Dawson's Creek (1998–2003): Season 4, Episode 14 - A Winter's Tale - full transcript
While the rest of the school goes to the snowy mountains of Vermont for a ski weekend, Dawson stays behind to help Grams keep a bedside vigil at the hospital for the near-death Mr. Brooks. But things become complicated when Dawson learns that Mr. Brooks had earlier asked him to sign a medical clause which leads him to be forced to make an impossibly hard decision to decide whether or not to cut off Brooks' life support systems. Meanwhile, the ski trip evening takes an unexpectedly romantic turn when Jen sprains her ankle, she breaks into her room's mini-bar, gets drunk and nearly sleeps with Jack. At the same time, Drue and Anna Evans sneak into the events pretending to be another couple since Drue has been banned from the ski trip and Anna does not go to school at Capeside. Also, Pacey and Joey find their own ways to keep warm on the cold night by taking their relationship to the next level.
Senior ski trip
is a Capeside rite of passage...
...absolutely guaranteed to be
chock-full of the cruel and unusual.
Knowing our class, l highly doubt it.
When l went, somebody got pregnant,
somebody got arrested...
...and a girl's hair
caught on fire.
Joey'll keep me out of jail and Lamaze,
and l'll watch out for your hair.
Well, have fun. You've earned it.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Joey?
Give Dawson a call
sometime this weekend.
With everything that's going on,
l'm sure he'd appreciate it.
Thank you.
l shouldn't even be
going on this trip.
With Brooks the way he is, l should be
back in the hospital with Grams.
Dawson's with Grams.
They'll take care of one another.
You're gonna have some fun
this weekend. That's what they'd want.
Fun. That's not likely.
Come on, senior trips
are notoriously awful.
Anything you look forward to
for too long...
...is invariably a disappointment.
-The eternal optimist speaks.
-l promise to make an effort, but....
-Hey. Everything cool?
-Absolutely.
This is exactly what we need.
What do we need?
-lt's good for people to get out of town.
-People like us?
Well, just people who need to
get out of town.
Are we those types of people?
Do you think we're
those types of people?
Everyone who plans on getting laid
this weekend, get on board!
Roll call!
-Burger.
-Present!
-Brown.
-Here!
lt just occurred to me...
...not only do l have no desire to ski,
l also haven't the faintest clue how.
This could be a very dangerous
weekend for me.
Well, l could teach you
a few things.
ln that case, it could be a very
dangerous weekend for both of us.
Whether or not you choose to ski
is irrelevant.
lt's common knowledge
that these senior trips...
...are not really about
what goes on during the day.
You don't say.
Potter!
Here.
-Price, Penelope Price.
-Here.
Lucy, Ricky, we've gotta stop
meeting like this.
-Remember Anna?
-Hey, guys.
lf sexual misadventures were
an option for me, l'd be all over it...
...so to speak.
One word: Tobey.
Oh, God, Jen.
You're like a broken record.
But l just don't understand.
You haven't given me one good reason.
ls he too cute?
ls he too intelligent?
No, no. lt's just,
he's very, you know....
-Blond?
-Not blond. He's gay. He's very gay.
lt's just when it's that obvious,
it's a bit of a turnoff, that's all.
How about too straight?
ls too straight a turnoff?
-You think you'll get away with this?
-Please.
By the time our absent-minded
professor notices...
...we're gonna be
halfway up the mountain.
lt would really suck...
...being the only guy not
chalking one up this weekend, right?
Hey.
Glad you came.
Good to have some company.
So, what do the doctors say?
What can they say?
More bad news
delivered in even tones.
He remains in a coma
brought on by pills.
The machines they've attached
to him are keeping him with us.
But even with all the best
modern technology can offer...
...it's still cancer.
Doesn't make sense.
l mean, he's....
l mean, look at him.
He's stuck between dying and dead.
You know, l was sitting here...
...before you came in, trying to...
...picture this whole thing
through Arthur's eyes.
Find the perfect biting last word.
Watching the nurses
and doctors come and go...
...taking blood,
checking the monitors...
...but at the end of the day,
no matter what they do...
...it's in God's hands.
Okay, Missy Self-Reliance,
please let me give you a hand.
l carried it to the bus.
l can carry them from the bus.
Oh, this is ridiculous, come on.
Everyone!
Purdon here is gonna be
handing out the room keys.
And before you get all excited...
...l want you to know the sleeping
arrangements are gonna be same sex.
Also, all the keys to the minibar
have been duly confiscated.
Which way to that bar?
You look like you could
use a little help, Purdon.
Joey, Pacey, one for you.
lt's got a king, comes with a rollaway...
...in case things don't work out.
Jack, Jen. Obviously, no sexual
complications there...
...any room should do.
This one's mine. That's for you.
Good luck.
So when did obnoxiousness
become a substitute for wit?
lgnore him. We're making
an effort not to complain.
We're just gonna have fun--
Mr. Leery.
-Dr. Bronin.
-l need to talk to you about something.
About Brooks?
Would you feel more
comfortable in my office?
No. l'm fine.
Our files indicate that you signed
a health care proxy for Mr. Brooks.
ls that correct?
Yeah. That was so l could
help him out with his medications.
Oh, l'm sure.
But the situation has changed, and
given he has no immediate family...
...so have your responsibilities.
-Meaning?
-Dawson...
...maybe you want
to call your parents.
He signed the papers so he could
pick up medicine.
l know why he signed it.
That piece of paper should not give
a boy the responsibility to decide...
...when and how a man should die.
-lt is state law.
-lt shouldn't be his choice.
You're right. lt shouldn't be,
Mrs. Leery, but it is.
lt's probably best if l...
