Dawson's Creek (1998–2003): Season 4, Episode 17 - Admissions - full transcript
While Joey glows after being accepted into Worthington University, Dawson is forced to face a crushing rejection when he is denied to NYU. Joey's elated mood, however, is tempered by a sobering realization due to the fact her sister, Bessie, runs a B&B she can't afford the $15,000 tuition requirement, until Dawson proposes a surprising solution: loaning her the money Mr. Brooks left for him in his will, which increases her guilt for lying to him about sleeping with Pacey. Meanwhile, Jen and Jack have nothing but options when it comes to college. While Jack's convinced that New York is the place to go, Jen isn't so sure she's ready to return there because of unresolved issues with her parents. Jen tries asking Drue for advice on her past, but he's no help.
Nice dramatic entrance.
l aim to please. Thanks.
Wow.
-These all the colleges you got into?
-All the colleges Jack and l got into.
Now we have to narrow down
the choices.
-There are, like, five colleges there.
-He's good at the application process.
Which means he can always resort to
a career in civil service or education.
How about you?
You hear anything?
No, which means l can always resort
to a career in waitressing.
-Hardly.
-Joey.
Something tells me you' re wrong.
Something tells me it's a sign.
-You think?
-ls there another reason...
...to pull the respectable
Dawson Leery out of class?
l think not.
Hey, that's a coincidence.
Hopefully a good one.
l' ll be glad when April's over.
Parents should let you kids
open your own college mail...
...instead of torturing you
over the phone.
Dial nine to get out.
Well, l guess this is it,
another life-altering moment.
Good luck.
Same to you.
Mom, hey.
Yeah, that's why l called.
-NYU Film? Open it.
-Hey, Bessie. No, l'm glad you called.
lt finally came.
l don't think l can wait till l get home.
-Do you think you can read it to me?
-Read that again. l didn't understand.
No, it doesn't. lt really says that?
Oh, my God!
Yeah. No, l heard. Yeah.
l understand.
All right. Gotta go.
-You sure there's nothing l can do?
-Stop it. l'm okay.
lf the circumstances were reversed,
l know how l'd feel.
Yeah. You'd be happy for me,
like l am for you.
Hey, what's up, campers?
Okay. We've got some weird chi
going on here.
l'll let her give you the good news.
Promise me you' ll celebrate.
So, what's the good news?
We both just called home, and while
he found out he got rejected by NYU...
...l found out that l got accepted
to Worthington.
Worthington! Oh, you got in!
Congratulations, sweetheart.
That is fantastic news.
Be happy. You heard the man.
You've got nothing to feel guilty about.
Well, it's just so surreal. l mean,
stuff like this doesn't happen to me.
Come on.
Where are we going?
We still have sixth period.
With all due respect to history class,
today is about the future. Your future.
You're not gonna believe that letter
till you see it.
Pacey, l can't just cut class.
What, you' re not gonna get
into college? Please.
No. No, no, no.
l'm not watching that video again, Jen.
lt's too handheld.
lt's gonna make me hurl.
But l do like the one
with the queen professor...
-...talking about the Statue of Liberty.
-You laughed through it.
-Jack, come on, be serious.
-All right.
We've got a lot of schools to cover...
...and we need to make
an informed decision here.
Okay, why don't we
do this systematically?
Why are we wasting our time on this?
We both know there's only one choice:
The University of New York.
lt's a great school. You say New York
is the only city worth living in.
So, please, can't we just do this?
Well, what would you say
if l said that l....
That l wasn't so sure anymore?
l'd say someone needs
to deal with her issues.
Twenty pounds of chicken,
fresh rosemary.
-Honey, orange juice, ginger--
-Bodie, slow down. You talk too fast.
What are you guys doing?
Jo, l am so proud of you.
And Mom would be too.
Do l get a hug from the college girl?
What are you doing home
so early?
She's having a bit of trouble
with the believing part.
-Do you have a certain letter handy?
-l think l can dig that up.
So did we interrupt something?
Only the barbecue
we' re planning for tomorrow...
...to celebrate the first Potter
to get into college.
-Could l be more excited than you?
-Not possible.
Okay, then.
So who do you want to invite?
You' re really serious?
lt's not every day a Potter
gets accepted to...
...one of the most prestigious colleges,
or any college, for that matter.
Well, what are you waiting for?
Well, Bessie already read it to me.
l know what it says already.
l don't know why l'm so nervous.
You' re nervous
because this makes it real.
''Dear Josephine Potter...
...congratulations.
Worthington College is pleased
to offer you admittance...
...for the fall semester of 2001 .''
l got it.
l got it. You shouldn't run around
answering doors in your condition.
Relax. Go knit something.
And stop giving me
the pitying-mom look...
...like the worst thing in the world
just happened to me.
l wish l could do something to take
the sting off the disappointment.
Mom, l'm fine. Really.
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Hi, Gale.
-Hi.
l'm glad you two are going out.
He needs to get his mind off--
Mom. Stop it. You' re killing me here.
Okay.
So how you holding up? Honestly.
Truth? lt sucks.
Absolutely sucks. lf NYU doesn't want
me, USC definitely won't want me.
-Where does that leave me?
-Well, no.
First of all,
NYU has no bearing on USC.
Remember that.
And secondly, l'd like to point out...
...that a certain A.l. Brooks
didn't go to film school.
He preferred life as a teacher.
You're saying l could
use the money he gave me...
-...to make my own movies?
-Why not?
l mean, film school doesn't have to be
the be-all, end-all.
What?
Ten minutes ago,
l was feeling completely lost.
Jack and Jen got in everywhere,
Jo got into Worthington.
All l wanted to do was wallow...
...but then somebody reminded me
that the world is full of possibilities.
You and that couch have always
gotten along well in the past.
-You wanna talk about it?
-l'm having a problem with Jack.
We wanna go to the same college
or at least be in the same city...
...help each other
through freshman angst.
Sounds like a plan.
A support system's good...
...especially in
foreign surroundings.
That's the point. lt wouldn't be foreign
if we go where he wants to go.
Which is where?
New York City.
Which brings us back
to your least favourite topic.
-My parents.
-Why do you think, Jen...
...that they keep finding their way
into this room?
That sounds like a question
you already know the answer to.
-l think you do also.
-You know, you' re very pushy today.
lt's Wednesday. l'm kind of pushy on
Wednesdays. Fridays, not so pushy.
You' re trying to make me laugh,
aren't you?
l'm trying to figure out why
you don't talk about your parents...
...with the same wry sense of humour
you seem to apply to every other topic.
Why?
