chapter 1- Joey's change- Joey's p.o.v.

"I can't believe that tomarrow I leave" I said a sad smile
on my face.

"Jo, this is amazing. I can't believe you got in and on
scholarship too" Bessie smiled at her little sister " I am so
proud of you and mom would be too."

"Bess, I haven't told Dawson yet" a shocked silence
followed my statement. It had all happened so fast, but I
knew that was just an excuse. At the end of ninth grade
my teacher had come to me and told me that two
scholarships had opened up for Stratford Acadamy and
that they were taking applications from local kids. My
teacher had put my name in for consideration. I had
always wondered if my name had been put in because of
my fathers death. The same teacher had once asked me
what I would do now that I didn't have a living parent.
Not that the teacher morned my fathers passing. He had
been caught in police crossfire during a drug deal gone
bad. If I was honest it didn't really matter why my
teacher had put my name in I was excited all the
same.Stratford academy was an exclusive boarding
school in Vermont. Most people considered it to be the
best prep school on the east coast. I had been nervous
at the thought of leaving capeside, but I knew it would
help me get into the college of my choice.

When last may the princeipal had called me into his office
to tell me I hadn't been chosen it had broken my heart.
He went on to tell me that I had been their third chose
and had been accepted to the school. I just had not got
one of the two scholarships. I knew right away without
the scholarship I wasn't going. It came as a shock when
in late November I was called back into the principals
office. The principal this time told me that one of the
scholarships had not worked out. the school now wanted
to offer the scholarship to me. I accepted on the spot.
He went on to tell me that I needed to be ready on
January 2cd to start the next semester there.

"Joey, why haven't you told Dawson?" The question broke
into my thoughts.

A sad smile played on my lips as I answered." Well Bess,
first off Dawson has been to busy with his dim-witted
girlfriend to bother with me lately. Secondly I don't want
him to talk me out of it. This is an amazing oppotunity for
me. Dawson tends to only see Dawson. I know when I tell
him all he will see is that his best friend is leaving him,
instead of seeing how great this is for me. Anyway I
wrote him a letter expaining it all, I will mail it tomarrow
as we leave. It is not like it is forever, I will be back in
June for summer break."

I dared peek up at Bessie then to see her reaction. She
was nodding, an understanding look in her eyes.

"So Jo, I have a confession to make also." A smile played
on Bessies' freatures.

"Oh yeah, whats that?"

"Well I was cleaning out the attic yesterdayand I came
upon a box.."

"Wow bess, a box , that's amazing!" Sarcasm running
deep in my voice.

"Jo" Bessie sighed,"Let me finish. The box was full of
money. It must have been Dad's hidden stash or
whatever."

I looked at Bessie a half smile on my face." A box of
money huh, yeah right Bessie."

"Jo I am being serious, I thought about giving it to the
police. Evidence and all but then decided we probably
needed it more than them. So anyway I was thinking we
could go shopping. Buy you some fancy clothes for your
new fancy school. Any name brand that you want."

"Really!" I couldn't keep the excitement from my voice. I
had been more that a little worried about what all of the
rich kids would think of me. I mean we wore uniforms to
class each day but I knewthe weekend activites let you
wear your own clothes. Besides the school counsler had
said I would need formal dresses for some of the weekend
activites. Up to this point in my life I had NEVER needed
one of those. I guess I just wanted to blend in and be like
the rest of the kids.

"Can we drive into boston and go to the mall?"

"yeah," said bessie" that is pretty much what I had in
mind. I also thought that we could drive to vermont but
leave the truck in town and take a cab out to your
school."

Relief washed over me. Bessie had just washed away my
two biggest fears. I had been so afraid to voice them to
her, but I didn't have to she knew. I loved her so much
right then.

Chapter 2-Joey's Arrival- Joey's P.O.V.

Fear clouded my eyes as we pulled up in front of
Stratford Academy. It was HUGE! Made of dark stone it
looked like a modern day castle. It was beautiful. It
looked so grand set against the snow-covered mountains.
I looked around slowly taking in the frozen lake and
stables. The fear then came crashing down again. There
was no way I will ever fit into this postcard perfect world.

"Bess," I barely whispered

Understanding flashed in her eyes. "Jo… no one knows
you here. You can be just like the rest of the kids here,
no one knows your past unless you chose to tell him or
her. This isn't Capeside you are not the topic of all the
gossip. These people will see you for the bright, kind,
beautiful girl that you are."

Hearing Bessie's words I knew that they were true. That
was a huge part of the reason I wanted to go to this
school. I didn't want to be a different person; I just
wanted to be me. Just me, Joey, without all the pretext.
I slowly nodded at Bessie tears starting to fill my eyes.
What would I do without her? My sister, my confidante,
my friend, I love her so much.

"Well, let's get this show on the road." I smiled my brave
smile and noticed the cab driver had finished unloading
my bags.

Just then a beautiful blonde lady I had come to know
over the last month came walking down the stairs. She
shook hands with Bessie saying, " Hello, I am Tamara
Jacobs, I am the scholarship counselor for the school. Hi
Joey." She winked at me.

I had met her in person once before when the principal
told me I had been given a scholarship. I had also talked
to her on the phone almost weekly since then getting
everything worked out for my arrival.

" Well your room is all ready. You have a wonderful
roommate Joey. Her name is Jennifer Lindley. She is one
of the top students in your class. Lets get you up to your
room and settled." Tamara grabbed my largest suitcase
and started up the staircase. Just then a boy appeared
out of nowhere.

"Here, Miss Jacobs, let me help you with that." He
touched her hand a little to long and looked her right in
the eyes as he spoke to her.

"Not now Pacey." She mumbled under her breath. She
then cast us, Bessie and I, a weary look.

As if noticing us for the first time the boy turned his smile
to me. My breath caught for a moment as I looked upon
his boyishly handsome face. His deep blue eyes seemed
to see right into my soul. A confidant smile then filled his
face as he stuck out his hand to me.

" Pacey Witter, nice to meet you."

I nervously smoothed my dress blush creeping into my
cheeks as I gave him my hand. "Jo… Joey Potter."