...leave for you to discuss this
amongst yourselves.
What are the chances that he's
gonna wake up before he dies?
l don't know.
But trust me, even if l did, it would not
make your decision any easier.
l'm sorry.
Well....
l guess, given the situation
we're in here...
...it would seem to me
the only humane thing to do--
Mitch.
Gale, l don't want to talk
about it either, but here we are.
Dawson, you don't have to
make any decisions.
Mom, l do.
-But how do l know what's best?
-You won't know, son.
lt's not that kind of choice.
lt's just like last summer.
Minus the water and the hammocks.
And the boat.
Yeah, that too.
But it does have the two most
important ingredients: you and l.
Toss a ''do not disturb''
sign on the door and pretend...
-...we're anchored off the coast of--
-Greenland?
lt's freezing in here.
What do you say? A little junk food?
A little television?
ln other words, just another
typical Friday night in Capeside?
Not a typical Friday night in Capeside,
this place has way more channels.
-It hurts when I do this.
-When you do that?
How about when you do...
-... this?
-Oh, yeah.
How do you suppose
they got in that position?
Come on, please tell me
we can laugh about this now.
-Laugh about what?
-Sex.
Tell me we can laugh, because it
seems the only rational thing to do.
You can't enshrine it. You can't
run from it because it's everywhere.
lt's like food
and water and air.
Well, can't we just
breathe something else?
You realize how ridiculous
that sounds?
Pace, it's just a weekend,
and l really don't want to spend it...
-...like we spent the past week.
-Which is how?
Having tension between us every time
we get within three feet of each other.
Well, l'm not feeling tense,
l'm feeling relaxed.
l'm on vacation, Jo.
-Really?
-Yes, really.
So we're in complete
agreement here?
l don't know what we're agreeing about,
but l'm sure we're agreeing about it.
We're agreeing that this weekend
does not have to be about sex.
This weekend doesn't
have to be about sex.
What if it needs to be amputated?
You want to find
a doctor right now?
No, because it's
probably just bruised.
-That's what l thought. Know what?
-What?
l'm not gonna let this
interfere in any way.
Because you and l
are gonna have some fun.
Even if l have to carry you around
the next three days.
Well, the fun's gonna start
with you taking off my pants.
l want to take a bath
before dinner.
-Actually, l can't do that.
-Why?
Because you're a girl and l'm a boy
and there's boundaries and rules.
l hardly think they're gonna kick you
off the team for helping me. Please?
lt's inappropriate.
You're gonna have to stop clinging to
these ridiculous macho conventions...
...about what is
and is not appropriate.
Okay, fine. Don't help.
When l attach my wooden foot
every morning, the rest of my life...
-...l'm gonna remember this.
-Yeah, well, whatever.
Whoa! Yo, that's enough,
right there.
What?
Would you want me taking my clothes
off in front of you?
Okay, that's withdrawn.
Hungry?
Oh, hey.
Yeah. l'm kind of busy, actually.
Well, you gotta eat sometime, right?
Yeah. l'm looking for some clips
to add to the final sequence.
You've been over that movie
at least a thousand times.
You've got a lot going on
in your head right now.
l think some cheese
and crackers might help.
Okay.
But tell me you brought one kind
of cracker because...
...l honestly don't think l can handle
any more decisions now.
How did l end up here?
l mean, one minute, l'm painting
the guy's fence, the next....
l'm 1 7 years old.
l should be on my senior class trip...
...making decisions like,
glasses or goggles?
Who do l room with?
ls it safe to ski with a hangover?
-Well, it's never very nice.
-What's that?
When adulthood
encroaches on your life.
l wish l could appreciate this on some
sort of philosophical level right now.
Nobody expects you to.
Who was the first family member
that you knew who died?
My grandpa.
He was absolutely the sweetest
and funniest man alive.
And he passed away
on my 8th birthday.
You?
My grandfather died when l was 2,
but l've never lost family l was close to.
That's what l don't understand.
l've had so little experience with death.
How could Brooks have been so sure
that l would do what he wanted?
You have better judgment
than anyone l know, Dawson.
Probably better than
anybody that Brooks knew.
And that's why he chose you.
l don't think he saw
you were young and figured...
...that you would be more likely
to contribute to his end.
l think he saw
how old your heart is...
...and he knew that
whatever choice you made...
...it would be the right one.
This looks kind of quaint.
-Make way for the cripple.
-lt's just a bruise.
You guys going to Grecco's?
lt's a pizza place,
supposed to be right up the street.
Red-chequered tablecloths,
high school prices.
Sounds fun.
You sure you're okay?
Yeah, l'm fine.
l'm just gonna put
my best foot forward.
Shall we?
-After you.
-Thank you.
So then l was like, '' No way, that is
so not possible in a Dodge Neon.''
What's the matter, Potter,
no personal experiences to contribute?
The amount of pleasure the average
girl gets from the average guy...
...in some random keg party hook-up
is negligible at best.
Unless you're doing it with a man
who knows what he's doing.
See? l rest my case.
Girls have it way easier
than guys do, right?
There's no performance anxiety...
...and once they decide to do it,
all they have to do is ask.
They should be the ones carrying
the condoms around in their wallets.
Thank you.
Not every guy walks around
with a condom in his wallet, Drue.
Well, there's only
one way to find out.
Guys, let's go. Wallets.
Pacey, l don't see your wallet.
Forgot it back at the lodge.
Hey, Pace...
...why didn't you wanna
show your wallet?
-l told you, it's back at the lodge.
-lt's in your pocket.
l don't know why l'm here.
That's as good a reason as any.
-Did you come here to pray?
-Oh, yes.
And also for the quiet.
