Dawson's Creek (1998–2003): Season 3, Episode 17 - Cinderella Story - full transcript
Joey travels to Boston to visit A.J. where he is about to receive a critic writing award and meets his childhood friend, Morgan, whom Joey sees as a clone version of herself and her growing feelings for Pacey. Back in Capeside, to avoid suspension, Pacey becomes a mentor to a nine-year-old boy, named Buzz Thompson, and must contend with the kid whom is a little version of himself: a neglected and abused little boy... with a big attitude. Meanwhile, Dawson asks Mitch to help as a chief with the opening of her Gail's restaurant which makes her angry that she does not want anything to do with her ex-husband.
You never know
how things are gonna turn out.
Very true, Potter.
Who would've thought that l'd actually
be able to use those dance lessons?
-There'll be dancing at this?
-Yeah.
l thought it was just
self-congratulatory award-giving.
This is a big deal.
A.J.'s going to be reading his work...
...in front of several
very important alumni.
-He's the youngest person to win--
-Creative ''viting'' award?
-Creative writing.
-Yeah, l'll say.
-lt's calligraphy.
-lt's pretentious.
You know what? Don't mind me.
Just have a good time this weekend.
l will.
l mean...
...this could be the most romantic night
of my life.
l mean, it's not every day
that l get invited to elegant dinners...
...with distinguished guests,
accompanied by a friend who--
Friend? ls that what you and A.J. are?
No, l--
A.J. and l are....
lt's none of your business
what A.J. and l are.
A.J. and you are friends who kiss.
Pacey...
...look, long-distance relationships
don't necessarily follow...
...the same rules and definitions
as regular relationships.
No, they don't.
And that's why they're perfect for you.
-Because they're not real.
-What is that supposed to mean?
Don't you see?
Little scrubber girl Joey gets to go to
the ball with college Prince Charming.
That's not real. lt's a fairy tale.
Say what you will,
but fairy tale or not...
...l still feel what l feel, Pacey.
What l'm saying is, all you have here
is an eyes-closed wish.
-Sometimes wishes come true.
-Yes, sometimes wishes do come true.
Sometimes even
in unexpected places.
But reality always finds a way
of creeping back in, Jo.
Clock inevitably strikes midnight.
Then it's pumpkin city.
The fantasy fades.
Try to have a good weekend, Pacey.
-Thanks for the ride.
-Have a good time.
-We could have a winner here.
-l really hope you're right.
Because my restaurant opens in less
than a week and l haven't found a chef?
Or waiters or menus.
The menus still haven't arrived
from the printers?
We sent them back, remember?
We decided $2200 was
a little pricey for scampi.
All right, just keep screening
applicants for my wait staff.
Hopefully, we have found our kitchen
talent. The chowder smells amazing.
-What do you think?
-l don't know fine food.
l know enough to tell you
that this sucks.
Sure we don't wanna steal Bodie
from the Potters?
Not unless Bessie and Alexander
don't need a home...
...and l don't need Joey as a friend.
Chowder isn't easy to master. Here, try
his breaded monkfish. lt looks great.
l gotta get off to the printer.
Oh, and, honey, don't worry.
Everything's gonna be fine.
-Hey.
-Hey.
Thank you so much for picking up
the sign. l really appreciate it.
Unfortunately, this may exacerbate
the insanity.
Unless you wanna keep the place
a secret.
-What?
-The guy told your mom...
...he had to have a name by today.
He's already got another job.
l thought it was the Fish Bistro.
A woman has the right
to change her mind.
-Not this late in the game.
-Well....
So the restaurant could be, like,
one of those hip no-name clubs.
-You know, too cool to have a name.
-Excuse, please.
l look for restaurant of fish.
l am trying out for chowder man.
You guys hungry?
So who is this kid worthy of being
a Witter ''mentee''?
Someone your school administration
and l thought would be appropriate.
How exactly do you guys go about
making that determination?
You'll see.
lf there are any problems, l can always
assign you to someone else.
l think l'll probably be able to handle
a 9-year-old, thanks.
Buzz Thompson, meet Pacey Witter.
Hey. How you doing, kid?
How old are you?
-l'm 1 6. How old are you?
-You have 5:00 shadow.
Well, l'm mature.
ls that what you call it?
l get it. You're a smart ass.
That's why they put us together.
People think l'm a smart ass too.
But when they really get to know you,
they discover under the gruff exterior...
...lies a vulnerable beating heart.
Get real! l'm not like one of those kids
on 7 th Heaven...
...and l'm not like you, Pissy!
-Pacey.
-Whatever, Pissy!
Pacey. And you don't know anything
about me, kid.
l know you think
you don't wanna be here...
...but you're just dying
to throw your arm around me...
...and have a warm and fuzzy.
Don't bother, because you're gonna
be back here trying to get rid of me.
l give you 48 hours, kid!
Hi, l'm Joey Potter.
-Of course you are.
-And you are?
l'm Morgan.
l am A.J.'s oldest friend.
-Where is A.J.?
-Jumpy boy is still trying to decide...
...on what to read for tomorrow night.
Why do l feel like l fell asleep
and suddenly woke up...
...the protagonist in a Kafka story?
-Well, there's the wit, just like he said.
-The wit?
The famous Potter wit.
He's told me all about you.
Artist, political agitator.
Oh, and a size eight foot.
Put these on.
We're gonna go blading.
Thanks.
ls this the fun part?
ls this the part where we're having fun?
Or did l blink and miss it?
You got me. l don't wanna be here
any more than you do.
l got stuck with you. But this still
doesn't have to be so horrible.
Here comes the honesty.
Next is the intimacy.
What exactly do you want?
Let me make this easy for you.
Read my lips. Pikachu.
Something that has to be treated
with antibiotics?
Man, your generation is so out of it.
-Pok?mon, you putz.
-l knew that.
l got Alakazam through Metapod,
but l'm in serious need of a Poliwrath.
-There's a vendor right over there.
-You gotta be kidding me.
No way l'm spending $20
on a Japanese trading card.
You have a serious problem with anger.
l hope the Capeside mentoring program
knows who l'm dealing with here.
Okay, if l buy you the stupid card...
...would you shut up for two seconds,
please? Okay.
Here, take these
and go whack some moles...
...and stay out of trouble
while l'm gone.
-Whatever, Pissy.
-Stupid.
-You guys playing?
-Step aside, ass-wipe.
-You ass-head!
-Hey!
What the hell is going on over here?
What are you doing?
-He hit me in the head with the mallet.
-Popped me right in the nose!
-They tried to push me off my game!
-Okay, that's it. You're done.
No more decisions for you.
Now we do something l think is fun.
Hey.
Hey.
-Where's Joey?
-Showed her around, like you asked.
You didn't...?
You did.
Joey, hey. lt's great to see you.
-Hey. You too.