"So you need help with these bags?" a smile played in his
eyes. "Just between you and me, any excuse I can find
to go to the girl's dorm I take."

I barely heard Miss Jacobs gasp as Bessie's laughter filled
the room.

"Yeah, I would have guessed that about you, we would
love your help." Bessie smiled and was rewarded with a
wink from the boy. He then turned his attention back to
me.

"So what year are you?"

"Sophomore", I managed. Trying not to stare at him I
kept just stealing side ways glances. He was so cute.

"Oh yeah me too. Where are you from?"

" Capeside "

" Where?"

"Oh, it is in Massachusetts, near Cape Cod."

"Really, we are practically neighbors then. I am from
Boston. So I take it you are here on scholarship."

"Why would you say that?" feeling a little nervous that he
could tell.

"Well, Miss Jacobs is here. She is the school counselor
but she pays special attention to the scholarship kids.
She wouldn't meet a regular student at the door. Miss
Jacobs came to this school on scholarship also. That is
why she takes such good care of us."

"Us?"

" Yeah, us, I am on scholarship too. My dad is a cop.
There is no way we could afford this place."

With all the easy small talk questions gone we walked in
silence. I felt a tension in the air and wondered if it was
coming from me. Yet every time I stole a glance at Miss
Jacobs she was staring at Pacey with a look I couldn't
explain. She caught me looking at her once and blushed
slightly and looked away.

After what seemed like forever we reached my room.

Chapter 3-Pacey's P O V - Unexpected

As we walked in silence, the weight of the two suitcases
in my hands, I thought over the day's events. I had met
with Tamara that morning, as a scholarship student I had
to meet with her weekly. Mostly to review my grades and
attendance, to verify that I as living up to my end of the
scholarship. I had gone a little early this morning, I guess
you could say I have a little crush on Miss Jacobs.
Anyway, I had entered her office without knocking. There
she was in the middle of changing clothes, I don't know
how long I stood there and stared before she noticed me.
It was her words that broke my trance.

"Pacey, get out!" her voice shrilled at me.

But I stood my ground. I knew I should leave, but I
couldn't make my feet move. So I just stood there staring
at her, She came in my direction with a look in her eye
telling me she was going to help me leave. The moment
she touched me I knew this was my chance. I grabbed
her arm and pulled her to me. I kissed her. Softly at first,
then with more feeling. I kept waiting for her to push me
away, tell me to leave, but it didn't happen. She kissed
me back. I can still taste her in my mouth. I think partially
because she was in a state of half-dress things
progressed.

She had let me make love to her. The thought still blows
my mind. It had been amazing. Her body curved in all the
right places. She had guided me, shown me just where to
touch, where to kiss. I wonder if she knew it had been
my first time? I didn't have the chance to ask. Someone
had seen us. I don't know who. Why didn't we lock the
office door? I remember lying with her in my arms, feeling
her soft skin, breathing her in and then came that awful
noise. Someone had gasped and shut the door quickly. I
looked down at Tamara and she was white as a ghost. I
tried to talk to her, but all she would say was leave.

"Leave now Pacey!" she had yelled. " I don't want you
here. I don't want you to lose your scholarship."

I should have stayed, I should have tried to comfort her.
Instead I dressed as quickly as I could and I ran.

I went out to the lake and breathed in the cold air.
Slowly I took deep breaths, until my heart rate returned
to normal. The coolness of the air seemed to clear my
head and I knew I had to find her and somehow fix
things. How could my first time be so great and so awful
all at the same time?

I headed back to school. I took the shortest route to her
office cutting through the main parlor. As I entered the
parlor I saw her struggling with a bag on the stairs.
Without thinking I ran to her side to help her. I tried to
take the suitcase away, in doing so I touched her hand. I
felt a heat pulsing through my body and so I let my hand
linger. When I looked at her I was surprised to see anger
in her eyes.

"Not now Pacey" she had hissed at me and cast her eyes
sideways. It was then that I noticed them. A girl and a
woman stood watching us. I took them in, well mostly the
girl she was gorgeous! Lots of dark brown hair fell around
her shoulders, and then there was this face. It was so
beautiful. The best part though was her eyes. I am not
sure what color they are, hazel I guess. What I remember
is the way she looked at me, as if she were reading my
every thought. She appeared so soft at first, but the
more I looked there was a fire in those eyes mixed with a
look of sadness.

I hoped she hadn't noticed my hesitation as I took her in.
I flashed my most charming smile and introduced myself.

She fidgeted a little and when she said her name her
voice was softer than I expected. All thoughts of Miss
Jacobs were gone. How had that happened? I had
nothing but fantasized about her for months. Then I had
her, and now all I could see was this girl. I noticed she
had two suitcases in her hands so I quickly came up with
something about liking the girl's dorms and offered to
help. It was then I heard Miss Jacobs gasp and
remembered her. The woman with Joey laughed loudly.
What caught me off guard was the look Tamara was
giving me, anger and jealousy all rolled into one.

The laughing woman said something to me, I didn't hear
so I just winked in response and decided to make small
talk with Joey. I realized at that moment that I had taken
the two smaller suitcases from Joey and left Tamara to
struggle up the stairs with the biggest one.

As I walked down the dorm hallway with Joey, it dawned
on me who she would be rooming with. When we stopped
in front of the door I smiled.

"So you're Jen's new roommate." I said

"Uh… yeah, I guess so," she said back avoiding my eyes.

I knocked and then opened the door calling out, "Hey
Lindley I brought you a new roommate."

Jen's head popped out of the closet blonde hair bouncing.
"Jeez Pace, wait for me to say it is okay to come in! I
could have been naked!" I shot a quick glance at Tamara;
she glared at me in response.

"More fun for me," I smiled. "Maybe that was what I was
hoping for."

I heard the hiss coming from Tamara but I chose to
ignore it. " So anyway," I stole a look at Joey. "Lindley -
Potter, Potter- Lindley." The two girls eyed each other
nervously. Jen then stepped forward and threw her arms
around Joey and welcomed her to their room.

Bessie and Tamara excused themselves to talk in the hall,
leaving the two girls and I alone in their room.