What do you pray for when you do?
lt depends.
l pray for those who l love.
For those who are
no longer with me.
What about you?
l don't know.
l haven't done it since l was a kid.
And then, it was,
you know, more of a wish.
Something l wanted
but couldn't say out loud.
lf you could say it out loud...
...what would you want?
That's the thing. l have no idea.
l mean...
...do l pray for him to make it,
to sit up in his bed...
...tell us we've been here long enough
and it's time to go home...
...or do l pray for him to die?
To ease his suffering.
And l...
...keep looking for some kind of sign,
you know?
Something...
...to confirm my instincts.
What do your instincts tell you?
To keep waiting.
Then that's what we'll do.
Together.
ls it just me, or does this place have
a strong John Hughes-'80s vibe?
You mean the slightly tacky quality?
Sort of.
No. l mean that authentic
Americana youth stuff.
You know, ice-skating,
mini golf, arcades.
Nostalgia for a time
we never really experienced.
You're right.
l'm sorry. l just....
l guess l'm just in a funk.
-What's your problem?
-Sex.
Sex is my problem.
Sex is always my problem.
l have so much conviction
about waiting until the right moment.
Not feeling guilty or obligated.
And l don't.
Has it ever occurred to you
that you might be so caught up...
...in trying to find the right choice...
...that you never stopped to think there
may not be a right or wrong choice...
...just a bunch of choices?
You're a real help.
You don't need help.
There's nothing to figure out here.
lt's only what you feel.
Well, l feel fear.
Well....
The only really exciting things in life
require more courage than we have.
You know, deep breath and a leap.
That kind of fear that
you're talking about...
...sometimes, it's how you know
what's worthwhile.
Well...
...you've won, you old bastard.
You get to see her first.
What's the matter with you, kid?
You look like you've seen a ghost.
-You're....
-Not many remember those pictures.
Especially not young people.
You must be Arthur's grandson.
The doctor said--
l'm not his grandson, actually, l'm....
l'm just a fan.
-He said he hadn't spoken to you in--
-Forty years.
He wrote me last month...
...said he'd been a fool,
asked for forgiveness.
Forgive him for what?
The only person he ever hurt
was himself.
l thought about calling
after she passed away...
...my wife, Ellie.
l figured he'd be the only one
who would understand.
What stopped you?
Oh, l realized...
...how much greater
his hurt would be than mine.
How many oceans bigger.
All the years l had with Ellie.
Three children, a home, a good life.
Still, all that time,
he had that part of her soul...
...you give your first love.
When he goes, he'll be with her.
l suppose that's the way
it should have always been.
Well....
Goodbye, Arthur.
Thanks for writing.
And for staying
until l could say goodbye.
Wait a minute.
Please, don't leave.
l don't know what to do.
l'm not qualified...
...to decide when a man should die.
ln a situation like this, son...
...all that's required is a little faith.
l don't have that.
l don't even know what that is.
'' Faith is believing in something...
...when common sense
tells you not to.''
Miracle on 34th Street.
Arthur always believed...
...that the best answers
for life's questions...
...could be found in the movies.
Crazy idea, huh?
Not so crazy.
A kindred spirit.
Forgive me.
l was in all kinds of discomfort...
...and in lieu of sedatives and
painkillers, l sought refuge...
...in the next best medicine.
How'd you get the minibar open?
You'd be amazed what a girl can do
with a hair clip and a little bit of time.
l wish you could see
how pathetic this looks.
-Tired?
-No. Actually, l'm very, very awake.
Me too.
Tell you what
l am tired of, though.
l'm tired of feeling so numbed.
l always play everything so safe.
l wanna be dangerous, you know?
l want to do something reckless
and stupid tonight.
Like what?
l don't know.
Get wasted,
get in a fight, something.
Tell you what.
Have a drink with me now,
and l'll fight you later.
Sounds good.
So you're the expert on wild abandon
and risky business?
lsn't there something
you really want to do?
Yes.
What is it?
l wanna sit here with you.
Sorry, hope l'm not interrupting.
l just wanted to remind you guys
about the hot tubs.
-We get the picture.
-l just wasn't sure if it was clear.
-Crystal.
-Okay. Well, see you.
No comment?
Not really.
Really?
A virtually topless female
comes knocking on our door...
...asking if Pacey can come out,
and you don't have any comment?
Well, no matter what l say,
you're just gonna take it wrong.
Okay, so...
...keep me posted should you form
any thoughts to put on record.
Oh, God, l sure am glad we tabled
that whole sex discussion.
We've been having
such a relaxing weekend...
...l'd hate to ruin it with
passive-aggressive insinuations.
l'm really sorry, Pace, that all
of my hang-ups and neuroses...
...are putting a crimp
in your social life.
Why don't you join your friend
in the hot tub and feel free--
And give you something
to be really pissed about?
-That's what you want, is it?
-No, she's what you want, isn't she?
Someone who's a little bit more fun?
A little more experienced?
More eager to help make this...
-...a truly memorable weekend?
-l want you, Jo.
There's no sense in me arguing
the point if you're so eager to refute it.
Look, l don't....
l don't doubt
that you want me, Pacey.
l just....
-l don't know why, or for what reason.
-Okay. Please, just stop right there.
You and l both know that if l was
in this relationship for sex alone...
...l would not have lasted
for nine months.
No. No, you wouldn't have.
Look, l refuse to
feel guilty about this...
...because it's not bad when
you wanna sleep with somebody...
...when you love them
as much as l love you.
But there is something wrong
with not wanting to.
No.
No.
l just wish l knew
what that something was.
l mean, l know that you're scared.
l get it.
You want to be scared together
but you won't tell me...