-How was your trip?
lt was a trip.
l'm so sorry l wasn't there to meet you,
but l still haven't picked a reading.
-Do you hate me?
-Completely.
Hi.
Oh, good God.
Get a room.
l hope she didn't totally wear you out.
No, it was actually very informative.
l had no idea that the Charles River
ran through so much of the city.
-Took her on the Charles River circuit?
-She did better than you.
l asked her to pick you up,
not take you on an endurance test.
He can't blade to save his life...
...and any time a girl shows greater
skill than him, he gets threatened.
What?
-How long have you known each other?
-Since we were zygotes.
Morgan and l grew up together.
Same town, same high school--
Same college?
Actually, l got bored with this geek and
decided to make some new friends...
...so l went to school last semester
at Sorbonne.
l've always wanted to study in Paris.
-Sorry, my French isn't very good.
-Morgan likes to embarrass me...
...so l'm not letting you two hang out
together anymore.
See? Threatened.
Don't let the friendly banter fool you.
We can't stand each other.
You know, you are all he wrote about
in his letters to me.
Really?
l'll bet he never told you
a thing about me.
Yeah, well, l can see that you two
need some time together.
Thank you.
At least you can take a hint.
Joey, l'm glad that you're here.
l was beginning to think...
-...you might be one of his fantasies.
-No, she's real. Told you.
Yeah. Flesh and blood.
That's me.
Joey Potter, flesh and blood.
Here's another one. Says his Spanish
mackerel quiche is world famous.
-Anybody have any idea what that is?
-You don't wanna know.
The lady who did the cod flamb?,
that was my favourite.
Yeah, she was a gem, huh?
You should see the kitchen ceiling,
covered in burnt fish bones.
Your mom needs some serious help.
l wanna know what rock these people
have been cooking under.
-Hi, you guys.
-Hey!
-Hey, Jen.
-You. l know you.
You were at a rally, right? No, or was it
the hacky sack circle at Capefest?
Very funny, yeah. l know, l've been
a little out of circulation lately.
Been spending most of my time
with Henry.
That's understandable.
l think there's a six-week...
...honeymoon period whenever
you get into a new relationship.
But then one day, you realize you've
got the relationship and not much else.
-Bring them all in!
-Well, lf you're in need of sustenance...
-...you've come to the right place.
-l was thinking about serving...
-...said sustenance.
-Jen Lindley wants to be a waitress?
Yeah, l think it would be a great way
to meet new people.
l could earn enough
to occasionally take Henry out.
-And l'm tired of living off my Grams.
-Okay.
Well, as you can see, my mom
is in immediate need of assistance.
-Come on!
-How soon can you start?
Can you believe
l haven't decided on a reading?
lt's only the most important
opportunity of my lifetime.
-What's wrong with me?
-She's pretty.
-Who?
-Morgan.
-She's really pretty and so smart.
-Yeah. Real smart.
-Sorry.
-lt's okay.
A.J., why didn't you tell me about her?
l don't know. l guess we have
so little time together...
...l figure l'd concentrate
on the big things.
You don't think one of your oldest
friends is big enough to tell me about?
Yeah, but, l mean, how much
do you talk to me about your friends?
-l guess you're right.
-So l'm trying to decide on...
...something l did more recently
or one of my older pieces, l don't know.
Did you two ever date?
Joey, look, l promise you,
you have nothing to worry about.
Oh, l'm sorry.
Damn this stuff.
Just wanna make sure no foreign
elements get introduced...
...to your hemoglobin because that's--
l know what that is.
Sorry.
You know, l....
l know something
that might work better than this.
ls that better?
Well...
...see, now l'm feeling
a little light-headed.
-Really?
-Yeah, l don't think my hemoglobin...
...is transporting enough oxygen
through my body.
That could be a problem.
l was thinking--
Oh, l guess you guys got that room.
No, wait.
What were you thinking?
l was thinking, Arthur...
-...the '' nature of love'' piece.
-lt's not too old?
-Arthur?
-They know your new stuff.
They wanna know where it comes from.
Be honest and show them your roots.
Yeah, you're right.
Yeah, that's a great idea.
What's up with the double-breasted
jacket and the rep tie?
You win an award
and you turn Ralph Lauren?
No, l just wanna look respectable.
lt'll take a lot more
than a boring jacket.
Why not just be yourself? You know,
khakis, sweater, loafers. That's you.
-Oh, and l have something for you.
-Bye.
Who's Arthur?
-You can't make me do this.
-The hell l can.
This is slave labour.
Can you do anything
besides whine, kid?
-l can write letters.
-You could paint.
Look. Watch and learn, all right?
lt's up, and then down.
And then up, and then down.
You got it?
Have you ever heard the expression
''don't go against the grain''?
Who got you to sit still long enough
to teach you how to paint?
-My dad.
-Really?
-Where is your dad now?
-Somewhere in the Atlantic.
-Oh, yeah? Your dad's a sailor?
-Nope. Fish food.
Scattered his ashes off Nantucket.
Where's yours?
My dad? He's probably
hanging up his holster right about now.
A cop!
That explains your authority issues.
-l don't have authority issues.
-lssues, issues, issues.
l don't have issues, okay?
-Look how you handled the arcade.
-You got into a fight!
There are better ways
to handle confrontations...
-...than playing whack-a-kid.
-Okay, mentor...
...how'd you get
in this stupid program?
-l hit a guy.
-What?
-l hit a guy.
-That's it. l'm out of here.
Hey, come back.
Hey! Come back here!
Or what?
You'll whack me upside the head?
-You little brat.
-Help! Help! Child abuse!
Let go of me,
you hypocritical maniac!
His father's name is Arthur,
so they named him Arthur Jr.
-That's what the A.J. stands for.
-l can't believe he never told me.
You would've gotten it eventually.
Who's that?
A friend.
He's gorgeous.
Wow, these drawings are incredible.
l can't believe people
just draw these on the sidewalk.
Actually, sidewalk chalk drawings
are a classic Parisian tradition.
Yeah, but who does this
kind of work?
Me.
That one took three days. People
just walked around while l worked.
This semester
l'm studying photography.
l guess l was wanting something
more substantial in my life.
Here, take this.
lt's beautiful.
Yeah, well, he may chicken out
and not even show up tomorrow night.
You know, sometimes
you really have to kick his butt.
l mean, once l gave him
some thick, grey Crane paper.
Told him to fill it with words
before he talked to me.
And he didn't talk to me
for two weeks.
Wow, there are so many things
that l'm learning about him every day.
Did you know that he likes to eat
all the peanuts out of Chex Mix?
-Really?
-Yeah.
He's been banned from
social gatherings in over 20 states.
Well, l have been witness
to his pasta slurping.
Does he conjugate Latin verbs under
his breath when he's nervous?
-Yeah, adamo, adamas, adamat.
-He is such a mess.