Sensing the tension in the room I quipped, "Now these
are odds I like. Me alone with two beautiful girls." I looked
up and saw the shock in Joey's eyes.

"So Joey, there are lots of great guys here. Pacey just
isn't one of them." Jen said laughing.

A spark light in Joey's eyes as she watched us banter.
She smiled wickedly and said, "So they don't all use such
obvious line?"

I feigned shock as I said, "Lines? What Lines? I only speak
the truth! It's not my fault God sent down two of his
most gorgeous angels to be here with me now."

"UUGGHH," both girls cried out together.

"Okay that was bad cheesy Pace." Jen said with a smile.

Before I had a chance to respond the door opened,
Tamara and Bessie were done with their talk. I excused
myself and headed back to the boys dorm.

Chapter 4- The date- Joey's P.O.V.

"Good morning sunshine." Jen's happy voice filled my
dreams.

"Uggh… is it really time to get up?"

"Oh yes Miss Potter up and at 'um"

I chose instead to roll over and cover my head with my
blankets. That was the second night in a row I hadn't
slept. The night before I had been too nervous to sleep
and then last night Jen kept me up all night. I had
actually learned a lot about her. Oddly enough, she kind
of knows Dawson. Turns out her Grandma is scary Mrs.
Ryan who lives next door to him. Jen even goes to
Capeside for a week every summer.

"Jen, it's a Saturday. Why are we getting up at 8:00
a.m.?"

"Well miss sleepyhead, the cafeteria quits serving
breakfast at 9:30, and I want to showoff my new
roomie!" A smile danced in her eyes as I groaned again.
"Saturdays are the funest days at the Academy. Besides,
you and I still have a lot of getting-to-know-you to do!"

"Why are Saturdays so fun?"

"Well, we don't have classes to start with, but more
importantly it is dinner and dance day."

"Dinner and dance day?" I questioned, knowing right away
I didn't like the sound of that.

"Yup, don't sound so excited. It's part of the prep school
experience." Her laughter filled the room. "We start out
with a formal dinner, where we are taught proper
etiquette and that's followed by a dance. It's to prepare
us for all those great company and charity events we are
going to attend when our 'fabulous' education pays off."

Hearing the sarcasm in her voice I replied, "oh joy."

"Yeah, the dinner is pretty lame. They always serve really
pretentious food with way to many forks. After 9:00 p.m.
the dance gets really fun. You know, once they quit
playing Mozart and making us waltz."

"Waltz? Jen, I don't know how to waltz." I could feel the
blush warming my cheeks. I knew I wouldn't fit in here. I
started to wonder again if I was going to make it at this
school.

Jen just smiled saying, "Well, I guess we better go to the
afternoon dance class."

"Dance class?" I heard my voice growing wearier.

"Yeah, they offer it every week, but I can explain this to
you later. I'm starving."

Breakfast was pretty uneventful. Jen introduced me to a
couple of girls from the dorm. I also found out why we
got up so early. Jen had plans to meet her boyfriend,
Jack McPhee, for breakfast. Jack seemed like a great guy,
very sweet. They couldn't seem to keep their hands off
of each other. They were constantly finding some little
way to touch each other.

After breakfast Jack and Jen gave me the official tour.
The school was more beautiful than I thought. Huge
grounds extended over the hill that the school sat upon.
To the north of the Academy sat Stratford Intermediate
School and to the south sat Stratford elementary school.
There were huge equestrian fields with the most amazing
horses I had ever seen. The lake was good sized and
frozen solid. There were all ready a few ice skaters
floating along the lake.

"Do you want to go ice skating?" Jen asked.

"Yeah, but I'm not really dressed for it." I smiled at Jen
and looked down at my khaki pants and t-shirt. I hugged
my coat tighter around me.

"Oh my God, you must be freezing! Let's go back inside, I
will give you the inside tour.

"As we wandered around inside I felt like I was in a
fairytale. The school had a large ballroom, and the library
had more books than I had ever seen. Hardwood floors
ran throughout the school, and the ceilings were so high
our voices would often echo off the walls.

"Well, that's about all the big stuff," Jen said as we came
to a corner. "These are the administration offices."

Turning the corner she ran right into Pacey. "Hey Pace,"
Jack spoke up. "This is Jen's new roommate Joey. Joey
this is my roommate Pacey."

"Uh yeah, we met yesterday" Pacey mumbled. I couldn't
help but notice how rumpled he looked. He was avoiding
looking at any of us. "So, what are you guys doing here?"

"We were just giving Joey the grand tour. Pacey, I am
really glad we ran into you. I need to ask a favor, well,
actually Joey does.

"I do, Jen?" I asked suspiciously.

"Uh, yeah, you need a partner for dance class today.

"No, I don't. Can't I just dance with Jack?" I asked
starting to feel embarrassed.

"Oh trying to move in on my man huh?" Jen asked with a
twinkle in her eyes.

"NO! No I…."

"I'm a man now, huh Jen?" Jack asked with so much
excitement that I forgot what I was saying and burst out
laughing.

"Of course I will escort the lovely Miss Potter," Pacey said
still seeming distracted. "What time should we meet?"

"What?!?" Jens voice bounced off the walls. "Pacey, you
guys have to come to the door and pick us up."

"Yeah, Pace, I can't believe you would think otherwise.
Jen, I just want you to know that being the 'man' that I
am, I was planning on coming to the door." Jack beamed
an adoring smile at Jen.

"Thank you Jack! You know Joey, we should probably get
going. We have to be beautiful by 5:00, and it's already
past three."

"Okay. Uh Pacey, thank you for going with me." Then
leaning close enough so only he could hear I whispered,
"If something comes up or you change your mind, I will
totally understand. No hard feelings."

The next couple of hours flew by. Jen knew so much more
than I did about clothes and makeup. By the time she
was done with me I almost didn't recognize myself. She
had put me in a black dress of hers. The dress had thick
black straps, a dipping neckline, and remained fitted all
the way to the floor with a high slit on the right side. Jen
had also turned my hair into a mess of curls, which she
then piled on my head, although she did allow a few to
fall free.