...what you're scared of,
and l think you know what it is.
You're just too afraid
to say his name.
Dawson?
That is not fair, Pacey. You can't bring
his name up every single time...
-...our relationship--
-Okay. Fine, fine.
Look, l'll tell you what. Do you wanna
know what l'm scared of?
Because l'm not scared
of whether or not we sleep together.
lf and when you and l do that,
it will be right.
l'm scared of that piece of your heart
that will always belong to Dawson.
Okay? l'm scared of that
piece of your heart...
...that always envisioned
your first time being with him.
l'm scared of that part of you
that just doesn't want it to be me.
That's what l'm scared of.
That's how you feel?
Well....
Well, if that's how you feel, then....
Then why did you stay?
Why stick around for nine months
if that's what you believe, Pacey?
l'm just a glutton
for punishment, l guess.
Yes.
l'm a lousy drunk.
Oh, baby, you're a great drunk.
No, the great drunk becomes...
...hysterically entertaining
once inebriated.
l just become sullen
and introspective.
Hey, don't knock sullen
and introspective...
...those can be two
very sexy qualities.
Sexy is the ability to have a little
bit of fun, you know, lighten up.
lt's like you're always saying:
''Jack, you can't close yourself off
to possibilities.''
See you, you're a sexy drunk.
You are. You get brave and crazy.
No, you're much braver than l am.
-No, l'm not.
-Yeah.
l'm...
...scared.
-What are you scared of?
-l'm....
l'm scared that
l'm gonna end up alone.
l'm scared that l'm always
gonna be somebody's...
...friend, or brother, or confidante...
...but never quite...
...somebody's everything.
But mostly, l'm....
l'm scared that l'm never gonna
find a guy...
...that l love as much as l love you.
Come here.
I'm really sorry, Dawson.
Yeah, me too.
But you know what?
l feel like l'm doing the right thing.
-And that's the strangest part.
-What do you mean?
l mean, at some point...
...the thing's too much
for your brain to process...
...and all you have
to rely on is your heart...
...and your natural human instincts.
And it's liberating.
I mean, it's terrifying at first, but...
...l guess that's the point, isn't it?
What's that?
lf we weren't so afraid to let go,
we wouldn't feel so free when we did.
You make it sound so simple.
lt's anything but that.
But l think that's what
Brooks was waiting for.
You know, even in his state,
l think he was....
He was waiting for his friend.
To say goodbye?
Something like that.
That can be really hard.
Yeah.
Goodbye, Joey.
Good night, Dawson.
Hey, you!
We were just getting out!
Didn't think you'd make it.
l'm not making it, actually.
l was just taking a walk.
Hey, you look down.
Since you were there for me
in the past...
...it's only fair l reciprocate, right?
l'll catch up with you guys later.
God, what are we doing?
l don't know.
We can't. We can't do this.
Says who?
Me.
l'm sorry.
l'm sorry, Jack. You're drunk.
You're drunk and lonely...
...and gay.
And as good as this
seems right now...
...and l mean, it does
seem really, really good...
...it won't when the feelings pass.
-How do you know the feelings will--?
-Jack.
My head is spinning.
Tell you what.
l'm gonna go get some ice
and fix us a couple glasses of water.
That sounds good.
-Jen?
-Yeah.
l'm sorry.
See you, Mr. Brooks.
What the hell?
Recycling.
Night.
Look, l know you're not ready
to break up with her yet.
That's okay. l get it.
That doesn't bother me.
But l think it would be a shame
to waste this opportunity.
No, Anna, you obviously
don't get it at all.
This is not going to happen.
l don't understand, it's just sex.
lt's not that big of a deal.
We're all adults, so--
No, we're not adults.
We're not even close to being adults,
and it is that big a deal.
l have someone that l want to be with
for more than just one night.
So the thought of losing her
or hurting her...
...it's not even a consideration.
lt's not about wanting to have sex.
lt's about wanting to share...
...the most intimate thing that
you can possibly share with someone...
...no matter how long
you have to wait.
So, look, l'm really sorry
if l gave you the wrong idea.
Hey.
-Hey.
-How long you been there?
Long enough to remember
why it is that l love you.
Why every part of me loves you.
Hey, Pace.
You can still be upset.
You can still be angry. You earned it.
-l'm not angry with you.
-You are.
lt's okay. You have a right to be.
You don't have to be
perfect all the time.
And me...
...l don't have to be so afraid.
What do you say you and l go in there,
lock the door...
...cuddle up together,
and then l read you a story?
We didn't bring our book.
That's all right. l'll make one up.
l like that idea.
A little to the right.
Popcorn.
And what, may l ask,
gave you the idea to do this?
Actually, you did.
You had mentioned to me that
you'd never seen one of his films--
-Pictures.
-That would indeed be the case.
Well, not for long. Lights.
l think...
...this is how he would have liked
to have been remembered.
l think you're right.
-Let's have some popcorn.
-All right.
-Hey.
-Hi.
May l?
Sure.
Hey, Pace....
Do you still have your wallet?
l thought we were done
talking about that.
We are.
Okay.
What are you gonna do?
You gonna throw it away?
l wanna throw the wrapper away.
-lf this is about what l was--
-Pacey...
...this is about how you carried
my bag off the bus yesterday.
This is about how...
...when we go to the movies
and you go and you buy a popcorn...
...you always bring back a napkin so l
don't wipe all the grease on my jeans.
And how just last week,
when we were at miniature golf...
...you took all of the shots first
so l would know the correct path.
-Well, that's just--
-You taught me how to drive.
And last year at prom...
...you knew that the bracelet
l was wearing was my mom's.