Because maybe then we'll get
some real answers in here.
When was the last time
you actually talked to them?
My mom came down
last Thanksgiving...
...in a pathetic attempt
to resuscitate our relationship.
And your father?
l don't know.
l don't know.
lt's not like l ever really talk to him
in the first place. He just sort of--
He just kind of talks at you...
...or through you or around you.
Try to remember, Jen.
-This is stupid.
-Pretend like it's not. For me.
So you'll tell me why
l should remember...
...a ridiculous conversation
that meant nothing at the time?
Perhaps it did
mean nothing at the time...
...but it obviously means a great deal
to you now.
You know what? l want to leave.
Do you?
Or do you want to stay and find out
why this is so hard for you?
Bodie's gotta stop buying in bulk.
We've got 1 1 people coming over.
We got enough charcoal here
to barbecue till Labour Day.
You want some help?
Risk my bumbling superhero status?
No, thanks.
Pace, look.
l know that we haven't really
discussed us yet.
l'm still processing
this whole college thing here.
lt's kind of weird to get your dream.
Don't l know it.
l say that every time l look at you.
You always do that,
you change the subject.
Joey, we' re not talking
about this today...
...or anything negative today.
Because today is your day to celebrate
this most amazing accomplishment...
...that you have worked so hard for.
Okay. l'm gonna go get a dolly
before l give myself a hernia.
So l' ll see you inside.
You' re back.
lt looks like everyone R.S.V.P.'d.
-Jo, what's wrong?
-l got the financial aid package.
-And how much is a full ride?
-Wouldn't know.
According to this...
...Worthington is happy to have me
as long as my parents kick in $1 5,000.
$1 5,000? That can't be right.
We don't have that kind of money.
l know that.
l knew this was too good to be true.
lt's the universe's way of saying,
''Joey Potter, not so fast.
You' re not going anywhere.''
We' re penalized because our family
business is actually making money.
-lf it weren't, we would get more aid.
-Unfortunately, yes.
We turned a profit for the first time.
We didn't win the lottery.
But you made substantially more
than your 1 999 return.
But we have more debt
than we did in 1 999.
lt costs a lot to open a B and B.
How can they think we can afford
$1 5,000 based on one year's income?
l didn't say that the system
was fair, Joey.
This is unbelievable. l....
l should have applied for more
scholarships, but it's too late now.
We talked about this before, Joey.
There are student loans.
Nearly everyone these days
borrows to pay for college.
l don't wanna graduate
and be $60,000 in debt.
l can't start off my life that way.
l won't. lt doesn't make sense.
-l'll wait to hear from other schools.
-But this is your dream, Joey.
Bessie...
...sometimes dreams
don't always come true.
Thank you for your time.
The barbecue.
That's the last thing you need.
l' ll send everyone home.
No.
Look, you' re not
sending them anywhere.
-Jo--
-And you' re not telling them anything.
l'm serious. Not a word.
Hey, there, stranger. l was starting to
think you might miss your own party.
No such luck.
-Hey, Dawson.
-Hey, Bessie.
Why don't l take that from you?
l'm going in anyway.
Oh, thanks.
-Where is everybody?
-They're out back.
Gretchen got dragged into
the whole New York debate.
l would've jumped in,
but since New York didn't want me....
Joey, that was a self-deprecating
aside. You' re still doing it.
-Doing what?
-Acting weird around me.
You have no reason
to not be happy right now.
l know.
Pacey said there was a mix-up
with Miss Watson?
Oh, it was nothing. lt was....
lt was great.
l'm gonna go in, see if they need help,
and l' ll meet you guys out back.
Sure thing.
Hey.
How'd it go?
lt was that good, huh?
Bessie didn't tell you
the cruel irony?
This place is making too much money,
so l'm screwed.
That's ridiculous.
There's gotta be something
you can do about that.
There's nothing to be done...
...except go out and celebrate
this amazing accomplishment...
...that l've worked so hard for.
-Hey, hold on a second, Jo.
-Why?
There's nothing that you can say or do
that can change what happened.
lt is what it is.
No one can change that.
-What are you gonna tell all of them?
-Nothing.
Look, l don't want anyone
to feel sorry for me, okay?
Public transportation.
Come on, admit, that's a huge plus.
Spoken like someone who's never
been groped on the subway before.
-l hate New York.
-Spoken like a very loyal girlfriend.
-This is unbeliev-- Hey.
-Hey.
-Guest of honour.
-Here, get a drink.
All right. l'd like to propose a toast.
To Joey Potter.
May Worthington be worthy of her.
Cheers.
So you' re just in time
to settle the debate.
No, l'm not getting
in the middle of this.
l should have said that.
l'm gonna help Pacey, or the food
will still be alive when he serves it.
Okay, all you have to do
is tell him that New York sucks.
No, you cannot tell me
that New York sucks.
Especially after telling me
how great it is for two years.
lf l'm telling you now that it sucks,
shouldn't you listen to me?
You've grown insensitive
post your college acceptance.
-lnsensitive to what?
-To me and....
-And my-- My sensitivities.
-Sensitivities?
-Are you guys catching this?
-That's what l'm talking about...
...making fun of me.
You never used to do that.
You never used to act
like a lunatic either.
-This lunatic's getting a burger.
-You don't eat burgers.
l said l was gonna get it, not eat it.
You okay? With all this talk about
college, l thought you might feel....
-Well....
-Well-done? Don't worry.
l'm very aware of the health hazards
of cooking hamburgers.
-You' re not gonna fool me with that.
-With what?
With that Pacey-ness.
l know you' re happy for her, but it
makes you think about the future.
lt makes me think about her future.
l don't have to think about my future,
because l don't have one.
You're the only one that believes that,
and if you keep saying it, it' ll happen.
Have you thought about what to do?
What do you want for the future?
-What do you want for the future?
-Sorry. As your sister...
...l reserve the right to play
the l-asked-you-first card.
Hey, look. You promise not to repeat
what l'm about to say?
Yeah. Sure. What is it?
Joey's not going to Worthington.
They denied
her financial aid package.
She's just too proud
to tell anybody about it.
-That's awful.
-Yeah, and it gets worse, actually.
How can it?
l think l'm happy about it.
Okay.
You wanna tell me
what this is really about?
l think we both know it's more
than my alleged lack of sensitivity.
You know how when you moved in
with me and Grams...
...you didn't want to go home because
there was nothing there for you?
Yeah.
That's how l feel about New York.
l know you have problems
with your parents, Jen...
...but you wouldn't be living with them.
Don't let that stop you from going.
l don't know,
l wish l could explain this to you...
