Dawson's Creek s04e11 Episode Script

Maybe we're too early.
Or maybe the fish are still asleep.
Fish don't sleep, Pacey.
Yeah, l'm really glad we're hanging out but did our first jaunt together in months really have to be at sunrise? l've got something to tell you that l have a feeling will keep you awake.
l like your sister, Pacey.
You like her, or you '' like her'' like her? l'm talking about Gretchen Witter, not Winnie Cooper.
Are we talking about the feelings of fondness and fellowship that naturally follow from an obligatory mistletoe kiss or will l find you outside my house holding a boom box over your head? l'm crazy about her.
Well, you've had a crush on her for years.
That's all this is, right? No, this is more than a grade-school crush.
Even though she won't acknowledge it l think on some level she feels the same way about me.
lt's a hell of a lot to digest before breakfast, Dawson.
Last spring, if you'd told me how you felt about Joey it would have made things a lot easier.
That's all l'm trying to do.
Dawson, you and l are friends.
Friends.
But sisters-- Sisters are.
-Off-limits? -Yes, sisters are off-limits.
They're like mothers, only pretty.
l'm not asking for your permission, Pace.
l'm just letting you know.
So, what are your plans? My plans? Yeah, to pursue my sister.
-What are you gonna do? -Nothing.
Nothing? Well, what kind of plan is '' nothing''? Well, l've just decided to let things play out.
One thing l learned after last spring is that some things can't be forced.
So then your plan would be to not have a plan.
Exactly.
The Tao of Dawson is to do nothing.
Done nothing so far, and we've already kissed.
l figure the best thing l can do is just keep on doing nothing.
What's with the rush? At this speed, l can get to school, grab my car and get out before dark.
Your car's been at school for months, now your friends borrowed it too long? Friend.
Well, actually, ex-boyfriend.
Nick has had your car this whole time? -l always liked that guy.
-You don't know him.
Nick and me? Dos amigos.
You sat with him two hours when l brought him for Christmas.
So l know he likes the Patriots, pretzels and a good party.
He'd rather sleep and sail than study, plus the man has great taste in music.
His favourite song is '' Freebird.
'' -You just described yourself.
-Well, great men think alike.
l think it's wonderful the two of you will be able to spend quality time together.
Does your sudden proclivity for my ex-boyfriend have anything to do -with a fair-haired pal of yours? -Who, Dawson? Why should l care? You assured me that kiss meant nothing.
You know, even though, it didn't really look like nothing because it went on a little bit long to be nothing.
l think he doesn't think it's nothing.
But if you said it's nothing, it's nothing.
Dawson and l are just friends.
That's it, trust me.
Okay, l guess you've earned my trust.
This music doesn't entirely suck.
''Great tunes for Gretchen from Dawson.
'' That would be Leery.
So he made you a mix CD? How sweet.
Did l mention that Nick is not only smart, but also quite handsome? l mean, really, he's a good-looking guy.
He works out, doesn't he? Did you think it was weird when Andie was dating Pacey? Not really.
Why? Because Pacey really doesn't like the idea of Gretchen and me.
Well, sure.
l mean, she's his sister, and you're his close friend.
l didn't know Pacey when he hooked up with Andie.
But if l had to think about you and Andie.
Let's not go there.
Dawson may have a sister soon.
Then he'll understand.
Or a brother.
l find out in a couple hours, right? Well, no.
Actually, honey, we've changed our mind again.
l mean, should we use technology to cheat what may be life's last great mystery? Or is it anticlimactic to wait until the baby is born? Whatever you guys decide, let me know so l know what to do with the pink and blue paint l have on hold.
-Good point.
-Come on, we'll decide in the car.
Good luck.
Oh, my God.
What's that? l told you l used to write Gretchen silly little letters? -Yeah.
-This is the last one l wrote.
The one l never sent.
Oh, God.
This is embarrassing.
l'm all gushing and lovesick.
Maybe you should say some of that to her now.
No.
l told her how l feel.
-Not like that, l bet.
-No, l told her like an adult.
Maybe if you acted more like a kid, you might be with her.
Last time l acted like a kid l ended up trying to prove something in a boat race.
Remember that? Oh, yeah.
Not my finest moment.
