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# 4 1 1 - T h e T a o O f D a w s o n
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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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[Pier - Pacey and Dawson are sitting in lawn chairs fishing off the pier.] Pacey: Maybe we're too early. Or maybe the fish are still asleep. Dawson: Fish don't sleep, Pacey. Pacey: You know, I'm really glad we're hanging out, but did our first jaunt together in months really have to be at sunrise? Dawson: Well, I've got something to tell you that I have a feeling will keep you awake. I like your sister, Pacey. Pacey: You like her? Or you like her like her? Dawson: I'm talking about Gretchen Witter, not Winnie Cooper. Pacey: Well, are we talking about feelings of fondness and fellowship that naturally follow from an obligatory mistletoe kiss? Or am I gonna find you outside of my house holding a boom-box over your head? Dawson: I'm crazy about her. Pacey: Well now… you've had a crush on her for years. I mean that's all this is, right? Dawson: No, this is more than a grade school crush. And even though she won't acknowledge it, I think on some level she feels the same way about me. Pacey: That's a helluva lot to digest before breakfast, Dawson. Dawson: Well, last spring if you'd come to be and just told me how you felt about Joey, would have made things a helluva lot easier, so… That's all I'm trying to do. Pacey: Dawson, you and I are friends. Friends. But sisters… Sisters are… Dawson: Off limits? Pacey: Yes. Sisters are off limits. They're like mother's, only pretty. Dawson: I'm not asking for your permission, Pacey. I'm just letting you know. Pacey: So what are your plans? Dawson: My plans? Pacey: Yeah, to pursue my sister. What are you going to do? Dawson: Nothing. Pacey: Nothing? Well what kind of plan is nothing? Dawson: I just decided to let things play out. That's one thing I learned after last spring is that some things can't be forced. Pacey: So then your plan would be to not have a plan? Dawson: Exactly. Pacey: The Tao of Dawson is to do nothing. Dawson: Done nothing so far. We've only kissed. Figured the best thing I could do was keep on doing nothing. [Witter SUV - Gretchen is driving Pacey down a highway. They are on their way to her college.] Pacey: What's with the rush? Gretchen: At this speed I can get to school, grab my car and get out of there before dark. Pacey: Your car's been at school for months. All of a sudden you've decided your friend has borrowed it for too long? Gretchen: Friend. Well, uh… Actually, ex-boyfriend. Pacey: Nick has had your car this whole time? I always liked that guy. Gretchen: You don't know him. Pacey: Nick and me? Dos amigos! Gretchen: You sat with him for a couple of hours when I brought him home for Christmas. Pacey: Yeah, so I know he likes the Patriots, pretzels AND a good party. I know he'd rather sleep and sail than study. Plus the man has excellent taste in music. His favorite song is "Freebird"! Gretchen: You've just described yourself. Pacey: Well, great men think alike. (Gretchen laughs) I think that it is wonderful that the two of you are going to spend a little quality time together. Gretchen: Does your sense of proclivity for my ex-boyfriend have anything to do with a certain fair-haired pal of yours? Pacey: Who, Dawson? No. Why should I care about Dawson? You reassured me that that kiss meant nothing. Even though it didn't really look like nothing. Cause you know, it kinda went on a little bit long to be nothing. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't think it's nothing. But, if you say it's nothing, it's nothing. Gretchen: Dawson and I are just friends. That's it. Trust me. Pacey: Okay. (missed word?) This music doesn't entirely suck. (he reads jewel case) "Great tunes for Gretchen from Dawson". That would be Leery who made you a mix CD. Aww. How sweet. Did I even mention that Nick is not only smart but also quite hansom? I mean really, he's a good-looking guy. He works out, doesn't he? [Leery Residence - Dawson and Jack are moving some furniture around in the spare bedroom, preparing it for their paint job. This is obviously going to be the baby's room.] Dawson: Did you think it was weird when Andie was dating Pacey? Jack: Not really, why? Dawson: Because Pacey really doesn't like the idea of Gretchen and me. Jack: Well sure, I mean… she's his sister and you're his close friend. I didn't even know Pacey when he hooked up with Andie. But then if I think about you and Andie… (he makes a face) Let's not go there. Mitch: (walking in with Gail) Well, Dawson may have a sister before long. Then he'll understand. Dawson: Or a brother. We find out in a couple hours, right? Gail: Well, no, actually honey, we've changed our mind. Again. Mitch: I mean should we really use technology to cheat what may be life's last great mystery? Gail: Or is it anti-climatic to wait until the baby is born? Dawson: You know, whatever you guys decide is fine. Just let me know so I can figure out what to do with the pink and blue paint I have on hold. Mitch: Good point. Gail: Come on, we're gonna decide in the car. Jack: Good luck. (Mitch and Gail leave.) Dawson: Oh my God.