Yeah...
...but he can kiss.
-Yeah, well--
-You don't have to.
Once.
Afterwards, we felt really weird
and silly and....
Well, we just--
We know each other too well.
And we have way too many fights.
But there's just...
...no mystery.
So there's absolutely and positively
nothing there.
Do you have any plans
for tomorrow night?
Actually, one of my
favourite activities.
-Get the early Sunday Times and just--
-Come with us.
-That's your thing.
-No. You're A.J.'s oldest friend.
-You should be there.
-Yeah, but you're his girlfriend.
lsn't it possible for the both of us
to be a part of A.J.'s life?
You're all right, Joey Potter.
-Oh, my gosh.
-Hey, you guys are leaving already?
Dawson, l've eaten so much over the
last few hours, l just can't be objective.
l've got a good feeling
about the guy back there.
Well, l can still be objective. lf this guy
is half as bad as the dozen before him--
-He says that his sal--
-No! No, no, no.
Don't even mention anything
that comes from the sea.
-Thank you.
-l promise to stop doing this...
-...before you guys open.
-Don't worry about it.
ls everything okay?
Oh, God, what happened?
Your wait staff is just experiencing
the difficulties of proper serving.
Hi.
Jen, l'd be happy to demonstrate
the standard way of carrying a stack.
Oh, thank you, God.
Thanks for the offer,
but l think we've got it covered.
-Well, okay then, what can l do?
-What do you mean?
Well, l'm here.
Reporting for work as requested.
Who requested
that you come to work?
You can't keep treating me this way.
There are laws. You have to feed me.
-Here.
-Wieners?
-lt's all beef.
-Wanna know what part of the beef?
Come here.
When are you taking me home?
My mother's cooking her meatloaf
and mashed potatoes tonight.
You wanna wait for meatloaf
and mashed potatoes, wait.
Who's the girl?
-What girl?
-The one you named your boat after.
''True love'' isn't a person, it's an idea.
An unattainable idea.
Who's the unattainable girl?
You love getting under my skin,
don't you?
-Have you kissed her?
-l told you, there's no girl.
-Why don't you kiss her?
-Shut your mouth.
You have no problem
taking a swing at a guy...
...but can't tell a girl how you feel
about her. Man, you're pathetic.
All right, you wanna go home?
You're bluffing.
You need me to finish your boat.
-l don't need you. Let's go.
-Bluffing coward!
-Let's go.
-Fine.
Tomorrow you better find
something creative for me to do.
l'm not working
on this pitiful raft anymore.
Well, maybe tomorrow
l just won't show up.
Make my day, loser!
What am l doing here?
l had a good life, good friends,
a modest but promising little future...
...teaching at a junior college
in a pleasant suburban town.
At this time, it is my honour
to introduce the young man...
...who made this institution so proud.
Tonight, he will share with us his
imaginative mind and distinctive voice.
There's still time.
Wanna make a break for it?
-A.J., come up here and share with us.
-Too late.
Greetings.
Tonight l'm reminded
of FDR's immortal words:
''The only thing we have to fear
is fear itself.''
Of course, FDR never stood up here.
''Silent Dream.''
'' lt had always seemed like
a silent dream to her.
The many meaningless passings
in the hallway...
...the sense of disconnection from
those she supposedly knew so well.
But when she met him, the boy
she'd already known all her life...
...she realized that love unspoken
is the loudest sound of all.
Then she awoke.
Her name was Mary,
and more than anything...
...she loved to read the Sunday Times
on Saturday night.
Mary dated frequently and, sadly,
found her time spent alone...
...was the only shelter from the rain.
lt seemed no one else noticed
the dawn of her heart.
l fell into her and awoke
by the radiance she beamed.
Her silent dream is my courage.
Her dance is my freedom.
Her smile is a painting of my soul.''
-The kid hates me.
-Well, don't take it personally.
He's been through four mentors
in the last year.
Then you've been expecting
this conversation?
l had hoped not to have it with you...
...but l'm not surprised.
His mother works all hours,
and the program isn't really designed...
-...to be a cheap babysitting service.
-l tried to do more than just babysit.
He has the highest lQ in his class,
but he's constantly failing.
He can't seem to finish anything
he starts.
Guess that thing with his father
screwed him up.
Wouldn't it screw you up if your father
ran off with a young woman?
-Ran off?
-Started a whole new family.
ln Nantucket?
That's why he behaves
the way he does.
-He feels rejected.
-Well, l know that feeling.
So he tests the people in his life,
just to see if they'll come back to him.
lf you like,
we can reassign you immediately.
Reassign?
You thought l came in here
because l couldn't handle the kid?
There's not a kid on Earth
that Pacey Witter can't handle.
The only reason l came in was to ask
if l could pick him up early tomorrow.
-Sure. l think we could arrange that.
-Cool.
l'm really angry with you, Dawson.
You had no business telling your father
that l needed help.
-But, Mom, you do.
-Where'd you get that ridiculous idea?
Ridiculous? Like the state
this place is in right now?
Mom, you open in less than a week,
and l can't do it all.
l only asked you to screen applicants
for my wait staff...
-...oversee some tastings.
-Things l know nothing about.
Bringing in my ex-husband
certainly isn't the solution.
Mom, you and Dad
have made it clear...
...how much you want to be a part
of each other's lives.
-l thought l was confused before.
-You want people to tell you...
...how to direct your movies? No. You
need people to act, take direction.
This is my career now, Dawson.
God, l thought
you would understand that!
Excuse me for not wanting
to see you fail, Mom.
You've taught me that you shouldn't
be ashamed to ask for help, right?
l don't understand
why you can't take your own advice.
Can you believe the Pynchon look-alike
gave me a bottle of Dom?
lt's definitely your night.
You have no idea how lucky he is
you broke your heel.
The guy can't dance to save his life.
Well, here we are.
Here we are.
Have you guys thought about
heading to the arboretum?
l bet it's amazing down there tonight.
l wanna go back to your room.
Okay.
Good. l'll have the arboretum
all to myself. l'll catch you kids later.
This is yours.
-Thank you, Morgan.
-You're welcome.
What's the matter?
You tell me.
You're feeling guilty right now,
aren't you?
Guilty? No.
l don't like the idea of Morgan hanging
out by herself at night. That's all.
Go join her.
l wanna go back to your room alone.
What?
Tonight is one of the most memorable
experiences of your life, A.J..
-And you should share it with Morgan.
-l don't understand.
You've gotta be the thickest
Mensa member around.
A.J., Morgan is your muse.
-No, she's just my friend. That's all.
-No, she's more.
She picks out paper for you,
encourages you to write...
...she demands you be yourself,
and does it in such a selfless way...
...that you can't even begin
to comprehend--
Wait. Did she tell you something?
Did she say that she wants more?
-No, l--
-No, then where is this coming from?
l know what it's like to....
