Disclaimer:Characters property of Kevin Williamson & the WB. No copyright infringement intended. I love DC and I am only trying to fix the damage that PS and KW did to this wonderful show. This is my third fanfic
Summary: the main couple is Pacey & Andie with a few other characters thrown in. to keep it interesting. This takes seven years after the season finale. In that time there has been a lot of changes and I would hope for the good. Please feedback is always appreciated. I need to say a big thank you to Michael for helping me make this a better story.
Logan Airport, Boston:
Out of the corner of his eye he saw her she was standing across from him flipping through a magazine; her long blonde hair was swept up into a bun. She looked different from the last time he saw her, so professional in her corporate uniform of grey suit and black brief case. The last time they had been in the same room was six months ago at Dawson’s New Years Eve party in New York. He had to laugh to himself at the thought that she had been hardly professional at that party, remembering how her and Audrey had been greatly under the influence of the champagne. They became a little too friendly to a New York police officer in Times Square, which almost landed the group in jail. Sometimes he was surprised by how well this group of friends had managed to stay together throughout all the drama that life had brought them or what they had brought to each other
After a while he felt stupid for staring at her and wondered what was keeping him from going to say hello to her. Before he had a chance to call her name, a man swept her into a loving embrace and kissed her softly on the lips .He was caught off by this tender moment in front of him. Feeling a little uncomfortable, he decided to wait for the right time to say hello but before he had his chance he felt two arms warp around him from behind.
“Hey handsome did you miss me?” a sexy redhead purred in his ear.
“A man would have to be crazy to not miss you woman like you, Madison,” he purred back.
“Well, Mr. Witter I do believe you deserve a kiss for that.” pressing her lips to his.
“I see that life is treating you well Witter” he heard a familiar voice say.
He broke from Madison’s embrace to see Andie standing in front them “Life is always a little better when you’re around McPhee.” He enfolded her into giant bear hug squeeze her tightly to the point she could not breath.
“Andie?” a man’s voice said with unease.
“Oh, Kelly this Pacey Witter. Remember I told you about him.” she replied still in Pacey’s arms. As soon as he let her go, Kelly had his hand out to him.
“Hello, so you’re the Pacey I heard so much about “
“Don’t believe anything she said” as he shook Kelly‘s hand, “unless it is good then believe everything she says.”
She hit Pacey playfully “Pacey like I would say anything bad about you, well maybe just a little a bit.” She giggled.
“Same old McPhee.”
Kelly cell phones rang. “Hello. Yes Dr. Phipps”, he covered the phone, “excuse me honey, I need to take this. It will only take a minute.” he kissed her on the cheek. Pacey noticed that they were just more than friends.
Andie smiled politely “No problem hun.” She turned to Pacey “Thank god I have you to keep me company. If he’s talking to Dr.Phipps he will be on that phone forever.”
Madison didn‘t wait for Pacey to introduced her “Hi, Andie, I am Madison Hansen, Pacey’s Agent.” She shook Andie’s hand.
“Hello Madison”, she looked at Pacey and then back to Madison “wait…did you just say agent?”
“Yeah, I did” Pacey had a sly grin on his face.
“Pacey, you did it; you got your cook book published. Last time I talked to you, you were still trying iron out the details".
Pacey unzipped his bag and pulled out a copy. “Let’s say those details have been ironed out and you’re now looking at a best seller on the New York Times list” he handed Andie the book
“It’s wonderful Pacey.” she turned it over “And such a great picture of you on the back “she handed the book back to him.
“No, you keep it Andie.”
“I couldn’t take it, I mean, it’s only right that I buy one for myself. You worked so hard on it and it would feel wrong if I didn‘t pay for your hard work.”
“Well, I think my bank account will be fine. Look at it as if one of the perks of knowing the author.”
“Thank you, I can’t wait to go back to Minnesota and brag to all the doctors about you. Not like I didn’t before. ”
He gave her a warm smile “It’s nice to know you never gave up on me.”
“You never gave me reason to give up on you Pace, well maybe that one time.” She returned the smile.
“So what are you doing in Boston, Jack didn’t tell me you were coming for a visit?
“Yeah, it was a kind of spur the moment thing. The clinic picked me at the last minute to attend this medical conference in Boston. Anyway, it was a good excuse to visit my family. I haven’t seen them since I moved to Minnesota.
“I hope you were also coming to visit me. The last time I saw you it was at Dawson’s New Years Eve party".
“Don’t remind me. I haven’t drunk a drop of alcohol since that night.” She giggled remembering that party. “Can you believe that Audrey and I were trying to pick up that police officer? We almost got arrested for prostitution. Just think how that would have affected my medical career” she laughed
Madison broke in “I’m sorry to interrupt this little reunion you two are having”, she looked at her watch “but the plane to Chicago will be boarding soon Pacey and we still need to go over the press schedule.” A cell phone rang. It was Madison’s. She answered the phone while moving away from Pacey and Andie but kept close enough to listen in on what they are saying.
“How blonde of me not to ask why you’re hanging out in the airport .I guess I was too happy to see you again.”
“No, it’s okay I have these blonde moments to which is funny since I am not a blonde.”
“That makes the two of us.” Andie responded attempting to poke fun at herself.
“How long are you in town Andie?
“The conference finishes on Friday and then we’re spending Saturday with Jack and flying back out Sunday morning.”
“Well, I think I come back on Friday night or maybe Saturday. I could come spend the day with you guys I haven‘t seen Amy in couple weeks. I know I owe her a date to the movies. “
Madison walked over to Pacey and handed him the phone. “Pacey, it’s the restaurant; the truffles didn’t come in for tonight’s banquet.”
“Hi, Matt, I knew I should gone with Willie but Joe promised me he could get them delivered today.” Pacey sighed heavily. “Hey Matt can you get me Joe’s number? I’ll call him myself and put the fear of God into him". As he ended the call he looked over to Andie. “So, what about my idea for Saturday. Does that sound good? “
“That would be great Pace,” she looked over in Madison’s direction. ”I’d like to catch up on who you been doing…“she caught herself, “I mean…what you been doing these last six months".
“I’ll make sure to bring those brownies on Saturday you like so much” he turned his attention back to the phone “yes Matt …”
“Was Pacey just talking about get together with you on Saturday? Asked Madison in a suspicious tone. “
Andie nodded her head.
Madison flipped open her date book. “Let me see, oh no. Pacey is booked out on Saturday. He has lunch with Boston Food Magazine from eleven to one, followed by a book signing at Barnes and Noble on Beacon from 2 to 4 and at 7 he is meeting with the publisher for dinner to talk about his next cook book. She made a poor attempt to sound sympathetic to this woman Pacey so obviously had feelings for. “I’m so sorry Andie, it seems that Pacey isn’t free until Sunday but if I heard you right, you’re flying out that morning .If you could gave Pacey a heads up that you were Boston this week I could have pencilled you in. It’s just too bad that two old friends with your history can‘t get together to talk about the good old days. ” Madison flashed Andie her best fake smile. Andie could only return same smile back.
“Another disaster averted I like think because my charm but the truth be told it’s nice to have one the best lawyers on retainer.“ Pacey smiled at Andie.
“I’m glad it worked out for you Pacey.” Andie dropped her head “But as for Saturday your agent has just informed me that you have a full schedule that day.”
“Are you serious? God Andie, I’m sorry, I had no clue how busy she has me.”
“Really, it’s no problem. We’ll catch up another time. You still have my phone number and my email address.”
“I am sure Madison has in that date book of hers.”
“I am sure she does.” Andie said sarcastically.
Kelly, obviously frustrated snapped his phone shut. “I am sorry honey, that took so long but you know how Dr.Phipps gets when starts talking about lymphoid.”
“Don’t worry I understand, He just nervous about your speech tomorrow. “
A voice came over the loudspeaker “Flight 367 leaving for Chicago is now boarding rows one through six.”
‘That’s us!” Madison tugged on Pacey’s arm.
“It was nice to meet you Kelly” Pacey shakes his hand.
“I hope next time we meet I don’t have the phone attached to my ear the entire time.” Kelly joked, but just then his phone rang again. “Sorry” he said in an apologetic tone.
Pacey chuckled “Don’t worry it happens to the best of us “
“Pacey, we really need to get going” Madison demanded
“You’re going to miss your plane.”
“Right now I don’t think that would be such a bad thing.”
“Well, I do. So Mr. Witter, get your butt on that plane. I’ll be back for Thanksgiving and if you have a book signing in Minneapolis I’ll be the first in line". She tapped on his chest.
“You promise.” He clearly meant it.
“This is one promise I know I can keep.” she hugged him tight and kissed his cheek.
“Pacey” Madison stomps her foot her impatience growing by the minute.
“Bye Witter, “
“See ya McPhee”
--------------
She couldn’t believe how much she had missed Capeside. This small little town had way of getting in to your blood. No matter where she was in the world she could hear it calling her. Even though she only spent a short period of her life there she still considered Capeside her home. She was delighted when Jack decided to come back to Capeside and teach. She found it reassuring that one the McPhee family had finally laid down some roots. She wondered if she would ever have that chance also, to have a life with a family, a home and special someone at her side. She glanced over to Kelly. He had been on the phone most of the day talking to Dr. Phipps. This was the first time that she gotten a good look at Kelly outside of work. Most of their dates consisted of grabbing a quick bite to eat at the café down the street. Most of their time was spent in the clinic’s labs for twelve hours a day, six days a week conducting their research. The only thing they had in common was a shared goal to find a cure for leukaemia.Other than that she had no clue to what else they possibly could share an interest in.
Oh Andie you think too much she thought to herself, refocusing her thoughts back to the view in front of her.
“Checking out the local scenery I see.” Jack’s voice rescued her from her musing.
“I can’t believe how much has changed even in the six months I been gone.”
He slid next to her on the garden swing. “Yeah, the sleepy town of Capeside is finally catching up with outside world. And I welcome the change. You never can have enough Taco Bells in one town.” he joked with her.
“I had so much fun watching Amy this morning at her softball game. I never knew she could hit a ball that far. She doesn’t hit like a girl”
“I think Doug and I have another Mark Maguire or Sammy Sosa on our hands. Except that she’s a girl but she will give them a run for their money someday. “
“I’m sure she will, she’s got a lot of Jen in her" Andie noticed his sad look. “I’m sorry Jack. I forget that even after all this time how hard it is for you still.” She gently took his hand.
“As much as I miss her, talking about her is the only way for Amy to know her mom. So don‘t be afraid to talk about Jen, okay” he squeezed her hand lightly.
Andie placed her head on Jack’s shoulder. “Knowing Jen she’s probably laughing at us now, wondering why were making such a big deal out all of this.”
“Knowing Jen, she’d wondering what to do with a guy like Kelly?”
She lifted her head off Jack’s shoulder. “What’s wrong with Kelly?”
“For one your new boyfriend spends a lot time on that phone of his.”
“He has to keep in touch with other researchers. You have no idea how much chaos the clinic is in with both of us away at the same time".
“I don’t have a problem with him keeping in touch with your colleagues, but his phone must have rang six times during lunch.”
“So, he’s a little career oriented.”
“A “little” is putting lightly Andie. It’s not that I don’t think Kelly not a nice guy, he’s just not the guy for you.”
“Come on Jack I didn’t come to visit for you rag on my current boyfriend .You’ve known him for what, four hours? And you’ve already decided he’s not the right guy for me just because he talks on the phone too much. ”
“You’re right I haven’t known him for long but in that short time I spent with you and him I haven’t seen it.”
“Seen what?’
“That spark.”
She gave him a strange look.
“You know, that spark two people give off when they’re together otherwise known as chemistry".
“Some call it BS!”
“What ever they call it Andie, I just want you keep a open mind .We both know that life is too short and as a big brother that loves you, I don’t want you to waste a single second on earth with the wrong guy.. That’s all I am trying to say.”
