Author's note: Well, I get really depressed during the holidays. I mean, I love Christmas, but there's no Dawson's Creek for weeks! So, to curb my utter disappointment, I decided to use the free time I all of the suddenly have on my hands, and write a DC Christmas episode the way I'd like to see it, if they actually had one. And just for the record, it in no way relates to my previous series, written before the second season. Hope you like it!

One Magic Christmas

WB.EXT.DAWSON'S HOUSE.NIGHT
[Long shot of the house, camera zooms in slowly to Dawson's window. We can see Dawson sitting on his bed, holding a remote in his hand. Jen is sitting on his right, where Joey used to.]INT.DAWSON'S ROOM.CONT [Closer shot of Dawson and Jen]

DAWSON (while flipping stations): (sighing) Nothing but Christmas specials.

JEN (smiling): Oh, c'mon, Dawson, where's your holiday spirit?

D: I'm guessing it's in the same place as my relationship with Joey, my parents' marriage, and every other taintless thing in my life.

J: Dawson. (hits him playfully) What kind of an attitude is that?

D: I don't know, Jen. (sits up, and turns off the TV) I feel like I've lost everything that's most important to me. I don't . . . I don't have anything.How am I supposed be jolly and mirthful when my life is falling apart?

J: Geez, you're so dramatic . . . Okay, look, Dawson, there are somethings in life you just can't control. (pause, she's thinking) And then again, there are certain things you can.

[Dawson turns, interested. He furrows his brow, skeptical] D: Like what?

J: Well . . . (thinking) Like, for instance, this thing with Joey.

D (raising an eyebrow, smirking): You think I can control that?

J: Dawson- (she stops, shaking her head) I can't believe I'm saying this . . . She, she loves you Dawson. There's no denying that, okay? You just have to, you know, do something.

D: Like what? Jen, what kind of rational, sensible approach can I take?

[Jen gets off the bed and walks to the window. She puts on her shoes.]
J (looking up at him): Dawson, I don't have all the answers. I mean, I wish I did, but I don't. You're just gonna have to figure some stuff out on your own. (she stands up) You can do it, Dawson. (smiles) I've never lost faith in your ability to script your way into a happy ending.

D (confused) : Well, thanks . . . I think.

J (laughing): See you tomorrow, Dawson.
[She climbs through the window, and leaves. Dawson watches for a moment, then turns his TV back on. He settles in a more comfortable position. We hear Fred Gailey's voice from the TV]

FRED: Look, Doris, someday you're going to find that your way of facing this realistic world just doesn't work. And when you do, don't overlook those lovely intangibles. You'll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile. [Dawson smiles to himself as the theme music starts, and the camera zooms out]

[OPENING THEME, COMMERCIAL BREAK]

EXT.ICEHOUSE.AFTERNOON
[Snow is falling lightly, as some people walk hurriedly into the restaurant. "Slide" by the Goo Goo Dolls is playing]
INT.ICEHOUSE.CONT [Andie and Pacey sit at the counter, chatting. They each have a plate of food and a drink]
PACEY (stretching his arms out, smiling): I love Christmas.

ANDIE: Pacey, you only like Christmas because we don't have to go to school. [music gets softer]

P (fake confusion): Duh. What other reason is there?

A: Well, don't think for one second that you're spending the next two weeks slacking off.

P (shaking his head): No. Never.

A: I mean it, Pacey. I'm keeping you on a tight schedule. This break is your chance to catch up, and maybe even get a little ahead in your classes! (she hits his arm softly) Wouldn't that be great?

P (smiling): A tight schedule, huh?

A (as Pacey leans in closer to her): Yes. I've got each and every day planned out. Except Christmas, of course. And Christmas Eve. (she frowns) And I suppose New Year's, too . . . (she gets back on track) But every otherday, it's business as usual, and-- [Pacey leans over and kisses her]

P (softly): Did you leave space for some, uh, quality time?

A (smiling): Well . . . I guess I could squeeze some in.

P (smiling): McPhee, you cave way too easily.