...but it doesn't make any sense.
l'm...
...afraid...
...to go, to go back there.
l thought you were gonna
talk to Frost about this.
Yeah, he tried.
l just changed the subject
to one of my other neuroses.
lt's therapy, the one place you' re not
supposed to change the subject.
Then can l change it here? Please?
lf you don't wanna go to New York,
we don't have to go to New York.
-Jack.
-lt's more important to me...
...that we go to school together.
And whatever this old wound
of yours is, l mean...
...don't let it stop us from going.
You've come too far for that.
Now, be a good little
psychologically-damaged child...
...go back to therapy
and work this out.
See? lnsensitive.
Come on. l'm kidding.
Hey, there you are.
-What's going on?
-Joey, congratulations.
-Honey, we are so happy for you.
-Thank you.
And you...
...l think you've been
waiting for this.
lt came.
lt actually came.
-Aren't you gonna open it?
-Yeah.
lt's.... lt's a fat envelope.
That paints a better picture
than yesterday, right?
l'm in.
-l'm in!
-Congratulations.
l can't believe this is happening.
-lt's what you've always wanted.
-Come here.
-We are so proud of you, son.
-Wow.
Congratulations, Dawson.
l'm happy for you, man.
Where's Joey?
You okay?
Oh, yeah.
Congratulations.
Congratulations?
Joey, you' re a wreck.
lt's nothing. l'm fine.
Jo, whatever it is, you can tell me.
Dawson, we' re here to celebrate.
You got into USC.
lt's what you've always wanted.
And Worthington is what you wanted.
So, what's wrong?
Did you not get in?
Did you get wait-listed?
l didn't get the money.
At least, l didn't get enough of it.
l got my financial aid package.
And even with grants
and work study...
-...they still want $1 5,000.
-Fifteen thousand?
They think that's what Bessie
can contribute, which she can't, so....
Joey, there's gotta be a way
around this. lt's just money.
You can't let it stop you from
getting what you've worked for.
You make it sound like
there's some easy answer.
There's gotta be.
There's not.
l spent hours doing research
even before l applied.
And getting the financial aid was
as important as me getting accepted.
lt didn't happen.
lt just didn't.
Worthington is what you want, right?
-lt doesn't matter what l want.
-Yes or no?
Yes.
Then l want you to have
Mr. Brooks' money.
Dawson, are you insane?
l can't--
At least enough to get you to school.
l know it sounds crazy--
lt's beyond crazy.
l mean, l appreciate it, but....
Mr. Brooks gave you that money
for a reason--
Yeah, to do something great.
Giving it to you would be exactly that.
Look, l know you' re gonna say no,
and that's fine.
But don't say no until you've
at least considered the possibility.
Joey, this is your entire future
we' re talking about.
Take a day, take longer,
take whatever you need...
...but just promise me
that you will consider it.
There are no pictures of us in here.
Have to do something about that.
Yeah.
So l thought about it, Dawson.
l really did.
And what did you decide?
-l'd never be able to pay you back.
-You wouldn't have to.
l would. And l can't take
that much money from you.
Even if it were hundreds
instead of thousands, just....
-Even saying it makes it sound--
-Like it would ruin our friendship?
-Yeah.
-Joey...
...if our friendship can survive
last summer, it can survive anything.
Not this.
l can't do this.
Joey, stop. Wait.
l know how much
going to this school means to you.
-Don't throw away this opportunity.
-Dawson, it's too much.
-Can't you understand that?
-No.
l can't understand why you won't
just let me help you, Jo.
We've always been there
for each other.
-This is different.
-How?
l've watched you go through
so much pain in your life, l mean...
...even before your mom got sick
and your dad....
Don't do this.
-Don't feel sorry for me, Dawson.
-l don't. That's not what this is about.
All the pain l've seen you go through,
l've never been able to fix it before.
And this, l can fix.
-All l need you to do is let me.
-l can't.
-You don't even want to consider it?
-l have.
Just let me say ''thank you''
and go.
Most people don't know it...
...but therapy was designed to include
a minimum of four sessions a week.
So, what do you want to talk about?
l'm ready to talk about my dad.
And the last time l saw him.
This is gonna sound
really stupid, but l....
l can't remember the last conversation
that l had with him.
And l'm not sure why,
but l feel like l'm gonna cry.
l know it's difficult, but the key
is to keep talking about it.
lf l can't remember what happened,
how can l talk about it?
Why don't we try
another approach?
Was there someone else there
who could tell you what happened?
-Like my mom?
-Yes.
Or your old boyfriend.
Did you spend time with someone else
who could help fill in the blanks?
Hey, man.
You just missed Gretchen.
Actually, it's you l wanted to talk to.
Okay.
Joey told you, right?
About the money?
Yep.
So, what do you think?
l think $1 5,000 is a lot of money
to give with no strings attached.
She deserves to go to Worthington.
You know that as well as anyone.
-She deserves more than....
-What? More than me?
That's not what l said
and it's not what l meant.
Pacey...
...she's been fighting
for a school like Worthington...
...since the second
we got into high school...
...against enormous odds,
against people who wrote her off...
...simply because of her father.
And she did it.
l mean, she beat the odds.
She got in.
l can't stand to watch her lose it all
over something as stupid as money.
And l don't think you can either.
Can you see her being happy
anyplace else?
No. l can't.
Hey, there.
To what do l owe this displeasure?
l need to talk to you, Captain A-hole.
Over here.
Well, this can't be a social call,
since we've barely spoken in months.
Which, by the way,
has been damaging to my ego.
God, you are gonna
make this so hard.
l can't believe you and l
actually used to be friends.
We were friends
because we were a lot alike.
We both had an intense desire
to feel nothing.
That's really nice.
Look, l gotta ask you a question.
And for once in your life,
l need you to take me seriously.
Yeah. l'll see what l can do.
What happened the last night
that we were together in New York?
You don't remember?
You don't, do you?
That's why l'm here.
Well, you invited me over...
...because your horrible parents
were sending you away.
We began at my place...
...where we emptied out
my pop's liquor cabinet.
Then picked up some good stuff
in Washington Square Park...
...before heading back to your
deluxe apartment in the sky.
lf l remember correctly,
we got particularly comfy on the sofa...
...heard keys in the door, hid,
and you continued to ravage me.
Quite mind-blowing, especially when
your mom walked in and joined us.
You' re repulsive, you know that?
-Why are you doing this?
-Why are you?
The past is past, Lindley. Let it be.
l'd like to, all right? But l can't.
l just need to know what happened.
Tell me.