She didn’t say anything to him at first, she was caught off guard by this whole conversation, but what scared her the most was she knew he was right. Kelly and she didn’t have that spark but she wondered if she could be happy without that spark.
”Jack, I know your doing the brotherly thing by looking out for me but you have to quit worrying about your old spinster sister of yours. I already plan to be married to a least three different men and have at least two children with each of them before you die". She gave him a mischievous smile.
“Well, to tell you the truth I really I don’t care who you marry, I am strictly in it for the nieces and nephews. “ He tried to keep a straight face.
Andie pretended to be shocked and crossed her arms. “Now the truth comes out. “ They both bust out laughing.
“Andie?" Kelly walked up the two siblings laughing on the swing. “You’re not going believe this.”
“Believe what?” she turned to face him.
“I have to go back to Minneapolis this afternoon.”
“This afternoon?”
Jack figured this was a good time to make a discrete exit. “Excuse me guys I think I hear the phone ringing“
“I’m sorry Andie I had no idea.’
“Couldn’t this wait until tomorrow? I mean it is only one day” she pouted
“You know better than me what one day means in lab research.”
‘Then I’ll come back early too.”
“No, I couldn’t ask you to leave now. This the first time you’ve seen your family in months and I’m not going to short change you on the visit.” He placed his arms around her waist.” I have a plan tomorrow after I pick you up from the airport; we’ll go to Johnny’s for nice romantic dinner. Just the two of us. What do you say? “
“Only on one condition “
“And that is?”
“The cell phone stays off.”
“Andie, I need to be constant contact with the lab. You know.” he watched a frown appear on her face. “You’re right. Okay I’ll leave my cell phone off for the duration for the dinner but after that I can‘t promise. “
“Well, it’s a start.”
He leant in to kiss her on the lips but abruptly stopped when he saw the time on his watch. “God, I didn’t know it was one-thirty, my flight leaves a three. That doesn’t give us much time to drive back to Boston.”
Andie led him back to the house. “Come on, we’d better get you packed. And to show what kind of gal I am, I’ll even drive you to the airport. “
Barnes and Nobles Beacon Street, Boston:
After almost two hours Pacey was still smiling politely at everyone that placed his book in front him to sign. He had taken numerous pictures, shaken the hand of countless people and occasionally to his delight, he got a few phone numbers from some very attractive women. Under Madison’s watchful eye those phone numbers quickly ended crumpled up in the trash. At last, it appeared that the book signing was coming to an end as there were only two people waiting to meet him. He felt relieved. His hand had gone numb over an hour ago, and if he had to smile one more time he thought his face would crumple.
Madison whispered in his ear “After this last lady, we need to go back to your place, the lawyer wants you to sign off on the changes they have made to your new contract and then you ... “
“And next sentence better be I get a nap because all work and no nap makes Pacey a crappy boy.”
“I know something else beside a nap that will make you a little less crappy.” she winked at him.
He grins “That’ll work too.”
A women in her mid sixties set down the last book in front of him while giving him a gracious smile and thanking him for his signature.
“Thank you for coming.” he waved to her as she left. Feeling released from this chore, he stood up and stretched, trying to rid himself of the stiffness from sitting in an uncomfortable chair. Catching Madison in his arms he drew her near. “You know Madison, I was thinking that maybe we could put off going over the contract and go straight to your idea.”
“Mr. Witter, I like your way of thinking.” She was about to kiss him when her cell phone rang.
“No, no” he rested his head on her shoulder.
“Just hold that thought for one second.” she put her finger to his chin “Hello Madison Hansen speaking, yes the reception is bad here let me let me find a better place to talk.”
Pacey sensed someone behind him. “I hope I’m not too late for the signing” said a familiar voice from the airport.
He turned to greet her. “You’d promised me you would be first in line.”
“This doesn’t count. This isn’t Minneapolis Pacey.” she replied with smile. “You owe me anyway. How could you give me a book and not sign it?”
“Well that’s one correction I’d be happy to fix. “ He started to write. “So, little darling, who should I make this out to" he joked.
“I see how easily I’m forgotten.”
He paused looking up at her “Andie, out of all the women in my life, you’d be the last woman I could forget.”
“I always hoped you felt that way.”
“It’s true.” he slid the book back to her.
She picked it up and read the inscription out loud “To Andie, the woman who opened up a whole new world for me. Somehow, thankyou just doesn’t seem enough. Love Pacey. “She closed the book pulling it close to her heart. “Thanks Pacey.”
“Say Pacey, we should get going. In less in three hours we have to meet Mr. Bailey for dinner to talk about your new book.” Madison had ended her call and now tried deliberately to end the soft-hearted moment shared between two old friends and get Pacey back focusing on her.
“Madison you remember Andie.’
The smile on Madison face disappeared. “Oh yes, it seems like your name came up a few times over the last few days". She secured her arm around Pacey’s.
“Really”
“Don’t let your ego get inflated McPhee, it wasn’t all good” he said in jest.
“Well, I know you’re busy Pacey, but I thought I’d stop by on my way back from the airport.”
“Airport?”
“Yeah. Kelly needed to go back early. Don’t ask me what it’s about, even I couldn’t understand the medical jargon he was throwing around .We both decide There was no reason for me to go with him, so I am leaving tomorrow morning like we originally planed. “
Pacey’s face lit up. “You know Andie; I’ve a couple of hours to kill before my next appointment. If you’re not in a big hurry to get back to Jack’s we could go get some coffee? It would give us a chance to catch up.”
“I guess I could spare a few precious hours of my time for a famous author. She laughed.” Are you sure we're not going to be trampled by all your adoring fans?”
“Unless they’re in motorised wheel chairs, I think we’ll be safe. “
“Pacey!” Madison interjected, “we still have to go over your contract’ If Andie didn’t know better, she would think that Madison was being downright hostile.
“When does the lawyer want it?” he asked
“Well, Monday but still…”
“Then it can wait until tomorrow.”
“But Pacey.” She was now pleading but Pacey ignored her.
“Then I’ll see you at seven Madison.” Pacey put his arm out for Andie.” Shall we go? “
“Yes let’s.” She put her arm through his. “Pacey, instead of coffee I have better idea.” she grinned. The doors closed behind them with Madison still strongly objecting to his leaving.
--------------
Ice-cream shop
“I’m done. If I eat one more bite I’m going to burst“. Pacey pushed the half eaten dish of ice cream away. Still hungry, Andie gladly took his dish and started eating what was left.
“Woman, where do you put it all? “He looked her over.
She only smiled and continued to eat.
Pacey’s cell phone rang. He checked to see who it was and then set it back on the table.
“Madison again?” Andie rolled her eyes.
“Yes” he replied with a shrug of the shoulders.
“Boy, she sure has you on short leash.”
“She’s just looking out for my interests. She makes sure I don’t get side tracked. You know how I am if I’m left to my own devices. ”
A disappointed look swept over Andie’s face. Pacey noticed and asked what was wrong.
“Nothing” she stops eating, letting the spoon rest in the bowl and quickly changed the subject. ”So Jack told me you were thinking about opening a third restaurant in Boston?”
“Possibly. Right now it’s an idea running through my head, I’ve been too busy managing the other two restaurants and promoting the book lately. I am not sure if I have the time or energy to open another restaurant. But I like to give it a shot. “
Andie couldn’t believe that man sitting in front of her was the same boy that thought he would be loser all his life. “I’m glad you’re happy Pace, I always knew your future held great things for you.”
“And for you too McPhee, even back in high school I knew you would become some one important .I never doubted that for a second”
“I wish I could agree with you. I can’t say I did have my doubts especially when I was up for 3 days straight when I was an intern.”
“That’s understandable you should see me if I don’t get my full eight hours. It’s not pretty. “
“I think you seem to forgot that time in LA when we went to that club with Audrey and danced until five am.“
“Yeah. That was the same day we were extras in Dawson’s movie right? Didn’t we have to re shoot that scene a few times? “
“Only because certain someone kept missing his mark.”
“I can’t help it I didn’t hear Dawson say action".
The waitress left the check on the table. They both said their thanks.
Andie grabbed the check first and started to dig in her purse to pay “You mean it had nothing to do with you falling asleep?"
Pacey took the check away from her “No Miss. Smarty-Pants, it had nothing to do with me falling asleep.”
“Really? So why were your eyes closed when I found you?”
“I was in deep mediation trying to find my motive for the scene.”
“Pacey all you had to do was walk across the street. “
“I’m sorry that you can’t handle the fact that I take being an extra seriously.”
Andie was speechless and could only laugh at his comment
Pacey handed the check and money to the waitress. “Thankyou, come again she smiled and thanked them both.
Boardwalk on the harbour
As boat full of tourists sailed by with lights strung along the deck, Frank Sinatra’s voice singing “fly me to the moon” floated off the water to where Andie and Pacey stood.
“I love this song.” Andie started humming the song to herself.
“Who could not love this song it’s a classic.” he watched Andie for a while.
”You know, I forgot how much fun we had in LA, that trip was just what I needed and it made me forget about the divorce for a short time. “Pacey started to fidget with the antenna on his phone “I don’t think I ever thanked you for being there for me during that difficult time".
“That’s what’s friends are for Pacey, I just wished it could have turned out better for the both of you.”
“Me too. But Joey and I had a good run almost five years".
Andie nodded her head, afraid to say anything that might upset him.
“The funny thing is now when I look back on relationship with Joey, I understand why we didn’t last. The signs were right there in front of me but I either was too dumb or I just didn’t want to see them. “
“I think all of us can look back at any relationship and see signs for why it didn‘t work out. Look at our relationship Pacey. “
Pacey looked at her curiously. "I was under the assumption the reason why we didn’t work out was because that mishap you had at the hospital.”
“Well I would call that mishap a pretty big sign for why our relationship didn’t work out.”
Pacey thought carefully about what he was going to say.” I have to tell you that I have always wondered if that mishap never happened if we would still be together.”
Andie looked out to the harbour and watched the boats bounce up down on the water “I’m not sure, it was so long ago. Maybe other things beside that would of broke us up like which college we both would end up at or the fact we would drove each other crazy.” she joked, bringing her attention back to Pacey “ I can’t lie to you Pacey, I have thought about the same thing over the years. But I believe everything happens for a reason. We were meant to break up, you were meant to fall in love with Joey and I guess now were meant to be friends".
“But think all of the chaos we all could have avoided.”
Andie placed her hand over his and clasped it gently “We can’t spend rest of lives looking back and wondering what if. We can only learn from our mistakes, pray that we smart enough to understand the lesson we’ve been taught and move forward.”
He looked down to Andie’s hand. “I see you haven’t lost your touch when comes to saying the right thing at the right time. “He grinned at her
“What can I say it’s one of my many talents.” She smiles back
“One of many, I think someone’s been holding out on me.” he playfully tugged a thumb.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She pulls her hand away giving a devilish smile
Pacey’s voice became soft “I wished I had the time to find out.” he leant over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His finger slightly grazed her cheek she caught his hand before it left her face. “I wished you had to.”
Just then Pacey cellphone rang again. Groaning, he took it out of his pocket. “Damn, I swear that cell phones were made to torture mankind for being to smart for their own good. “He gave it a quick look. “It’s Madison, I’d better answer this. Hello Madison“
Andie was relieved as she wasn’t sure what would have happened next if that call hadn’t come, now was not the time to let unrequited feelings show.
“I’m sorry I had no clue what time it was,” he stops to look at his watch. “Yes, I grab a cab and leave right now. I should make it just in time; Okay all right goodbye “he closed his phone. “I’m sorry Andie, I need to leave. I have that dinner in 20 minutes with the publisher.”
“No, no don’t worry about me Pacey, I understand “
Pacey lead her to her car.” You could always come with me if you like, I’m sure my publisher would love to meet you and who knows, maybe you could get a book deal out of it.”