To harbour feelings for somebody
that you deny.
And l know how horrible it is
to realize those feelings way too late.
And this is coming from my own
experience, my own life, which...
...honestly...
...you know very little about.
Well, God, Joey, give me a chance.
Let me get to know more about you.
lsn't that the fun part?
Yes, it's fun, and it's romantic
and exciting and unbelievable.
-But it's not real.
-Well, then let's make it real.
See, you already have something
that is real.
And Morgan has just recently
realized it.
Why do you think she came back
from France?
Can't you hear it too?
Hear what?
The loudest sound of all:
Love unspoken.
The feelings
between you and Morgan.
Joey, you're reading
way too much into this.
-Am l?
-Yes.
A.J., then why the look?
-What look?
-ln the reading, you paused...
...and you looked at her.
l don't know,
l was reading something and--
-Okay, l guess it made me think of her.
-lt's because it's about her.
No, it's a made-up character, Joey.
No.
A.J...
...l want you to go to her.
And l want you to....
To look into her eyes...
...and look deep...
...and see just how made-up
that character is.
ls that what you really want?
Yes.
So that's it? l mean....
What about us?
'' Us'' is....
'' Us'' is something that...
...l'm gonna remember
for the rest of my life.
But, see...
...'' us'' is a memory...
...and you and Morgan, a reality.
l used to think a broken heart
was just hyperbole.
Now l know the truth.
A.J., there are worse things
than a broken heart.
Like the love that you don't explore.
l guess l'll see you around...
...Potter, Joseph.
l gave at the office.
l just wanted to tell you something
about your work on the boat.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
lt ain't half bad, kid.
Yeah. lf you pay attention,
l'll teach you a thing or two.
What do you know about making
meatloaf and mashed potatoes?
You have to work it with your hands.
-Like this?
-You're getting the hang of it.
Good thing your mom
had to work late, huh?
Yeah.
And so you know,
my father's not entirely dead.
Her name is Joey.
ls she a hottie?
-l'm not answering that.
-Come on, l'm 9.
l have years before l get there.
The least you can do
is cough up a description.
Okay.
She's so beautiful...
...that every time you look at her, your
knees tremble, your heart just melts...
...and you know right then,
without reservations...
...that there is order and meaning
to the universe.
-She's a hottie.
-Yes, she is.
Where is she?
Right now, she is probably out
having the time of her life.
Looks like you've been out here
for a while.
-Yeah.
-l bet you could use a friend.
For somebody so wrapped up in her
own world, you're pretty perceptive.
Well, that's just the kind of girl l am,
thoughtful, empathetic.
And l can see everything that happens
out here from the restaurant.
You heard the fight
l had with my mom.
Yeah. And then l caught
a mini version of her wrath myself.
Just after l broke a few more plates.
l think the pressure of the restaurant
has finally gotten to her.
You saw, all l was trying to do
was help her out...
...and she completely unloaded
on me.
No, l think you were trying to do
a little more than just help her.
You were trying to help yourself too.
Help myself?
You're trying to put your family
back together, Dawson.
What?
No, l'm not.
You saw how angry l was at the B & B
when they tried to pose...
-...as husband and wife.
-Exactly, because that was a fa?ade.
Of course that upset you.
What's going on in the restaurant
is real.
What's going on in the restaurant
is chaos.
We invariably return to what we know,
Dawson, what's in our bones.
And your family, that....
lt's in your bones.
Yeah, but l know that they're not
getting back together.
So....
So, what am l doing?
Do you remember a couple of years
ago at that spot, right over there...
...you asked me to dance...
...and you said that you wanted to be
my boy adventure?
Did l really say that?
-l was so naive.
-And sweet and honest.
On the outside, you're not that same
naive little boy anymore.
And you've been through
too much recently.
But deep down at your core...
...there's always gonna be a part of you
that rejects reality...
...and that's eternally hopeful and....
And that just wants
his parents back together.
Hey.
-Hey.
-So, what happened?
Nothing happened.
You got bored?
You got homesick?
He finally ripped off his rubber mask
and revealed his true alien features?
-l don't wanna talk about it.
-Oh, well, forgive me...
...if l'm having a little bit of trouble
with the no-questions-asked part.
Good morning.
Good morning.
l came to apologize for undercutting
your authority around here...
...and to offer my services, but it looks
like you're doing just fine without me.
-This coffee tastes like clam chowder.
-Oh, that's good.
That is good.
This isn't the place l left last night.
Oh, you mean, you weren't
at Leery's Fresh Fish?
-l thought Leery's Fresh Fish was--
-lt's her name too, Dawson.
Okay.
-So, what's going on?
-You were right about what you said.
l do need a partner,
and l was just too proud to admit it.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Running
a restaurant takes many talents.
You've got the most important one.
You know how to delegate.
-So you made Dad a partner after all?
-No. That would never work.
-She hired me as a general manager.
-'' Hired'' being the operative word.
And my first order of business
was to strongly suggest...
-...she make Bodie her partner.
-Bodie? But wait--
Well, yeah, he's gonna own
20 percent of the business.
He's gonna provide me with
his recipes, oversee the kitchen...
...work only nights.
lt won't take him away from his B & B.
And we're gonna have to fire Jen
from the wait staff.
As a waitress, she's gonna
put me out of business in a week.
But she'd make a charming hostess.
l think she would like that.
Apparently, you guys
work well together.
So are you ever gonna speak again?
Come on, Jo, say something.
What do you want me to say, Pacey?
You were right?
You were right, okay?
Right as always.
Pacey Witter, the only person
in my life who ever speaks the truth.
That's not entirely accurate.
Well, you told me
what was going to happen.
Which was what, Jo?
What happened up there?
There was another girl.
l'm sorry, Jo.
The whole time that l was watching
them, l just kept thinking:
''This is it.
This is real.
Just like Pacey said.
This is the real thing.''
And it reminded me, once again,
what exactly l don't have.
-lf you keep looking, you'll find it.
-No, l won't.
l mean, isn't that obvious by now?
l'm not meant to.
Why? Because you're 1 6 and alone?
Come on.
Because l'm 1 6, and in my entire life,
there have been two people...
-...who have known me, Dawson and--
-This A.J. guy didn't know you.
He didn't know you, because if he did,
he never would have walked away.
l was going to say you, Pacey.
Okay.
-Have you totally lost it?
-Not totally, not yet.
-All right, what did you mean by that?
-About what?
About me knowing you
better than anybody.
Exactly what l said, Pacey.
You know me, okay?
-ln a way nobody besides Dawson--
-We're not talking about Dawson.
We're talking about me.
You can't keep on doing this!
What? So l count on you
and tell you secrets--
And call in the middle of the night
to pick you up. Why?
-l'm sorry l called. l thought l could--
-l'm not mad you called.
l just wanna know why you called me.