You know what?
l haven't worked through it yet.
l thought that maybe, just once,
you'd be able to help me out here.
-l guess l was wrong.
-Hey, it happens.
You could still sell a kidney.
This isn't a joke, Pacey.
l know that.
Well, l was thinking that...
...l' ll stay here another year...
...and then, you know, l can declare
myself financially independent...
-...and then reapply.
-No. You' re not staying another year.
lt's just a year.
No, it's not.
l mean, it never is,
especially not in a town like this.
The weeks become months.
Months become years.
The years become decades.
Pretty soon, you've lived a fraction
of the life that you were meant to.
That's not gonna
happen to you, Joey.
You don't want it to,
l don't want it to...
...and Dawson
doesn't want it to either.
What do you want?
-Can l come in?
-No.
You' re not gonna make this easy
for me, are you?
l'm trying to apologize
and tell you the truth, okay?
The truth about what happened,
since it means so much.
l'm listening.
The truth is, you were
really wasted that day.
And when you brought me back
to your place, l was shocked.
You told me what happened with Billy
and how you guys got caught.
But you still brought me home.
We sat on the sofa, where you waited
for me to clumsily make a move.
You knew l kind of liked you...
...but you really didn't seem
that into it. Whatever.
We didn't get very far
before your parents came home.
And my dad?
Your dad....
Your dad was furious.
You guys started going at it.
He called you a slut.
You called him a hypocrite.
Just as it started getting interesting,
he tossed my ass.
So that's it? You don't know
what else we fought about?
No, but you made it perfectly clear
that it wasn't about us.
Nothing that night was about us.
l used you to provoke him, didn't l?
God. That's why you didn't
want to talk about it.
No worries. l just figured
you were a lesbian or something.
l wish.
Drue, l'm sorry.
l'm sorry l used you.
Apology accepted.
How long have you been
standing there?
Not long.
From the look on your face,
l take it Pacey couldn't convince you?
Dawson, l have to tell you something,
and l don't know if l can.
No, please. Don't make this harder.
Make what harder?
Telling you the truth.
The night that l ran into you
at the movies...
...l was trying to
make sense of things too.
And when you asked me
that very personal question...
...you were right.
l slept with Pacey over the ski trip.
l wanted to tell you the truth,
Dawson, but...
...after all the time we spent together
just walking and talking, l mean....
lt was just like things were
right between us again.
lt was better than l ever thought
it ever could be.
So when you asked me
that question....
l don't know, l thought
that you wouldn't understand.
So you never gave me a chance
to understand?
l know l should have told you
the truth, Dawson.
l know it wasn't fair of me...
...to let you go on thinking
things were still the same--
That l was the most important person
in your life.
All l can say is
l never wanted to hurt you.
l guess l should go.
And so that's it. l mean, after all
my talking and sleuthing and crying...
...all l remember is the last time l saw
my father, we had a big fight.
Which, given our history,
is as obvious as it is predictable.
And l still don't even know
what we were fighting about.
Was it just because
l was being sent away?
You' re not ready to find out.
When you' re ready, it'll come to you.
You' re a real font of wisdom today.
These things take time, Jen.
What happens when l do remember?
l mean, if l remember?
What do you think happens?
l' ll have yet another specific reason
to hate my parents.
Do you think you' re here to
accumulate reasons to hate them?
-No.
-So?
So l'm...
-...here to stop hating them?
-Closer.
l don't know.
Doc, give me a break.
One of us in this room
has a degree in this.
You' re here to stop hating yourself.
See, when you act out
at the age that you did...
...when you have sex in
your parents' bed at 1 2 years old...
...when you abuse liquor and drugs
before you're old enough to drive...
...yes, you' re doing it
as a cry for love...
...you're doing it because something
robbed you of your childhood...
...in a way you' ll be angry about
for a long time.
But the reason
you keep acting out...
...the reason you've stayed
on a self-destructive path...
...is not because you blame
your father for what happened.
lt's because you blame yourself.
That's why you don't
wanna remember. lf you don't...
...you' ll keep telling yourself that
whatever happened is your fault.
And you' ll keep acting out and robbing
yourself of life's great moments...
...until you prove yourself right.
But you' re wrong.
Jennifer, you are a beautiful,
innocent young woman...
...who's meant to shine in this world in
ways you can't even begin to fathom.
And l'm here to help you see that.
So can l keep coming,
like, four times a week?
So are we going to Worthington?
No.
But you did go and talk to Dawson?
Yeah. l had to tell him something...
...that l should have told him
a long time ago, Pace.
Something about us?
Something about us and sex?
l don't know why l lied, Pace.
But l did.
lt's okay.
You told him the truth now.
That's what's important.
And as long as we' re
being honest...
...there's something else that
l probably ought to offer up.
What's that?
As happy as l was for you when l knew
you were going to Worthington...
...l think that l was...
...just as happy when l found out
that you weren't.
lt's not that l don't want you to go off
and realize your dreams, Joey...
...because l do,
but for the first time...
...l felt like it wasn't me
that was holding you back from them.
Pacey, you've never held me back.
You have to stop thinking like that.
l could stop thinking like that
if you'd just promise me one thing...
...that if the day ever comes...
...and it may come much sooner
than either of us thinks...
...but if that day comes when you
do feel l'm holding you back...
...just promise me
that you'd cut me loose, yeah?
-Pacey.
-Promise me that.
l won't promise you that. You' re
asking me to promise to let you go.
l can't do that.
Exactly what is it
we' re doing again?
l told you. A memory exercise.
-And why are we doing this?
-My shrink recommended it.
lt's kind of like self-hypnosis.
Supposedly, if you stare at the fish
for a half-hour, it helps you remember.
lt's my hope that,
by staring at this fish...
...it' ll help me recall
why l'm so angry at my father...
...thus allowing me to forgive
both he and myself...
...and enabling us to go to
school in New York...
-...if that's where we desire to attend.
-l see.
Not for nothing, Jen...
...but since you started
seeing this psychologist...
...l'm starting to think that
you may in fact be crazy.
Jack, do you wanna go
to school in New York?
-Yeah.
-Shut up. Watch the fish.
Dawson?
-Hey.
-Hey.
Bessie told me l could wait out here.
l hope it's okay.
Yeah, l'm just a little surprised,
considering....
l think you underestimate me.
l think we underestimate each other.
What l'm trying to say, Joey,
is that...
...what you felt at the theatre...
...that something was finally right
between us...
...l felt that too.
And nothing will ever change that.
Not going to school
far apart...
...not meeting people who
we' re meant to love forever, nothing.
l want you to have this.