Andie laughs, “No thanks, I have no aspirations to become an author. Anyway, I told Jack I’d be back ages ago. He is probably worried sick and I promised Amy we’d have a slumber party.”
“Well that settles it. Amy's slumber party is ten times more important than my stuffy old business dinner.” he opened the door for her.
“I guess this is goodbye again “she said sadly, not wanting to look directly into his eyes.
“For now at least“. He kissed her lightly on the forehead and pulled back to look at her. "Bye McPhee.”
“Bye Witter,” she sits down in the car and watches him shut the door. As she drove away she glanced at her rear view mirror, seeing Pacey waving good bye.
As Andie’s car disappeared from sight, Pace thought that there was something to familiar with this scene; a sad reminder of the past. He couldn’t change the past but she made him feel he had a chance to change the future.
--------------
Andie’s apartment - three weeks later
Audrey poked her head out the bathroom with her wet hair warped in a towel. "Andie sweetie” she called out. On hearing noise from the kitchen Audrey decided to head in that direction to come across Andie busy cooking.
“I see you still haven’t talked to the landlord since my last visit.” She hopped on stool next to Andie who was fixated on cutting up carrots. “The water pressure sucks, if you wanted me come visit you again you’re going to need to fix it.” She swiped a carrot from the cutting board and happily started chopping way.
Andie tipped the sliced carrots in the giant pot on the stove and gave it a couple of stirs, and placed the lid on top. ”There, now it needs to cook for about 45 minutes then we’re in business. “ She said to herself and turned to Audrey. “What do I need to tell the landlord again?’
“Geeez, woman, what’s wrong with you today, I had to repeat everything twice.” She hopped off the stool.
“Sorry Audrey. I didn’t mean to ignore you all day. I hope you know how much I cherish these visits of yours. “
“Oh sweetie, I was just giving you a hard time, I love to coming to see you too,” and she gave her a quick hug,” and doesn’t hurt that you live near the largest mall in the country.” she joked.
“I think I have everything under control in here “Andie scanned the kitchen and noticed the case of warm pop still sitting out. “Damn, I forgot to put these in the fridge last night “
Behind her Audrey lifted lid off the pot. “Ooh, what’s this? It smells good.”
“Chicken noodle soup, it‘s Pacey’s favorite, “Andie paused for moment and then sadly said,”well, it used to be his favorite.”Andie finished putting the last pop can in the fridge.”Pacey told me over the phone that he thought he was starting to get sick, which only makes sense from all the running around he has been doing with his book.”
Audrey nodded, “I agree that boy has been like the energizer bunny lately.”
Andie laughed at Audrey’s comparison. “After he told me that it reminded me of the old days. Whenever Pacey got sick I would make a big pot of chicken noodle soup. He said it always made him feel better.”
Audrey crossed her arms and in a grumpy tone said “Well, don’t I feel like such a crappy ex- girlfriend right now. I never made him soup when he was sick, hell only thing I ever cooked for him was piece of toast, and I didn’t even bother to butter for him. “
Andie patted Audrey’s arm. “Audrey, I’m sure you were a great girlfriend.”
She shook her head. “I used to think that but the more I hear about you and Pacey, and all the little things you did for each other. I see my name dropping down to number three on Pacey ex’s list.”
“Oh Audrey, I wouldn’t worry about it.” Andie told Audrey as she walked into the bedroom.
“I’m sure Pacey doesn’t keep a list of all his ex-girlfriends rating them from 1 to 10” she said to Audrey as she came into the bedroom while she focused on straightening out the bed.
“Are you kidding? Everyone has an ex’s list Andie." Audrey moved to help her. ” Of course I haven‘t added to my list in long time” she sighed happily.
“Uh huh, yeah it must be rough being in love and married to one of the hottest and richest music producers in the world. “ Andie mocked.
“Oh shut up”, Audrey blushed, “you’re just jealous” and she threw a pillow in Andie’s direction.
Andie placed her hands on her hips and tired to adopt a serious look. “So, if you’re third and I’m second who’s first?
“Who do you think? “Audrey rolled her eyes.
They both said in unison “Joey!” and they both laughed and sit down on the just made bed.
Their laughter faded away after few moments and then a serious look came to Audrey’s face. “She didn’t deserve him. I mean…Joey’s my best friend and all,” she looked over to Andie, “no offence, but you come in second right behind her.”
“I understand.” Andie leant back on the pillow
“But I never though it was fair to Pacey that Joey was still hung up on Dawson and so he had to share her. I never told anybody this before Andie and definitely not Joey even after the divorce. I remember standing next to her at the altar and when the minister asked if anyone objected to this union for a second I thought of yelling out hell yes, I object”
Andie tried to look away so Audrey couldn’t read her eyes but it was too late, Audrey knew exactly what Andie felt.
‘You felt the same way didn’t you?”She reached out to Andie’s hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.
“Only because of my own pure selfishness." Andie felt uncomfortable admitting this to herself and Audrey. “But I was wrong to feel that way.”
“Maybe you weren’t, because what you felt and what I felt in reality became true. I think in the end in Pacey’s heart of hearts he always felt a constant part of the Dawson-Joey-Pacey triangle and I don’t think he had the energy to keep his insecurities at bay. Joey had to have known that and I’ll never understand why she left him for Dawson yet again."
“Well it doesn’t matter anymore.” Andie stood up from the couch. “The past is the past and I for one am looking forward to spending this weekend with some of my best friends.
“Oh I bet you are” Audrey giggled “What’s that supposed to mean?” Andie headed to her bedroom to change.
“Nothing, “Audrey flashed a big smile at Andie. She saw a chance to help two wonderful people find their way back to each other. Of all the people she knew in the world, Pacey and Andie deserved happiness the most and it should be with each other.
Later at Andie’s Apartment
Flipping through the same magazine for the third time, Audrey looked at the clock remembering that he had said he would be there by five and it was now six-fifteen and she was starving. She called this out to Andie.
Andie voice came from the bathroom. “No I said his fight comes in at five, then he has to take the cab from airport to the hotel so he can check in and drop off his bags. “
Audrey walked over to the bathroom to watch Andie getting ready. “I forgot to ask, is he bring Medusa with him?”
“Medusa?” Andie gave Audrey at strange look. “Oh, you mean Madison, I’m not sure “
“Yeah, whatever her name is Medusa, Madison it doesn’t matter, she’s a bitch.”
“Audrey!"
“Oh come on Andie even you told me she wasn’t very nice“.
“But you never even met her?”
“No, but I did talk to her on the phone once .I was trying to get hold of Pacey to see when he was going to hit LA for his book tour. She kept making all these excuses for why I couldn’t talk to him.” Audrey waved her hands wildly in the air.
”Fine, I understood that he was busy so I kept calling. But when she told me that I really needed to quit calling him because he was having enough problems with stalkers and didn’t need add another to the list that’s when I made my decision she was a bitch.”
“No, did she say that?”
“Yes she did.”
“What you say back to her.”
“I told her if I ever saw her skinny butt in LA, I would kick all way back to Boston for her.”
“Audrey!”
“She asked for it “
“But still…“Andie’s voice sounded disapproving
“I know. It's not very ladylike but Madison is no lady.”
Andie walked out the bathroom in a black blazer, blue button up shirt and black dress pants. “So, how do I look?”
Audrey circled around Andie bemused. “It’s like you’re going to a job interview and not meeting an ex-boyfriend."
“I know my clothes are lacking in style Audrey, but since I spend most of my life in the lab I need to wear sensible attire.”
“Did you hear what you just said, sensible attire? Where’s the Andie that I knew from just seven months ago? The hottie who was wearing a slinky black dress with no back and some would say a very low neck line. “
“Well, that was different. It was New Years.” Andie took off her blazer and threw it on her bed. “I didn’t think it mattered how I looked, I mean…I’m talking about Pacey here.”
“That’s true but still it doesn’t hurt to flaunt it a bit even when it’s Pacey Witter.” Audrey opened Andie’s closet. “Lets see ,I know that little red number you bought the last time I was here, “ she searched the closet . “Jackpot!" She held the dress up in triumph to Andie.
Looking it over Andie replied “Are you sure? It’s so off the shoulders?”
“Just put it on “Audrey handed Andie the dress and shut the door behind her. “
“I don’t know how she made this long without me.” Audrey laughed to herself.
Audrey heard a soft knock on the door. “I’ll get!” she yelled.
She ran her fingers through her hair and checked her lipstick in the mirror before opening the door.
”Hey there stranger.”
“Audrey!” Pacey was surprised to see her. “What a nice surprise, I had no clue you would be here.” He pulled her into a big hug.
“That’s funny because I thought she told you.” Audrey took Pacey’s bag from him and set it next to the door.
He glanced over Andie’s small apartment. “I’m sure she did…but I’ve been so busy these days it probably just slipped my mind.” He turned back to Audrey. “Plus, I can’t think of anything better then to hang out with my two favourite blondes for the weekend. “
“Oh and here I thought you might have added another blonde to the list since I last saw you.”
“No, not lately but I did add redhead recently.” he joked
“So I heard, I guess that means you swore off blondes for good?”
Just then Andie walked out of the bedroom in a simple but sexy red dress, her bare shoulders showing. “Hello Pacey “she gave him a warm smile
Pacey eyes lit up when he saw her and wasting no time he quickly swept her up in his arms. The scent she always wore when they were together flooded his senses and it bought back happy memories. That pain that had existed in his heart where Andie was concerned was now erased.
“I guess not.” Audrey replied quietly to herself seeing the looks on both of their faces.
--------------
Andie’s Apartment - Living room
“Damn, Damn, Damn!” Audrey’s voice rang from the kitchen.
Pacey glanced over to the kitchen and then back to Andie. “Should we be worried?”
“I am not sure “Andie studied the kitchen door for a second. “It’s not like she’s performing brain surgery, she’s just loading the dishwasher.” Andie took a sip of her tea.
“I know". Pacey looked back to the kitchen. “But this is Audrey were talking about she’s not known for being a domestic diva.”
“True,” Andie sat her tea back on the tray.” Who knows? Today she’s learning how run a dishwasher and five years from now we could be looking at the next Martha Stuart. Of course Audrey will bring a little spunk and sexiness to the role.” she replied innocently.
A deep laugh raised from Pacey’s chest “Only you.” He flashed his charming grin at her.
“Only you what?” she felt left out of the joke and looked at him puzzled.
“Only you could see something amazing coming out of Audrey’s battle with the dishwasher.” He rested his arm behind her.
Andie only smiled back at him “Well, I learnt a long time ago to never take anything or anyone at face value. People have away of surprising you. “
“Like me?’” Pacey tone took a serious turn
She touched Pacey’s hand lightly “No, like I said before I knew what ever you put your mind to you’d succeed. Now that I look back on it, you becoming a chef makes complete sense. “
“Really? “
“Remember when I destroyed the top layer to that wedding cake?”
Pacey nodded his head. Not Andie’s best moment when they were together, but at least she did end up admitting she was a total wedding junkie.
“Some how you managed to pull it off and you fixed it. You were given a talent Pace even back then, but like everyone else it took you awhile for you to figure it out. You’re very lucky to know what you want to do in life, there still a lot of us who would kill for that kind of knowledge. “She looked way from him.
Pacey gave her curious look “Are you one of those people?”
Andie sits up straighter on the couch “I never thought I was but lately I’ve had my doubts.”
“Doubts? McPhee, you’re wonderful doctor and what you’re doing up here with cancer research is nothing but noble.”
“I know but there so many days we work with out any results and it can be so disappointing and discouraging. And as unhappy as I was in the ER in Mass General, at least we had results even if sometimes they were bad.”
“So you’re thinking about quitting the center and maybe moving back to Boston?” Pacey tried hiding the excitement in his voice.
“I haven’t made up my mind up yet “she leant back on the couch. “ There was a time when having a career meant the world to me, but lately I been thinking about being a mom, having a family.”