Besides, she knows how l feel about her, you know.
lf it's meant to be, it'll be.
lf not, that's the way it goes.
Zen and the art of dating.
Congrats, you've created a new movement.
Yeah.
Closed for renovation.
You know, this free time presents sort of a steak-or-lobster dilemma.
Now, do l go cheerleader or drama club chick tonight? -What do you think? -Flip a coin.
Heads is bimbo, tails is skank.
Where's the love, huh? After working with you for the last six days, l don't know, l guess l lost it.
How do you plan to observe your Sabbath? Oh, a relaxing little experience known as researching my English term paper.
Let me guess: '' How to Keep a Boyfriend and Your Virginity or: The Many Uses of the Human Hand.
'' Finally a subject you know all about.
Very good, Joey.
That's what we refer to as a comeback or a retort.
l believe in French it's '' riposte.
'' Good news, your father's spirit guide has allowed him to leave his crystals and meditation mat to come to New York on business.
And he wants to see you tonight.
And this is good news on what planet? The one where child-support payments are still being negotiated.
Here's your bus ticket.
l don't suppose l have any choice in this matter.
Well, of course you do.
You can sit up front near the driver or back near the restrooms.
Bon voyage.
Sorry to step on your exit line, but l don't think we're finished here.
My station's closed down.
These need to go to the storeroom tonight.
This is definitely my kind of place.
lt's a place you're gonna see very little of.
Remember, we get the car and leave.
-lt might be kind of difficult.
-No, it won't.
Well, if that's the car you're planning on driving out of here, yes it will.
That lying jerk.
l can't believe l fell for his crap again.
Don't you think you're being tough on the jerk? -l'm sure there's an explanation.
-Yeah, there always is.
Bye, Nick.
l'll call you later.
Gretchen! My God, you look beautiful.
You son of a bitch.
-l can explain.
-l don't wanna hear it.
l want my car back and to get as far away from you as possible.
l know l said it was fine.
But this morning, when l checked, the solenoid assembly was clogged, so-- -Solenoid assembly? -The carburettor.
-lt draws air into the-- -l know what the carburettor is and l know you don't need to remove the tires to unclog it.
Remember all your road trips? Low tread.
l knew l risked losing your trust, all right? And frankly, you can hate my guts all you want.
lt hurts.
But not as much as if something happened to you.
l couldn't live with that.
Thanks for looking out for her, man.
Yeah.
Nick Taylor is a renowned protector of women.
Her name's Laura Wolner.
She's a junior geology major.
-l don't really care.
-She lives here.
-That's her problem.
-Except for tonight.
l asked her for a favour.
She'll stay at her mom's so you can have her room.
lf you want to leave, we'll fix the car and you're gone.
Since all your old friends are gonna be here, l figured you'd be up late.
Might be nice to have a comfortable place to crash.
God help me.
Laura's room is first on the left.
By the time you get washed up me and Pacey will have a veggie burger with your name on it.
You think you know me so well, don't you? As well as any guy can.
You like imported beer, Pacey? l'll see you tonight, Evelyn.
l can hardly wait, Arthur.
lf you value your life, not a word.
l thought you might be able to give these clothes away at the church.
Oh, Dawson, thank you.
So.
Are you two? Are you two dating? Oh, Dawson.
Please.
At my age, one does not date.
lt sounded like you were gonna see him later tonight.
We're simply having dinner at your parents' restaurant and then we are going to Rialto 1 6 to see Almost Famous.
Dinner and a movie on a Saturday is pretty much the definition of a date.
Dawson, are you this protective of Jennifer? Jen is well-versed in the pitfalls and problems of relationships.
Although l have not felt this way since Jennifer's grandfather passed on l assure you, l also am well-versed.
Thank you for your concern, Dawson.
You know what your problem is? Drue, the only problem l have in my life right now is that l have to be around you.
Fortunately, as soon as l put these dishes away l am on break from my problem.
Don't touch me, please.
lt's creepy enough to be in here with you.
Fine.
lf you move those boxes.
So we'll open it.
lt's not a problem.
Okay? This could be a problem.
There's got to be another way out.
Oh, there's another way out when the cleaning crew arrives Monday morning.
Hello? Anyone there? You're gonna hurt yourself if you keep doing that.
l'm going to hurt you if you don't shut up.