(Dawson opens a drawer to make room for his hand to hold the dresser he plans to move. Inside he finds a letter which he opens.) Jack: What's that? Dawson: (reading the letter to himself) Remember I told you I used to write Gretchen these silly little letters? Jack: Yeah. Dawson: This is the last one I wrote that I never sent. (reading to himself) Oh God, this is embarrassing. Gushing and lovesick. Jack: Well, maybe you should say some of that to her now. Dawson: (putting the letter back in the envelope) No, I told her how I feel. Jack: Not like that, I bet. Dawson: No, I told her like an adult. Jack: But maybe if you act more like a kid you might be with her. Dawson: Last time I acted like a kid with my feelings I ended up trying to prove something in a boat race. Remember that? Jack: Oh yeah. Dawson: Not my finest moment. Besides, she knows how I feel about her. You know, what's meant to be will be, if not… that's the way it goes. Jack: Hmm. Zen in the art of dating. Congrats. I bet you'll create a new movement. [Capeside Yacht Club - Joey moves a sign to the entrance way. It says closed for renovation. She goes behind the bar and continues packing stuff up. Drue sits at the bar.] Drue: Closed for renovation. You know, this free time presents sorta a steak or lobster dilemma. Now do I go cheerleader or drama club chick tonight? Joey: Hmm, flip a coin. Heads is bimbo, tails is skank. Drue: Where's the love, huh? Joey: After working with you for the last 6 days, I don't know. I guess I lost it. Drue: How do you plan to observe your Sabbath? Joey: Oh, relax in a little experience known as researching my English term paper. Drue: Let me guess. 'How to keep a boyfriend AND your virginity'. Or 'Many uses of the human hand'. Joey: Finally! A subject you know all about. Drue: Very good, Joey. Very good. See, that's what we refer to as a come back or a retort. I believe in French its repost. Mrs. Valentine: (Joey steps back a distance when she approaches, giving her a chance to talk to Drue) Good news, darling. Your father's spirit guide has allowed him to leave his crystals and mediation mat long enough to come into New York on business and he wants to see you tonight. Drue: And this is good news on what planet? Mrs. Valentine: On the planet where child support payments are still being negotiated. Here's your bus ticket. (she hands it to him) Drue: I don't suppose I have any choice in this matter? Mrs. Valentine: Well of course you do. You can sit up front near the driver or back near the restroom. (she walks off) Joey: Bon voyage! (with her purse over her shoulder, she goes to leave) Drue: Sorry to step on your exit line, but how do you think we're finished here? Joey: My stations closed down. Drue: (indicating a stack of boxes) These need to go to the storeroom tonight. (Joey makes a face) [Frat House - Gretchen and Pacey pull up and park.] Pacey: This is definitely my kind of place. Gretchen: It's a place you're gonna see very little of. Remember, we get the car and we leave. Pacey: That might be kind of difficult. Gretchen: No, it won't. Pacey: Well, if that's the car you plan on driving out of here, yes it will. (he points to a car up on blocks with the hood open.) Gretchen: That lying jerk! I can't believe I fell for his crap again! Pacey: Don't you think you're being a little tough on the lying jerk? I'm sure there's an explanation for that. Gretchen: There always is. (Nick comes out of the house with a girl. She hugs him and gets into a car.) Girl: Bye Nick! I'll call you later! (Pacey and Gretchen get out of the car and approach Nick.) Nick: Gretchen! My God you look beautiful! Gretchen: You son of a bitch! Nick: I can explain. Gretchen: I don't want to hear it. Alright? I just want my car back now and I want to get as far away from you as possible. Nick: I know I said everything was fine. But this morning when I checked, I noticed the solenoid assembly was clogged. Gretchen: Solenoid assembly? Pacey: It's a part of the carburetor. Nick: Draws air into the… Gretchen: I know what the carburetor is, okay guys? And I know that you don't need to remove the tires to unclog it. Nick: Remember all your road trips? Low tread. I knew I risked losing your trust, and frankly you can hate my guts all you want. I mean, yeah it hurts. But