Pacey interest was peaked. “I didn’t know you and Kelly were that serious?”
Andie shook her head. “We’re not, I’ am talking in general.”
“Good” Pacey was relieved with her answer, and he managed to hide that from her. He sensed an opening, a brief window of opportunity.
Andie shoots Pacey a confused look.
“Good, because you two have only been dating for the last six months. Being a good friend that I am I wouldn’t want you make a hasty decision on a very important matter. “He tried to act nonchalant while in his mind all sort of scenarios where playing themselves out involving Andie and himself.
“Oh well. I mean you never know what the future could bring.” Andie shrugged her shoulders
Pacey spoke softly “Is that what you want to do McPhee? Marry Kelly?”
“I’m not sure” Andie hesitated for a second. “But I’m not going close myself off to the idea. He’s a good guy, he has a brilliant career ahead of him and I think any woman would be lucky to marry him. ”
Pacey didn’t like what he was hearing and listening to Andie talk about marrying another guy was killing him. “Yes, I would have to agree if I was woman he would definitely be on the top of my list” He tried to bring some humour to this painful subject. Andie laughed at Pacey‘s remark.
“Wouldn’t that be scary? You as a woman?”
“Make fun of me all you want, but I always thought I could relate to the woman better then men. “
Andie rolled her eyes.” You mean relating to woman as to sleeping with them then yes I can say you relate to us. “
“Wow that hurt.” Pacey held his hand over his heart.
“Some time the truth hurts.” Andie said to him sarcastically.
“Tell me why I came up here to visit you again?’”
I won’t talk,
I won’t breathe,
I won’t move ‘til you finally see
That you belong with me
You might think I don't look But deep inside, in the corner of my mind I'm attached to you, mmmm
“I’m not sure but I’d like to think you missed not having me around bugging you.”
“Yes, I can’t lie I do miss my daily dose of optimism", he chuckled, “you spoil me. I got used to having my own Pacey Witter fan club there for awhile.”
“I am still charter member you know. Our policy,” she smiled “is that the relationship never waivers through the good times or the bad.”
I'm weak, it's true Cause I'm afraid to know the answer Do you want me too? Cause my heart keeps falling faster
A silent moment passed between them as they both remembered that crazy night that Pacey crawl up the trellis with the rose between his teeth. Andie had been angry with him but the moment she saw the effort he had made, all anger just vanished in an instant.
Pacey let out a nervous laugh breaking the silence.” This might sound crazy but at that time,” he looked over Andie,”I never thought I’d love anyone other than you for the rest of my life.”
I've waited all my life To cross this line To the only thing that's true
So I will not hide, it's time to try Anything to be with you All my life I've waited This is true
A sad smile came to Andie’s face and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “At sixteen we think and promise a lot things Pacey. “
“But it doesn’t mean it wasn’t true back then and maybe “Pacey paused,” maybe there is some truth to it now.”
You don't know what you do Every time you walk into the room I'm afraid to move
I'm weak, it's true I'm just scared to know the answer Do you see me too? Do you even know you met me?
Andie’s eyes connected with his. “Pacey, what are you saying?”
“What I trying to say, is that .Oh hell Andie “Pacey scooted closer to Andie taking her hand. “For the last year and half we been playing this silly game trying to pretend that were just friends. When you decided to take this job and moved away, I tried telling myself it was for the best. But you don’t know how many times I wanted to ask you stay, I should have asked you to stay".
“But you didn’t", she let go of his hand “, just like all those years ago.
”I've waited all my life To cross this line To the only thing that's true So I will not hide, it's time to try Anything to be with you All my life I've waited This is true
“How could I, you were so unhappy it wasn’t fair that you stilled loved me and I…”
“You didn’t love me, I know Pacey. It was the biggest reason I left to go Italy; I couldn’t stand how easily you got over me as if everything we had was wiped away from your memory. You always told me I was the first and as sweet as it sounds it hurt because I didn’t just want to be your first. “She could feel the tears start to well up in her eyes.” I also wanted to be your last.” Andie leant back feeling her head rest on Pacey’s arm
I know when I go I'll be on my way to you The way that's true.
“But can’t you hear what I’m trying to say.” He caressed her cheek with his hand. ”You are Andie. “ He leant in touching his lips with hers, and the kiss became passionate in no more time than a single heartbeat. One kiss turned into another and another. They gave no thought to Audrey still cursing and crashing about in the kitchen.
I've waited all my life To cross this line To the only thing that's true So I will not hide, it's time to try Anything to be with you All my life I've waited This Is True -by Ryan Cabera
“Excuse me!” Audrey had materialised in front of them and stood with her arms crossed. “I’m sorry to bust up this little makeout session you two are having and believe me it’s about time you two finally got your heads out of your butt. But, unless you two have forgotten, you both are dating other people so until both you have done the necessary big kiss off to each other’s significant other, I’m going to have to break you little lovebirds up.” She handed Pacey his bag.
“Come on Romeo, back to hotel.” she motioned Pacey to the door.
“Audrey!” Pacey groaned resting his forehead on Andie’s. He didn’t want to break the spell and the special feeling both of them had at that moment.
“She’s right Pacey. It’s only fair to let them know about us.” Andie said sadly.
“I know she’s right but-” Pacey tried to protest.
“But nothing Mister.” Audrey grabbed Pacey’s arm almost pulling him off the couch.
“All right...” he sighed. “God Audrey, have you been lifting weights?” Pacey acted as if he’d been hurt. He tried his most charming grin on her.
Pacey gave Andie one last kiss on her cheek “I’ll call you in the morning McPhee.” He whispered in her ear. “This conversation is not finished okay?” She nodded quickly.
“Okay “She whispered back, and a familiar tingle ran through her
A huge smile covered Andie’s face as Audrey tried to push Pacey in the direction of the front door. .
Audrey opened the door. “Let’s go Witter. “
Pacey walked out the door and just as he turned around to say goodbye, Audrey slammed the door in his face with more force than she intended. From the other side of the door they both heard Pacey say “Ouch! Audrey!”
“Oops, sorry Pacey, my bad”. Audrey had popped the door open to see the damage.
“Is he okay?” Andie asked in a worried voice.
Audrey saw Pacey doubled over covering his nose “He’s fine Andie.” she closed the door.
Are you sure?’ Audrey nodded and sat down next to Andie and draped her arm around her. “Really sweetie, would I lie to you?” Audrey gave Andie a confident smile.
“I guess not.” Andie shook her head.
Audrey looked back to the door “That’s going leave a mark.” she said under her breath.
“What did you say?” Andie gave her a questioning look.
“Oh nothing", Audrey smiled and turning to Andie she said, “look, um…we gotta talk ok? What is going on Andie?”
All Andie could do was look worried. She was still trying to process what had just happened. Did Pacey really mean what he said? Did he want to be her last as much as she wanted him to be hers?
Pacey’s Hotel Suite - next day:
A bright and chipper Pacey emerged from the shower with a toothbrush clenched in his teeth and grabbed a towel on the hook next to him. After drying himself off, he wiped off the mist from the mirror and noticed the grin on his face. It was, he reflected, a long time since he felt this way. Life had been good to him lately, and now it seemed to be getting better. His break-up with Joey had forced him to make some hard decisions on things that he had put aside as too tough to deal with. Clearly, it was time to forgive and to quit blaming others for his failure.
The first big step was a long and much needed talk with his father. To his surprise, he found his father had changed and mellowed over the years probably due to the freedom of retirement. Pacey now enjoyed this new close-knit relationship with his father and found it amusing that they had a least a 20-minute phone call every day. It didn’t matter what they talked about, for his father was man of few words but the fact they were talking was enough for him. His second goal, admittedly harder than reconnecting with his father, was to except once-and-for-all that Dawson and Joey belonged together. He had come to realise that his time with Joey was just another diversion, a side road maybe, until the inevitable outcome. He had cherished his time with her, loved her deeply but he had let fear and resentment seep back into their lives. This had only come about due to that insidious feeling that he could never compete with ghost of Dawson hovering over their relationship. In an attempt to preoccupy his mind and dr
own out those fears he opened the second restaurant. The unintended result was to drive Joey into the arms of Dawson. He remembered it so clearly. Him standing there listening to Joey explain to him why she was leaving and moving to California. He could see her lips moving but somehow he couldn’t hear what she was saying. It ended with him alone in the apartment they had once shared.
It was not long after Joey had moved out that Pacey found Andie at his doorstep on a rainy afternoon. She was soaked from head to toe, and as she stood there before him shivering, Pacey knew in that moment that everything would be all right. He didn’t think to find a reason for he was not partial to Dawson-like over-analysis. After making her a cup of hot tea and letting her borrow some of his clothes until hers were dried, Pacey spilled his guts out to her for the rest of the afternoon. For her part Andie was content to sit and listen quietly, never making any comments or judgements on the situation. After that one confessional afternoon there became more visits between them. Either he would visit her in Boston or she would go down to see him in New York. The day Pacey received the divorce papers from Joey’s lawyer he decided to pack up and move to Boston to be closer to his family and maybe, just maybe, be even closer to Andie.
It wasn’t a hard decision to leave. After all this time Pacey had once again found a best friend in Andie. As their friendship renewed, they once again shared everything including the dark, dirty secrets which had been eating both of them from the inside over the years. When going out on the town, they were mistaken for couple several times but the relationship never went beyond more than friendship. While they both seemed comfortable with that, Pacey wasn’t sure what had kept them from returning to the way they had been back there in Capeside. From his point of view, Pacey was more than willing to give it another try.
When he had finally gotten up the nerve to talk to her, he found out that she was taking the job in the prestigious research laboratory in Minneapolis. This unexpected news dashed his dreams of possible future together with Andie. He cursed himself for not saying something sooner and he sadly thought he would never get another chance. That New Year’s Eve he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She looked amazing in that black dress which made him want to kiss her so badly and to tell her how he felt. He didn’t want her to go but realistically he also didn’t want her to miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime.
Up until five months ago they never spoken since Andie moved from Boston. He made some effort to try and contact her but she never returned any of his messages. He felt as if she was trying to avoid him. If it wasn’t for Jack keeping him informed on Andie’s life he would never learnt about Kelly, the new guy Andie was dating. Kelly worked in the same lab as Andie. It was obvious what had happened. Love had blossomed over the test-tubes. That piece of news from Jack had left him heartbroken although he was careful never to let Jack know. The last thing Pacey needed was Jack butting in on his romantic entanglements with Andie. In the true Pacey style, it didn’t take long for him to find someone to help him recover from this heartbreak. He was always good at finding a substitute or, should that be placeholder he often wondered. Madison was the direct opposite of Andie and a whole different type than Joey. That was the reason Pacey picked her. He knew that he could never love a woman like her, but at least he
wouldn’t be alone on those cold, lonely nights. That was the thing that hurt the most of all. He was lonely and the only person who could fill that Andie-sized hole in his heart was with someone else.
With this pattern of thought running through his mind Pacey slipped into a comfortable pair of jeans and before he had chance to finish dressing he heard a knock at the door. Checking the clock, he wondered who could be at the door at such an early hour. He opened the door and was happily surprised to see Andie standing before him with a dazzling smile.
Before he had chance to say hello, Andie threw her arms around him and greeted him with a long intense kiss. Pacey reluctantly broke the kiss and tried to catch his breath, resting his forehead on hers.
“Um…where’s your blonde bodyguard?” He looked around to see if Audrey was about to jump out and break them apart.
“Oh Audrey, don’t worry. I sent her the grocery store with a very long list. She’ll be there for hours” Andie started to kiss Pacey again.
Pacey once again broke away from the kiss. ”I take it you’ve talked to Kelly?”
“Yes. “She rubbed his nose with hers.” It took only a couple minutes. He was in hurry as he had Dr. Phipps on the other line.” She laughed.