You were the first person
that l thought of.
-What does that mean, Jo?
-lt means that....
l guess it....
lt means that l can talk to you...
-...and you're there for me.
-Don't you ever get tired of talking?
-No, l don't get tired.
-l don't wanna talk anymore.
What are you trying to say, Pacey?
Why are we standing here? l don't--
how things are gonna turn out.
Very true, Potter.
Who would've thought that l'd actually
be able to use those dance lessons?
-There'll be dancing at this?
-Yeah.
l thought it was just
self-congratulatory award-giving.
This is a big deal.
A.J.'s going to be reading his work...
...in front of several
very important alumni.
-He's the youngest person to win--
-Creative ''viting'' award?
-Creative writing.
-Yeah, l'll say.
-lt's calligraphy.
-lt's pretentious.
You know what? Don't mind me.
Just have a good time this weekend.
l will.
l mean...
...this could be the most romantic night
of my life.
l mean, it's not every day
that l get invited to elegant dinners...
...with distinguished guests,
accompanied by a friend who--
Friend? ls that what you and A.J. are?
No, l--
A.J. and l are....
lt's none of your business
what A.J. and l are.
A.J. and you are friends who kiss.
Pacey...
...look, long-distance relationships
don't necessarily follow...
...the same rules and definitions
as regular relationships.
No, they don't.
And that's why they're perfect for you.
-Because they're not real.
-What is that supposed to mean?
Don't you see?
Little scrubber girl Joey gets to go to
the ball with college Prince Charming.
That's not real. lt's a fairy tale.
Say what you will,
but fairy tale or not...
...l still feel what l feel, Pacey.
What l'm saying is, all you have here
is an eyes-closed wish.
-Sometimes wishes come true.
-Yes, sometimes wishes do come true.
Sometimes even
in unexpected places.
But reality always finds a way
of creeping back in, Jo.
Clock inevitably strikes midnight.
Then it's pumpkin city.
The fantasy fades.
Try to have a good weekend, Pacey.
-Thanks for the ride.
-Have a good time.
-We could have a winner here.
-l really hope you're right.
Because my restaurant opens in less
than a week and l haven't found a chef?
Or waiters or menus.
The menus still haven't arrived
from the printers?
We sent them back, remember?
We decided $2200 was
a little pricey for scampi.
All right, just keep screening
applicants for my wait staff.
Hopefully, we have found our kitchen
talent. The chowder smells amazing.
-What do you think?
-l don't know fine food.
l know enough to tell you
that this sucks.
Sure we don't wanna steal Bodie
from the Potters?
Not unless Bessie and Alexander
don't need a home...
...and l don't need Joey as a friend.
Chowder isn't easy to master. Here, try
his breaded monkfish. lt looks great.
l gotta get off to the printer.
Oh, and, honey, don't worry.
Everything's gonna be fine.
-Hey.
-Hey.
Thank you so much for picking up
the sign. l really appreciate it.
Unfortunately, this may exacerbate
the insanity.
Unless you wanna keep the place
a secret.
-What?
-The guy told your mom...
...he had to have a name by today.
He's already got another job.
l thought it was the Fish Bistro.
A woman has the right
to change her mind.
-Not this late in the game.
-Well....
So the restaurant could be, like,
one of those hip no-name clubs.
-You know, too cool to have a name.
-Excuse, please.
l look for restaurant of fish.
l am trying out for chowder man.
You guys hungry?
So who is this kid worthy of being
a Witter ''mentee''?
Someone your school administration
and l thought would be appropriate.
How exactly do you guys go about
making that determination?
You'll see.
lf there are any problems, l can always
assign you to someone else.
l think l'll probably be able to handle
a 9-year-old, thanks.
Buzz Thompson, meet Pacey Witter.
Hey. How you doing, kid?
How old are you?
-l'm 1 6. How old are you?
-You have 5:00 shadow.
Well, l'm mature.
ls that what you call it?
l get it. You're a smart ass.
That's why they put us together.
People think l'm a smart ass too.
But when they really get to know you,
they discover under the gruff exterior...
...lies a vulnerable beating heart.
Get real! l'm not like one of those kids
on 7 th Heaven...
...and l'm not like you, Pissy!
-Pacey.
-Whatever, Pissy!
Pacey. And you don't know anything
about me, kid.
l know you think
you don't wanna be here...
...but you're just dying
to throw your arm around me...
...and have a warm and fuzzy.
Don't bother, because you're gonna
be back here trying to get rid of me.
l give you 48 hours, kid!
Hi, l'm Joey Potter.
-Of course you are.
-And you are?
l'm Morgan.
l am A.J.'s oldest friend.
-Where is A.J.?
-Jumpy boy is still trying to decide...
...on what to read for tomorrow night.
Why do l feel like l fell asleep
and suddenly woke up...
...the protagonist in a Kafka story?
-Well, there's the wit, just like he said.
-The wit?
The famous Potter wit.
He's told me all about you.
Artist, political agitator.
Oh, and a size eight foot.
Put these on.
We're gonna go blading.
Thanks.
ls this the fun part?
ls this the part where we're having fun?
Or did l blink and miss it?
You got me. l don't wanna be here
any more than you do.
l got stuck with you. But this still
doesn't have to be so horrible.
Here comes the honesty.
Next is the intimacy.
What exactly do you want?
Let me make this easy for you.
Read my lips. Pikachu.
Something that has to be treated
with antibiotics?
Man, your generation is so out of it.
-Pok?mon, you putz.
-l knew that.
l got Alakazam through Metapod,
but l'm in serious need of a Poliwrath.
-There's a vendor right over there.
-You gotta be kidding me.
No way l'm spending $20
on a Japanese trading card.
You have a serious problem with anger.
l hope the Capeside mentoring program
knows who l'm dealing with here.
Okay, if l buy you the stupid card...
...would you shut up for two seconds,
please? Okay.
Here, take these
and go whack some moles...
...and stay out of trouble
while l'm gone.
-Whatever, Pissy.
-Stupid.
-You guys playing?
-Step aside, ass-wipe.
-You ass-head!
-Hey!
What the hell is going on over here?
What are you doing?
-He hit me in the head with the mallet.
-Popped me right in the nose!
-They tried to push me off my game!
-Okay, that's it. You're done.
No more decisions for you.
Now we do something l think is fun.
Hey.
Hey.
-Where's Joey?
-Showed her around, like you asked.
You didn't...?
You did.
Joey, hey. lt's great to see you.
-Hey. You too.
-How was your trip?
lt was a trip.
l'm so sorry l wasn't there to meet you,
but l still haven't picked a reading.
-Do you hate me?
-Completely.
Hi.
Oh, good God.
Get a room.
l hope she didn't totally wear you out.
No, it was actually very informative.
l had no idea that the Charles River
ran through so much of the city.