But Dawson....
l don't know how l feel about
you sleeping with Pacey.
l don't know how l' ll feel tomorrow
or next week or next year...
...but l'm absolutely certain that
giving you this is the right thing to do.
Because l'm certain about us.
And what we mean to each other.
And l think you are too.
Thank you.
You' ll have some of the best years
of your life at Worthington.
And l wanna hear all about them.
l aim to please. Thanks.
Wow.
-These all the colleges you got into?
-All the colleges Jack and l got into.
Now we have to narrow down
the choices.
-There are, like, five colleges there.
-He's good at the application process.
Which means he can always resort to
a career in civil service or education.
How about you?
You hear anything?
No, which means l can always resort
to a career in waitressing.
-Hardly.
-Joey.
Something tells me you' re wrong.
Something tells me it's a sign.
-You think?
-ls there another reason...
...to pull the respectable
Dawson Leery out of class?
l think not.
Hey, that's a coincidence.
Hopefully a good one.
l' ll be glad when April's over.
Parents should let you kids
open your own college mail...
...instead of torturing you
over the phone.
Dial nine to get out.
Well, l guess this is it,
another life-altering moment.
Good luck.
Same to you.
Mom, hey.
Yeah, that's why l called.
-NYU Film? Open it.
-Hey, Bessie. No, l'm glad you called.
lt finally came.
l don't think l can wait till l get home.
-Do you think you can read it to me?
-Read that again. l didn't understand.
No, it doesn't. lt really says that?
Oh, my God!
Yeah. No, l heard. Yeah.
l understand.
All right. Gotta go.
-You sure there's nothing l can do?
-Stop it. l'm okay.
lf the circumstances were reversed,
l know how l'd feel.
Yeah. You'd be happy for me,
like l am for you.
Hey, what's up, campers?
Okay. We've got some weird chi
going on here.
l'll let her give you the good news.
Promise me you' ll celebrate.
So, what's the good news?
We both just called home, and while
he found out he got rejected by NYU...
...l found out that l got accepted
to Worthington.
Worthington! Oh, you got in!
Congratulations, sweetheart.
That is fantastic news.
Be happy. You heard the man.
You've got nothing to feel guilty about.
Well, it's just so surreal. l mean,
stuff like this doesn't happen to me.
Come on.
Where are we going?
We still have sixth period.
With all due respect to history class,
today is about the future. Your future.
You're not gonna believe that letter
till you see it.
Pacey, l can't just cut class.
What, you' re not gonna get
into college? Please.
No. No, no, no.
l'm not watching that video again, Jen.
lt's too handheld.
lt's gonna make me hurl.
But l do like the one
with the queen professor...
-...talking about the Statue of Liberty.
-You laughed through it.
-Jack, come on, be serious.
-All right.
We've got a lot of schools to cover...
...and we need to make
an informed decision here.
Okay, why don't we
do this systematically?
Why are we wasting our time on this?
We both know there's only one choice:
The University of New York.
lt's a great school. You say New York
is the only city worth living in.
So, please, can't we just do this?
Well, what would you say
if l said that l....
That l wasn't so sure anymore?
l'd say someone needs
to deal with her issues.
Twenty pounds of chicken,
fresh rosemary.
-Honey, orange juice, ginger--
-Bodie, slow down. You talk too fast.
What are you guys doing?
Jo, l am so proud of you.
And Mom would be too.
Do l get a hug from the college girl?
What are you doing home
so early?
She's having a bit of trouble
with the believing part.
-Do you have a certain letter handy?
-l think l can dig that up.
So did we interrupt something?
Only the barbecue
we' re planning for tomorrow...
...to celebrate the first Potter
to get into college.
-Could l be more excited than you?
-Not possible.
Okay, then.
So who do you want to invite?
You' re really serious?
lt's not every day a Potter
gets accepted to...
...one of the most prestigious colleges,
or any college, for that matter.
Well, what are you waiting for?
Well, Bessie already read it to me.
l know what it says already.
l don't know why l'm so nervous.
You' re nervous
because this makes it real.
''Dear Josephine Potter...
...congratulations.
Worthington College is pleased
to offer you admittance...
...for the fall semester of 2001 .''
l got it.
l got it. You shouldn't run around
answering doors in your condition.
Relax. Go knit something.
And stop giving me
the pitying-mom look...
...like the worst thing in the world
just happened to me.
l wish l could do something to take
the sting off the disappointment.
Mom, l'm fine. Really.
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Hi, Gale.
-Hi.
l'm glad you two are going out.
He needs to get his mind off--
Mom. Stop it. You' re killing me here.
Okay.
So how you holding up? Honestly.
Truth? lt sucks.
Absolutely sucks. lf NYU doesn't want
me, USC definitely won't want me.
-Where does that leave me?
-Well, no.
First of all,
NYU has no bearing on USC.
Remember that.
And secondly, l'd like to point out...
...that a certain A.l. Brooks
didn't go to film school.
He preferred life as a teacher.
You're saying l could
use the money he gave me...
-...to make my own movies?
-Why not?
l mean, film school doesn't have to be
the be-all, end-all.
What?
Ten minutes ago,
l was feeling completely lost.
Jack and Jen got in everywhere,
Jo got into Worthington.
All l wanted to do was wallow...
...but then somebody reminded me
that the world is full of possibilities.
You and that couch have always
gotten along well in the past.
-You wanna talk about it?
-l'm having a problem with Jack.
We wanna go to the same college
or at least be in the same city...
...help each other
through freshman angst.
Sounds like a plan.
A support system's good...
...especially in
foreign surroundings.
That's the point. lt wouldn't be foreign
if we go where he wants to go.
Which is where?
New York City.
Which brings us back
to your least favourite topic.
-My parents.
-Why do you think, Jen...
...that they keep finding their way
into this room?
That sounds like a question
you already know the answer to.
-l think you do also.
-You know, you' re very pushy today.
lt's Wednesday. l'm kind of pushy on
Wednesdays. Fridays, not so pushy.
You' re trying to make me laugh,
aren't you?
l'm trying to figure out why
you don't talk about your parents...
...with the same wry sense of humour
you seem to apply to every other topic.
Why?
Because maybe then we'll get
some real answers in here.
When was the last time
you actually talked to them?
My mom came down
last Thanksgiving...
...in a pathetic attempt
to resuscitate our relationship.
And your father?
l don't know.
l don't know.
lt's not like l ever really talk to him
in the first place. He just sort of--
He just kind of talks at you...
...or through you or around you.
Try to remember, Jen.
-This is stupid.