The knock sounding on my door startled me out of my
trance. I threw a nervous glance at Jen who smiled at me
reassuringly in return. "Joey, you look amazing. Now,
answer the door and see what your date thinks."

"Jen, he is not my date. He is just being nice."

"Whatever. Just open the door!"

Opening the door Jack smiled and moved passed me to
Jen's side. Turning back my eyes fell on Pacey. My breath
caught a little. He looked so great. He was dressed in a
dark gray suit with a white shirt and a deep red tie.
Raising my eyes to his face I noticed his eyes were wide
as he stared at me.

"Wow! You look amazing," he stated, repeating Jen's
words from moments ago. Feeling the blush rise to my
face I quickly dropped my eyes and looked away.

"Thanks. Jen can work magic." I mumbled as a response.

Smiling at me Pacey than looked over my shoulder. "Jen
you look beautiful as always. Are we ready to go?"

Chapter 5 - The Dance - Pacey's P.O.V

"Hey Jack, you ready to go?" I asked as I finished tying
my tie. "If I know your girlfriend, and I think I do, we
better not be late.

"Yeah Pacey, I am ready. Hey, I kind of have a favor to
ask of you. Do you think you can find somewhere else to
crash tonight?" Jack took a deep breath and rushed on.
"It's Saturday night you know, and with school starting
Monday and all the time I didn't see her over Christmas
break, I thought Jen and I could spend some time alone
tonight."

"Just tonight huh?" I watched the blush creep up Jack's
face. "It's going to end up being every Saturday just like
last term. Sure, no problem, you two stay off of my bed,
okay?" My thoughts immediately turned to Tamara. I
wonder if she would let me crash at her place? We had
spent the greatest morning together. She challenged me
in ways no one had before. She not only asked me
questions that really made me think, but she also really
listened to my answers. The sex was amazing too,
although I didn't have anything to compare it to, I
doubted anyone could compare to her. She always made
me go slow, showing me just where to touch. The only
bad part was the sneaking around. I thought this morning
I was in the clear until I turned that last corner right into
Jen, Jack and Joey.

It actually turned out to be a good thing. I'm known for
never going to these dances, and Jen asking me to take
Joey gave me an excuse to make an appearance. I know
Tamara is chaperoning tonight, and for the first time I
really want to go. I can't wait to see her again.

All thought stopped as I ran into Jack. " Pacey, where are
you going? We're here." Jack signaled to the girls' dorm
room.

"Oh," I smiled. "Guess I got lost in my thoughts.

"Oh yeah, thoughts of who?"

"Just knock okay?"

Jack raised his hand, knocking softly. I heard a soft
rustling and watched as the door swung open. There
stood a gorgeous Joey Potter. Looking at her I felt an
unfamiliar flutter in my belly. I couldn't be nervous, could
I? She looked so different tonight; there was a glow
about her. She looked confident.

Noticing Jack and Jen were ready to go, I offered my arm
to Joey. "Shall we go?" I was rewarded with a lopsided
smile as she took my arm.

"So, you can dance, right?"

"Why Miss Potter, I am wounded. Of course I can dance."

"Pace, you do know that I would go with you even if you
couldn't dance. At this point you are my only option."

I could see by Joey's eyes that she was joking. I am glad
she is not taking this too seriously, I feel kind of guilty
going with her just to see Tamara.

The night went by quickly. Dance lessons turned out to
be a lot of fun, mostly because Joey and I were so bad
we spent the whole time laughing at each other. Dinner
was pretentious, as usual. They served us duck or quail
or some kind of bird that no one would cook at home.

By the time we got to the actual dance I had forgotten
that I was there just to see Tamara. Joey and I had had
so much fun together. Looking around the ballroom I saw
Tamara in a short red dress, she looked great. I also
noticed that she was eyeing Joey with a look I didn't
recognize on her face. Excusing myself I made my way
over to Tammy.

"Hey Tamara." I flashed her my most charming Witter
smile.

"Ms. Jacobs, Pacey, we're in public. I see you're here with
Joey?" I could hear the forced aloofness in her voice.

"Uh yeah, she needed a partner for dance class, and
since my roommate dates her roommate, I got chosen."

"Oh." A genuine smile crossed Tammy's face for the first
time that evening.

"Speaking of roommates, mine wants the room to himself
tonight. I was thinking maybe I could stay with you. I
could pay you back in anyway you wanted." I wiggled an
eyebrow suggestively at her.

"Pacey!" she hissed. "WE ARE IN PUBLIC!! And no, you
can't stay with me! What are you thinking? You may not
realize this, but I like my job. I plan on keeping it."

"Oh and having me at your house is so much more
dangerous than having me in your office?" That was all I
could come up with in reply. The force in her voice had
surprised me.

"Pacey" I heard the anger in her voice as her eyes bored
holes into mine.

Feeling a hand touch my arm I turned around to see Joey
looking at me. "Hey, you want to dance one more time?
I'm getting tired. I'll probably be heading back to my room
in a minute."

"Sure Jo, I would love to." Taking her hand I led Joey
back to the dance floor. Without turning to look back I
could feel Tamara's eyes following us.

"So, things looked tense with you and Ms. Jacobs. Is
everything okay with your scholarship?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, everything's fine." Joey still had a
questioning look in her eyes. Since I didn't have an
answer to give her I just looked away. In shifting my eyes
from Joey they landed on Tamara who was now glaring at
me. Why was she so mad at me? I should be mad at her.
She basically just left me homeless for the night.

"So, you're tired Potter? If you're leaving there is really no
reason for me to stay. Do you mind if I walk you back to
your room?"

"I would like that."

During the walk to her room we spent a lot of time
getting to know each other. We talked about likes and
dislikes, our homes and friends. Joey seemed to avoid the
subject of family, only saying that her parents had died
and she lived with her sister. I figured that explained the
sadness I saw in her eyes. My family's not my favorite
subject either, so I let her steer the conversation back to
friends.

As we arrived at her room I decided honesty and charm
would be my best chance at securing a place to stay for
the night. "So Jo, how do you feel about sharing your
room in a purely non-sexual way with a guy friend?" I
asked hoping she wouldn't get angry like Tamara had. Her
response was defiantly not what I had expected as her
laughter filled the corridor. I looked at her questioningly
as I waited for her laughter to stop.