A (fake seriousness, leaning away from Pacey): On second thought, we have a lot of work to do in a little amount of time, and maybe it's not such a good idea to break at all. I mean, my Christmas isn't going to be all that joyful; neither is yours. How does a 17-day, non-stop study session sound? You will, of course, have the allotted 6 hour sleep each night, three meals a day, and time reserved for bathroom breaks. So whaddya say, Pacey? (she smiles sweetly) I'm up for itif you are. [music gets louder]

P: Andie, I was kidding.

A (still smiling): So was I.

[The camera zooms across the mostly empty restaurant to Joey and Jack, standing behind the counter, leaning over it. Jack is facing forward, but looking at Joey, and Joey has her back against the counter, looking at Jack]

JACK: So, you don't have any big plans for Christmas, either?

JOEY: Nah. I thought about going to visit my dad, but I haven't decided yet. Visiting a prison around the holidays has got to be depressing. [Jack smiles a little, music fades away]

JACK (getting serious): When's the last time you saw your father?

JOEY: Just a few months ago, on his birthday. (she half-smiles, andlooks down, remembering the resulting events. she fiddles with a napkin in her hand, her smile fading) But I don't know if I could face him now.

JACK (furrowing his brow): Why not?

JOEY (looking at Jack, then quickly away): Well, it's just . . . things have changed a lot since then. I mean, I've changed. (pause) And he sort of has this habit of telling me all the answers. I know he'd try to do it again, and I'm not so sure I'm ready for that. (pause) I've been so dead-set on assessing my life on my own. (she half-smiles again) He'd just say something I don't want to hear.

JACK: Well, how do you know you won't want to hear it?

JOEY (sighs, turning to face forward): Because I already know what he'll say. And he'll be right. He usually is.

[Jack looks at her for a second, before the camera cuts to Jen's house]

EXT.JEN'S HOUSE.EVENING
JEN (OS): What's the occasion, Grams?

INT.JEN'S KITCHEN.CONT
[Mrs. Ryan is rolling out dough. There is flour everywhere, and various baking utensils and ingredients scattered about the kitchen counter]

MRS. RYAN: Mrs. Leery invited you and I over for dinner tomorrow night.

J (sitting on the counter, chewing on an apple slice): For Christmas Eve? That's nice. (pause) Does Dawson know?

MR: Well I don't know, dear. She only just asked me this morning. [Jen nods, and hops off the counter. As she does, the doorbell rings]

J (smiling, thinking it's Dawson): Speak of the devil.

MR: Jennifer!

J (still smiling, as she walks out of the kitchen): It's an expression, Grams.

INT.JEN'S ENTRYWAY.CONT
[Jen opens the door, still smiling. Billy is standing on the other side.]
EXT.JEN'S PORCH.CONT (BILLY'S POV)
[Jen's smile fades. She opens her mouth, but no words come out. Before she can speak, Billy steps inside and starts talking]
INT. ENTRYWAY.CONT
BILLY (looking Jen up and down): Wow, Jenny, I like what you've done with yourself.

JEN (regaining her composure): Billy, what the hell are you doing here?

B (smiling): Nice to see you, too.

J: Get out.

B: Now is that any way to say Merry Christmas?

J (clenched teeth, lowers her voice): I mean it, Billy. I said I wanted you out of my life six months ago. Nothing's changed since then.

B (ruffling Jen's hair): Well, I wouldn't say nothing. . .

J (slapping away his arm angrily): What the hell is the matter with you? Why is it that every time things start to go my way, every time I'm actually on the verge of being somewhat happy, you have to pop back into my life and screw it all up?

B (shrugs, smiling): Just fulfilling my duties as the evil ex-boyfriend.

J: Well I refuse to let you. (she points to the open door, where Dawson is walking up the porch, although no one sees him) Leave, Billy.

B: Look, I was kidding. I've changed, Jenny. You have to believe me. (Dawson raises his eyebrow in the background, Billy takes a breath) I talked to your sister, and she said your parents would be ecstatic if I brought you back to New York for the holidays. So whaddya say? (he puts his arm around her) Think about it, Jen. You and me, crusin' the open road, wind blowing in our faces. (pause) When we get back to town, we can hit all the old clubs, dance the night away . . . (Jen looks up at him) Aren't ya just a little homesick?

