gonna lend me one lousy quarter? Gretchen: No. Dawson: I don't think that's fair. Gretchen: Well, that's too bad. |