Pacey chucked “He sounds like he wasn’t too upset.” He gently brushed her hair from her face.
“No, I guess I don’t have that affected on men when I break-up with them.” She grinned but Pacey sensed the hurt behind those words. As ever, Andie was looking on the supposed bright side.
“Only because they are happy to get rid you, McPhee” he joked.
This time Pacey began to kiss Andie but it was Andie who interrupted the kiss.” So how did Madison take it?”
Caught off guard, Pacey blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Like a champ.” He tried to hide the fact that he was lying, well partly lying. He had called Madison but hadn’t got a hold of her yet to tell her the news.
“Really “Andie was shocked. “Madison didn’t strike me as a very understanding woman, no offence.” she caressed the back of Pacey’s neck.
Pacey closed his eyes enjoying her touch. “None taken. Madison’s a business woman. As long as she’s still getting her ten percent she’s happy”
“I don’t care. She can have her ten percent.” Andie rested her forehead on his and looked directly in to his eyes. “But as long as she knows that you Witter are mine and that’s not negotiable.”
“Ooh I love when you talk tough.” He kissed her again and this time the kiss continued without either one interjecting. After a while Pacey couldn’t take any more and picked up Andie and threw her over his shoulder.
Andie screamed in delight. “Pacey! Put me down!”
Pacey only laughed at her as she tried to squirm away from him. He carried her into the next room and lightly cast her down on the bed. Andie bit her bottom lip and her eyes lit up as Pacey gently eased himself on top of her. They started to kiss but Pacey suddenly stopped. Andie, giddy from the closeness of him, gave him a puzzled look.
“May be we should wait? “ Pacey was being sincere and she sensed his hesitation.
Andie pulled him gently down to her. “Witter, just shut up and kiss me” she said with a mischievous smile. That told Pacey all he needed to know. This time there would be no hesitation on his part. They both could feel that familiar tingle of passion running through their bodies.
“When you say it that way McPhee, how can I refuse?” His lips softly met hers again and slowly the morning disappeared into afternoon. The one thing that they had always been in sync in was in the bedroom. Andie did not have the hang-ups about sex that Joey had. Not to say that Andie was a wonton, high-maintenance, and reckless lover. She was warm, gentle, open and so passionate. When she had loved him back in high school she had given of herself so openly. Making love to her was effortless, as if this sensuous energy flowed between them without barriers.
That afternoon – Pacey’s Hotel suite- bedroom
As Pacey lay there he watched Andie sleep, her blonde hair spilling onto his pillow. He deeply inhaled catching the scent of Apple bosoms from her hair, causing memories to flood back. Funny how smell could trigger such feelings and emotions about someone he thought. Even now, he still loved her scent. Many years ago he remembered Grams had said something about watching the person you love sleeping. At that time he had been Joey but Pacey knew of a time a year earlier where he had watched Andie sleep.
Andie had been Pacey’s first for almost everything, and even though Tamara had taken way his innocence, his relationship with her was simply about lust and a teenage boy’s infatuation It never could be anything else. But his relationship with Andie would bring hope, understanding, and real love. She believed in him when everyone else including his best friend had written him off. She was so upfront with him sometimes she came off too stern but that was only because she believed in him so strongly. In all the time they were together, she never stopped believing in him. It was that belief that had enabled her to choose him over the illusion of her dead brother Tim. Pacey’s thoughts lingered over the end of their love when Andie was descending into illness. That was the only thing that hurt him, the fact that he was not enough for her when she had been so much and meant so much for him. Andie had always held a special place in Pacey’s heart and as much as he loved Joey, he would often think of Andie and wonde
r how she was and if she still thought of him. He wondered if she still loved him in some way, if that conversation she had had with him and Joey the night she took the ecstasy tablet was still relevant. As the years had gone by since Jen’s death Andie was always there in some capacity. Helping Jack with Amy, taking Grams to her doctor’s appointments, buying tickets to Dawson’s movies good or bad and Pacey’s personal favourite; being the first customer at Pacey’s new “edgy” (or so she called it) New York restaurant.
And then there were her boyfriends. He had seen them come and go through the years, some he liked and some he detested. A few times he had felt a sense of relief and almost happy when had heard she broke up with them. He knew it wasn’t fair to think that Andie would never fall in love again, and when she thought she did Pacey chose to sit quietly and watch.
His name was Michael. She had met him at one of Joey’s business parties. He was an up and coming writer who had a promising career in front of him with such magazines as The New Republic and Vanity Fair. Pacey watched him sweep Andie right off her feet and despite himself he felt extremely jealous. He knew this was crazy, the Dawson/Joey jealous kind of crazy. He was shocked to think he was with someone else but didn’t want Andie to have anyone. He found himself pondering that logically it was crazy to be jealous, for he had nothing to be jealous of. He supposedly was with the love of his life right? So then, Pacey thought, why did it bug him so much to see Andie in a loving relationship with a man who wasn’t him? Within six months there was talk of marriage. Pacey had never seen Andie so happy. He tried to remember if she had been like this when they had dated. But as someone once said all good things must come to an end and so Andie’s relationship with Michael came to that fateful end. He wanted to move
to Paris to write but Andie couldn’t bear move away from her family and friends. So with a tearful good bye Andie kissed Michael one last time and watched him walk onto the airplane and walk out her life for good. Pacey, tried to be there for Andie, offer her a shoulder to cry on. It killed him to see how devastated she was but at the same time he felt this bothersome happy feeling that they were no longer a couple. He hated to feel that way but he couldn’t escape it. Little then did he know that his life would be taking the same direction. And then It would be his turn to need a friend.
Pacey saw that Andie was starting to stir and wake up from her deep sleep. Pacey lightly kissed her bare shoulder to help her wake up and a huge smile crossed her face.
”Well hello there Mr. Witter” she turned to face him.
“Good afternoon Mrs. McPhee.”
“Afternoon?” she lifted her head to look at the clock. ”I didn’t realize it was so late. Audrey must wonder where I disappeared to.”
“I sure Audrey has put two and two together already.” he snuggled in close to her, their foreheads almost touching. Pacey softy kissed Andie on the forehead bringing his eyes back to her. For long time nothing was said as the two were quite content lay there. Pacey took Andie’s hand and he intertwined his fingers with hers.
“I been thinking and I reached a decision.” She read his eyes. This seemed important.
“What’s that Pace “?
He sighed. “About selling my restaurants.”
“Pacey are you crazy? You love those restaurants and I won‘t let you.” She let his hand go and moved to sit up.
“McPhee, just listen. The reason why I started them was for the wrong reasons. I wanted to start a new life and I wanted share that new life with you. It’s time I put the past in the past and left it behind “
“But you work so hard for your businesses Pacey; I could never ask you give up your dreams.”
“I am not giving up on my dreams McPhee, they are the same dreams but slightly altered and maybe, even better now.”
“I understand, but I don’t want to be the reason you decide to sell your restaurants, I want it to be your decision.”
“And it is my decision. It’s something I’ve been kicking around in my head for the last six months. But you have to take a little of the blame McPhee. You did help me in making up my mind. ”
“But don’t you see that’s what I am worried about .I just couldn’t take it if-”
“McPhee,” Pacey interrupted her,”as much as I am enjoying our first argument as boy friend and girlfriend you’re going to have to just trust me.”
Andie let out a sigh “Fine Witter you win, as long as you promise me that you’ll never hold against me.”
“Cross my heart. “Pacey smiled at her while motioning with his finger on his chest. “But you’ll have to promise me something in return.”
“All right but as long as it’s nothing of the sexual nature.” She waggled her eyebrows at him.
“McPhee, take your mind out the gutter.”
“I didn’t hear you complaining earlier.”
“What happen to the innocent McPhee I used to know?” he tried to gently mock her.
“Oh she’s still here but this time you’re not the only one who’s been around the block a few times. “
“Andie McPhee, you little vixen you.” Pacey, giggling, threw the sheet over their heads and sound of muffled laughter and happy sighs filled the room. At that moment, there was as a knock on the door interrupted their kissing.
Pacey pulls the sheet down over his head.” Maybe they will just go away.” He moaned.
Andie then pulled the sheet down over her head.” It could be important, Pace.”
“You think?” Pacey looked over to Andie who nodded. The knocking became louder. Pacey threw the sheet off him, grumbled about having to get up and reaching for the jeans he was wearing earlier. He threw them on quickly and grabbed a t-shirt out of the closet. He hoped this was just housekeeping. His hair was a little messy and he didn’t bother to brush it as his mind had only one thought and that was to ‘get rid of who ever is at the door ‘. He looked through the peephole and his face became white when he saw who it was. He glanced back to the bedroom and hurried back to shut the bedroom door. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the doorknob and swung door open. The visitor quickly cupped his face with their hands.
“Hello, there handsome.” Madison purred and then she planted a big kiss on him. Pacey could only give in to the kiss and hope to god Andie hadn't seen anything. But he had no clue how to handle this situation and knew that he could lose everything with Madison being here.
Pacey’s Hotel suite
Pacey quickly removed Madison’s hands from his face and stepped back from her in an attempt to keep his distance.
“How did you find me Madison?” he asked cautiously and with some measure of detachment. He putting his hands in his pockets he leaned back on the chair.
Madison noticed that Pacey was being standoffish. Quickly summarising that there was something going on that he didn’t want her to know about she causally glanced over the closed bedroom door. Returning to look at him square in the face she noticed something that he had never revealed to her, a look of contentment and satisfaction. In that moment she saw something else that she had never witnessed in their relationship. Putting two and two together, she knew in that instant that Andie was in the bedroom. She chose to smile at him while knowing exactly what to say in order to get a reaction out of him while she fought to contain her fury at his betrayal.
“You thought you could trick me, telling me you’re going Capeside for the weekend.” She tried to act as if she wasn’t bothered by his deception but Pacey could read her eyes. This act wasn’t working out as she hoped.
“Very smart, you know how much I hate Capeside and you knew I’d never go with you to visit your brother.” She tapped him on his chest in a flirty way.”
“It was perfect plan Pacey and you thought I’d never have a clue about your secret little trip to Minneapolis. But you forgot one thing” she paused, “when I couldn’t reach you on your cell phone, I called your brother’s house and talked to what’s his name…ohh…yes, Jack.” Her tone changed as her words dripped with anger. “I forgotten how nice he was and he was only too happy to tell me about you visiting his beloved sister Andie this weekend.” Her smile faded quickly.
“Madison, I didn’t tell you about visiting Andie because I thought…” Pacey offered as a defence.
“I know what you thought; you thought I wouldn’t let you go. Pacey I thought you knew me better than that.” Madison tried to sound reasonable in order to restrain herself form screaming at him.
“You seemed a little upset whenever I even mentioned Andie’s name.” he looked up to her.
“And why wouldn’t I, she’s the one that got away right?”
Pacey fell silent, “Oh Pacey dear, surely you didn’t think I was unaware of her importance to you? Please give me some credit.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “I should be angry with you; I really should, but now is not the time. Not when I have some exciting news to tell you.”
“Exciting news?” Pacey felt taken aback at this. Madison had gone from furious to nice in a heartbeat. She could change her moods quicker than Joey could which to Pacey’s mind was saying something.
“I’m pregnant Pacey, we’re pregnant. Isn’t it great? You’re going to be a daddy.” She gushed and hugged him tight. Over his shoulder her face displayed a wicked smile.
Pacey said nothing and could only give a weak smile in return to Madison. A cold chill ran through him and he was started to feel sick to his stomach. He desperately tried to work out when and how he’d been so careless. Pacey may have been casual in other areas of his life but he was pedantic about using contraception. How can I have been so stupid, he thought. Suddenly he knew his future with Andie was in question, a future that he knew in his very soul he wanted so badly. He wondered if his luck had finally run out. Having a baby with the wrong woman was not part of the plan. He felt foolish to think he could use her for something casual and then walk way without blinking an eye.