-Going to freshen your face? -l'm going to pick the lock.
-An eyebrow pencil.
-You have a better idea? -Do l look like MacGyver? -He was smart enough not to move a box propping open a door.
Well, you know, if you would have just accepted my help we wouldn't be here in the first place.
Now l know why you're still a virgin.
You have trust issues with men.
Not to mention some rather dubious grooming habits.
-What do you think you're doing? -Taking inventory of our rations.
We have my Slim Jim, two Altoids-- We could have a snack and fresh breath.
lf you try to touch me or my stuff one more time l'll take this pencil and put it through your heart.
Am l clear? -Crystal.
-Good.
You should really try and clean out your brush occasionally because you-- lmagine an environment where the whole city is your age.
Beer flows like tap water.
Parties are ubiquitous and eternal.
And the whole thing's paid for by cheap, long-term government loans.
-This is the life.
-Let's face it.
High school sucks.
Man was not created to spend seven hours a day, five days a week -crammed into a desk.
-The system panders to the lowest common denominator.
-Standardized tests.
-Standardized courses.
-Standardized lunches.
-Exactly.
And that's why anyone who isn't standard doesn't fit in.
College is a fresh start, you know? You get to be whoever you wanna be.
Why am l not surprised to see the two of you getting along? -l like this guy, Gretchen.
-Two peas in a pod.
More like two slackers in a tub.
Care to join us in the healing waters? lt does wonders for the soul.
My soul is just fine.
Hey, Gretchen, over here.
No offence, but l must say, all of her is fine.
No offence taken.
And now that you mention it she can really use a guy like you in her life.
-She doesn't have a guy back home? -No.
l'm telling you, you should go for it, my friend.
Eighteen years apart? l mean, that's wild.
When this kid graduates high school, you're gonna be like 36.
He's just-- Well, he or she is just gonna be beginning their life and yours will be pretty much over.
And you're not listening to a word that l'm saying, are you, Dawson? No.
Sorry.
Oh, well.
What's going on? l'm worried about Grams.
l'm afraid she'll get her heart broken.
l thought her heart belonged to the Lord.
And possibly Mr.
Brooks.
You gotta be kidding me.
Are you sure about that? lt's getting to be like On Golden Pond there.
Hey, good for her.
Now she's got somebody to keep her company.
You know, read with, build fires with.
After all, she did say that, '' Love is the hardest of woods.
'' Brooks is sick, Jack.
He's dying.
Oh, God.
l don't.
l mean, after what happened with her husband how could she fall for somebody who's dying? Well, obviously she doesn't know.
He hasn't told her.
Well, then you have to.
-Me? -Someone has to.
lf you don't, l will.
lf you could have seen how happy she was.
She's only happy because she doesn't know the truth.
Well, maybe that's not such a bad thing.
Okay.
You were happy before you found out about Pacey and Joey seeing each other.
Would you have rather stayed in the dark or would you have rather someone come to you and told you the difficult truth at the beginning? lf l was the one in here with the sweater, l would share it.
Let me think about it.
No.
Okay, but l want you to know, if something happens to me you have my permission to pursue whatever indelicate, life-sustaining tastes-just-like-chicken measures you see fit.
There's some cans up there.
Maybe we can dig up something to eat.
You're gonna fall and break your neck.
At which point, l'm taking your sweater.
Wonder who they'll get to play you in the TV version of our ordeal, huh? Probably a teen-series idol trying to break into features.
-Would you just shut up? -Okay, you go right ahead.
l'm sure Lacey Chabert can't wait to cop an attitude and win the Emmy.
We can't eat this.
This expired, like, when l was born.
Could have just said thanks.
Must be kind of tough out there, huh? l have a life now.
l have friends, l have a job, a great place by the water.
Come on.
You don't miss it just a little bit? This? No way.
-l don't believe you.
-lt's true.
-There's that thing.
-What thing? That thing you do when you're hiding something.
You stick out your chin.
-l do not.
-Yes, you do.
You know what always drove me crazy about you, Gretchen? That little line right there on your chin.
lt's not gonna work, Nick.
-What? -Don't play, '' l'm just a sensitive boy who needs to be understood'' with me.
l'm not gonna go upstairs to see your guitar.
lt is so good to see you guys together.
Honestly.