"Witter, you know my friend Dawson I told you about?"

I nodded slowly in response.

"Well, we have been doing that for as long as I can
remember. Why do you ask?"

"Jo, the thing is I am kind of homeless tonight. See, Jack
wants to be alone with Jen. Now Jo, I want you to
consider that it just as easily could have been you who
was left out in the cold. In which case I would have
offered you a place to stay."

After a long pause she answered. "Is that your whole
defense Pace? I think you can do better than that. Come
on now, be more convincing. What do I get in return?"
Joey's lopsided smile played on her face, and just for a
second I thought of offering her my undying love.

"Okay Potter, how about this. I will be your dance partner
whenever you need one: classes, actual dances,
whatever."

"Do you actually think that's a bribe?" her voice half-
joking half-serious. "Do you not realize how many of my
toes you totally smashed tonight?"

"Okay Potter, name your price."

Joey seemed to take forever thinking about it. I started

to regret almost instantly giving her a choice. Her answer
surprised me, in a good way.

"Okay, I want two things. First off, I want you to be my
friend, a real friend not because you have to, because
you want to. I need a friend here. Someone I can trust
and confide in. I know it sounds stupid because I don't
really know you, but I think that person could be you.
Don't get me wrong, I love Jen, she's great. I grew up a
tomboy though, and all of my really close friends have
always been guys." Joey paused there; she seemed to be
waiting for my response.

"I would love to be your friend Joey." I said smiling and
waiting for her second demand.

"Okay, good. Number two was contingent on number one.
See, I grew up in a very small town, where not only do I
know everyone, I know everything about everyone. So
number two, I want to know all about you. It's the only
way I really know how to be a friend. Now, I know this
will take some time, but it is what I want. So, is it worth
a night's stay?"

I didn't have a problem with her terms; however, her last
sentence got me thinking. " I agree with everything your
said, except it may not be just one night's stay. See,
once you get to know Jen and Jack better, you'll realize
this happens basically every Saturday night. I will make
you a deal though. Every time I stay here you can ask me
one question of your choice and I'll always answer
honestly. It'll be part of the getting-to-know-everything-
about-me clause in our relationship. What do you think?"

Joey's smile lit up her face. "Okay, it's a deal. Now, just
let me think up my question for the night." We both
moved into her room and I laid down on one of the beds
to wait. Joey came and laid right next to me resting her
head on my chest. There was something about this girl.
Every time she touches me I feel sparks and yet at the
same time I feel so comfortable with her, like I've known
her forever.

"Well," she finally spoke. "Let's start out with something
easy, nothing to personal. What's your favorite activity
outside of school, and why?"

"Sailing!" I answered without hesitation. I didn't get very
far into my why part of the answer, when I looked down I
noticed that my new 'best friend' was sound asleep.
Brushing her hair out of her face I caught myself
wondering why was it that I felt so comfortable here,
with her, like this? I don't know how long I watched her,
or how long it took me to fall asleep, but I can honestly
say that I've never slept sounder.

Chapter 6 - Partners - Joey's P.O.V.

The sun filtering through my windows woke me. It seemed
so much brighter than usual. Rolling to my side I looked
up at my clock: 10:00 am. I can't believe I slept this late.
Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I felt them come into
focus. I realized I was still in Jen's black dress and the
pillow I was so comfortable on was actually Pacey's
chest.

I studied him for a moment; he looked so peaceful, like a
little boy with a small smile playing on his lips. I wonder
what he dreams of? Waking up on him explained my
dreams. No matter what I had dreamt, he had been
there. It was probably the smell of his cologne. Not
wanting to be caught examining him I rolled softly out of
bed, grabbing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt I headed to
the shower.

Stepping back into my room after my shower I noticed my
bed was now empty. Looking around my eyes fell on a
note sitting on my desk:

Hey Jo,

Thanks for last night. I had lots of fun. Thank you for
the bed to crash in and, more importantly, the
friendship. I know you said you needed it, but the truth
is I need it too. When I was looking for some paper to
write this on I came across your class schedule, it looks
like we have every class together except 3rd period. If I
don't see you again today, I will see you on Monday.
Enjoy your last class free day. And thanks again.

Yours,

Pacey

P.S. Maybe we can make dance class a weekly thing. I
may be in need of a little improvement.

The note brought a smile to my face. It felt good that he
may need me just as I needed him. I had barely finished
reading it when Jen burst through the door.

"Hey Joey, sorry to leave you on your second night here!
I had some important business to attend to." A wicked
smile graced Jen's pretty face.

"That's okay Jen. I heard all about your Saturday night
rendezvous."

"What! Who told you? Was it Pacey? I can't believe him
spreading oh so true gossip like that. But anyway, I am
going to make it up to you. Today is roommate bonding
and fun day."

"Jack is okay going a whole day without you?"

"Yeah, it's no problem. I want us to be friends Joey, the
only way that is going to happen is if I ditch my man and
spend some quality time with you."

I know it sound girly and stupid, but I was really excited
to have Jen as a friend. It always bothered me that I
wasn't close to any girls back home. Dawson can be a
great friend, but there were defiantly things I couldn't
talk to him about. Jen and I spent the whole day together
talking. I found out that Jen had almost been sent to
Capeside to live. She had gone kind of wild in New York
and her parents were going to send her to live with her
grandma, but at the last minute they decided that she
might be too much for her 'grams' to handle. A friend of
her father's had pulled some strings and Jen had ended up
here. Here where Jen is excelling. She had met Jack her
first day here and they had been inseparable ever since.
Her grades were excellent and more importantly she is
really happy here. She didn't tell me details about her
past problems. I didn't ask. She respected the same
unwritten rule with me. We talked about what we wanted
to talk about and avoided the rest.

"Jen, I think I may like Pacey. Do you think that is weird,
I mean I just met the guy." I'd wanted to talk about it all
day. Finding a way to start the conversation had been
difficult. But when the words came out they were simple.

"Really? What is it that you like about him? Besides the
good looks and charm?