not as much if something happened to you. I couldn't live with that. Pacey: Thanks for looking out for you, man! Gretchen: Yeah, Nick Taylor is a renowned protector of women. Nick: Her name is Laura Walner. She's a junior geology major. Gretchen: I don't really care. Nick: She lives her. Gretchen: That's her problem. Nick: Except for tonight. Alright? I asked her for a favor. She's gonna stay at a friends house so you can have a room. If you wanna leave, I'll fix the car while you're gone. But since all your old friends are gonna be here tonight I figured you would be up late. Might be nice to have a comfortable place to crash. Gretchen: God help me. Nick: Laura's room is the first one on the left. By the time you get washed up, me and Pacey will have you a nice medium well veggie burger with your name on it. Gretchen: You think you know me so well, don't you? Nick: As well as I think I can. You like imported beer, Pacey? (he puts his arm around Pacey and they walk into the house.) [Gram's Front Yard - Dawson is walking over with a box of clothes. Mr. Brooks is outside with Grams, saying his goodbye.] Brooks: I'll see you tonight, Evelyn. (whoa! That's her name?) Grams: I can hardly wait, Arthur. (Brooks walks past Dawson) Brooks: (to Dawson) If you value your life, not a word. (Brooks leaves and Dawson walks up to Grams) Dawson: I thought you might be able to give these clothes away to the church. Grams: Oh Dawson! Thank you! Dawson: So, uhh… Are you two… Are you two dating? Grams: (sorting through the clothes) Oh Dawson, please! At my age one does not date. Dawson: Well it sounds like you're going to see him later on tonight. Grams: We are simply having dinner at your parent's restaurant and then we are going to the Rialto 16 to see Almost Famous. Dawson: Dinner and a movie on a Saturday night is pretty much a definition of a date. Grams: Are you this protective of Jennifer? Dawson: Jen is well versed in the pitfalls and problems of relationships. Grams: Although I have not felt this way since Jennifer's grandfather passed on, I assure you I also am well versed. Thank you for your concern, Dawson. [Storeroom - Joey walks in carrying a very large box. Drue places his boxes against the door to hold it open.] Drue: You know what your problem is? Joey: Drue, the only problem I have in my life right now is that I have to be around you. (she tries to get the box on a high shelf) Fortunately, as soon as I put these dishes away, I am on break from my problem. (Drue moves to help her with the box) Don't touch me, please! It's creepy enough to be in here with you. Drue: Fine. Joey: (indicating the boxes holding the door open, which Drue pulls into the room) If you move those boxes… Drue: (the door slams and Joey gives him a scared look) So I'll open it. It's not a problem, okay? (he tries. The handle falls off) This could be a problem. (Joey tries the door) Joey: There's gotta be another way out. Drue: Oh, there's another way out. When the cleaning crew arrives… Monday morning. [Storeroom - Joey pounds on the door while Drue sits on some crates looking bored.] Joey: (pounding) Hello?! Anyone there?! (she slams on the door) Drue: You're gonna hurt yourself if you keep doing that. Joey: I'm gonna hurt you if you don't shut up. (she grabs something out of her purse) Drue: Gonna freshen your face? Joey: No, I'm gonna pick the lock. Drue: With an eyebrow pencil? Joey: Better idea? Drue: (grabbing her purse) What, do I look like, Macgyver? Joey: No, he was smart enough not to move a box that was propping open a door. Drue: Well, you know what, if you would have just accepted my help, we wouldn't be here in the first place. Now I know why you're still a virgin. You have serious trust issues with men. (pulling a brush out of her purse and noticing some loose hair on it) Not to mention, some rather dubious grooming habits. (she sees Drue going through her purse and goes over to take it from him) Joey: What do you think you're doing?! Drue: Taking inventory of our rations. We have my Slim Jim to your two Altoids, we can have a snack and fresh breath. Joey: (showing Drue her eyebrow pencil) If you try to touch me or my stuff, I swear to God I'm gonna take this eyebrow pencil and put it through your heart. Am I being clear? Drue: Crystal. Joey: Good. Drue: By the way, you should really try and clean out your brush occasionally… (hahaha!) (Joey rips it out of his hand) [Frat - Pacey and Nick are sitting in a hot tub in the backyard. Well, it's actually a huge ass bucket, in the style of those old fashioned barrels. But there's bubbles, so I guess it works as a hot tub. Lots of people move around the backyard, drinking beer and partying.] Nick: Imagine an environment where nearly the whole city is your age, beer