You kissed me first, sweetheart.
The second time...
...you counted to 1 0
before doing it again...
...just in case l wanted to stop you.
You bought me a wall.
l didn't buy it so much as l--
We were alone on a boat
for three months...
...and you understood
without a word...
...why l wasn't ready.
Do you have to ask me now...
...why l am?
l'm gonna count to 1 0...
...and then l'm going to
start kissing you.
lf you don't want me to...
...then you're just
gonna have to stop me.
Ten, my love.
is a Capeside rite of passage...
...absolutely guaranteed to be
chock-full of the cruel and unusual.
Knowing our class, l highly doubt it.
When l went, somebody got pregnant,
somebody got arrested...
...and a girl's hair
caught on fire.
Joey'll keep me out of jail and Lamaze,
and l'll watch out for your hair.
Well, have fun. You've earned it.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Joey?
Give Dawson a call
sometime this weekend.
With everything that's going on,
l'm sure he'd appreciate it.
Thank you.
l shouldn't even be
going on this trip.
With Brooks the way he is, l should be
back in the hospital with Grams.
Dawson's with Grams.
They'll take care of one another.
You're gonna have some fun
this weekend. That's what they'd want.
Fun. That's not likely.
Come on, senior trips
are notoriously awful.
Anything you look forward to
for too long...
...is invariably a disappointment.
-The eternal optimist speaks.
-l promise to make an effort, but....
-Hey. Everything cool?
-Absolutely.
This is exactly what we need.
What do we need?
-lt's good for people to get out of town.
-People like us?
Well, just people who need to
get out of town.
Are we those types of people?
Do you think we're
those types of people?
Everyone who plans on getting laid
this weekend, get on board!
Roll call!
-Burger.
-Present!
-Brown.
-Here!
lt just occurred to me...
...not only do l have no desire to ski,
l also haven't the faintest clue how.
This could be a very dangerous
weekend for me.
Well, l could teach you
a few things.
ln that case, it could be a very
dangerous weekend for both of us.
Whether or not you choose to ski
is irrelevant.
lt's common knowledge
that these senior trips...
...are not really about
what goes on during the day.
You don't say.
Potter!
Here.
-Price, Penelope Price.
-Here.
Lucy, Ricky, we've gotta stop
meeting like this.
-Remember Anna?
-Hey, guys.
lf sexual misadventures were
an option for me, l'd be all over it...
...so to speak.
One word: Tobey.
Oh, God, Jen.
You're like a broken record.
But l just don't understand.
You haven't given me one good reason.
ls he too cute?
ls he too intelligent?
No, no. lt's just,
he's very, you know....
-Blond?
-Not blond. He's gay. He's very gay.
lt's just when it's that obvious,
it's a bit of a turnoff, that's all.
How about too straight?
ls too straight a turnoff?
-You think you'll get away with this?
-Please.
By the time our absent-minded
professor notices...
...we're gonna be
halfway up the mountain.
lt would really suck...
...being the only guy not
chalking one up this weekend, right?
Hey.
Glad you came.
Good to have some company.
So, what do the doctors say?
What can they say?
More bad news
delivered in even tones.
He remains in a coma
brought on by pills.
The machines they've attached
to him are keeping him with us.
But even with all the best
modern technology can offer...
...it's still cancer.
Doesn't make sense.
l mean, he's....
l mean, look at him.
He's stuck between dying and dead.
You know, l was sitting here...
...before you came in, trying to...
...picture this whole thing
through Arthur's eyes.
Find the perfect biting last word.
Watching the nurses
and doctors come and go...
...taking blood,
checking the monitors...
...but at the end of the day,
no matter what they do...
...it's in God's hands.
Okay, Missy Self-Reliance,
please let me give you a hand.
l carried it to the bus.
l can carry them from the bus.
Oh, this is ridiculous, come on.
Everyone!
Purdon here is gonna be
handing out the room keys.
And before you get all excited...
...l want you to know the sleeping
arrangements are gonna be same sex.
Also, all the keys to the minibar
have been duly confiscated.
Which way to that bar?
You look like you could
use a little help, Purdon.
Joey, Pacey, one for you.
lt's got a king, comes with a rollaway...
...in case things don't work out.
Jack, Jen. Obviously, no sexual
complications there...
...any room should do.
This one's mine. That's for you.
Good luck.
So when did obnoxiousness
become a substitute for wit?
lgnore him. We're making
an effort not to complain.
We're just gonna have fun--
Mr. Leery.
-Dr. Bronin.
-l need to talk to you about something.
About Brooks?
Would you feel more
comfortable in my office?
No. l'm fine.
Our files indicate that you signed
a health care proxy for Mr. Brooks.
ls that correct?
Yeah. That was so l could
help him out with his medications.
Oh, l'm sure.
But the situation has changed, and
given he has no immediate family...
...so have your responsibilities.
-Meaning?
-Dawson...
...maybe you want
to call your parents.
He signed the papers so he could
pick up medicine.
l know why he signed it.
That piece of paper should not give
a boy the responsibility to decide...
...when and how a man should die.
-lt is state law.
-lt shouldn't be his choice.
You're right. lt shouldn't be,
Mrs. Leery, but it is.
lt's probably best if l...
...leave for you to discuss this
amongst yourselves.
What are the chances that he's
gonna wake up before he dies?
l don't know.
But trust me, even if l did, it would not
make your decision any easier.
l'm sorry.
Well....
l guess, given the situation
we're in here...
...it would seem to me
the only humane thing to do--
Mitch.
Gale, l don't want to talk
about it either, but here we are.
Dawson, you don't have to
make any decisions.
Mom, l do.
-But how do l know what's best?