"Does there really have to be a 'besides that'?" I winked
at her. " I don't know. It's like there's this spark between
us. Do you know what I mean?"

"Of course! I feel that with Jack. I think it would be
great! You and Pacey, together I mean. The four of us
dating would be fun. Pacey is a tough one though. I've
watched girls flirt with him all year. He flirts back of
course, but he never lets it go any further. It is almost
like he's holding back for someone else. I got Jack to ask
him last term if he has a girl back home. He doesn't,
which just makes it all that much more confusing."

"Maybe he likes someone here and is just nervous to act
on it." I was baiting Jen to see if she knew anything.

"I thought of that too. I've watched him though. He
doesn't pay any special attention to anyone. Actually, my
old roommate, Hannah, was the person closest to him.
They were study partners. She was really homesick and
her grades suffered. Eventually she lost her scholarship
and got sent home. She seemed relived, even happy
about it."

"Well that explains how I got here. What do you mean by
study partners?"

"Well, Ms. Jacobs hates losing scholarship students, so
she set up a program where you are each assigned a
partner in your grade to work with. You'll have the same
study hall and as many classes together as possible.
Anyway, you really just help each other study. Any
problems you have with your schoolwork you go to your
study partner first. If they can't help you then you go to
the tutoring department."

"Oh, that sounds like a really good idea."

"It is unless you don't like your partner. You'll be spending
a lot of time with whoever your partner is."

"It will probably be Pacey, since he lost his partner and
he told me we have every class together except art."

"Sounds like Ms. Jacobs already has it set up. Oh, and
you wouldn't have art with Pacey. He's in drama with
me."

"That makes sense. He seems to enjoy entertaining
people." I said with a smile, remembering all the time I
had spent laughing with him last night.

Monday morning arrived and I was up and ready by 5:00
a.m. I could feel what would probably be described as
butterflies in my stomach, but damn if it didn't feel like a
flock of birds. Jen seemed to take forever to get going,
but soon she was ready to head down to breakfast. I had
just finished packing my backpack when the knock came
at the door.

"Hey Jo," Pacey smiled at me and my heart did a little flip
flop in response.

"Hey Witter, what are you doing here?"

"Well with that friendly beginning, I'm not sure." I
watched as he began to pout. I winked at him before I
reached up and hugged him. As I wrapped my arms
around him, I felt him go rigid for a second before he
relaxed and hugged me back. He gave great hugs. I
always hated hugging Dawson, he always rests his weight
against me and his arms just kind of hang around me.
Pacey's arms felt strong around me. It was almost like he
was lifting me softly of the floor without my feet ever
leaving the ground.

"Good morning Pace! It's so good to see you!" I gushed at
him. "So what are you doing here?" I let my voice return
to its normal weary tone.

"Well I figured we have every class together, I might as
well come and escort you. So you don't get lost and all"

"Oh is this a service project, an act of charity?"

Pacey smiled in response to my question. "Well that and
he," Pacey pointed around the side of the doorframe to
Jack, who I hadn't noticed before. "He is going through
some kind of withdrawal, going a whole day without Jen."

"Oh," I felt my heart drop, Jack had probably dragged
Pacey along. "Hey Jen, your boy-toy is here." I yelled into
our room, winking at Jack so he would know I was
kidding.

"So Potter, what do you say we leave them alone for a
minute." Pacey asked. Taking my hand, he pulled me
close and whispered, "Trust me, I've seen the reuniting
moment before."

Looking at the wicked glint in Pacey's eye, I quickly
grabbed my backpack and told Jen I would meet her in
the cafeteria, not that she was listening she looked
awfully busy. As we left my room I was surprised when
Pacey took my hand again. We walked all the way to the
main floor that way talking and laughing. As we entered
into the cafeteria I heard my name being called out.
Turning I saw Ms. Jacobs heading my way. I suddenly felt
Pacey drop my hand. I watched as he shoved his hands
in his pocket. Stranger still was the fact that his eyes,
which had been watching me so intently all morning,
suddenly glazed over and seemed to stare into space.

"Yes, Ms. Jacobs?"

"Oh Pacey, I'm glad you are here too. I have assigned
you two to be study partners. Pacey, during your study
hall today could you please explain the program to Ms.
Potter."

"Sure Ms. Jacobs, no problem."

"Great, thank you. Josephine I need you to come by my
office this afternoon also. As a scholarship student you'll
need to start having a weekly review with me. Today I
will just explain in more depth the school's expectations
of you." She nodded at me and walked away. I watched
as she left the room.

"So we're partners, huh?" smiling at Pacey.

"That we are Potter, that we are." I watched as the
warmth returned to Pacey's eyes. He then took my hand
back in his and led me to a table.

Chapter 7 - Time Alone - Joey's P.O.V.

A chill passed through my body causing me to shudder.
Feeling the warm spot next to me I snuggled further down
into it. In response I felt strong arms tighten around me.
Arms around me? What? Opening my eyes I let them drift
down Pacey's face. It was on of those moments that you
knew you had lived before.

Here I was again sleeping on Pacey's chest. This time I
had taken time the night before to change out of my
dress and into some P.J.'s. Last night after the dance we
had come back to my room just like the week before. I
had changed into some flannel shorts and a tank top.
Returning to my room I noticed Pacey had changed too,
or rather lost most of his clothing. He was lying on my
bed in just his boxers and wife-beater, oh and he still had
on his black dress socks.

"Come here Jo." He patted the bed next to him. I blushed
slightly as I moved to his side. He placed his arm across
my pillow so I could lay my head on his chest. "So what is
my question for the night?"

This time I didn't need time to think. "What do you want
to be when you grow up and why? And Pacey, I don't
want any stupid answer about male prostitution or owning
a strip club. I want the truth, honest and serious." I
looked at him until the glint in his eyes passed.

"I am thinking of becoming a doctor. I'll probably
specialize in pediatrics. I have always loved kids, and I
want a job where I can help people." He smiled softly at
me.

"Help people, huh? I think you're already good at that.
Look how many times you saved me this week." My first
week of school had gone by faster than I thought
possible. My classes were demanding and I spent the
majority of my time trying to catch up. The teachers
covered things at lightning speed compared to Capeside
High. Here you're expected to learn at the rate they're
teaching or catch up on your own time. Luckily for me, I
have Pacey. I just hope his grades don't suffer for all the
time he spent working with me this week.