-Pretend like it's not. For me.
So you'll tell me why
l should remember...
...a ridiculous conversation
that meant nothing at the time?
Perhaps it did
mean nothing at the time...
...but it obviously means a great deal
to you now.
You know what? l want to leave.
Do you?
Or do you want to stay and find out
why this is so hard for you?
Bodie's gotta stop buying in bulk.
We've got 1 1 people coming over.
We got enough charcoal here
to barbecue till Labour Day.
You want some help?
Risk my bumbling superhero status?
No, thanks.
Pace, look.
l know that we haven't really
discussed us yet.
l'm still processing
this whole college thing here.
lt's kind of weird to get your dream.
Don't l know it.
l say that every time l look at you.
You always do that,
you change the subject.
Joey, we' re not talking
about this today...
...or anything negative today.
Because today is your day to celebrate
this most amazing accomplishment...
...that you have worked so hard for.
Okay. l'm gonna go get a dolly
before l give myself a hernia.
So l' ll see you inside.
You' re back.
lt looks like everyone R.S.V.P.'d.
-Jo, what's wrong?
-l got the financial aid package.
-And how much is a full ride?
-Wouldn't know.
According to this...
...Worthington is happy to have me
as long as my parents kick in $1 5,000.
$1 5,000? That can't be right.
We don't have that kind of money.
l know that.
l knew this was too good to be true.
lt's the universe's way of saying,
''Joey Potter, not so fast.
You' re not going anywhere.''
We' re penalized because our family
business is actually making money.
-lf it weren't, we would get more aid.
-Unfortunately, yes.
We turned a profit for the first time.
We didn't win the lottery.
But you made substantially more
than your 1 999 return.
But we have more debt
than we did in 1 999.
lt costs a lot to open a B and B.
How can they think we can afford
$1 5,000 based on one year's income?
l didn't say that the system
was fair, Joey.
This is unbelievable. l....
l should have applied for more
scholarships, but it's too late now.
We talked about this before, Joey.
There are student loans.
Nearly everyone these days
borrows to pay for college.
l don't wanna graduate
and be $60,000 in debt.
l can't start off my life that way.
l won't. lt doesn't make sense.
-l'll wait to hear from other schools.
-But this is your dream, Joey.
Bessie...
...sometimes dreams
don't always come true.
Thank you for your time.
The barbecue.
That's the last thing you need.
l' ll send everyone home.
No.
Look, you' re not
sending them anywhere.
-Jo--
-And you' re not telling them anything.
l'm serious. Not a word.
Hey, there, stranger. l was starting to
think you might miss your own party.
No such luck.
-Hey, Dawson.
-Hey, Bessie.
Why don't l take that from you?
l'm going in anyway.
Oh, thanks.
-Where is everybody?
-They're out back.
Gretchen got dragged into
the whole New York debate.
l would've jumped in,
but since New York didn't want me....
Joey, that was a self-deprecating
aside. You' re still doing it.
-Doing what?
-Acting weird around me.
You have no reason
to not be happy right now.
l know.
Pacey said there was a mix-up
with Miss Watson?
Oh, it was nothing. lt was....
lt was great.
l'm gonna go in, see if they need help,
and l' ll meet you guys out back.
Sure thing.
Hey.
How'd it go?
lt was that good, huh?
Bessie didn't tell you
the cruel irony?
This place is making too much money,
so l'm screwed.
That's ridiculous.
There's gotta be something
you can do about that.
There's nothing to be done...
...except go out and celebrate
this amazing accomplishment...
...that l've worked so hard for.
-Hey, hold on a second, Jo.
-Why?
There's nothing that you can say or do
that can change what happened.
lt is what it is.
No one can change that.
-What are you gonna tell all of them?
-Nothing.
Look, l don't want anyone
to feel sorry for me, okay?
Public transportation.
Come on, admit, that's a huge plus.
Spoken like someone who's never
been groped on the subway before.
-l hate New York.
-Spoken like a very loyal girlfriend.
-This is unbeliev-- Hey.
-Hey.
-Guest of honour.
-Here, get a drink.
All right. l'd like to propose a toast.
To Joey Potter.
May Worthington be worthy of her.
Cheers.
So you' re just in time
to settle the debate.
No, l'm not getting
in the middle of this.
l should have said that.
l'm gonna help Pacey, or the food
will still be alive when he serves it.
Okay, all you have to do
is tell him that New York sucks.
No, you cannot tell me
that New York sucks.
Especially after telling me
how great it is for two years.
lf l'm telling you now that it sucks,
shouldn't you listen to me?
You've grown insensitive
post your college acceptance.
-lnsensitive to what?
-To me and....
-And my-- My sensitivities.
-Sensitivities?
-Are you guys catching this?
-That's what l'm talking about...
...making fun of me.
You never used to do that.
You never used to act
like a lunatic either.
-This lunatic's getting a burger.
-You don't eat burgers.
l said l was gonna get it, not eat it.
You okay? With all this talk about
college, l thought you might feel....
-Well....
-Well-done? Don't worry.
l'm very aware of the health hazards
of cooking hamburgers.
-You' re not gonna fool me with that.
-With what?
With that Pacey-ness.
l know you' re happy for her, but it
makes you think about the future.
lt makes me think about her future.
l don't have to think about my future,
because l don't have one.
You're the only one that believes that,
and if you keep saying it, it' ll happen.
Have you thought about what to do?
What do you want for the future?
-What do you want for the future?
-Sorry. As your sister...
...l reserve the right to play
the l-asked-you-first card.
Hey, look. You promise not to repeat
what l'm about to say?
Yeah. Sure. What is it?
Joey's not going to Worthington.
They denied
her financial aid package.
She's just too proud
to tell anybody about it.
-That's awful.
-Yeah, and it gets worse, actually.
How can it?
l think l'm happy about it.
Okay.
You wanna tell me
what this is really about?
l think we both know it's more
than my alleged lack of sensitivity.
You know how when you moved in
with me and Grams...
...you didn't want to go home because
there was nothing there for you?
Yeah.
That's how l feel about New York.
l know you have problems
with your parents, Jen...
...but you wouldn't be living with them.
Don't let that stop you from going.
l don't know,
l wish l could explain this to you...
...but it doesn't make any sense.
l'm...
...afraid...
...to go, to go back there.
l thought you were gonna
talk to Frost about this.
Yeah, he tried.
l just changed the subject
to one of my other neuroses.
lt's therapy, the one place you' re not
supposed to change the subject.
Then can l change it here? Please?
lf you don't wanna go to New York,
we don't have to go to New York.