-You won't know, son.
lt's not that kind of choice.
lt's just like last summer.
Minus the water and the hammocks.
And the boat.
Yeah, that too.
But it does have the two most
important ingredients: you and l.
Toss a ''do not disturb''
sign on the door and pretend...
-...we're anchored off the coast of--
-Greenland?
lt's freezing in here.
What do you say? A little junk food?
A little television?
ln other words, just another
typical Friday night in Capeside?
Not a typical Friday night in Capeside,
this place has way more channels.
-It hurts when I do this.
-When you do that?
How about when you do...
-... this?
-Oh, yeah.
How do you suppose
they got in that position?
Come on, please tell me
we can laugh about this now.
-Laugh about what?
-Sex.
Tell me we can laugh, because it
seems the only rational thing to do.
You can't enshrine it. You can't
run from it because it's everywhere.
lt's like food
and water and air.
Well, can't we just
breathe something else?
You realize how ridiculous
that sounds?
Pace, it's just a weekend,
and l really don't want to spend it...
-...like we spent the past week.
-Which is how?
Having tension between us every time
we get within three feet of each other.
Well, l'm not feeling tense,
l'm feeling relaxed.
l'm on vacation, Jo.
-Really?
-Yes, really.
So we're in complete
agreement here?
l don't know what we're agreeing about,
but l'm sure we're agreeing about it.
We're agreeing that this weekend
does not have to be about sex.
This weekend doesn't
have to be about sex.
What if it needs to be amputated?
You want to find
a doctor right now?
No, because it's
probably just bruised.
-That's what l thought. Know what?
-What?
l'm not gonna let this
interfere in any way.
Because you and l
are gonna have some fun.
Even if l have to carry you around
the next three days.
Well, the fun's gonna start
with you taking off my pants.
l want to take a bath
before dinner.
-Actually, l can't do that.
-Why?
Because you're a girl and l'm a boy
and there's boundaries and rules.
l hardly think they're gonna kick you
off the team for helping me. Please?
lt's inappropriate.
You're gonna have to stop clinging to
these ridiculous macho conventions...
...about what is
and is not appropriate.
Okay, fine. Don't help.
When l attach my wooden foot
every morning, the rest of my life...
-...l'm gonna remember this.
-Yeah, well, whatever.
Whoa! Yo, that's enough,
right there.
What?
Would you want me taking my clothes
off in front of you?
Okay, that's withdrawn.
Hungry?
Oh, hey.
Yeah. l'm kind of busy, actually.
Well, you gotta eat sometime, right?
Yeah. l'm looking for some clips
to add to the final sequence.
You've been over that movie
at least a thousand times.
You've got a lot going on
in your head right now.
l think some cheese
and crackers might help.
Okay.
But tell me you brought one kind
of cracker because...
...l honestly don't think l can handle
any more decisions now.
How did l end up here?
l mean, one minute, l'm painting
the guy's fence, the next....
l'm 1 7 years old.
l should be on my senior class trip...
...making decisions like,
glasses or goggles?
Who do l room with?
ls it safe to ski with a hangover?
-Well, it's never very nice.
-What's that?
When adulthood
encroaches on your life.
l wish l could appreciate this on some
sort of philosophical level right now.
Nobody expects you to.
Who was the first family member
that you knew who died?
My grandpa.
He was absolutely the sweetest
and funniest man alive.
And he passed away
on my 8th birthday.
You?
My grandfather died when l was 2,
but l've never lost family l was close to.
That's what l don't understand.
l've had so little experience with death.
How could Brooks have been so sure
that l would do what he wanted?
You have better judgment
than anyone l know, Dawson.
Probably better than
anybody that Brooks knew.
And that's why he chose you.
l don't think he saw
you were young and figured...
...that you would be more likely
to contribute to his end.
l think he saw
how old your heart is...
...and he knew that
whatever choice you made...
...it would be the right one.
This looks kind of quaint.
-Make way for the cripple.
-lt's just a bruise.
You guys going to Grecco's?
lt's a pizza place,
supposed to be right up the street.
Red-chequered tablecloths,
high school prices.
Sounds fun.
You sure you're okay?
Yeah, l'm fine.
l'm just gonna put
my best foot forward.
Shall we?
-After you.
-Thank you.
So then l was like, '' No way, that is
so not possible in a Dodge Neon.''
What's the matter, Potter,
no personal experiences to contribute?
The amount of pleasure the average
girl gets from the average guy...
...in some random keg party hook-up
is negligible at best.
Unless you're doing it with a man
who knows what he's doing.
See? l rest my case.
Girls have it way easier
than guys do, right?
There's no performance anxiety...
...and once they decide to do it,
all they have to do is ask.
They should be the ones carrying
the condoms around in their wallets.
Thank you.
Not every guy walks around
with a condom in his wallet, Drue.
Well, there's only
one way to find out.
Guys, let's go. Wallets.
Pacey, l don't see your wallet.
Forgot it back at the lodge.
Hey, Pace...
...why didn't you wanna
show your wallet?
-l told you, it's back at the lodge.
-lt's in your pocket.
l don't know why l'm here.
That's as good a reason as any.
-Did you come here to pray?
-Oh, yes.
And also for the quiet.
What do you pray for when you do?
lt depends.
l pray for those who l love.
For those who are
no longer with me.
What about you?
l don't know.
l haven't done it since l was a kid.
And then, it was,
you know, more of a wish.
Something l wanted
but couldn't say out loud.
lf you could say it out loud...
...what would you want?
That's the thing. l have no idea.
l mean...
...do l pray for him to make it,
to sit up in his bed...
...tell us we've been here long enough
and it's time to go home...