-Took her on the Charles River circuit?
-She did better than you.
l asked her to pick you up,
not take you on an endurance test.
He can't blade to save his life...
...and any time a girl shows greater
skill than him, he gets threatened.
What?
-How long have you known each other?
-Since we were zygotes.
Morgan and l grew up together.
Same town, same high school--
Same college?
Actually, l got bored with this geek and
decided to make some new friends...
...so l went to school last semester
at Sorbonne.
l've always wanted to study in Paris.
-Sorry, my French isn't very good.
-Morgan likes to embarrass me...
...so l'm not letting you two hang out
together anymore.
See? Threatened.
Don't let the friendly banter fool you.
We can't stand each other.
You know, you are all he wrote about
in his letters to me.
Really?
l'll bet he never told you
a thing about me.
Yeah, well, l can see that you two
need some time together.
Thank you.
At least you can take a hint.
Joey, l'm glad that you're here.
l was beginning to think...
-...you might be one of his fantasies.
-No, she's real. Told you.
Yeah. Flesh and blood.
That's me.
Joey Potter, flesh and blood.
Here's another one. Says his Spanish
mackerel quiche is world famous.
-Anybody have any idea what that is?
-You don't wanna know.
The lady who did the cod flamb?,
that was my favourite.
Yeah, she was a gem, huh?
You should see the kitchen ceiling,
covered in burnt fish bones.
Your mom needs some serious help.
l wanna know what rock these people
have been cooking under.
-Hi, you guys.
-Hey!
-Hey, Jen.
-You. l know you.
You were at a rally, right? No, or was it
the hacky sack circle at Capefest?
Very funny, yeah. l know, l've been
a little out of circulation lately.
Been spending most of my time
with Henry.
That's understandable.
l think there's a six-week...
...honeymoon period whenever
you get into a new relationship.
But then one day, you realize you've
got the relationship and not much else.
-Bring them all in!
-Well, lf you're in need of sustenance...
-...you've come to the right place.
-l was thinking about serving...
-...said sustenance.
-Jen Lindley wants to be a waitress?
Yeah, l think it would be a great way
to meet new people.
l could earn enough
to occasionally take Henry out.
-And l'm tired of living off my Grams.
-Okay.
Well, as you can see, my mom
is in immediate need of assistance.
-Come on!
-How soon can you start?
Can you believe
l haven't decided on a reading?
lt's only the most important
opportunity of my lifetime.
-What's wrong with me?
-She's pretty.
-Who?
-Morgan.
-She's really pretty and so smart.
-Yeah. Real smart.
-Sorry.
-lt's okay.
A.J., why didn't you tell me about her?
l don't know. l guess we have
so little time together...
...l figure l'd concentrate
on the big things.
You don't think one of your oldest
friends is big enough to tell me about?
Yeah, but, l mean, how much
do you talk to me about your friends?
-l guess you're right.
-So l'm trying to decide on...
...something l did more recently
or one of my older pieces, l don't know.
Did you two ever date?
Joey, look, l promise you,
you have nothing to worry about.
Oh, l'm sorry.
Damn this stuff.
Just wanna make sure no foreign
elements get introduced...
...to your hemoglobin because that's--
l know what that is.
Sorry.
You know, l....
l know something
that might work better than this.
ls that better?
Well...
...see, now l'm feeling
a little light-headed.
-Really?
-Yeah, l don't think my hemoglobin...
...is transporting enough oxygen
through my body.
That could be a problem.
l was thinking--
Oh, l guess you guys got that room.
No, wait.
What were you thinking?
l was thinking, Arthur...
-...the '' nature of love'' piece.
-lt's not too old?
-Arthur?
-They know your new stuff.
They wanna know where it comes from.
Be honest and show them your roots.
Yeah, you're right.
Yeah, that's a great idea.
What's up with the double-breasted
jacket and the rep tie?
You win an award
and you turn Ralph Lauren?
No, l just wanna look respectable.
lt'll take a lot more
than a boring jacket.
Why not just be yourself? You know,
khakis, sweater, loafers. That's you.
-Oh, and l have something for you.
-Bye.
Who's Arthur?
-You can't make me do this.
-The hell l can.
This is slave labour.
Can you do anything
besides whine, kid?
-l can write letters.
-You could paint.
Look. Watch and learn, all right?
lt's up, and then down.
And then up, and then down.
You got it?
Have you ever heard the expression
''don't go against the grain''?
Who got you to sit still long enough
to teach you how to paint?
-My dad.
-Really?
-Where is your dad now?
-Somewhere in the Atlantic.
-Oh, yeah? Your dad's a sailor?
-Nope. Fish food.
Scattered his ashes off Nantucket.
Where's yours?
My dad? He's probably
hanging up his holster right about now.
A cop!
That explains your authority issues.
-l don't have authority issues.
-lssues, issues, issues.
l don't have issues, okay?
-Look how you handled the arcade.
-You got into a fight!
There are better ways
to handle confrontations...
-...than playing whack-a-kid.
-Okay, mentor...
...how'd you get
in this stupid program?
-l hit a guy.
-What?
-l hit a guy.
-That's it. l'm out of here.
Hey, come back.
Hey! Come back here!
Or what?
You'll whack me upside the head?
-You little brat.
-Help! Help! Child abuse!
Let go of me,
you hypocritical maniac!
His father's name is Arthur,
so they named him Arthur Jr.
-That's what the A.J. stands for.
-l can't believe he never told me.
You would've gotten it eventually.
Who's that?
A friend.
He's gorgeous.
Wow, these drawings are incredible.
l can't believe people
just draw these on the sidewalk.
Actually, sidewalk chalk drawings
are a classic Parisian tradition.
Yeah, but who does this
kind of work?
Me.
That one took three days. People
just walked around while l worked.
This semester
l'm studying photography.
l guess l was wanting something
more substantial in my life.
Here, take this.
lt's beautiful.
Yeah, well, he may chicken out
and not even show up tomorrow night.
You know, sometimes
you really have to kick his butt.
l mean, once l gave him
some thick, grey Crane paper.
Told him to fill it with words
before he talked to me.
And he didn't talk to me
for two weeks.
Wow, there are so many things
that l'm learning about him every day.
Did you know that he likes to eat
all the peanuts out of Chex Mix?
-Really?
-Yeah.
He's been banned from
social gatherings in over 20 states.
Well, l have been witness
to his pasta slurping.
Does he conjugate Latin verbs under
his breath when he's nervous?
-Yeah, adamo, adamas, adamat.
-He is such a mess.
Yeah...
...but he can kiss.
-Yeah, well--
-You don't have to.
Once.
Afterwards, we felt really weird
and silly and....
Well, we just--
We know each other too well.
And we have way too many fights.
But there's just...
...no mystery.
So there's absolutely and positively
nothing there.
Do you have any plans
for tomorrow night?