-Jack.
-lt's more important to me...
...that we go to school together.
And whatever this old wound
of yours is, l mean...
...don't let it stop us from going.
You've come too far for that.
Now, be a good little
psychologically-damaged child...
...go back to therapy
and work this out.
See? lnsensitive.
Come on. l'm kidding.
Hey, there you are.
-What's going on?
-Joey, congratulations.
-Honey, we are so happy for you.
-Thank you.
And you...
...l think you've been
waiting for this.
lt came.
lt actually came.
-Aren't you gonna open it?
-Yeah.
lt's.... lt's a fat envelope.
That paints a better picture
than yesterday, right?
l'm in.
-l'm in!
-Congratulations.
l can't believe this is happening.
-lt's what you've always wanted.
-Come here.
-We are so proud of you, son.
-Wow.
Congratulations, Dawson.
l'm happy for you, man.
Where's Joey?
You okay?
Oh, yeah.
Congratulations.
Congratulations?
Joey, you' re a wreck.
lt's nothing. l'm fine.
Jo, whatever it is, you can tell me.
Dawson, we' re here to celebrate.
You got into USC.
lt's what you've always wanted.
And Worthington is what you wanted.
So, what's wrong?
Did you not get in?
Did you get wait-listed?
l didn't get the money.
At least, l didn't get enough of it.
l got my financial aid package.
And even with grants
and work study...
-...they still want $1 5,000.
-Fifteen thousand?
They think that's what Bessie
can contribute, which she can't, so....
Joey, there's gotta be a way
around this. lt's just money.
You can't let it stop you from
getting what you've worked for.
You make it sound like
there's some easy answer.
There's gotta be.
There's not.
l spent hours doing research
even before l applied.
And getting the financial aid was
as important as me getting accepted.
lt didn't happen.
lt just didn't.
Worthington is what you want, right?
-lt doesn't matter what l want.
-Yes or no?
Yes.
Then l want you to have
Mr. Brooks' money.
Dawson, are you insane?
l can't--
At least enough to get you to school.
l know it sounds crazy--
lt's beyond crazy.
l mean, l appreciate it, but....
Mr. Brooks gave you that money
for a reason--
Yeah, to do something great.
Giving it to you would be exactly that.
Look, l know you' re gonna say no,
and that's fine.
But don't say no until you've
at least considered the possibility.
Joey, this is your entire future
we' re talking about.
Take a day, take longer,
take whatever you need...
...but just promise me
that you will consider it.
There are no pictures of us in here.
Have to do something about that.
Yeah.
So l thought about it, Dawson.
l really did.
And what did you decide?
-l'd never be able to pay you back.
-You wouldn't have to.
l would. And l can't take
that much money from you.
Even if it were hundreds
instead of thousands, just....
-Even saying it makes it sound--
-Like it would ruin our friendship?
-Yeah.
-Joey...
...if our friendship can survive
last summer, it can survive anything.
Not this.
l can't do this.
Joey, stop. Wait.
l know how much
going to this school means to you.
-Don't throw away this opportunity.
-Dawson, it's too much.
-Can't you understand that?
-No.
l can't understand why you won't
just let me help you, Jo.
We've always been there
for each other.
-This is different.
-How?
l've watched you go through
so much pain in your life, l mean...
...even before your mom got sick
and your dad....
Don't do this.
-Don't feel sorry for me, Dawson.
-l don't. That's not what this is about.
All the pain l've seen you go through,
l've never been able to fix it before.
And this, l can fix.
-All l need you to do is let me.
-l can't.
-You don't even want to consider it?
-l have.
Just let me say ''thank you''
and go.
Most people don't know it...
...but therapy was designed to include
a minimum of four sessions a week.
So, what do you want to talk about?
l'm ready to talk about my dad.
And the last time l saw him.
This is gonna sound
really stupid, but l....
l can't remember the last conversation
that l had with him.
And l'm not sure why,
but l feel like l'm gonna cry.
l know it's difficult, but the key
is to keep talking about it.
lf l can't remember what happened,
how can l talk about it?
Why don't we try
another approach?
Was there someone else there
who could tell you what happened?
-Like my mom?
-Yes.
Or your old boyfriend.
Did you spend time with someone else
who could help fill in the blanks?
Hey, man.
You just missed Gretchen.
Actually, it's you l wanted to talk to.
Okay.
Joey told you, right?
About the money?
Yep.
So, what do you think?
l think $1 5,000 is a lot of money
to give with no strings attached.
She deserves to go to Worthington.
You know that as well as anyone.
-She deserves more than....
-What? More than me?
That's not what l said
and it's not what l meant.
Pacey...
...she's been fighting
for a school like Worthington...
...since the second
we got into high school...
...against enormous odds,
against people who wrote her off...
...simply because of her father.
And she did it.
l mean, she beat the odds.
She got in.
l can't stand to watch her lose it all
over something as stupid as money.
And l don't think you can either.
Can you see her being happy
anyplace else?
No. l can't.
Hey, there.
To what do l owe this displeasure?
l need to talk to you, Captain A-hole.
Over here.
Well, this can't be a social call,
since we've barely spoken in months.
Which, by the way,
has been damaging to my ego.
God, you are gonna
make this so hard.
l can't believe you and l
actually used to be friends.
We were friends
because we were a lot alike.
We both had an intense desire
to feel nothing.
That's really nice.
Look, l gotta ask you a question.
And for once in your life,
l need you to take me seriously.
Yeah. l'll see what l can do.
What happened the last night
that we were together in New York?
You don't remember?
You don't, do you?
That's why l'm here.
Well, you invited me over...
...because your horrible parents
were sending you away.
We began at my place...
...where we emptied out
my pop's liquor cabinet.
Then picked up some good stuff
in Washington Square Park...
...before heading back to your
deluxe apartment in the sky.
lf l remember correctly,
we got particularly comfy on the sofa...
...heard keys in the door, hid,
and you continued to ravage me.
Quite mind-blowing, especially when
your mom walked in and joined us.
You' re repulsive, you know that?
-Why are you doing this?
-Why are you?
The past is past, Lindley. Let it be.
l'd like to, all right? But l can't.
l just need to know what happened.
Tell me.
You know what?
l haven't worked through it yet.
l thought that maybe, just once,
you'd be able to help me out here.
-l guess l was wrong.
-Hey, it happens.
You could still sell a kidney.
This isn't a joke, Pacey.
l know that.
Well, l was thinking that...
...l' ll stay here another year...
...and then, you know, l can declare
myself financially independent...
-...and then reapply.
-No. You' re not staying another year.
lt's just a year.