Andie quietly opened the bedroom door. Her clothes are sloppy as if she had rushed to put them on. Pacey looking at her in horror, stood frozen to the spot unable to move. He knew by her gestures and her look of worry that she had heard Madison’s news.
She tucked her hair behind her ears and sought to compose herself. Pacey noticed Andie’s face was streaked with tears and that she couldn’t bring herself look at him in the eye. Andie shifted her gaze between Madison and Pacey her while trying to put together a coherent sentence.
Very softly she spoke. “Um…I’m not sure what to say…I guess congratulations are in order.” She brushed the tears away from her face.
Pacey freed himself from Madison’s grasp and walked over to Andie. As he went to put his arms around her she flinched from his touch.
“No, No don’t touch me.” she flattened herself against the wall and made her way to the front door. Pacey reached out for her but Andie pushed him away and put out her hand to stop him.
Madison, seeing the distress on Andie’s face stood back and enjoyed her handiwork. She was unable to hide the fact she was happy with the mess she had created for Pacey and now for Andie as well. She loved Andie’s reaction and felt she couldn’t have asked for more.
Pacey’s noticed Madison’s reaction. “Madison,” he quietly but firmly said “Could you please go into the next room, I need to talk to Andie alone.”
Madison, realising that Pacey’s only interest at that moment was Andie, vainly tried to protest. Pacey, in no mood for her games, cut her off quickly before she could do any more damage. Madison reluctantly left the room worried about the possibility that her plan hadn’t worked. As she did she glared at Andie with contempt
As Madison left the room, Pacey turned his full attention to Andie.
“Andie, please” he said as she reached the front door.
Andie stopped, letting her hand rest on the doorknob. She turned back to Pacey and finally made eye contact with him.
Pacey desperately asked “don’t go now when I need you the most McPhee.”
“You don’t need me Pacey, you never did.” She replied sounding wounded. She was on the verge of tears again and began to turn the doorknob.
“I always need you Andie, and I’m scared to death that if you walk out that door you won’t need me anymore.” He moved towards her.
“And is that such a bad thing to not need each other?” she asked. “It’s why I moved here, you don’t know how scary it is to realise that you need another person. That you need them so badly that they become your everything to point you feel that you can’t breathe unless they’re around. It‘s not right to love someone that way Pacey. It isn’t sensible.” She fought back the tears as her love for Pacey tugged on her heart.
“And when did love make sense Andie? Because of all the human emotions love is the craziest. It makes you do the stupidest things.”
“Like being in love with the same guy for sixteen years?”
He got close to Andie and placed his hand on the side of her face and let his thumb lightly touch her cheek. “No, for being the guy that tried to run from it for sixteen years McPhee.”
A tear ran down Andie’s cheek and Pacey gently wiped it way. “ I regret it took me so long to understand that the love I was searching for” he whispered “was found so long ago, it wasn’t perfect but it was true. And I need you. I hunger for your love Andie.”
Andie let her face rest on Pacey’s hand. Closing her eyes, she felt for a moment as if she and Pacey were the only two people on the planet and the world was spinning around them. To Andie it was as if the real world had disappeared around them along with all the problems that came with it. But the cold reality of the situation woke her up from her daydream. Her eyes fluttered open and she pulled way from Pacey. She reached for the doorknob again and this time she didn’t hesitate to open the door. Caught off guard by her action, Pacey could only stare at her.
She turned back to him trying her hardest not to cry. “You’re a good man Pacey and I like to think I had some thing to do with that. So I know you’ll do right thing and right thing for you to do now is to support this baby and that means you need to support Madison .Her and the baby deserve one hundred percent from you, so it would be selfish of me to demand any of your time away from them. “
“Andie” Pacey interrupted moving towards her
She puts her hand up to stop him “Listen, you know I’m right. I know this is hard to hear but this is also hard to say. A long time ago I encouraged you to go to Joey because it was the right thing to do .Now I encourage you to show Madison the respect that she deserves as the mother of your child .It‘s never really been goodbye with us Pacey” she paused stiffing small sobs “but maybe now it has to be.”
Andie smiled sadly “Goodbye Pacey J. Witter, I’ll always love you.” She turned and closed the door behind her. Once she closed the door, she ran to her car and broke down completely. Screaming in frustration and lost hope she slammed her fists into the steering wheel, crying out his name and asking God why she would never be happy and why could she never be with Pacey as she so desperately wanted to be.
Momentarily stunned, Pacey buried his face into his hands. He knew that once again he had let Andie go without much protest. Once again their shared history was one of sad goodbyes. He couldn’t understand why their relationship never seemed work. He wondered why it never seemed to be the right time for them. Was it a sign? Pacey didn’t want to believe that it was.
All he knew was that Andie was the one person that made world liveable for him. At sixteen she had opened his eyes to a world of possibilities while she pushed him to conquer the real world. She would always be by his side to take his hand and reassure him that she was there to catch when he fell. For now, he would have to deal with Madison. He knew that he didn’t love her but he would love the baby that was growing inside her no matter what. What he needed to do now was to figure everything out in his life. He needed to let Andie go for the moment but he knew that it wouldn’t be long before he would find her again and never let her go. He promised himself that and he quietly promised Andie he would keep his love for her forever and a day.
Pacey Hotel suite- a couple hours later
Audrey impatiently knocked on the door of room 215. She was not sure who would answer but whoever was there would feel the sharp edge of her tongue. Her mission was to seek and destroy. After a few more vigorous knocks the door was opened by the last person she expected to see there.
“Hello?” Madison gave Audrey a curious look. “Can I help you? “
Audrey pushed past Madison into the room. “Is Pacey here?” Audrey looked into the bedroom.
“Excuse me? “Madison exclaimed as she failed to stop a determined Audrey.
Audrey crossed her arms and turned to face Madison, giving her the once over. Audrey then mumbled under her breath,”I could take her.”
‘Take what?’” Madison in catching Audrey’s mumble was confused why this blonde had stormed into Pacey’s room. She thought that Pacey seemed to have a problem with blondes, and here was another one acting as if she owned the place.
“You must be Madison right?” It was more of statement than a question.
“That would be me and you are…?” Madison was becoming little annoyed with this strange blonde woman standing in front of her.
“Who I am isn’t important lady, but why I’m here is.“ Audrey took a step closer to Madison, who stepped back. This stranger was extremely hostile which made Madison wonder if Andie had sent her.
“I don’t know what kind of sick game you’re playing here, but you have no idea what you’re up against.“ Audrey started to point at Madison. “If there is any two people in this world that belong together, it’s Pacey and Andie. And from what I learned from another couple’s history, sister you’re just another dead raccoon on the road between them.” Audrey, having said her piece, turned to leave while Madison was little taken aback by the strange outburst she has just received from this complete stranger, who knew Pacey and Andie.
But Audrey was not finished with Madison. She turned around again and said “and one more thing…Karma is a bitch baby so enjoy the ride while it lasts because it’ll be over soon.”
As Audrey was leaving Pacey walked though the door almost bumbling into her.
“Hey, Audrey what’s going on?” He looked around the room plainly hoping to see Andie there was well.
“You really screwed the pooch this time Witter. “
Pacey sadly nodded his head agreement. He looked at Audrey and quietly asked “How is she?”
“Like you have the right to know?” Audrey shot back. She was in no mood to let Pacey off the hook. It took all of her self control not to slap Madison and she was scared she was about to slap Pacey. Hard.
“Tell her I am sorry.” Pacey looked away from Audrey. He didn’t want her to see how broken hearted he was. And the fact that her being here reminded him of the state of his relationship with Andie and the current mess he was in.
“I will and by the way one more thing…” Audrey smiled politely and then slapped Pacey hard across the face. IT felt good to take some of the pain she felt for Andie out on Pacey. “I can’t hit her because she’s pregnant but you’re fair game.” She slammed the door as she walked out leaving both Pacey and Madison stunned. .
Pacey was the first to recover. He rubbed his cheek and chuckled to himself. ”I deserved that.”
Madison rushed to Pacey’s side. “Who was that lunatic?” Madison, quickly recovering and once again playing her new role made an effort to genuinely console him.
“I’m fine Madison.” Pacey avoided her touch, seemingly repelled by her and tried to put as much space between them. He knew that she was so wrong, so horribly wrong for him. All he could think about was Andie and how she must be feeling at this very moment. He hoped Audrey didn’t make Andie hate him. Of everything that had happened, that would be the worse thing he could imagine. He could stand her not being with him but he would never cope with her hatred. She had once told him hate was a powerful force but so was love. Now Pacey hoped that she could hang on to the love she so obviously still had for him.
Madison frowned at Pacey’s behaviour as if she knew he was thinking aobut that woman. She couldn’t bring herself to say her name.
“I know that our relationship is strained right now, but I hope for the baby’s sake we at least could be civil to each other. “
Pacey sighed “Listen Madison, I told you I’d be there for you and the baby, but…“ he rubbed his brow ”if you think I believe that we have some kind of future together after this stunt you just pulled you’re crazier than I thought.”
“So you cheat on me and then act like I have done something wrong.” her voice was filled with disgust.
“Come on, you knew something was going on. We haven’t slept with each other in weeks. Not since-”
“-since we got back from Chicago. “ She finished his sentence. “But it all started in that damn airport. That’s when I noticed you were pulling away from me.” Madison couldn’t keep up her pretence any more. She was, is and would always be in love with Pacey and the only thing she wanted was for him to love her back.
“I saw the way you looked at her that day; I knew I didn’t have a chance but maybe, just maybe if?”
Pacey walked over to Madison.” If what? “
“If I got pregnant, I could stop you from leaving me.”
Pacey ran his fingers through his hair. “You planned this?” He could feel the anger build up inside of him.
“Please, Pacey “Madison pleaded with him.” I love you.”
He couldn’t look at her and when he finally did all he could see was her ugliness.
“No, Madison. What you feel for me isn’t love.” He gave her an icy glare. “But I know what is and today I watched it walk out the door.”
“Pacey you’re a fool “Madison snapped back. “If she really loved you she would stand by your side, she wouldn’t have run out at the first sign of trouble. “
“Don’t pretend to think you know her.” Pacey was on the verge of losing his cool “I’m the one that failed here.” He knew this statement hit to close to home. Madison recoiled at his words.
He let out a heavy sigh “Look Madison, I’m done arguing with you. We’ll sort everything out when we get back to Boston. “ Pacey turned and headed into the bedroom grabbed his bag and came back into the living room. “We need get going” he glanced over to her. “I have two seats reserved on the next flight to Boston and if we grab a cab now we’ll get there in time.”
Madison gave Pacey a weak smile.” Are we in first class?”
“Yes, your seat is first class.” Pacey replied coldly.
Surprised, Madison asked. “And where’s your seat?”
“In coach.” he said with no emotion.
“Oh.” Madison bowed her head. She now understood that so far her plans had failed but she still held out hope that there was a way to win him over. She believed that if she made a huge effort in Boston, Pacey would forget about Andie. For love depended on geography didn’t it? She knew that with Andie so far away Pacey would be ripe for the taking.
Pacey held the door open.” We need to get going.”
Madison flashed Pacey a stellar smile as she passed him by, determined that she would not act defeated around him. The way Pacey was acting now she knew was a temporary setback but she’d won this round. He was going back to Boston with her and leaving Andie far, far behind.
Pacey didn’t want to leave but he couldn’t stay here with her. He hated himself but knew that he would sort things out. No, he corrected himself, he had to resolve things with Madison sooner rather than later. Getting back to Andie and making her a part of his life just wouldn’t wait. There was no more time for waiting. If he didn’t act now he’d lose Andie once again and this time there wouldn’t be a third chance.
He watched Madison’s smiling to herself and as they walked out to the taxi, the thought entered his mind that just maybe she was faking this pregnancy. The thought chilled him. Could she be that evil?