Actually, one of my
favourite activities.
-Get the early Sunday Times and just--
-Come with us.
-That's your thing.
-No. You're A.J.'s oldest friend.
-You should be there.
-Yeah, but you're his girlfriend.
lsn't it possible for the both of us
to be a part of A.J.'s life?
You're all right, Joey Potter.
-Oh, my gosh.
-Hey, you guys are leaving already?
Dawson, l've eaten so much over the
last few hours, l just can't be objective.
l've got a good feeling
about the guy back there.
Well, l can still be objective. lf this guy
is half as bad as the dozen before him--
-He says that his sal--
-No! No, no, no.
Don't even mention anything
that comes from the sea.
-Thank you.
-l promise to stop doing this...
-...before you guys open.
-Don't worry about it.
ls everything okay?
Oh, God, what happened?
Your wait staff is just experiencing
the difficulties of proper serving.
Hi.
Jen, l'd be happy to demonstrate
the standard way of carrying a stack.
Oh, thank you, God.
Thanks for the offer,
but l think we've got it covered.
-Well, okay then, what can l do?
-What do you mean?
Well, l'm here.
Reporting for work as requested.
Who requested
that you come to work?
You can't keep treating me this way.
There are laws. You have to feed me.
-Here.
-Wieners?
-lt's all beef.
-Wanna know what part of the beef?
Come here.
When are you taking me home?
My mother's cooking her meatloaf
and mashed potatoes tonight.
You wanna wait for meatloaf
and mashed potatoes, wait.
Who's the girl?
-What girl?
-The one you named your boat after.
''True love'' isn't a person, it's an idea.
An unattainable idea.
Who's the unattainable girl?
You love getting under my skin,
don't you?
-Have you kissed her?
-l told you, there's no girl.
-Why don't you kiss her?
-Shut your mouth.
You have no problem
taking a swing at a guy...
...but can't tell a girl how you feel
about her. Man, you're pathetic.
All right, you wanna go home?
You're bluffing.
You need me to finish your boat.
-l don't need you. Let's go.
-Bluffing coward!
-Let's go.
-Fine.
Tomorrow you better find
something creative for me to do.
l'm not working
on this pitiful raft anymore.
Well, maybe tomorrow
l just won't show up.
Make my day, loser!
What am l doing here?
l had a good life, good friends,
a modest but promising little future...
...teaching at a junior college
in a pleasant suburban town.
At this time, it is my honour
to introduce the young man...
...who made this institution so proud.
Tonight, he will share with us his
imaginative mind and distinctive voice.
There's still time.
Wanna make a break for it?
-A.J., come up here and share with us.
-Too late.
Greetings.
Tonight l'm reminded
of FDR's immortal words:
''The only thing we have to fear
is fear itself.''
Of course, FDR never stood up here.
''Silent Dream.''
'' lt had always seemed like
a silent dream to her.
The many meaningless passings
in the hallway...
...the sense of disconnection from
those she supposedly knew so well.
But when she met him, the boy
she'd already known all her life...
...she realized that love unspoken
is the loudest sound of all.
Then she awoke.
Her name was Mary,
and more than anything...
...she loved to read the Sunday Times
on Saturday night.
Mary dated frequently and, sadly,
found her time spent alone...
...was the only shelter from the rain.
lt seemed no one else noticed
the dawn of her heart.
l fell into her and awoke
by the radiance she beamed.
Her silent dream is my courage.
Her dance is my freedom.
Her smile is a painting of my soul.''
-The kid hates me.
-Well, don't take it personally.
He's been through four mentors
in the last year.
Then you've been expecting
this conversation?
l had hoped not to have it with you...
...but l'm not surprised.
His mother works all hours,
and the program isn't really designed...
-...to be a cheap babysitting service.
-l tried to do more than just babysit.
He has the highest lQ in his class,
but he's constantly failing.
He can't seem to finish anything
he starts.
Guess that thing with his father
screwed him up.
Wouldn't it screw you up if your father
ran off with a young woman?
-Ran off?
-Started a whole new family.
ln Nantucket?
That's why he behaves
the way he does.
-He feels rejected.
-Well, l know that feeling.
So he tests the people in his life,
just to see if they'll come back to him.
lf you like,
we can reassign you immediately.
Reassign?
You thought l came in here
because l couldn't handle the kid?
There's not a kid on Earth
that Pacey Witter can't handle.
The only reason l came in was to ask
if l could pick him up early tomorrow.
-Sure. l think we could arrange that.
-Cool.
l'm really angry with you, Dawson.
You had no business telling your father
that l needed help.
-But, Mom, you do.
-Where'd you get that ridiculous idea?
Ridiculous? Like the state
this place is in right now?
Mom, you open in less than a week,
and l can't do it all.
l only asked you to screen applicants
for my wait staff...
-...oversee some tastings.
-Things l know nothing about.
Bringing in my ex-husband
certainly isn't the solution.
Mom, you and Dad
have made it clear...
...how much you want to be a part
of each other's lives.
-l thought l was confused before.
-You want people to tell you...
...how to direct your movies? No. You
need people to act, take direction.
This is my career now, Dawson.
God, l thought
you would understand that!
Excuse me for not wanting
to see you fail, Mom.
You've taught me that you shouldn't
be ashamed to ask for help, right?
l don't understand
why you can't take your own advice.
Can you believe the Pynchon look-alike
gave me a bottle of Dom?
lt's definitely your night.
You have no idea how lucky he is
you broke your heel.
The guy can't dance to save his life.
Well, here we are.
Here we are.
Have you guys thought about
heading to the arboretum?
l bet it's amazing down there tonight.
l wanna go back to your room.
Okay.
Good. l'll have the arboretum
all to myself. l'll catch you kids later.
This is yours.
-Thank you, Morgan.
-You're welcome.
What's the matter?
You tell me.
You're feeling guilty right now,
aren't you?
Guilty? No.
l don't like the idea of Morgan hanging
out by herself at night. That's all.
Go join her.
l wanna go back to your room alone.
What?
Tonight is one of the most memorable
experiences of your life, A.J..
-And you should share it with Morgan.
-l don't understand.
You've gotta be the thickest
Mensa member around.
A.J., Morgan is your muse.
-No, she's just my friend. That's all.
-No, she's more.
She picks out paper for you,
encourages you to write...
...she demands you be yourself,
and does it in such a selfless way...
...that you can't even begin
to comprehend--
Wait. Did she tell you something?
Did she say that she wants more?
-No, l--
-No, then where is this coming from?
l know what it's like to....
To harbour feelings for somebody
that you deny.
And l know how horrible it is
to realize those feelings way too late.
And this is coming from my own
experience, my own life, which...
...honestly...
...you know very little about.
Well, God, Joey, give me a chance.
Let me get to know more about you.
lsn't that the fun part?