Can you believe that this woman is still single considering what an amazing catch she is? Before you try and show my teeth to prove what good breeding stock l am you'll have to excuse me.
You know she's crazy about you, right? She talked about you the whole ride up.
lt's like you were meant to be together.
So whatever happened? Our lives just moved in two separate directions.
l think l see someone that wants to move in your direction.
-l don't think that's a grand idea.
-Her name's Christie.
She likes horses, water sports, and back rubs from guys just like you.
-You can't go wrong.
-Oh, but l can go wrong.
There's someone back home who would think that's a very bad idea.
That certain someone here? l don't think so.
And l am definitely not gonna say anything.
Second room upstairs to the left.
Condoms are in the cigar box next to the futon.
l'm gonna go talk to your sister.
-Nick.
-Hey, don't mention it, man.
Guys like me and you, we gotta look out for each other.
Oh, Dawson, come in.
Come in.
Hi.
l'm on my way.
l'm on my way over to Mr.
Brooks' but l just.
-Wow.
-What? What is it? You look beautiful.
Well, thank you.
l.
Well, l hope this dress isn't too much.
Wouldn't want anyone to think we were dating.
Getting into a new relationship can be intoxicating.
l noticed you aren't bearing any clothes for the church and l know that you know Jennifer is away at a fishing concert.
Phish broke up.
lt's Widespread Panic.
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows Oh, dear.
Now what was it you wanted to talk about, Dawson? l just wanted to say, have a great time tonight.
l know he's sick.
You do? lsn't that what you were trying to tell me? -So he told you? -Of course not.
Arthur Brooks wouldn't just come right out and tell someone that.
-How did you know? -l've been a nurse for 47 years and a woman a few years longer than that.
But if you know, how can you start something with him? lt's very simple.
We laugh together.
We-- We share the same interests.
We look at life the same way.
Do you know how hard it is to find a friend like that, Dawson? Yeah, l think l do.
l also know how hard it can be when that doesn't last.
A moment a single moment of true joy is more powerful than a lifetime of sorrow.
Let me tell you, your ex puts the A in '' hole.
'' That man is just a world-class jerk.
l know that, Pacey.
l tried to tell you.
Well, l guess we've both had enough of him for tonight, right? You don't need to protect me.
He's the reason you left school, isn't he? l am the reason that l left school.
So what happened? What did he do to you? Nothing l didn't allow to happen.
Look, it's my fault too.
l can't just blame him and neither should you.
For what? l got pregnant.
l had a miscarriage.
l'm sorry, Gretch.
l would not have tried to force the two of you back together.
l'm sorry.
So how did he react when he found out? He doesn't know.
l didn't want to interrupt his plans to sleep with half the Theta house.
What a dick.
What a dick.
l can't believe l was hanging out with that guy thinking how cool he was.
l am gonna.
No.
No, you are not.
Okay, l am not a victim here, Pacey.
And l don't want him to know.
You know, nobody knows about this except Dawson.
You told Dawson Leery before you told me? -He's my friend.
-l'm your brother.
With a very specific idea of how a sister is supposed to behave.
l left school to work on who l want to be, you know.
l can't try fitting that into everybody else's idea of what that is.
You know? Fair enough.
At least you now know who Nick really is.
Pacey, everything that you liked about him -l still like about him too.
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Did you miss me? God, I miss her.
l don't understand why you would cut the scene before it's over.
-Nobody's saying anything.
-Look at your face.
Look at that expression.
That says more than any words ever could.
You're developing a pretty good eye, Mr.
Leery.
You're hanging out with the right people these days.
lt would seem so.
Before you run off, l wonder if you could help me with something.
Sure.
Evelyn Ryan and l have been spending a lot of time together lately and l've grown rather fond of her.
l'd like her to know that.
So.
You think it's too much? l'm not the person to talk to about that.
What's wrong? Bother you that two adults are keeping company? No, l just don't think it's my place to give advice about this.
ls that because a dying man just told you that he's fond of a woman who's like a grandmother to you? You have any idea what she went through with her late husband? -Actually, l do.
-Well, then-- '' lf l care about her, how could l put her through all that again?'' -Exactly.
-One thing worse than the pain of loss, is the aching void of inaction.
She's not the kind of person who can live with that.
She knows l'm sick.