...or do l pray for him to die?
To ease his suffering.
And l...
...keep looking for some kind of sign,
you know?
Something...
...to confirm my instincts.
What do your instincts tell you?
To keep waiting.
Then that's what we'll do.
Together.
ls it just me, or does this place have
a strong John Hughes-'80s vibe?
You mean the slightly tacky quality?
Sort of.
No. l mean that authentic
Americana youth stuff.
You know, ice-skating,
mini golf, arcades.
Nostalgia for a time
we never really experienced.
You're right.
l'm sorry. l just....
l guess l'm just in a funk.
-What's your problem?
-Sex.
Sex is my problem.
Sex is always my problem.
l have so much conviction
about waiting until the right moment.
Not feeling guilty or obligated.
And l don't.
Has it ever occurred to you
that you might be so caught up...
...in trying to find the right choice...
...that you never stopped to think there
may not be a right or wrong choice...
...just a bunch of choices?
You're a real help.
You don't need help.
There's nothing to figure out here.
lt's only what you feel.
Well, l feel fear.
Well....
The only really exciting things in life
require more courage than we have.
You know, deep breath and a leap.
That kind of fear that
you're talking about...
...sometimes, it's how you know
what's worthwhile.
Well...
...you've won, you old bastard.
You get to see her first.
What's the matter with you, kid?
You look like you've seen a ghost.
-You're....
-Not many remember those pictures.
Especially not young people.
You must be Arthur's grandson.
The doctor said--
l'm not his grandson, actually, l'm....
l'm just a fan.
-He said he hadn't spoken to you in--
-Forty years.
He wrote me last month...
...said he'd been a fool,
asked for forgiveness.
Forgive him for what?
The only person he ever hurt
was himself.
l thought about calling
after she passed away...
...my wife, Ellie.
l figured he'd be the only one
who would understand.
What stopped you?
Oh, l realized...
...how much greater
his hurt would be than mine.
How many oceans bigger.
All the years l had with Ellie.
Three children, a home, a good life.
Still, all that time,
he had that part of her soul...
...you give your first love.
When he goes, he'll be with her.
l suppose that's the way
it should have always been.
Well....
Goodbye, Arthur.
Thanks for writing.
And for staying
until l could say goodbye.
Wait a minute.
Please, don't leave.
l don't know what to do.
l'm not qualified...
...to decide when a man should die.
ln a situation like this, son...
...all that's required is a little faith.
l don't have that.
l don't even know what that is.
'' Faith is believing in something...
...when common sense
tells you not to.''
Miracle on 34th Street.
Arthur always believed...
...that the best answers
for life's questions...
...could be found in the movies.
Crazy idea, huh?
Not so crazy.
A kindred spirit.
Forgive me.
l was in all kinds of discomfort...
...and in lieu of sedatives and
painkillers, l sought refuge...
...in the next best medicine.
How'd you get the minibar open?
You'd be amazed what a girl can do
with a hair clip and a little bit of time.
l wish you could see
how pathetic this looks.
-Tired?
-No. Actually, l'm very, very awake.
Me too.
Tell you what
l am tired of, though.
l'm tired of feeling so numbed.
l always play everything so safe.
l wanna be dangerous, you know?
l want to do something reckless
and stupid tonight.
Like what?
l don't know.
Get wasted,
get in a fight, something.
Tell you what.
Have a drink with me now,
and l'll fight you later.
Sounds good.
So you're the expert on wild abandon
and risky business?
lsn't there something
you really want to do?
Yes.
What is it?
l wanna sit here with you.
Sorry, hope l'm not interrupting.
l just wanted to remind you guys
about the hot tubs.
-We get the picture.
-l just wasn't sure if it was clear.
-Crystal.
-Okay. Well, see you.
No comment?
Not really.
Really?
A virtually topless female
comes knocking on our door...
...asking if Pacey can come out,
and you don't have any comment?
Well, no matter what l say,
you're just gonna take it wrong.
Okay, so...
...keep me posted should you form
any thoughts to put on record.
Oh, God, l sure am glad we tabled
that whole sex discussion.
We've been having
such a relaxing weekend...
...l'd hate to ruin it with
passive-aggressive insinuations.
l'm really sorry, Pace, that all
of my hang-ups and neuroses...
...are putting a crimp
in your social life.
Why don't you join your friend
in the hot tub and feel free--
And give you something
to be really pissed about?
-That's what you want, is it?
-No, she's what you want, isn't she?
Someone who's a little bit more fun?
A little more experienced?
More eager to help make this...
-...a truly memorable weekend?
-l want you, Jo.
There's no sense in me arguing
the point if you're so eager to refute it.
Look, l don't....
l don't doubt
that you want me, Pacey.
l just....
-l don't know why, or for what reason.
-Okay. Please, just stop right there.
You and l both know that if l was
in this relationship for sex alone...
...l would not have lasted
for nine months.
No. No, you wouldn't have.
Look, l refuse to
feel guilty about this...
...because it's not bad when
you wanna sleep with somebody...
...when you love them
as much as l love you.
But there is something wrong
with not wanting to.
No.
No.
l just wish l knew
what that something was.
l mean, l know that you're scared.
l get it.
You want to be scared together
but you won't tell me...
...what you're scared of,
and l think you know what it is.
You're just too afraid
to say his name.
Dawson?
That is not fair, Pacey. You can't bring
his name up every single time...
-...our relationship--
-Okay. Fine, fine.
Look, l'll tell you what. Do you wanna
know what l'm scared of?
Because l'm not scared
of whether or not we sleep together.
lf and when you and l do that,
it will be right.
l'm scared of that piece of your heart
that will always belong to Dawson.