J (after a long pause): When you put it that way--

[Dawson steps inside, interrupting her]
DAWSON: Back off, Billy. She's not going anywhere.

[Billy's arm drops off of Jen, as they both look at him in shock] J: Dawson, I--

B (interrupting, exasperated): Jenny, don't tell me you're with this lame-ass again. [Jen hugs herself as her mouth opens, but Dawson answers first]

D: I think she told you to leave.

[Dawson and Billy stare at each other menacingly, neither wanting to back down. Finally Billy drops the gaze and turns to Jen]

B: Fine. I'll be staying at the Capeside Inn. Come get me when you're ready to go. (turns to Dawson) And she is ready to go, Dawson. So don't try to stop her. This 'hero rescuing the fair maiden' thing of yours is getting really old. (pause) Like I said before, she's a big girl, she can make her own decisions. She doesn't need you breathing down her back, preaching your warped version of right and wrong.

[Billy leaves before Dawson can reply. Dawson watches him go out to his car, then turns back to Jen. He tries to look angry, but his eyes soften.] D: Jen, how could you? I mean, you're not . . . (he looks at her pleadingly) You can't leave. I need you, Jen.

[She looks up at him for a beat, then quickly looks away]
[COMMERCIAL BREAK]
INT.MITCH'S APARTMENT.NIGHT
[Mitch is sitting on a couch, flipping stations on the television. "Do What You Have to Do" by Sarah McLachlan is playing loudly throughout the next two scenes. He sighs, and eventually drops the remote on the sofa. He reaches for a stack of papers sitting on the coffee table in front of him. He takes a pen out of his shirt pocket, and reads the papers. Again, he sighs, and sets the pen down. He sets the papers down, as well, and buries his face in his hands]
INT.DAWSON'S KITCHEN.NIGHT
[Gail sits at the kitchen table, reading over some papers. A tea kettle starts to whistle, and she gets up. She pours the water into a mug, and mixes it with a small spoon. She sips the tea, and glances back at the table. A single tear falls down her cheek]
INT.ICEHOUSE.NIGHT
[Joey is wiping off a table, as Jack dries dishes. He sets his last one down, as the music fades out]

JACK (half-smiling): All done.

JOEY (looking over at him): Okay, well, you can go. I still have some things to do here, so . . .[She goes back to wiping off the table]

JACK: Hey, it's nothing that can't wait 'til tomorrow, right? (pause)You wanna catch a movie, or something?[Joey turns around, half-smiling]

JOEY: I'm sorry, Jack. I've got a million things to do. Not just here, but at home, too. Maybe some other time?

["Don't Be Good" by Chantal Kreviazuk starts softly] JACK: Oh sure, I understand. (Long pause) Was it something I said?

JOEY: What?

JACK: You've been kinda quiet all evening. I wondered if . . . (hetrails off)

JOEY (going back to wiping the table): No, I'm just thinking about stuff.

JACK: Your dad?

JOEY: Among other things.

JACK (taking off his apron): Right. Well, I guess I'll catch ya later.

JOEY (turning to him): Hey, Jack? (he looks up at her) If I don't see you, merry Christmas.

JACK (half-smile): You, too.
[Joey watches him leave, then sits down at the table she's been cleaning, letting out a long breath. She puts her arms on the table, and buries her head in them]

INT.JEN'S ROOM.NIGHT
[Dawson is sitting on Jen's floor, while (for a change) she paces around her room, music is still playing lightly, but stops after Dawson's first lines] JEN: It's not about Billy, Dawson. It's about home.

DAWSON: Jen, it doesn't matter what it's about, you can't go. Not just for my sake, but for yours, too.

J: Dawson, this is the first time I've even thought about going home since I got here. And you know what? It sounds pretty good. I mean, you heard what he said. My family actually wants to see me. (she sits down on her bed, muttering) That's a first.

D (getting up and sitting by her): Well, then, I don't know what say. You already know what my convictions are. (long pause) But if you want to go, I can't restrain you. If the situation were reversed, I'd probably be in the same position you are. (another long pause, he sighs) I just don't want to see you get hurt, Jen.

J: I don't want to see me get hurt, either. (pause) But, Dawson, this is something Ihave to do. I can't hide from my mistakes forever.