So she knows, and you know she knows and neither one of you said anything about it.
No need.
Get to the end of the race, it's both obvious and inevitable.
Make no mistake about it, kid, God intends to kill us all.
You'll find that you don't have to have your life dictated by the cosmos.
You fall in love with the wrong woman, you tell fate to piss off you don't like its plans for you.
Sure there's heartache to be had, but it's a small price to pay for living and dying on your own terms.
Give her the earrings.
Thank you, kid.
You ever think about me? -Rarely.
-Chin.
Occasionally.
-l think about you.
-Yeah? Remember when we locked ourselves in my room and studied for that astronomy midterm? We failed the test the next day.
Yes, we did.
But it was worth it, wasn't it? We've had a lot of good times together.
'' Had'' being the operative word.
We are past tense.
No, we're old friends.
The best thing about an old friend is that they know you.
They know what makes you tick.
There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Nick.
A lot's happened to me since l left.
l know you've gotten more beautiful.
Do you want to come up to my room and talk about it? -You're drunk.
-You're gorgeous.
Do you ever change? You know who l am.
l mean, isn't that why you came? Don't tell me it was to pick up your car, because we both know that's not true.
You've come a long distance.
Don't you want to go the rest of the way? -Look you're supposed to-- -Back off.
-l was just trying to help.
-lf l get any more help l'll be spending freshman year in traction.
lf anyone should be upset, it should be me.
-What? You tried to kill me.
-You tried to kiss me.
l saved your life.
l was just acting on the moment.
Yeah, well, so was l.
How'd a girl like you get so mean? -l'm not mean.
-Are you kidding? The busboys are terrified of you.
They call you '' el toro.
'' Really? Well, you know, when you're used to living on your own, you learn how to take care of yourself, and you develop a thick outer shell.
And a pretty decent right cross.
You know, at least your father's in prison.
To spend time with my dad is like being in prison.
l thought your dad was this wealthy businessman-- Yeah, who seemed like the coolest guy in the world until the day l discovered him fervently studying the Kama Sutra on my mother's new Mexican tile kitchen floor with someone who was most definitely not my mother.
Bless you.
Just keep your hands where l can see them.
So where's your beau this evening? Will he be frantically checking hospitals for you? He's on a road trip with his sister.
How do you stay in a relationship with someone who is so different from you? -We're not that different.
-Oh, please.
You're responsible and reasonable.
He's reckless and rash.
Yeah, but part of his recklessness is that he's constantly surprising me.
And part of his rashness is that he's intensely passionate.
Those differences are important.
They make for a richer relationship.
Maybe in high school.
But last l heard, Harvard wasn't admitting the rash boyfriends of candidates to keep the cutest couple together.
Would you like a broken nose to go along with that black eye? Lighten up.
Looks like you were expecting company.
l missed you, Gretchen.
l can't believe l'm doing this.
Why? You knew this was gonna happen.
You've been thinking about this since you left.
l know you, Gretchen.
l know how you think.
Well, what am l thinking right now? You're thinking that my arms feel amazing around you.
That l fit you like a puzzle piece that's been missing.
And that you could lose yourself in me for the rest of the night and never look back.
You know, that used to be enough.
l'm what they told you to stay away from, huh? The cookie jar high on the shelf.
The person that's wrong for you.
But, see, that's why a girl like you wants a guy like me.
You're totally right.
And do you know what l just realized? l'm not that girl anymore.
Nick? Nick? Thank you, Nick Taylor.
Hey.
l've finished up the work on the car.
l found your tires on the side of the house.
All you needed were flats patched.
The treads were fine.
Thank you.
l fixed the car.
Wish l could do the same for your life.
-Pacey-- -l don't understand why you'd fall for such a self-centred jerk like Nick.
l know that you were a cheerleader and always had good grades and good behaviour and good boyfriends, and l can understand that you just got tired of being good all the time and people get tempted.
But why this guy? He's an ass.
l guess it's kind of my fault.
l pushed you.
No, this is not your fault.
Well, it is kinda my fault.
l wanted you to be with him.
l wanted you to be with somebody that l understood.
l wanted you to be with somebody who was maybe a little more like me.
-You are nothing like Nick.
-Well, regardless.
You deserve someone who's gonna listen to you and commit to you.