flows like tap water, parties are ubiquitous and eternal. Whole thing's paid for by cheap long term government loans. Pacey: This… is the life. Nick: I mean, let's face it. High school sucks. Pacey: Man was not created to spend 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, in crappy little tiny desks. Nick: The whole system panders to the lowest common denominator. Standardized tests. Pacey: Standardized courses. Standardized lunches! Nick: Exactly! And that's why anyone who isn't standard doesn't fit in. College is a fresh start. You can be whoever you want to be. Gretchen: (walking up) Why am I not surprised to see the two of you getting along? Pacey: I like this guy, Gretchen. Nick: Two peas in a pod. Gretchen: More like two slackers in a tub. Nick: Care to join us in the healing waters? Does wonders for the soul. Gretchen: My soul's just fine. Girl: Hey Gretchen! Over here! (she walks over to her friends. Nick watches her go) Nick: No offence, but I must say, all of her is fine. Pacey: No offence taken. And now that you mentioned it, she could really use a guy like you in her life. Nick: She doesn't have a guy in her life back home? Pacey: Nope. I'm telling you, you should go for it my friend. [Leery Residence - Spare bedroom. Jack and Dawson are preparing to paint.] Jack: 18 years apart? I mean, that's wild. I mean, when this kid graduates high school, you're gonna be like… 36. Just when he or she is gonna be beginning their life, yours will be pretty much over. (he laughs) And you're not listening to a word that I'm saying, are you Dawson? Dawson: Uh, no. Sorry. Jack: What's going on? Dawson: I’m worried about Grams. I'm afraid she's gonna get her heart broken. Jack: I thought her heart belonged to the Lord? Dawson: And possibly Mr. Brooks. Jack: You gotta be kidding me, crotchy old Mr. Brooks? Are you sure about that? Dawson: It's getting to be like "On Golden Pond" over there. Jack: Hey, good for her. Now she's got somebody to keep her company. To read with, build fires with. After all, she did say, love is the hardest of woods. Dawson: Brooks is sick, Jack. He's dying. Jack: My God. How… I mean, after what happened with her husband, why… how could she fall for somebody who's dying? Dawson: Obviously she doesn't know. He hasn't told her. Jack: Well then you have to. Someone has to. If you don't, I will. Dawson: If you could have seen how happy she was. Jack: The only reason she's happy is because she doesn't know the truth. Dawson: Well maybe that's not such a bad thing. Jack: Okay. You were happy before you found out about Pacey and Joey seeing each other. Would you rather have stayed in the dark, or would you rather someone come to you and told you the difficult truth at the beginning? [Storeroom - Drue and Joey sit on opposite sides of the room. Drue looks cold.] Drue: If I was the one in here with the sweater, I would have shared. Joey: Let me think about it. No. Drue: Okay, I want you to know, if something happens to me, you have my permission to pursue whatever indelicate though life-sustaining taste just like chicken measures you see fit. Joey: There's some cans up there. Maybe we can dig up something to eat. (she climbs up on this shelving to reach some cans at the top.) Drue: You're gonna fall and break and neck, at which point I am taking your sweater. I wonder who they'd get to play you in the TV version of (missed word?). Probably be some former teen series idol who's trying to break into features. Joey: Will you shut up? Drue: Okay, you go right ahead. I'm sure Lacy Chabert (from Party of Five) can't wait to cop an attitude and win the Emmy. Joey: (she finds a can of Spam) We can't eat this. It expired like when I was born. (she puts it back and falls off the shelf. Drue catches her in his arms. She lays in his arms in shock and then he moves in and kisses her. She immediately pushes him off and then gives him the best right hook I've ever seen - she hits him.) Drue: (holding his cheek) You could have just said thanks! [Frat - Gretchen and Nick are talking.] Nick: Must have got tough out there, huh? Gretchen: I have a life now. I have friends, I have a job, a great place by the water. Nick: Come on, you don't miss it just a little bit? Gretchen: This? No way! Nick: I don't believe you. Gretchen: It's true. Nick: There's that thing. Gretchen: What thing? Nick: You know, that little thing you do when you're hiding something. You stick out your chin. Gretchen: I do not. Nick: Yes you do. You know what always drove me crazy about you, Gretchen? That little line, right there on your chin. (he touches her chin) Gretchen: It's not going to work, Nick. Nick: What? Gretchen: I don't play into that sensitive boy who needs to be understood with me. I'm not gonna go upstairs