"Potter, earth to Potter." His blue eyes twinkled at me
with a light that was uniquely his own.

"Yeah?"

"Have you been listening to me at all?"

"Yes! Yes, you said that you wanted to be a doctor, a
pediatrician."

"And after that?"

"Umm… I don't know, you may have lost me after that
with all your senseless babble."

"Excuse me, senseless babble? Oh, you are going to pay
for that!" I tried to jump up as quickly as I could, but he
was faster than me. Grabbing me around the waist he
rolled me underneath him and began to tickle me.

"Pace…stop it! I'm serious Pacey!" I shouted over and
over at him with the gulps of air I managed to catch.
Instead of stopping he grabbed my flailing arms and held
them both over my head with one of his hands. He than
proceeded to continue torturing me with his spare hand.
When did guys get so strong? In fourth grade I could
easily have beaten up anyone in my class, boy or girl.
Now here I am a few years later being held down with
one hand. It doesn't even look like it is taking any effort.
I could feel the tears filling my eyes from all the laughter.
As they began to fall Pacey took them to mean something
else.

"Jo, are you okay? Did I hurt you?" I could see the
concern in his eyes. Now the question is do I take
advantage of his concern? Or do I admit that the tears
are from laughing so hard? Turns out I did neither at that
moment. When I opened my eyes his face was hovering
over mine, so close I could feel his breath. He released
my hands and began to stroke my cheek, gently wiping
my tears away. His eyes locked on mine and then moved
slowly down to my mouth as he licked his own lips.
Wetting my own lips in response, I closed my eyes and
waited for the kiss. A second passed, then two. Instead
of feeling the touch of his lips I felt a chill as he removed
the warmth of his body from mine.

"Did I hurt you Jo?" His voice sounded huskier that I
remember.

"No Pacey. The tears were from laughing so hard." My
answer left in the form of a whisper. I finally opened my
eyes to see him laying next to me an intense look in his
eyes.

"Don't be uncomfortable okay, Potter. I didn't mean to
get so … so … physical with you." His eyes seemed to be
searching mine, for what I'm not sure.

"It's alright Pacey. You seem to forget that I grew up a
tomboy. I've pounded guys twice your size, Witter. I can
take care of myself. Trust me, if you had hurt me you
would know it." The tension seemed to leave his body and
the mischief returned to his eyes.

"So anyway, earlier, I asked what you wanted to do with
your life."

"Hmm good question Witter, did you come up with that
one all on your own?"

"Shut up Jo, no wait. Don't shut up. Just answer the
question."

"Well, I am actually torn on the subject Pacey. See, the
things that I love are art and literature. So career wise I
think I want to be an artist or a writer. Maybe a journalist
that travels all over the world covering major events.
Then I take time to look at my own life, do you know who
the most inspirational person in my life has been? It isn't
a journalist, or a famous painter or writer. It was my
mom. She was my everything. I know it isn't really
ambitious or politically correct or whatever, but more
than anything I want to be that to someone. I want to
have a family again. I want to be a full-time mom too, not
one whose kids spend more time with a babysitter than
with her. So see, the two goals have to fit together. My
career has to function in away that I can achieve both.
My mom was an artist. I think that is what makes me
want to do that. I loved posing for her paintings as a kid.
Or just sitting beside her and watching her capture our
world. Her paintings still hang all over our house. It is
almost like she left all of the things she considers
beautiful with me."

"You know we are totally opposite in this. My dad is a
cop; my brother is a cop too. Everyone expected me to
follow suit. That is a huge part of the reason I work so
hard at school, is so I don't have to be like them. I want
to be different, be my own person."

" Pace, maybe part of the difference is that you still have
him. I lost my mom so long ago. One of my biggest fears
is forgetting her. Doing things she loved makes me feel
close to her. Reading her favorite books, painting and I
imagine loving my child someday the same way she loved
me. It's like she is still with me. I'm a part of her and she
is a part of me, forever." I snuggled down into his chest
knowing I was done talking for the night. He seemed to
know it too as he said nothing. I felt him drawing small
circles on my back as I drifted off to sleep.

Letting my thoughts return to the present I noticed that
Pacey was now awake and watching me.

"Morning Jo."

"Hey Pacey, how did you sleep?"

"Really good actually. Do you know that I sleep better in
your bed than I do in my own? They probably give all of
the good mattresses to the girls."

"Or maybe my room is just lacking the stench that your
dorm room probably has."

"Josephine Potter, are you saying that I stink?" He faked
an offended look on his handsome face.

"You said it Pace, not me."

"Okay you are cold ice queen. And here I thought we had
bonded last night. I even had a surprise planned for
today."

"What, a surprise! What is it?"

"If I tell you it wouldn't be a surprise. Now would it?"

"Pacey, I hate surprises. I like to know everything right
now. I'm not exactly a patient person."

"Look Potter I will make you a deal. I'll go back to my
room, shower to remove this supposed odor from my body
and get dressed. You do the same here, and I'll meet you
in the main parlor in one hour. At that point I'll tell you
everything. I thought we could spend the day together.
Just the two of us having fun, no studying allowed."

"Like a date?" I asked the words escaping before I could
stop them. Pacey stopped dead in his tracks and turned
to look at me.

"More like two friends hanging out."

"Oh okay. What should I wear to our unknown location?" I
asked to change the subject.

"Warm clothes, jeans and sweater will work. Oh and don't
forget your coat, it is January you know."

"January, really? Your intellect astounds me sometimes
Pacey." I let the sarcasm drip of the words hoping to
ease the tension that still hung in the air from my earlier
assumption.

"Potter," he growled at me. "I'm trying to do something
nice here."

"Okay, okay Pacey, I'll see you in an hour." I stated,
disappearing into my bathroom. I am such a geek! How
could I have assumed it was a date? Him pulling away
from our almost kiss last night should've been clue enough
that he doesn't look at me that way. First Dawson now
Pacey, why am I constantly stuck in the friend category?
What is wrong with me?