D (nodding): I understand. But will you promise me one thing?

J: You have nothing to worry about, Dawson. I won't do any partying.(she smiles) I'll be on my best behavior.

D (sad smile): That's great, Jen, but that's not what I meant. Promise me something else.

J (confused): What, Dawson?

D: Promise me you'll come back.

EXT.DAWSON'S HOUSE.NIGHT
[Joey walks across Dawson's lawn, to the side of his house where his window is. She stops at the bottom of his ladder, looking up. She takes a deep breath, then climbs up. "What's Simple is True" by Jewel starts playing]
INT.DAWSON'S ROOM.CONT
[Joey climbs through the window. She looks around, but the room is dark and empty. She sits on the window sill and takes off her shoes and jacket. She walks over to the bed, sits down, picks up the remote, and turns on the TV. After a few seconds, she yawns, and glances at her watch]
EXT.ANDIE'S HOUSE.NIGHT
[Andie giggles off stage, and the music stops when the camera cuts to Andie's kitchen] ANDIE (OS): Pacey . . .

INT.ANDIE'S KITCHEN.CONT
[Pacey is juggling an apple, and orange, and a grapefruit, Andie is sitting at the table watching him]

PACEY: What? I told you I could do it. (pauses, concentrating on the fruit) The only thing is, I don't know how to stop.

A (laughing): That's great, Pacey. I should put a mattress down so you don't bruise all the fruit when you try.

P: Hey, now. Don't lose faith. (he concentrates) Okay, here I go now. Ready?

A (unenthusiastically): As I'll ever be.

[Pacey stops juggling, and catches the apple, the orange, then the grapefruit] P: Pretty awesome, huh?

A (standing): I guess. But fruit is so . . . amateur. Get some butcher knives and flaming torches, and then I might be impressed.

P: I'll give you something impressive. . .

[He pulls her to him, and kisses her. The kiss lasts for a long time, and when they stop, he still holds her close to him] P: Y' know something, McPhee? I'm really starting to warm up to you.

A (smiling): You're not so bad yourself.

P (looking straight at her): No, I'm serious. This feeling I have . . . it's incredible And whatever it is, I hope you feel it, too, 'cause . . . (looks around, then back at her) it feels pretty damn good.

[Andie looks up at him, and he gives a nervous half-smile. She kisses him on the cheek, and hugs him tighter] A (barely above a whisper): I do, Pacey. Believe me, I do.

[The chorus of "Slide" plays again as he smiles wider, and kisses the top of her head, while stroking hair. They stand this way while the scene fades out]

[COMMERCIAL BREAK]EXT.DAWSON'S HOUSE.NIGHT

[Dawson walks into the kitchen to find Gail sitting at the table, staring off into space, still sipping tea] DAWSON: Hey, Mom.

[Gail looks at Dawson as if she's just been woken up from a trance] GAIL: Oh, hi, Dawson. Were you at Jen's?

D: Yeah, um . . . Mom, are you okay?

G: Yeah, I . . . I'll be fine, Dawson. Are Jen and her grandmother coming over tomorrow night?

D: Uh, no.

G (tiredly): Why not?

D (grabbing a soda out of the fridge and opening it): Jen . . . she's going back to New York for the rest of the break. I guess Mrs. Ryan is just going to have some friends from church over.

G: Oh, that's nice.

D: Yeah. [Dawson takes a gulp of soda, then sticks it back in the fridge] Mom, I'm going to bed, okay?

G: Sure, honey. [Dawson gives his mother a worried glance, and starts to walk away. He turns around and looks at her again. She is gazing at something non-existent again. Her eyes are blank and her expression is empty. Dawson looks sad, but continues upstairs. She stays in the same position after he leaves]

INT.DAWSON'S ROOM.CONT
[Dawson walks in his room, and is about to flip on the light, when he sees Joey sleeping on his bed. He stares for a few seconds, expressionless, as if he's trying to convince himself that he's not dreaming. He shuts his door quietly, then takes off his jacket. Slowly, he removes his shoes and pants. After shutting off the TV, he glances over at her cautiously. She doesn't stir. Dawson settles in and shuts his eyes, as a small smile creeps over his face]

INT.JEN'S HOUSE.DAY
[Jen is standing in her entryway, talking to her grandmother. Billy is standing by the door, holding it open] JEN (while hugging Mrs. Ryan): 'Bye, Grams. I'll call you as soon as Iget there. (pause as she pulls away) Thanks for letting me go. (smile) And for trusting me.