A couple months later - Audrey house in California
Andie sat in the sand peacefully watching the blue green ocean that sparkled before her, lost in her thoughts thinking of time when she had feared the ocean. As a little girl the ocean seemed so endless, so powerful and she was afraid if she got too close it would sweep her away.
Now she feared love in the same way. At least with the ocean you could move inland and never lay eyes on it again. But love was a different story. It stayed with you no matter how far you tried to run away from it. This time, Andie had chosen to run to California. After the disastrous event with Pacey and Madison, she felt that she needed a break. She took a leave of absence from the clinic and called Audrey, who was more than happy to take her heartbroken friend under her wing. For the last couple of weeks she had been staying at Audrey’s beach house and in that short time had seen and enjoyed the delights of LA.
Audrey deliberately kept Andie busy with shopping trips at Rodeo Drive, lunch at the best restaurants and late nights at some of the most exclusive nightclubs. It took lot energy to keep up with Audrey and every night Andie return to the beach house and collapse in her bed exhausted. Despite the frenetic lifestyle, Andie welcomed the tiredness that came from Audrey’s busy schedule because it kept her from thinking of him. It worked most of the time. Whenever she had a free moment to herself she would sit on the beach and dream of a future with him. She desperately wanted to reach out to him and wondered to herself if she should call Pacey. At those times, the reality of the situation would shake her out of her daydream. Shaking her head, she dropped her head into her hands. She knew the instant she heard his voice that she would drop everything to be at his side but she knew that she wasn’t strong enough to share him with Madison at least not yet.
Audrey appeared above Andie with friendly smile. ”I thought I’d find you out here.” Audrey peered down at Andie with her hands on her hips. “I promised Dawson and Joey we would meet them at the restaurant for lunch in half an hour and you’re not even dressed.”
“Sorry Audrey, I didn’t realise it’s so late.” Andie tried to act as if nothing was bothering her.
“Don’t worry, we have plenty of time. Joey and Dawson are used to it because it just wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t late” Audrey joked.
Andie let out a half-hearted laugh. Pacey had uttered the same exact line so many times. No matter how hard she would try to get somewhere early if Pacey was involved they were always ten minutes late. She finally fixed his problem by setting all the clocks in his loft ten minutes ahead but she didn’t know if Pacey had even noticed the change.
Audrey could see on Andie’s face that she was thinking about Pacey and she had no clue how to help her friend. She thought that her break up with Pacey would of enlighten her and provide an answer but her and Pacey’s relationship never reached the stage that Pacey and Andie’s had.
Audrey walked a few steps behind her as they made there way to Andie’s bedroom.” Sweetie” she said softly
“Hmm? “ Andie set the blanket down on her bed.
“Have you been feeling okay lately?” Audrey sat down on the bed.
“I feel fine.”
“Are you sure?”
Andie gave her a strange look. “Audrey, is something on your mind?”
“It just that…“ Audrey paused, “I heard you earlier in the bathroom throwing up and I was concerned.”
“Don’t be. It was just nerves. Whenever I get stressed out my stomach gets all weird. I had this problem since I was kid.”
“Are you sure it‘s just stress, because if it was something else you would tell me?’ She gave Andie look of concern.
“Of course, I would Audrey. You forget that I’m a doctor and if I had any hint it was more serious than that I would tell you.”
“You’re sure?”
“Trust me I know what I’m talking about.” Andie hoped her friend was satisfied with that.
“Okay.” Audrey stood up from the bed. ”I better let you get dressed for lunch.” She started to walk out the door.
“Audrey?” Andie called out.
“Yea?” Audrey turned around.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Everything, I’m not sure how I could of made it through this without you!”
“Oh sweetie,” Audrey hugged Andie tight.” Don’t you dare make me cry, my mascara is not waterproof.” Audrey threatened Andie playfully.
“What? You wear make up? I thought you were naturally this beautiful. ”Andie replied sweetly to Audrey.
“I knew there was reason why I like you.” Audrey returned the smile. ”Now enough of this mushy stuff and get your ass moving the couple of the century are waiting.”
“Well we can’t have that.” Andie smiled cheerfully.
As soon as Audrey closed the door her smile quickly faded. Andie removed her t-shirt and shorts standing in her underwear in front of the mirror. She ran her hands over her belly; it was still flat but in a few months all that would change.
Meanwhile on the other side of the country - Pacey’s loft
Pacey’s apartment was the setting for a very imported luncheon and only the right people had been invited. Pacey was trying hard to impress the city council to let him open his new restaurant in a historic section of Boston. Finding nothing but roadblocks in his way the past couple of weeks, he knew his only option was to get on good side of the council and the only way he could do that was to cook for them. He had invited Jack and Doug but only Doug had shown up. Jack, after he heard what had happened between Pacey, Andie and Madison, had refused to talk to Pacey or to see him. Pacey knew Jack’s loyalty to his sister exceeded his friendship with Pacey. Pacey was hurt but he felt no ill-will towards Jack. He knew that he would have done the same if he was in Jack’s shoes. He scanned the room. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, the food was a giant hit with guests and he hoped that this was enough so at the next city council meeting Pacey would get the votes he need. Pacey wondered where Madison had
slithered off to. It had been awhile since she had been bothering him.
“It looks as if your party has changed a few minds.” Doug nudged Pacey’s shoulder.
Pacey gave a confident smirk to Doug.” In six months time I will be opening my new restaurant.” “As long as you don’t forget in six months from now you’ll have a new baby to take care of as well.” Doug’s voice became serious.
Pacey looked down to his hands.” You don‘t have to remind me Doug. I’m quite aware of my obligations towards her and the baby.” He couldn’t even bring himself to say her name.
“I’m not saying that, it’s just strange that you decide to go forward with starting a new restaurant when your personal life is in such disarray.”
“Listen Doug I know it’s your job to play the role of a big brother but now is not the time to discuss what’s going on my personal life.” Pacey replied trying not to antagonise his brother.
“I’m sorry Pace. You’re right, I am just worried for you. I hate to see you in this kind of situation.”
“Please don’t pity me Doug. I’m the one who got me into this situation. I just wished I hadn’t dragged Andie into this mess.” Pacey took a sip of his wine.”I broke her heart Doug, plain and simple. “
“Seems as if you’ve both done that to each other Pace. You should know that hearts have a way of mending.” Doug tried to reassure Pacey.
Pacey set his glass on the counter. “I can only hope so. The thought of a reunion with Andie is the only thing that gets me through the day“ he paused “and being a new father helps too.”
“It’s just too bad it’s with the wrong woman.” Doug eye looked away from Pacey as he said this. He couldn’t stand Madison. He couldn’t put his finger on it but there was something not quite right about the whole situation. His brother could be careless at times but somehow her being pregnant just didn’t ring true.
Pacey started to laugh. “That’s an understatement. God certainly does have a sense of humour doesn’t he?”
“You could say that“ Doug chuckled.
“I never told you this but I made Madison take a bunch of pregnancy tests when we got back from Minnesota.“ He laughed uncomfortably. “I thought she was faking it, no hang on, let me start over. I was praying she was faking it. But little did praying help because a half hour later I was surrounded with all these tests all confirming my worst fear that Madison was indeed pregnant.”
“Man Pace, I didn’t-“
Pacey interrupted. ”Hey Dougie it’s okay.” He patted his brother on the back. “There’s a reason for everything. I’ll survive I always do. “
Doug grinned “Don’t worry about Pacey, he always lands on his feet. That’s what Jack just said about you the other day.”
Pacey demeanour shifted with Doug’s comment. “How is Jack?”
“He’s fine. Looking after Amy and teaching keep him pretty busy.”
“I know he‘s mad at me.”
Doug stopped Pacey from finishing his sentence “Just give him some time Pace, he’s just trying to make sense out all of this. “
Pacey nodded his head “Yea, I know you’re right.”
For a few minutes it seemed all that needed to be said was said but one nagging question would not leave Pacey’s mind. As Pacey glanced over to Doug he hesitated a little before he asked the question. “How is she Doug?”
Doug was not surprised by Pacey’s question he had be waiting for him to ask about her since the conversation had started. “She says she’s okay but Jack and I both know she is hurting. “
Pacey bowed his head knowing exactly how Andie was feeling. He was feeling the exact same thing. He thought about how much he wanted to leave this place and fly to her side. Just to hold her and tell her that everything would be okay would be enough right now Pacey thought. For the millionth time that day, his thoughts were of Andie.
“She took a leave of absence from the clinic. She’s decided to spend some time with Audrey in California.”
“She’s staying with Audrey?” Pacey started to chuckle. He had called Audrey last week trying to find out where Andie had disappeared. She acted as if she had no clue where Andie was but now he knew that she had lied to him. But he wasn’t angry at her. He knew that Audrey was trying to protect Andie from any further hurt and he was grateful for that. The last thing he wanted was for Andie to suffer even more than she was right now.
“Is something wrong?” Doug watched Pacey curiously.
“No, I’m glad she has Audrey to talk to I know she’s in good hands.”
“Mr. Witter?” A young waiter interrupted the two brothers. “I’m sorry to bother you.”
“It’s quite all right Dean. How can I help you?”
“The hall closet where you keep the rest of the wine is locked. I wouldn’t bother you like this but I can’t find the key to the closet.”
“It’s not hanging right outside the door?” Pacey was puzzled as the key had never disappeared before like this.
“No sir we have looked every where.”
He walked over to the closet door testing the door knob to find out it was locked like Dean had said. ”That’s strange.” He said to himself. Digging into his pocket for the extra key, he suddenly caught a heated argument going on within the closet. This was the reason it was locked. Pacey, hesitating with the key in his hand heard Madison’s voice and decided to lean closer to the door to listen to conversation before he opened the door.
“You’re crazy” Madison protested.
“Gimme a break Madison. I did the math. You got pregnant the around the same time we hooked up. “
“Bob, you’re drunk. You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Madison rolled her eyes at him.
Bob grabbed onto Madison arms. “The hell I don’t. This isn’t a game Madison and you can’t play with people’s lives like this.”
Madison wrestled herself away from Bob grasp “Just watch me.” She stormed out the closet and ran straight into Pacey.
“Pacey!” Madison jumped back. ”How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to hear the truth.” Pacey grabbed her arm and began dragging her into the bedroom. “I have only one question for you Madison, a simple yes no is all I need.” Pacey looked firmly into her eyes.
”Is that baby mine?”
“Do really need me to answer that? “ Madison snarled at him.
Pacey studied her eyes for a while. ”No, no you don’t.” He had his answer from her reaction. Letting go of her arm he went to his wardrobe and pulled out his suitcase. Plopping it down on the bed, he opened the drawers of his dresser and scooping up his clothes began dumping them into the suitcase.
Madison was perplexed by what she was watching. “What’s going on? Where are you going?” Madison demanded.
“To catch a plane to LA. To find the woman who is my true love and try and win her back for good.” Pacey quickly zipped up his suitcase and picked it up and headed for the door. “Oh by the way Madison, you’re fired” he said over his shoulder as he left the bedroom. He left his loft never looking back and without saying a word to Doug or any of his guests.
Madison stood in his bedroom in shock. Suddenly she had no job, no Pacey and a baby on the way to a guy who wanted nothing to do with her because of the way she had treated him. In a rare moment of clarity, she knew that this was karma. Hurting Pacey and Andie bought her to this point.
While this realisation was coming to Madison Pacey took the first cab he could get to Logan Airport. It was a quick trip and he managed to catch a United flight to LA that left in twenty minutes after he arrived. As he boarded, all he could think about was that in a few hours he would be by her side and they could begin all over again and that magic he’d felt in Minnesota would return. He hoped that she could find it in her heart to forgive him once she told her of Madison’s deception and attempt to wreck whatever happiness they could have had. As the plane climbed into the sky above Boston, Pacey allowed himself a smile knowing that soon he would be with the love, the only love, of his life.