Pacey's P.O.V.

I almost kissed her. I've never wanted anything so badly.
I spent all last night dreaming about what it would've
been like. What she would've tasted like. Would it have
gone any further than a kiss? It would have been great. I
know it would have. The chemistry between us was so
intense; I have never felt anything like it. I did the right
thing, pulling away. I know I did. I couldn't kiss her while
being involved with someone else. Joey deserves better
than that. When I kiss her…if…if I kiss her it'll be perfect.
There won't be anything standing in the way of me loving
her completely. That's what she deserves. I'm struggling,
as it is not giving myself to her. That kiss could've pushed
me over the edge. Made me face things I'm not ready for
yet.

"Who are you trying to convince, Witter?"

"What?" Jen asked. Looking up I hadn't realized I had
spoken out loud. Jen was standing in my dorm room door.

"Hey Lindly, taking off so soon?"

"I thought I'd go see if Joey wants to go into town and
grab some lunch with Jack and me. You can come too, if
you want."

"Uh actually, I already invited Joey to spend the day with
me."

"Doing what exactly?" Jen's eyes lit up.

"Well don't tell her, it's a surprise, but I am taking her
horseback riding up the trail. I'm getting us box lunches
from the cafeteria so we can stay and watch the
sunset."

"Oh a date huh? Sounds romantic."

"It's not a date! And it's not romantic just pretty, I
thought she would like to see it."

"I'll bet she thinks it's a date. Talk about your mixed
signals."

"No she doesn't Jen." I sighed in exasperation.

"How do you know she doesn't?" asked a very
suspiciously looking Jen.

" I told her it wasn't a date. Just two friends spending
time together."

"Why would you feel the need to vocalize that?" Jen's
eyes now narrowing on me.

"She asked." I answered sheepishly. Jen's look making me
feels guilty, for what I'm still not sure.

"Oh God, she must feel so stupid."

"Why would she feel stupid Jen?"

"Girls generally don't ask if it is a date unless they want it
to be a date Pacey! Guys are clueless. I'm going to check
on and see if she is alright." Even looking at the floor I
could feel Jen's heated glare. Hearing her walk away I
looked up to see Jack standing where Jen had been.

"So I guess you get some time alone with Jen, huh?" I
smiled at my roommate.

"So you're assuming Joey is still going with you even after
Jen gets through talking to her?"

"Of course she is going with me. She said she would."

"Pacey, I don't know if you know this about my girlfriend,
but generally speaking she hates men. Her opinion of us
as a species is very, very low. There are a select few of
us she allows to be a part of her life. Hell she even likes
some of us as individuals, now normally I would put you in
that category. The way she was looking at you when she
walked away though, well it would indicate that you had
slipped back into the general population. Trust me I've
received that look myself a few times. Jen can be pretty
persuasive when she wants to be. And if you haven't
noticed she has a very overprotective mother hen vibe to
her when it comes to Joey. She doesn't want to see her
get hurt, by anyone including you Pacey."

"Jack I would never hurt Joey."

"Intentionally."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Pacey, I would never hurt Jen either, but I do it all the
time. Half the time I don't even know what I have done.
Pacey, why don't you want this to be a 'date' with Joey?
I mean you want to spend time alone with her, in what
most people would consider a romantic setting."

"I… we're just friends that's all. I'm being very honest
with her Jack, specifically so she won't get hurt."

"Can I ask you a question Pacey?" The tone of his voice
made a knot appear in my stomach.

"Yeah Jack, go ahead."

"Are you gay? I mean it's okay if you are. It won't freak
me out or anything."

"GAY… me? Are you serious?" I watched as he nodded in
response. " I am NOT gay. I love women. Why would you
even ask that?"

"Well we could start with your less than stellar dating
history. Which is totally your own doing. I know there are
girls who would go out with you. The fact that we have
been here over six months and I've yet to see you try
anything with a girl. Or we could just focus on the fact
that Joey is gorgeous and totally into you, and is actually
the first girl you have shown any kind of interest in, and
you waste your time worrying that she might think you
are more than friends."

Frustrated I sat down putting my head in my hands. I
can't tell him about Tamara, and so I can't explain about
Joey. "Maybe Joey just isn't my type."

"Yeah I mean what's to like about her? She is pretty,
smart, kind and best of all she doesn't seem to realize
any those things. I mean who would want those
characteristics in a girl?"

"I don't know Jack. Maybe you should date her." I was
losing my patience with this conversation and I could feel
the sarcasm entering my voice.

"Pacey, I'm just trying to help you see what you have. I
mean how would you feel if someone else did try to date
her? I was watching you two at the dance last night, a
lot of guys were watching her. Doesn't that make you
nervous?"

Knowing inside that I didn't want to answer that question
I avoided. "Look Jack, I have to get going. Joey is
expecting me to meet her is 30 minutes and I still need to
shower."

"Okay Pace, I'm sorry for pushing, it's not my place. Just
be careful alright, not just for her for you too."

Arriving at the main parlor I looked around nervously,
wondering if Joey was even planning on coming. As she
walked down the stairs towards me I felt my heat skip a
beat. She looked great. Her jeans molded to her body,
and the green turtle necked sweater she wore hugged all
her curves.

"Hey Pacey, so where are we going?"

"Um… actually there has been a change of plans."

"What no horseback riding?"

"Jen told you huh?"

"Yeah I made her though I swear she put up a really good
fight. I think it sounds like fun. I even brought my sketch
pad." She smiled waving the notebook in front of me.

"Yeah well the sunsets from the trail are really pretty. But
you know I went in October, when it was a lot warmer. I
think it will be more fun if we wait a few months to go. I
promise I'll take you." I really hoped she believed me. The
truth is Jack's words had stuck with me. I had planned a
romantic date, unintentionally. I had planned on having a
picnic together along the way. I had planned on bringing
blankets to lie down on to enjoy the sunset. And I had
only reserved one horse, so she could ride with me. I
could feel the reaction in my body at the thought of
being that close to her for so long. I knew what it felt like
to have her in my arms. I had slept that was for the last
two Saturday nights. It's defiantly better this way.