MRS. RYAN: I always have, Jennifer. It's others I tend to be wary of. (she gives a meaningful glance in Billy's direction) But no child should be away from its parents on the Lord's birthday. (she smiles sadly) Have fun, Jennifer. Give your family my love, and hurry back. It's not a good idea to leave an old lady alone for too long.

J (smiling): Okay. I love you, Grams.

MR: I love you, too, Jennifer.[Jen and Billy start walking out the door] William! (Billy turns around) Take good care of her.

BILLY: Will do, Mrs. Ryan. [He waves, then Jen waves. Billy gets in his car and starts it]

J: Merry Christmas, Grams. [Jen gets in the car, and they drive off. Mrs. Ryan watches from the porch, sadly]

EXT.ANDIE'S HOUSE.DAY

JACK (OS): Hey, Andie, did you--

INT.ANDIE'S ROOM.CONT

[Andie and Pacey are sleeping in her bed. Jack is standing in the doorway, looking surprised. He sort of half-smiles in spite of himself, shaking his head. Andie stirs, and opens her eyes as Jack is closing the door]

ANDIE (sitting up, loud whisper): Jack!

J (peeking his head back in reluctantly): Is everything . . . okay?

A: Yes, Jack. Um, I know that this looks bad, but nothing-- (she takes abreath) Nothing happened, okay?

J: Really?

A: Really. So there's no reason why Mom needs to know, right?J: Right.

[He gives a half-smile and shuts the door. Andie breathes a sigh of relief. She looks over at Pacey and smiles. Pacey's eyes flutter, then open. He smiles] P: Morning, beautiful.

A: Morning, Pacey. (pause) Jack just saw us.

P (sitting up-- he's even wearing a shirt): Yeah? Does he, uh, think that--

A: No. No, I told him that, you know, nothing happened. [They look at each other for a few seconds, as "What's Simple is True" starts again] A (breaking the gaze, getting out of bed): So, you, uh, want some breakfast or something?

P: Uh, sure.

A (nodding): Okay. (she smiles, then walks over to Pacey's side of the bed. She kisses him on the cheek) Merry Christmas Eve, Pacey.

[She walks out of the room, shutting the door behind her. Pacey watches her go, then falls back down on the pillow, smiling. He crosses his arms behind his head] P: Life is good.

INT.DAWSON'S ROOM.DAY
[Camera is zoomed in on Joey, sleeping. Jewel's song continues for the rest of the scene. After a few seconds, her eyes open. She rolls over on her side, and gasps loudly. The camera zooms out to reveal Dawson laying on his side, his head propped on his hand. Joey smiles nervously] JOEY: God, Dawson, you scared me.

[she proceeds to prop her head up on her hand, as well] DAWSON (small smile): Sorry.

J: How long have you been up?

D: A half-hour, or so. [Joey nods, and they just stare at each other nervously for a few seconds, then they look away simultaneously]

D: Uh, Joey, forgive me for being precipitate, but why exactly are you here?

J (after a long, sighing pause): I don't know, Dawson. I've been trying to figure things out, and I needed somewhere comforting to go, I guess. I needed . . . I needed you.

D (smile): Joey, I--

J (sitting up): Don't blow this out of proportion, Dawson.

D (also sitting up): I'm not, Joey, I just . . . I've missed you.

J: I've missed you, too, Dawson. [they look at each other again, and smile lightly. then Joey looks away]

J: Well, I should go . . .

D: Wait, Joey! I-- (she looks at him) Don't leave. It's still early.

J: Dawson. . .

D: Please, Jo? If nothing else, can't we have the remainder of the morning? Just to forget about our irrevocable innocence, and pretend for a few more hours that everything's okay?