Okay? l'm scared of that
piece of your heart...
...that always envisioned
your first time being with him.
l'm scared of that part of you
that just doesn't want it to be me.
That's what l'm scared of.
That's how you feel?
Well....
Well, if that's how you feel, then....
Then why did you stay?
Why stick around for nine months
if that's what you believe, Pacey?
l'm just a glutton
for punishment, l guess.
Yes.
l'm a lousy drunk.
Oh, baby, you're a great drunk.
No, the great drunk becomes...
...hysterically entertaining
once inebriated.
l just become sullen
and introspective.
Hey, don't knock sullen
and introspective...
...those can be two
very sexy qualities.
Sexy is the ability to have a little
bit of fun, you know, lighten up.
lt's like you're always saying:
''Jack, you can't close yourself off
to possibilities.''
See you, you're a sexy drunk.
You are. You get brave and crazy.
No, you're much braver than l am.
-No, l'm not.
-Yeah.
l'm...
...scared.
-What are you scared of?
-l'm....
l'm scared that
l'm gonna end up alone.
l'm scared that l'm always
gonna be somebody's...
...friend, or brother, or confidante...
...but never quite...
...somebody's everything.
But mostly, l'm....
l'm scared that l'm never gonna
find a guy...
...that l love as much as l love you.
Come here.
I'm really sorry, Dawson.
Yeah, me too.
But you know what?
l feel like l'm doing the right thing.
-And that's the strangest part.
-What do you mean?
l mean, at some point...
...the thing's too much
for your brain to process...
...and all you have
to rely on is your heart...
...and your natural human instincts.
And it's liberating.
I mean, it's terrifying at first, but...
...l guess that's the point, isn't it?
What's that?
lf we weren't so afraid to let go,
we wouldn't feel so free when we did.
You make it sound so simple.
lt's anything but that.
But l think that's what
Brooks was waiting for.
You know, even in his state,
l think he was....
He was waiting for his friend.
To say goodbye?
Something like that.
That can be really hard.
Yeah.
Goodbye, Joey.
Good night, Dawson.
Hey, you!
We were just getting out!
Didn't think you'd make it.
l'm not making it, actually.
l was just taking a walk.
Hey, you look down.
Since you were there for me
in the past...
...it's only fair l reciprocate, right?
l'll catch up with you guys later.
God, what are we doing?
l don't know.
We can't. We can't do this.
Says who?
Me.
l'm sorry.
l'm sorry, Jack. You're drunk.
You're drunk and lonely...
...and gay.
And as good as this
seems right now...
...and l mean, it does
seem really, really good...
...it won't when the feelings pass.
-How do you know the feelings will--?
-Jack.
My head is spinning.
Tell you what.
l'm gonna go get some ice
and fix us a couple glasses of water.
That sounds good.
-Jen?
-Yeah.
l'm sorry.
See you, Mr. Brooks.
What the hell?
Recycling.
Night.
Look, l know you're not ready
to break up with her yet.
That's okay. l get it.
That doesn't bother me.
But l think it would be a shame
to waste this opportunity.
No, Anna, you obviously
don't get it at all.
This is not going to happen.
l don't understand, it's just sex.
lt's not that big of a deal.
We're all adults, so--
No, we're not adults.
We're not even close to being adults,
and it is that big a deal.
l have someone that l want to be with
for more than just one night.
So the thought of losing her
or hurting her...
...it's not even a consideration.
lt's not about wanting to have sex.
lt's about wanting to share...
...the most intimate thing that
you can possibly share with someone...
...no matter how long
you have to wait.
So, look, l'm really sorry
if l gave you the wrong idea.
Hey.
-Hey.
-How long you been there?
Long enough to remember
why it is that l love you.
Why every part of me loves you.
Hey, Pace.
You can still be upset.
You can still be angry. You earned it.
-l'm not angry with you.
-You are.
lt's okay. You have a right to be.
You don't have to be
perfect all the time.
And me...
...l don't have to be so afraid.
What do you say you and l go in there,
lock the door...
...cuddle up together,
and then l read you a story?
We didn't bring our book.
That's all right. l'll make one up.
l like that idea.
A little to the right.
Popcorn.
And what, may l ask,
gave you the idea to do this?
Actually, you did.
You had mentioned to me that
you'd never seen one of his films--
-Pictures.
-That would indeed be the case.
Well, not for long. Lights.
l think...
...this is how he would have liked
to have been remembered.
l think you're right.
-Let's have some popcorn.
-All right.
-Hey.
-Hi.
May l?
Sure.
Hey, Pace....
Do you still have your wallet?
l thought we were done
talking about that.
We are.
Okay.
What are you gonna do?
You gonna throw it away?
l wanna throw the wrapper away.
-lf this is about what l was--
-Pacey...
...this is about how you carried
my bag off the bus yesterday.
This is about how...
...when we go to the movies
and you go and you buy a popcorn...
...you always bring back a napkin so l
don't wipe all the grease on my jeans.
And how just last week,
when we were at miniature golf...
...you took all of the shots first
so l would know the correct path.
-Well, that's just--
-You taught me how to drive.
And last year at prom...
...you knew that the bracelet
l was wearing was my mom's.
You kissed me first, sweetheart.
The second time...
...you counted to 1 0
before doing it again...
...just in case l wanted to stop you.
You bought me a wall.
l didn't buy it so much as l--
We were alone on a boat
for three months...
...and you understood
without a word...
...why l wasn't ready.
Do you have to ask me now...
...why l am?
l'm gonna count to 1 0...
...and then l'm going to
start kissing you.
lf you don't want me to...
...then you're just
gonna have to stop me.
Ten, my love.