Someone who's going to make you the centre of their universe.
-You deserve somebody-- -Someone like Dawson? That's not what l said.
That's what you meant.
Nothing happened last night, Pacey.
lt almost did until.
Until l realized why l came here.
Well, didn't you come here to see Nick? No.
l came to say goodbye to Nick.
More importantly, goodbye to a part of myself that l've always struggled with.
And do you know where l got the strength to say goodbye? From you.
Starting from childhood, sisters look to their brothers for cues on how they should be treated.
And you're right.
l deserve so much better than Nick.
And my heart knows that because l have a brother who treats me so well.
So-- Wait, hold on a second.
Does this mean you also realize that you need better music? l have this Pink Floyd CD l think you'll love-- That's okay.
There's a certain CD mix that l wanna listen to.
Okay.
-See you at home.
-Yes.
See you back there.
Jack, do you believe in inevitability? You mean do l think l busted my shoulder because of fate? Yeah.
Do you ever wonder if you could've changed what happened? You have no idea how many times l have thought about that one.
What if l would have caught the ball differently? You know hit the ground differently, brushed my teeth longer arriving to practice two seconds later? -And the answer? -The answer is l don't know.
l'm sick of thinking about it.
Thinking about it is more debilitating than the injury.
Brooks is dying and he's actively pursuing a relationship with Grams who knows, but doesn't mind.
Well, maybe he finds strength in taking action, and maybe she finds comfort in her religion.
l mean, the arbitrary nature of life and love can be frightening.
Everybody has their own way of coping with it.
Even you.
What does that mean? Well, don't you think it's possible, what's driving this Tao of yours is nothing more than fear? l'm trying not to make the same mistakes l've made in the past.
Has it ever occurred to you, Dawson-san, that maybe they're not mistakes? Maybe this is where you're supposed to be at this moment in time.
With a girl that you wanted way before Joey Potter holding a letter that expresses exactly how you feel about her.
-Thought it was just a nightmare.
-Good morning to you too.
Did you actually sleep? l couldn't.
Someone was sawing some serious lumber.
l do not snore.
You could have laid waste to an entire national forest.
l'm surprised l could even sleep.
Are you aware of the 24-hour antiperspirant? What's that buzzing? What's what buzzing? There's something buzzing.
-Go back to sleep, you're dreaming.
-lt's in your pocket.
What is that? Hey, l'd like a dinner and a movie before we get to that.
You've had this in your pocket the whole time? Oh, yeah.
l forgot.
Hello? Yes, we're in the basement storage room.
You can talk to him when you get down here.
-What's left of him.
-We're saved! -You orchestrated this whole thing! -Why would l do that? Because you are a sick, twisted, pathological little pervert.
You think l'd go through this to have you sleep on my shoulder? How do l know what you did while l was sleeping? l resent that.
l was a complete gentleman.
l absolutely did not peek down your shirt at your eggshell-coloured 34C Maidenform wire-rimmed bra with the little cute little pink bow on the front clasp.
-Mother, thank God.
-My God! What have you done to my son? Ask him.
lt was all his doing.
You suggest that my son would rather be locked in a closet with you than spend the weekend with his father? l'll see you at school, Drue.
Dear Gretchen.
: I really enjoyed talking to you in your room today.
Try not to be nerv ous about starting high school.
I know you're gonna find people who understand you.
There's something that I didn't get a chance to tell you.
There's someone truly special in my life that I can't stop thinking about.
She's unlik e anyone I've ever met.
Smart and funny and beautiful.
Just knowing that she's in my life has given me this constant fluttering that k eeps me awak e at night.
When I think about who I can talk to about this the only person that comes to mind is you.
And that's a problem because you are the one that I feel this way about.
I think about you constantly, every little thing you do.
The Elvis Costello stick er you put in your spiral notebook.
The way your bangs have grown out for six months until Monday when you were finally able to put it all in a ponytail.
And today, when you invited me to stay and talk to you after Pacey left it occurred to me that you must think about me too.
If I tried to tell anyone else, they would say that you and I are impossible that our lives are too different, that we could never be right for each other.
But we understand each other, and we care about each other.
And years from now, I believe that we still will.
Your friend forever.
Love, Dawson.
What took you so long? l had a few things to do first.