J (looks uncertain for a second, then gives a crooked smile): Sure, Dawson. [They lay back down in Dawson's bed. The music gets louder as Joey slides closer to Dawson, her back turned to him, and he puts his arms around her. She looks sad as he kisses the top of her head. He lays his head back on the pillow and closes his eyes. Joey's lips eventually creep into a barely noticeable smile before she shuts her eyes and drifts off to sleep]

[COMMERCIAL BREAK]

EXT.DAWSON'S HOUSE.DAY

DAWSON (OS- happily): Good morning!

INT.DAWSON'S KITCHEN.CONT
[Gail is standing over the counter, stirring something. Dawson has just walked into the kitchen]

GAIL (kissing his cheek): Mmm, morning, sweetheart. (she glances at herwatch, smiling) Actually, it's afternoon. (she raises an eyebrow) It's not like you to sleep this late. [Dawson just shrugs]

D: So, what're you making?

G (going back to the stuff she was mixing): Pumpkin pie.

D: Need any help?

G (shaking her head): Nope, I've got it.

D (after a pause): Oh, mom, I forgot to tell you, I invited Pacey over tonight.

G: That's fine, honey.

D: And Joey.

G (turning to look at Dawson): Is she actually coming?

D (laughing in spite of himself): Yeah, she is. It's, in a word. . . enigmatic. But wonderful.

MITCH (OS): What's wonderful?

D (turning around): Oh, just-- Dad!

G: Mitch! What, uh, what are you doing here?

M (shrugging): Can't a guy spend Christmas Eve with his family?

D (cold): Yeah, he could, if we were actually still a family. [long, silent pause]

M: Dawson, I- Can I talk to your mother alone?

G: He's our son. Anything you want to say to me, Dawson should be abletohear.

M (slowly): Okay. Gail, I couldn't, I couldn't sign . . . (he looks at Dawson, then back at his wife) I mean, I tried to, but I just . . . couldn't get my pen to the paper. (Dawson and Gail look at him expectantly while he pauses) I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't want to sign them. (beat) Divorce seemed like the best idea, but when it actually came down to it . . . I, I can't do it. (another beat) I love you, Gail. I never stopped loving you. I don't even think I ever will. I came here today with the intent of trying to rebuild something. I didn't think it was possible for a long time, but now it just seems . . . right.

[Dawson shifts his gaze to Gail, then back to Mitch, then back to Gail. Tears are welling in her eyes, as she silently decides if she can handle trying again. She is about to speak when Pacey walks in the kitchen] PACEY (patting Dawson on the back): Hey, D-man, hope I'm not too early. (Dawson tries to speak, but Pacey continues) Hey Mrs. Leery; Mr Leery. (he does a double-take) Mr. Leery?

M: Hello, Pacey.

D (stepping towards Pacey): Uh, Pacey, dude, come upstairs with me, okay? I got something to show you.

P (finally sensing the tension): Uh, sure, D.

[Mitch and Gail just stare at each other]
INT. DAWSON'S ROOM.CONT
[Dawson opens the door, and collapses on his bed]

P: Well, I obviously came at the wrong time. Dude, what is going on?

D (small chuckle): I don't know, Pace. My dad just randomly appeared in our kitchen, and I'm pretty sure he wants to get back with my mom.

P: Really? That's great, Dawson.

D (smiling): I know! And that's not the best part! (Pacey looks at himcuriously) You'll never guess who was sleeping in my bed when I came home last night.

P: Goldilocks?

D: Negative.

P (after a pause): It couldn't be . . . (Dawson nods)
INT.JOEY'S HOUSE.DAY
[Bessie is cleaning up, and Joey is following her around]
BESSIE (sarcastically): Ha, ha, Joey. Where were you really last night?

JOEY: Bessie! I was at Dawson's! (she sticks up her right hand) Honestly.

B (raising an eyebrow): Mmm-hmm. And what were you doing at Dawson's?

J: I slept there, Bessie. That's it. (pause) I just missed him, y'know?

B: Yeah, kiddo, I know. (she sits down on the couch, Joey follows) You still love him, don't you?

J: Bessie, I don't know what to do. I mean, I broke up with him to find myself, and to figure out to make myself happy. I wanted to be able to survive on my own-- without him. But it's so hard.