to see your guitar, so don't ask. Pacey: It is so good to see you guys together. Honestly. Can you believe that this woman is still single considering what an amazing catch she is. Gretchen: Okay, before you try and show him my teeth to prove what good breeding stock I am, you'll have to excuse me. (she walks off) Pacey: You know she's crazy about you, right? She talked about you the whole ride up here. I mean, it's like the two of you were meant to be together. So what happened? Nick: Our lives just moved in two separate directions. I think I see someone who wants to move in your direction. (pointing out some girls checking Pacey out) Pacey: I don't think that would be such a grand idea. Nick: Her name is Tracy. She likes horses, water sports and backrubs from guys just like you, buddy. Can't go wrong. Pacey: Oh, but I can go wrong. There's someone back at home who would think that was a very bad idea. Nick: Is that someone here? I don't think so. And I'm not about to say anything. Second room upstairs to the left. Condoms are in the cigar box next to the futon. I'm gonna go talk to your sister. Pacey: Hey Nick… Nick: Don't mention it, man. Guys like me and you, we gotta look out for each other. (Nick walks off to find Gretchen. Pacey's face falls as he realizes what a jerk Nick is.) [Gram's house - Grams is in the kitchen arranging flowers. She looks very nice. Her hair is down and she's wearing a dress and some makeup. Someone knocks at the door.] Grams: (looking out the window) Oh, Dawson! Come in. Come in. (he does) Dawson: Hi. I'm on my way over to go meet with Mr. Brooks, but I, just… (noticing Grams) wow! Grams: What? What is it? Dawson: You… you look beautiful. Grams: Oh, thank you. I hope this dress isn't too much. Wouldn't want anyone to think we were dating. Dawson: Um… getting into a new relationship can be intoxicating… Grams: I notice you are not bearing any clothes for the church and I know that you know Jennifer is away at her fishing concert… Dawson: Uhh… "Phish" broke up. It's "Wide Spread Panic". Grams: I know a bank where the wild time blows, where ox lips and the Notting violet grows. Oh dear, now what is it that you wanted to talk about? Dawson: I just wanted to say have a great time tonight. (he goes to leave) Grams: I know he's sick. Dawson: You do? Grams: Isn't that what you were trying to tell me? Dawson: So he told you. Grams: Of course not. Arthur Brooks wouldn't just come right out and tell someone that. Dawson: Well then how'd you know? Grams: I've been a nurse for 47 years and a woman a few years longer than that. Dawson: But if you know how can you start something with him? Grams: Very simple. We laugh together, we share the same interests, we look at life the same way. Do you know how hard it is to find a friend like that, Dawson? Dawson: Yes I do. I also know how hard it can be when that doesn't last. Grams: A moment. A single moment of true joy is more powerful than a lifetime of sorrow. [Frat - Pacey walks Gretchen outside.] Pacey: Let me tell you, your ex, puts the "A" in hole. That man is just a world class jerk. Gretchen: I know that, Pacey. I tried to tell you. Pacey: Well, I guess we both had enough of him for tonight, huh? Gretchen: You don't need to protect me. Pacey: He's the reason you left school, huh? Gretchen: I am the reason I left school. Pacey: So what happened? What did he do to you? Gretchen: Nothing I didn't allow to happen. Look, it's my fault too. I can't just blame him and neither should you. Pacey: For what? Joey: I got pregnant. I had a miscarriage. Pacey: I'm sorry. I would not have been trying to force you two back together tonight. I'm sorry. So how did he react when he found out? Joey: He doesn't know. I didn't want to interrupt his plans to sleep with half for Theta house. Pacey: What a dick. What a dick! I can't believe I was hanging out with that guy thinking how cool he was. I am gonna break his… Gretchen: No, no you are not. I am not a victim here, Pacey. And I don't want him to know. You know nobody knows about this except Dawson. Pacey: You told Dawson Lerry before you told me? Gretchen: He's my friend. Pacey: I'm your brother. Gretchen: With a very specific idea of how a sister is supposed to behave. I left school to work on who I want to be. You know, I can't try fitting that into everybody else's idea of what that is. Pacey: Fair enough. At least you now know who Nick really is. Gretchen: Pacey, everything that you liked about him, I still like about him, too. Nick: (walking up) Hey. Gretchen: Hey. Nick: Did you miss me? (he puts his arm around her and they walk out) [Mr. Brooks House - Dawson is looking at some dailies with Brooks.] Dawson: I don't understand why you want to cut this scene before it's over. Brooks: Nobody's saying anything. Dawson: Look at your face! Look at that expression! That says more than any words ever could. Brooks: You're developing a pretty good eye, Mr. Leery. Obviously you're hanging out with the right people these days. Dawson: It would seem so. Brooks: Before you run off, I was wondering if you could help me with something. Dawson: Sure. Brooks: Evelyn and I have been spending a lot of time together lately, and I've grown rather fond of her. I'd like her to know that. So uhh… (shows him some earrings) Think it's too much? Dawson: I'm not the person to talk to about that. Brooks: What's a matter? Bother you that two adults are keeping company? Dawson: No, I just… I don't think it's my place to give advice about this. Brooks: Is it because a dying man has just told you that he's fond of a woman who likes a grandmother to you? Dawson: Do you have any idea what she went through with her late husband? Brooks: Uh huh. Actually, I do. Dawson: Well then… Brooks: If I care about her, how can I put her through all that again? Dawson: Exactly. Brooks: One thing worse than the pain of loss is the aching void of inaction. She's not the kind of person to live with that. She knows I'm sick. Dawson: So she knows and you know she knows and yet neither one of you have said anything about it. Brooks: No need. Get to the end of the race, it'll be obvious and inevitable. Make no mistake about it, kid. God intends to kill us all. You'll find that you don't need to have your life dictated by the cosmos. You fall in love with the wrong woman, you tell fate to piss off. You don't like his plans for you. Well sure, heartache to be had, but it's a small price to pay for living and dying on your own terms. Dawson: Give her the earrings. Brooks: Thank you, kid. [Frat - Nick and Gretchen sit on the couch.] Nick: You ever think about me? Gretchen: Rarely. Nick: Chin. Gretchen: Occasionally. Nick: I think about you. Gretchen: Yeah? Nick: Remember that time we locked ourselves in my room to study for that astronomy midterm? Gretchen: We failed the test the next day. Nick: Yes we did. But it was worth it, wasn't it? Gretchen: We've had a lot of good times together. Had, being the operative word. We are past tense. Nick: No, we're old friends. And the best thing about old friends is that they know you. They know what makes you tick. Gretchen: There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Nick. Lot has happened to me since I left. Nick: I know you got more beautiful. Care to go up to my room to talk about the rest? Gretchen: Drunk. Nick: You're gorgeous. Gretchen: You haven't changed. Nick: You know who I am. I mean, isn't that why you came? And don't tell me you came to pick up your car because we both know that's not true. You've come a long distance. Don't you want to go the rest of the way? (he gets up and holds his hand out to her. She hesitates, but finally takes it. They both walk up the stairs to his room. Pacey watches with a look on his face of disappointment.) [Storeroom - Drue is sitting on a crate holding the can of Spam to his face. Joey walks up.] Joey: You're supposed to… Drue: Back off! Joey: I'm just trying to help. Drue: If I get any more help from you, I'll be spending my freshman year of college in traction. Joey: You know if anyone should be upset it should be me! Drue: You tried to kill me! Joey: You tried to kiss me! Drue: I saved your life. I was just acting on the moment. Joey: Yeah, and so was I. Drue: How did a pretty girl like you get so mean? Joey: I'm not mean. Drue: Are you kidding? The busboys are terrified of you. They call you El Toro. Joey: Really? (Drue gives her a look) Well, you know, when you're used to living on your own you learn how to take care of yourself and I guess you develop a little bit of a thick outer shell. Drue: And a pretty decent right cross. You know, at least your father's in prison. Spending time with my dad is like being in prison. Joey: I thought your dad was this wealthy business man who… Drue: Who seemed like the coolest guy in the world until the day I discovered him feverantly studying the kama sutra on my mother's new Mexican tile kitchen floor with someone who most definitely was not my mother. (Joey feels bad. She takes off her sweater and spreads it over them both.) Bless you. Joey: Just keep your hands where I can see them. (she shows her his hands) Drue: So where's your beau this evening? Is he gonna be frantically checking hospitals for you? Joey: He's on a road trip with his sister. Drue: How do you stay in a relationship with someone who's so different from you? Joey: We're not that different. Drue: Oh please. You're responsible and reasonable. He's reckless and rash. Joey: Yeah, but part of his recklessness is, he's constantly