Yes, it's fun, and it's romantic
and exciting and unbelievable.
-But it's not real.
-Well, then let's make it real.
See, you already have something
that is real.
And Morgan has just recently
realized it.
Why do you think she came back
from France?
Can't you hear it too?
Hear what?
The loudest sound of all:
Love unspoken.
The feelings
between you and Morgan.
Joey, you're reading
way too much into this.
-Am l?
-Yes.
A.J., then why the look?
-What look?
-ln the reading, you paused...
...and you looked at her.
l don't know,
l was reading something and--
-Okay, l guess it made me think of her.
-lt's because it's about her.
No, it's a made-up character, Joey.
No.
A.J...
...l want you to go to her.
And l want you to....
To look into her eyes...
...and look deep...
...and see just how made-up
that character is.
ls that what you really want?
Yes.
So that's it? l mean....
What about us?
'' Us'' is....
'' Us'' is something that...
...l'm gonna remember
for the rest of my life.
But, see...
...'' us'' is a memory...
...and you and Morgan, a reality.
l used to think a broken heart
was just hyperbole.
Now l know the truth.
A.J., there are worse things
than a broken heart.
Like the love that you don't explore.
l guess l'll see you around...
...Potter, Joseph.
l gave at the office.
l just wanted to tell you something
about your work on the boat.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
lt ain't half bad, kid.
Yeah. lf you pay attention,
l'll teach you a thing or two.
What do you know about making
meatloaf and mashed potatoes?
You have to work it with your hands.
-Like this?
-You're getting the hang of it.
Good thing your mom
had to work late, huh?
Yeah.
And so you know,
my father's not entirely dead.
Her name is Joey.
ls she a hottie?
-l'm not answering that.
-Come on, l'm 9.
l have years before l get there.
The least you can do
is cough up a description.
Okay.
She's so beautiful...
...that every time you look at her, your
knees tremble, your heart just melts...
...and you know right then,
without reservations...
...that there is order and meaning
to the universe.
-She's a hottie.
-Yes, she is.
Where is she?
Right now, she is probably out
having the time of her life.
Looks like you've been out here
for a while.
-Yeah.
-l bet you could use a friend.
For somebody so wrapped up in her
own world, you're pretty perceptive.
Well, that's just the kind of girl l am,
thoughtful, empathetic.
And l can see everything that happens
out here from the restaurant.
You heard the fight
l had with my mom.
Yeah. And then l caught
a mini version of her wrath myself.
Just after l broke a few more plates.
l think the pressure of the restaurant
has finally gotten to her.
You saw, all l was trying to do
was help her out...
...and she completely unloaded
on me.
No, l think you were trying to do
a little more than just help her.
You were trying to help yourself too.
Help myself?
You're trying to put your family
back together, Dawson.
What?
No, l'm not.
You saw how angry l was at the B & B
when they tried to pose...
-...as husband and wife.
-Exactly, because that was a fa?ade.
Of course that upset you.
What's going on in the restaurant
is real.
What's going on in the restaurant
is chaos.
We invariably return to what we know,
Dawson, what's in our bones.
And your family, that....
lt's in your bones.
Yeah, but l know that they're not
getting back together.
So....
So, what am l doing?
Do you remember a couple of years
ago at that spot, right over there...
...you asked me to dance...
...and you said that you wanted to be
my boy adventure?
Did l really say that?
-l was so naive.
-And sweet and honest.
On the outside, you're not that same
naive little boy anymore.
And you've been through
too much recently.
But deep down at your core...
...there's always gonna be a part of you
that rejects reality...
...and that's eternally hopeful and....
And that just wants
his parents back together.
Hey.
-Hey.
-So, what happened?
Nothing happened.
You got bored?
You got homesick?
He finally ripped off his rubber mask
and revealed his true alien features?
-l don't wanna talk about it.
-Oh, well, forgive me...
...if l'm having a little bit of trouble
with the no-questions-asked part.
Good morning.
Good morning.
l came to apologize for undercutting
your authority around here...
...and to offer my services, but it looks
like you're doing just fine without me.
-This coffee tastes like clam chowder.
-Oh, that's good.
That is good.
This isn't the place l left last night.
Oh, you mean, you weren't
at Leery's Fresh Fish?
-l thought Leery's Fresh Fish was--
-lt's her name too, Dawson.
Okay.
-So, what's going on?
-You were right about what you said.
l do need a partner,
and l was just too proud to admit it.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Running
a restaurant takes many talents.
You've got the most important one.
You know how to delegate.
-So you made Dad a partner after all?
-No. That would never work.
-She hired me as a general manager.
-'' Hired'' being the operative word.
And my first order of business
was to strongly suggest...
-...she make Bodie her partner.
-Bodie? But wait--
Well, yeah, he's gonna own
20 percent of the business.
He's gonna provide me with
his recipes, oversee the kitchen...
...work only nights.
lt won't take him away from his B & B.
And we're gonna have to fire Jen
from the wait staff.
As a waitress, she's gonna
put me out of business in a week.
But she'd make a charming hostess.
l think she would like that.
Apparently, you guys
work well together.
So are you ever gonna speak again?
Come on, Jo, say something.
What do you want me to say, Pacey?
You were right?
You were right, okay?
Right as always.
Pacey Witter, the only person
in my life who ever speaks the truth.
That's not entirely accurate.
Well, you told me
what was going to happen.
Which was what, Jo?
What happened up there?
There was another girl.
l'm sorry, Jo.
The whole time that l was watching
them, l just kept thinking:
''This is it.
This is real.
Just like Pacey said.
This is the real thing.''
And it reminded me, once again,
what exactly l don't have.
-lf you keep looking, you'll find it.
-No, l won't.
l mean, isn't that obvious by now?
l'm not meant to.
Why? Because you're 1 6 and alone?
Come on.
Because l'm 1 6, and in my entire life,
there have been two people...
-...who have known me, Dawson and--
-This A.J. guy didn't know you.
He didn't know you, because if he did,
he never would have walked away.
l was going to say you, Pacey.
Okay.
-Have you totally lost it?
-Not totally, not yet.
-All right, what did you mean by that?
-About what?
About me knowing you
better than anybody.
Exactly what l said, Pacey.
You know me, okay?
-ln a way nobody besides Dawson--
-We're not talking about Dawson.
We're talking about me.
You can't keep on doing this!
What? So l count on you
and tell you secrets--
And call in the middle of the night
to pick you up. Why?
-l'm sorry l called. l thought l could--
-l'm not mad you called.
l just wanna know why you called me.
You were the first person
that l thought of.
-What does that mean, Jo?
-lt means that....
l guess it....
lt means that l can talk to you...
-...and you're there for me.
-Don't you ever get tired of talking?
-No, l don't get tired.
-l don't wanna talk anymore.
What are you trying to say, Pacey?
Why are we standing here? l don't--