B: Well, maybe that's your answer right there. (Joey looks at her, puzzled) Look, Joey, maybe it's hard for you because you aren't supposed to be doing it. What I mean is, you and Dawson are meant for each other, okay? (Joey half-smiles) No one can dispute that. The reason you can't find yourself is because there's nothing there to find. (Bessie smiles) You guys are soulmates, Joey. The very definition of that means you two are one in the same. (she shakes her head, still smiling) In all this fuss about finding yourself, you forgot to look in the most obvious place.

J: Do you think so, Bessie? I mean, do you really think so? Because that implies that losing him means losing myself.

B: Joey, you have nothing to worry about. You'll never lose him.(pause) You can't keep walls around yourself forever, Joey. You'll have to give in eventually. The way I see it, why not do it when you actually have nothing to fear? And for your own sake, do it before it's too late.

[Bessie pats Joey on the knee, then gets up. Joey appears to be deep in thought, as she softly thanks her sister]

INT.DAWSON'S KITCHEN.DAY
[Mitch and Gail are sitting at the kitchen table]

MITCH: Now, I'm not saying this should happen all at once. In fact, I have to stayin the apartment for at least another month, due to my contract. But Gail, (he takes her hand) I don't have the strength to say it's over.

GAIL: Neither do I, Mitch.

M: So, let's start with something simple.

G: What do you suggest?

M: A date.

G (skeptical): A date?

M: Yes, a date. Tonight, we could get dinner and a movie.

G: What about the kids?

M: Cook the dinner for them. We can eat the leftovers tomorrow . . .If-- (pause)

G: If you want to be here tomorrow, Mitch, then I would love it if you were.

INT.DAWSON'S ROOM.CONT

[Dawson is still lying on his bed, while Pacey plays solitaire on his computer] DAWSON: So, nothing happened?

PACEY: Nope. And the thing is, I'm okay with that. (he smiles) I like her so much, that that doesn't matter.

D (smiles): That's great, Pacey.

[There's a noise outside, and Dawson sits up, while he and Pacey look at each other, right before Joey climbs into the window] JOEY (climbing in, surprised to see Pacey): Uh, hey guys. [something has obviously been building, and Pacey can sense this. He stands up]

P: Uh, ya know what? I just remembered I have to, uh . . . take a shower. [Dawson and Joey look at him weird, but he just walks out of the room, and they shrug it off]

J (walking over to Dawson's bed and sitting down): Dawson, we need to talk. (pause, she takes a breath) The reason I spent the night here last night wasn't entirely innocent. I wasn't really relenting from my inquiry, I was, without realizing it, finding as answer.

D: I'm not quite following you.

J: God, who'd have thought that the one time I actually listen to Bessie, she'd be right? (pause) Dawson, I was selfish before, and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I was so involved with (sarcastically) 'unlocking my soul', that it never even occurred to me that you might have the key. (beat) Maybe we're destined to be together, Dawson, like everyone says we are, and that's why it's difficult for me to find myself anywhere else. Because, according to Bessie, you are me. And I'm you. (crooked, half-smile) I guess that's just the way it's meant to be.

[Dawson looks at her for a second, then reaches his hand to her face, stroking it gently] D (firmly): I love you, Joey.

J (almost crying): I love you, too, Dawson. (pause) I can't believe I was stupid enough to almost lose you forever.

D (also almost crying): You'll never lose me, Joey.
[He tilts her chin up lightly, then kisses her softly. "What's Simple is True" starts again, and continues through the next montage of scenes. Dawson and Joey fade away, then Mitch and Gail are shown at a restaurant, laughing about something, although their voices are mute. The scene then cuts to Jen, sitting at a table, eating dinner with her family. She is smiling, and seems to be happy. Finally, we go back to Dawson's house, where Andie, Pacey, Joey, and Dawson sit around his kitchen table, smiling. The music get softer, when Pacey raises his glass of sparkling cider]

PACEY: I propose a toast. (the other three look at him, smiling, and he smiles even wider when he looks at Andie) To the best Christmas ever.

JOEY, ANDIE, AND DAWSON (in unison): To the best Christmas ever. [They all clink glasses with each other and take a sip. Then Pacey leans over and kisses Andie, as Dawson kisses Joey. The music gets louder just before the scene fades to black]
[COMMERCIAL BREAK, END CREDITS]

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