surprising me. And part of his rashness is that he's intensely passionate. Those differences are important. They make for a richer relationship. Drue: Maybe in high school. But last I heard, Harvard wasn't admitting the rash boyfriends as candidates to just keep the world's cutest couple together. Joey: How would you like a broken nose to go along with that black eye? Drue: Lighten up. [Frat - Nick's bedroom. Gretchen and Nick walk in. The room is lit up with candles. Hi, obvious!] Gretchen: Looks like you were expecting company. Nick: I missed you, Gretchen. Gretchen: I can't believe I'm doing this. (they lay on the bed) Nick: Why? You knew this was going to happen. You've been thinking about this since you left. I know you Gretchen. I know how you think. Gretchen: So what am I thinking right now? Nick: You're thinking my arms feel amazing around you. That I fit you like a puzzle piece that's been missing. And that you can lose yourself in me for the rest of the night and never look back. (he kisses her. She kisses him then pushes away.) Gretchen: You know it used to be enough. Nick: I'm what they told you to stay away from, huh? The cookie jar high on the shelf. The person that's wrong for you. See, that's why a girl like you wants a guy like me. (he kisses her. She pushes him away again) Gretchen: You're totally right. I'm not that girl anymore. Nick? (she looks at him) Nick? (he's snoring. She kisses him on the cheek) Thank you, Nick Taylor. (she walks out) [Frat - it's the next day. Gretchen walks out of the house to her car which is now parked on the street. Pacey is working under the hood as she approaches.] Pacey: Hey. I finished up the work on your car and I found your tires. They were just on the side of the house. All they needed was a couple of flats patched. The treads are fine. Gretchen: Thank you. Pacey: I just wish I could do the same thing for your life. Gretchen: Pacey… Pacey: I don't understand why you've fallen for such a self centered egocentric jerk like Nick. You know, I know that you were a cheerleader all during high school and I know that you always had the good grades and the good behavior and the good boyfriends. And I can understand that maybe you just got a little tired of being good all the time and I understand that people get tempted. But why this guy? He's an ass! And this is kinda my fault. I pushed you into the guy. Gretchen: No, this is not your fault. Pacey: Well, it is kinda my fault. I wanted you to be with… I wanted you to be with somebody I understood. I wanted you to be with somebody who was maybe a little bit more like me. Gretchen: You are nothing like Nick. Pacey: Regardless. You deserve someone who's going to listen to you and commit to you. You deserve someone who's going to make you the absolute center of their universe. You deserve somebody… Gretchen: Someone like Dawson? Pacey: Oh. That is not what I said. Gretchen: But that is what you meant. Nothing happened last night, Pacey. It almost did. Until I realized why I came here. Pacey: So you didn't come here to see Nick? Gretchen: No, I came to say goodbye to Nick. And more importantly goodbye to a part of myself that I've always struggled with. And you know where I got the strength to say goodbye? From you. Starting when they're little girls, sisters look to their brothers for keys on how they should be treated. And you're right. I deserve so much better than Nick. And my heart knows that because I have a brother who treats me so well. (they hug) Pacey: So, wait, hold on a second. Does this mean that you also realize that you need better music in your life? Because if that's the case I got this Pink Floyd CD that I think you'll just love… Gretchen: That's okay. There's a certain CD mix I want to listen to. Pacey: Okay. Gretchen: See ya at home. Pacey: Yes. (she gets in the car and pulls away. Pacey moves to the Witter SUV) [Leery Residence - Spare bedroom. Jack and Dawson are painting.] Dawson: Jack, do you believe in inevitability? Jack: You mean, do I think I busted my shoulder because of fate? Dawson: Yeah, have you ever wondered if you could change what happened? Jack: You have no idea how many times I've thought about that one. I mean, what if I had caught the ball differently? Hit the ground differently? What if I would have brushed my teeth two seconds longer that morning, arriving at practice two seconds later. Dawson: And your answer? Jack: My answer is, I don't know. I'm sick of thinking about. Thinking about it is more debilitating than the injury. Dawson: Brooks is dying. He's actively pursuing a relationship with Grams who knows, but doesn't seem to mind. Jack: Well, maybe he finds strength in taking action and maybe she finds comfort in her religion. I don't know, you are