No, it's not.
l mean, it never is,
especially not in a town like this.
The weeks become months.
Months become years.
The years become decades.
Pretty soon, you've lived a fraction
of the life that you were meant to.
That's not gonna
happen to you, Joey.
You don't want it to,
l don't want it to...
...and Dawson
doesn't want it to either.
What do you want?
-Can l come in?
-No.
You' re not gonna make this easy
for me, are you?
l'm trying to apologize
and tell you the truth, okay?
The truth about what happened,
since it means so much.
l'm listening.
The truth is, you were
really wasted that day.
And when you brought me back
to your place, l was shocked.
You told me what happened with Billy
and how you guys got caught.
But you still brought me home.
We sat on the sofa, where you waited
for me to clumsily make a move.
You knew l kind of liked you...
...but you really didn't seem
that into it. Whatever.
We didn't get very far
before your parents came home.
And my dad?
Your dad....
Your dad was furious.
You guys started going at it.
He called you a slut.
You called him a hypocrite.
Just as it started getting interesting,
he tossed my ass.
So that's it? You don't know
what else we fought about?
No, but you made it perfectly clear
that it wasn't about us.
Nothing that night was about us.
l used you to provoke him, didn't l?
God. That's why you didn't
want to talk about it.
No worries. l just figured
you were a lesbian or something.
l wish.
Drue, l'm sorry.
l'm sorry l used you.
Apology accepted.
How long have you been
standing there?
Not long.
From the look on your face,
l take it Pacey couldn't convince you?
Dawson, l have to tell you something,
and l don't know if l can.
No, please. Don't make this harder.
Make what harder?
Telling you the truth.
The night that l ran into you
at the movies...
...l was trying to
make sense of things too.
And when you asked me
that very personal question...
...you were right.
l slept with Pacey over the ski trip.
l wanted to tell you the truth,
Dawson, but...
...after all the time we spent together
just walking and talking, l mean....
lt was just like things were
right between us again.
lt was better than l ever thought
it ever could be.
So when you asked me
that question....
l don't know, l thought
that you wouldn't understand.
So you never gave me a chance
to understand?
l know l should have told you
the truth, Dawson.
l know it wasn't fair of me...
...to let you go on thinking
things were still the same--
That l was the most important person
in your life.
All l can say is
l never wanted to hurt you.
l guess l should go.
And so that's it. l mean, after all
my talking and sleuthing and crying...
...all l remember is the last time l saw
my father, we had a big fight.
Which, given our history,
is as obvious as it is predictable.
And l still don't even know
what we were fighting about.
Was it just because
l was being sent away?
You' re not ready to find out.
When you' re ready, it'll come to you.
You' re a real font of wisdom today.
These things take time, Jen.
What happens when l do remember?
l mean, if l remember?
What do you think happens?
l' ll have yet another specific reason
to hate my parents.
Do you think you' re here to
accumulate reasons to hate them?
-No.
-So?
So l'm...
-...here to stop hating them?
-Closer.
l don't know.
Doc, give me a break.
One of us in this room
has a degree in this.
You' re here to stop hating yourself.
See, when you act out
at the age that you did...
...when you have sex in
your parents' bed at 1 2 years old...
...when you abuse liquor and drugs
before you're old enough to drive...
...yes, you' re doing it
as a cry for love...
...you're doing it because something
robbed you of your childhood...
...in a way you' ll be angry about
for a long time.
But the reason
you keep acting out...
...the reason you've stayed
on a self-destructive path...
...is not because you blame
your father for what happened.
lt's because you blame yourself.
That's why you don't
wanna remember. lf you don't...
...you' ll keep telling yourself that
whatever happened is your fault.
And you' ll keep acting out and robbing
yourself of life's great moments...
...until you prove yourself right.
But you' re wrong.
Jennifer, you are a beautiful,
innocent young woman...
...who's meant to shine in this world in
ways you can't even begin to fathom.
And l'm here to help you see that.
So can l keep coming,
like, four times a week?
So are we going to Worthington?
No.
But you did go and talk to Dawson?
Yeah. l had to tell him something...
...that l should have told him
a long time ago, Pace.
Something about us?
Something about us and sex?
l don't know why l lied, Pace.
But l did.
lt's okay.
You told him the truth now.
That's what's important.
And as long as we' re
being honest...
...there's something else that
l probably ought to offer up.
What's that?
As happy as l was for you when l knew
you were going to Worthington...
...l think that l was...
...just as happy when l found out
that you weren't.
lt's not that l don't want you to go off
and realize your dreams, Joey...
...because l do,
but for the first time...
...l felt like it wasn't me
that was holding you back from them.
Pacey, you've never held me back.
You have to stop thinking like that.
l could stop thinking like that
if you'd just promise me one thing...
...that if the day ever comes...
...and it may come much sooner
than either of us thinks...
...but if that day comes when you
do feel l'm holding you back...
...just promise me
that you'd cut me loose, yeah?
-Pacey.
-Promise me that.
l won't promise you that. You' re
asking me to promise to let you go.
l can't do that.
Exactly what is it
we' re doing again?
l told you. A memory exercise.
-And why are we doing this?
-My shrink recommended it.
lt's kind of like self-hypnosis.
Supposedly, if you stare at the fish
for a half-hour, it helps you remember.
lt's my hope that,
by staring at this fish...
...it' ll help me recall
why l'm so angry at my father...
...thus allowing me to forgive
both he and myself...
...and enabling us to go to
school in New York...
-...if that's where we desire to attend.
-l see.
Not for nothing, Jen...
...but since you started
seeing this psychologist...
...l'm starting to think that
you may in fact be crazy.
Jack, do you wanna go
to school in New York?
-Yeah.
-Shut up. Watch the fish.
Dawson?
-Hey.
-Hey.
Bessie told me l could wait out here.
l hope it's okay.
Yeah, l'm just a little surprised,
considering....
l think you underestimate me.
l think we underestimate each other.
What l'm trying to say, Joey,
is that...
...what you felt at the theatre...
...that something was finally right
between us...
...l felt that too.
And nothing will ever change that.
Not going to school
far apart...
...not meeting people who
we' re meant to love forever, nothing.
l want you to have this.
But Dawson....
l don't know how l feel about
you sleeping with Pacey.
l don't know how l' ll feel tomorrow
or next week or next year...
...but l'm absolutely certain that
giving you this is the right thing to do.
Because l'm certain about us.
And what we mean to each other.
And l think you are too.
Thank you.
You' ll have some of the best years
of your life at Worthington.
And l wanna hear all about them.