mature in nature. Life and love, that can be frightening. Everyone has their own way of coping with it. Even you. Dawson: What does that mean? Jack: Don't you think it's possible, what's driving this stallion of yours is nothing more than fear? Dawson: I'm just trying not to make the same mistakes I've made in the past. Jack: Has it ever occurred to you, Dawson-san, that maybe they're not mistakes at all. Maybe this is exactly where you're supposed to be at this moment in time. With a girl that you wanted way before Joey Potter, holding a letter that expresses exactly how you feel about her. [Storeroom - it's the next morning. Joey is leaning against Drue's shoulder sleeping. When she wakes up, she looks up at him and realizes where she is.] Joey: I thought it was just a nightmare. Drue: Morning to you, too. Joey: Did you actually sleep? Drue: I couldn't. Someone was sawing some serious lumber. Joey: I do not snore. Drue: Could have laid waste to an entire national forest. Joey: I'm surprised I could even sleep. You ever heard of the 24-hour antiperspirant? What's that buzzing? Drue: What's what buzzing? Joey: There's something buzzing. Drue: Go back to sleep, you're dreaming. Joey: It's in your pocket (she digs in his pocket), give me that… Drue: Hey! I'd like a dinner and a movie before we get to that. Joey: (pulling out Drue's cell phone) You've had this in your pocket the whole time?! Drue: Oh yeah, I forgot. Joey: (she answers it) Hello? Yes, we're in the basement storage room. You can talk to him when you get down here. (she hangs up) What's left of him. Drue: We're saved!! Joey: You orchestrated this whole thing. Drue: Now why would I want to do something like that? Joey: Because you're a sick, twisted, pathological little pervert!! Drue: Do you really think I would go through all this trouble just to have you fall asleep on my shoulder? Joey: Well, how do I know what you were doing while I was sleeping? Drue: I resent that. I was a complete gentleman. I absolutely did not peek down your shirt at your eggshell colored 34-C Maidenform wire rim bra with the little cute little pink bow at the front clasp. (the door busts open and Mrs. Valentine rushes in) Mother, thank God! Mrs. Valentine: (noticing Drue's face) My God! What have you done to my son?! Joey: Ask him. It was all his doing. Mrs. Valentine: Oh, you're actually gonna suggest my son would rather be locked in the closet with you than spend the weekend with his father?! Joey: (realization crosses her face) I'll see you at school, Drue. [Pacey's place - Gretchen pulls up and walks up to the house. She sees a note on the pole and takes it. She opens it and begins to read. As Dawson's voice reads, it skips through scenes around Capeside. ] Dawson: (voice over) Dear Gretchen, I really enjoyed talking to you in your room today. Try not to be nervous about starting high school. I know you're gonna find people who understand you. (Grams and Brooks are sitting on the front swing out in the yard in front of her house. Brooks gives her the earrings and she looks surprised, but happy.) There's something I didn't get a chance to tell you. There's someone truly special in my life that I can't stop thinking about. She's unlike anyone I've ever met. Smart and funny and beautiful and just knowing that she's in my life has given me this constant fluttering that keeps me awake at night. (Gail and Mitch are watching a video of the baby monitor - of the baby moving inside of Gail.) When I think about who I can talk to about this who will understand, the only person that comes to mind is you. And that's a problem. Because you are the one that I feel this way about. (Gretchen is in her car driving.) I think about you constantly. Every little thing you do. The Elvis Costello sticker you put on your spiral notebook. The way your bangs have grown out every day for 6 months until Monday when you were finally able to put it in a pony tail. And today when you invited me to stay and talk to you after Pacey left, it occurred to me that you must think about me, too. (Pacey and Joey are sitting on her dock. Joey sits between Pacey's legs, leaning back against him. Pacey has his arms wrapped around Joey and gives her little smoochies now and then.) If I try to tell anyone else, they would say that you and I are impossible. That our lives are too different. That we can never be right for each other. But we understand each other. And we care about each other. And years from now, I believe that we still will. (Dawson is in his front yard, closing some paint cans. He hears a car approach and turns around to see Gretchen approaching with the letter.) Your friend forever. Love, Dawson. Dawson: What took you so long? Gretchen: I had a few things to do first. (they kiss) |