Meanwhile in LA, Andie sat in a state of shock in her bedroom with her cellphone in her hand. The doctor she had sneaked out to see had called and confirmed that her tests were positive. She was pregnant. She’d known the moment the morning sickness had started but somehow having it confirmed by a strange doctor made it real. She looked out over the ocean from her window wanting nothing more than Pacey by her side. Only he could hold her and make everything okay. If only he would call her.
Hours later - Audrey’s California home
He watched her for long time as she walked along the beach, while he struggled within himself as he could not figure out what it was that was stopping him from going to her. Hadn't he jumped a plane and flown across the country to find her? Why now, after all that distance and time was he hesitant to cross the small space between them? He had no idea what reaction he would get and perhaps that was the underlying reason. Maybe it was the fear that she would reject him before he had a chance to explain about Madison. Or maybe he was afraid that he would have no more excuses for being unhappy. Whatever the reason that stopped him he knew one thing his future rested with her and he couldn’t be scared of that.
Audrey stepped out of the patio door. "What’s the problem Romeo? You practically knocked down my door demanding to talk to her and all you done for the last ten minutes is watch her from a distance. "
"It’s complicated "He looked over to her.
"Any thing worthwhile usually is Pacey."
“At one time I went on a quest to find true love because of her” he pointed in Andie’s direction. “Hell, I even named a damn boat after my crazy quest" he started to laugh. "During that time I fell in love with Joey so it only made sense at the time that my quest was completed" he paused for a second, "but as time went by I wondered if maybe I was too eager to find it and in my haste I didn’t care who I hurt."
Audrey leaned against the railing and listened quietly to Pacey as he continued. She guessed he had more to say. She wouldn’t admit it to him, but Audrey wondered why he had never loved her in the way he so obviously loved Andie. Maybe that was the problem she thought, her and Joey may have been stops on the road back to Andie McPhee for Pacey. Although it hurt a little even still, she only ever wanted Pacey to be happy and if it meant with her friend Andie that was just fine with her. He and Dawson were a pair she thought, both of them never getting past their first girlfriends.
"As much as she hurt me by sleeping with that guy from the hospital, I hurt her ten times over by falling in love with Joey. But where I found contempt for her action to the point where I never forgave her, she always forgave me. She always had a welcome smile, a tender touch, when I needed it the most and I only brought her pain by denying her affect on my life."
"But you’re here now Pacey, it doesn’t matter how you got to this point, what matters is that you’re here, where you’re supposed to be! She’s the one Pace. She’s the girl that broke your heart so many years ago, not Joey. She’s the reason why you’ve never given your heart fully to any one since." Audrey’s eyes connected with his. "But now you have a chance to give your heart again and to the only woman that filled it the first place."
Pacey pulled Audrey in to a hug without saying a word and she patted his back gently. They parted with an exchange of tender smiles as Pacey started down the path to the beach. Audrey let out a deep sigh, she decided to head inside the house confident that she knew what the outcome would be with Pacey and Andie. There could only be one outcome, the best one for both of them.
As Pacey got closer he racked his brain trying to remember the speech that he memorized on the plane .He could see that her attention was drawn to the waves and she was not aware of his presence. She carried her shoes loosely in her right hand and the sun was starting to sink below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the sand. She never seemed as beautiful to him as she did right now with her hair slightly blowing in the breeze.
Andie watched her feet sink in the sand with each step she took. Her mind was preoccupied as there were too many decisions to make. This unplanned contingency had so unsettled her that she wasn’t the Andie of old, sitting down with a trusty number two pencil and making a list of the pros & cons, and then drafting out an action plan. She had no plan for what had happened and she had not been able to think clearly enough to even make an attempt. She put it down to the flood of hormones in her system. But one thing was for certain, she had to think for two now. As the beach house came into view she noticed someone walking towards her, it took a minute for her eyes to focus on the face.
Her eyes became wide. "Pacey?" she said quietly to herself. Andie wasn’t sure if he was real but once her eyes met his all the confusion that had clouded her mind faded away. A smiled crossed Pacey’s face when he saw her reaction to him. Seeing her eyes light up as he approached boosted his confidence at every step he took closer to her. They stopped within an arm’s length from each other, and before Andie could say a word Pacey took the opportunity to speak first.
"I spent hours on the plane preparing what I was going to say to you to somehow try and explain why I’m here. But now as I stand here in front of you McPhee, the words seem to have disappeared."
Andie was amused by his forgetfulness and a broad smile swept across her face.
"This isn’t funny McPhee. You’ve no idea what my trip was like. First at the Logan Airport I was practically molested by this woman security guard” Pacey paused, “at least I think it was a woman. And once I got to LA I was trapped in a holding pattern for two hours while they tried to chase some birds away from the runway so we could land. And then the traffic. Just my luck I manage to hit rush hour where I sat another couple hours in cab with some cab driver who proceeds to tell me about all his medical problems in detail in Russian of course." Pacey looked at her smiling at his story. "I had no clue what the guy was saying so I just nodded my head a lot. Not to mention I’m going to need to take out a small loan from the bank to cover my cab bill."
Pacey plopped down on the sand rubbing his hands together. “And to top it all off, I can’t figure out the right way how to tell you that the baby Madison’s is carrying isn’t mine. I wouldn’t blame you if you if you never wanted to talk to me again. "
Andie shook her head in delight, she didn’t care why Pacey was here, but she was very happy to know the news about Madison.
She sat down quietly next to him taking his hand intertwining her fingers with his. It felt natural and more importantly, it felt right. “Pacey, I don’t need a flowery speech from you telling me how you feel about me or a long explanation why you’re here."
Pacey lifted his head letting his eyes become connected with her. "This is all I need Pacey." Andie looked down to their hands and squeezed his tightly. "It’s all I’ve ever needed. This tells me everything I need to know."
A small smirk came to Pacey’s face. He gazed at her tenderly and said "I love you, McPhee!"
Andie leaned closer, her nose almost touching his. "I know!" she said jokingly.
"What? Excuse me?" Pacey threw her playfully on the sand. "I know?" Pacey mocked her.
Andie laid on her back laughing, her head resting on his arm. "What kind of response to a declaration of love was that? It‘s not like I say I love you to just anyone. I think deserve more than just I know McPhee."
"Witter-" Andie interrupted him.
"What?"
Why would I chase your shadow all my life?
And be afraid of my own?
I'd rather be with you
I'd rather not know
Where I'll be
Be alone and convinced that I know
Andie sat up and pulled him close. "I love you Witter, God help me, but I love you" and she planted a long but tender kiss on his lips.
Pacey lightly grazed her cheek with his thumb. "There’s one thing I do remember from my speech, "he paused looking deep into her eyes, “for all these years we’ve been apart, the only thing I knew for sure was that loving you and only you, has brought out the best in me." He leant in and with his nose lightly touching hers, he kissed her deeply. Resting his forehead on hers they both closed their eyes relishing this silent moment between them.
Breaking the silence Pacey pulled away from Andie and stood up. "Come on McPhee, we’ve a lot of catching up to do." He gently helped her up next to him.
Andie rested her hands on her hips. "I don’t know Witter, the last time we did some catching up I think we went a little too far" she gave him a flirty smile.
When the world keeps spinning round
My world's upside down
You and I wouldn't change a thing
I lost it all when I found you
And I wouldn't change a thing
No, you and I wouldn’t change a thing
"There’s no such thing as going too far McPhee?’
Andie crossed her arms. "I know one thing."
"For example?" Pacey cocked his head.
"I’m pregnant."
Pacey let out a nervous laugh. "What?" He leant forward cupping his ear. "I didn’t hear you. Can you repeat that?"
"I ‘m pregnant" Andie replied a little louder.
Without warning Pacey picked her up and spun her around. Dropping to his knees he rested his head on her stomach. Andie ran her fingers through his hair and smiled to herself. This was a moment in time that she would remember as the day that she found the family she lost so long ago. A family, a chance to build a life and a home was all that Andie wanted. With Pacey by her side she finally would get a chance to have her dreams fulfilled.
Everything I know has let me down
So I will just let go
Let you turn me inside out
Cause I know I'm not sure about anything
But you wouldn't have it any other way
Pacey stood up and wrapped his arms around Andie and kissed her softly on the forehead. "I guess we’ll have to get married now" he said quietly.
Andie, caught by surprise, playfully tapped him on the arm. "What kind of proposal was that Witter?"
"You’re the one McPhee, who said you didn’t need flowery speeches."
"Yes Pacey, but still, a girl likes to be wooed you know. After all, you don’t even have a ring."
"Well then, when we get back to Boston I’ll buy you the biggest one we can find. I know this great little jewellery store around the corner from the loft."
"I’m not sure Witter. I know what your taste in jewellery is like remember? I bet you’re thinking something gaudy and ridiculously expensive."
When the world keeps spinning round
My world's upside down
You and I wouldn't change a thing
Pacey took her arm in his and they begin to walk. "I’ll make you a deal. You pick out the ring and one day I’ll surprise you and propose to you in the proper way. What do ya say McPhee?"
"You’ll get down on one knee?"
"If I have to” he jokingly replied.
Andie playfully hit him again. "Pacey!"
"Ow! Watch it woman, that’s spousal abuse."
"I’m sure your brother will let it slide once in awhile" she giggled
"Why would Doug do that?"
She turned to him "Because we’ll be living in Capeside."
Pacey froze in his tracks. "Capeside?"
I've got nothing else to lose
I lost it all when I found you
And I wouldn't change a thing
No, you and I wouldn't change a thing
"Yes. The last time I talked to Jack, he told me about this beautiful three bedroom house for sale with hard wood floors and amazing fireplace." Andie’s voice rang with excitement. "But here’s the thing that really sold me on it…” she paused looking at him anxiously, “the house is right next to Jack and Doug. We’ll be neighbours."
A shocked look came cover Pacey‘s face. "No, nada, never McPhee. I am not living next to my bother" he protested.
"But don’t you think it would be neat? I mean the baby would grow up in great family environment."
Spinning turning watching burning
All my life has found its meaning
Walking crawling climbing falling
All my life has found its meaning
"Yes it would but…" Pacey was scrambling to try and convince Andie this was a bad idea without upsetting her.
Andie interrupted him "and if I remember rightly you said at one time "the family that lays together stays together?"
"That was a joke, a sick joke at best." Pacey laughed but he could see she was serious and knowing there was no way he could win. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her close to him. "You win McPhee."
Andie looked confidently into Pacey’s eyes. "Like I had any doubts!" she sarcastically replied.
You and I wouldn't change a thing
No, you and I wouldn't change a thing
"Very funny" and he gave her a quick kiss.
He took her hands into his and they began to walk down the path to the house in silence, both lost in their own thoughts of the present and their future together. Pacey glanced over to Andie and gave her a grin. "And they lived happily ever after."
Andie made a face. Pacey always had a way of knowing what she was thinking about.
"What? I thought was kind of sweet."
"Corny, not sweet Pacey" she rolled her eyes.
When the world keeps spinning round
My world's upside down
You and I wouldn't change a thing
I've got nothing else to lose
I lost it all when I found you
And I wouldn't change a thing
No, you and I wouldn't change a thing
"No, it wasn’t that bad McPhee. Man you’re harsh."
"Um, yes, quite possibly where you tendency to corniness is concerned."
They reached Audrey’s house. Pacey opened the door letting Andie go in first.
"I think you’re wrong."
"No, I’m not" she stated before slipping through the door.
Pacey shook his head and laughed to himself and shut the door behind him.
No, you and I wouldn't change a thing-Spin, Life house
It took a few months to get everything sorted so that Pacey and Andie could be married. After spending a few magical days together at the beach house, Pacey reluctantly returned to Boston. Andie stayed on with Audrey to see the doctor and make sure that everything was as it should be with her pregnancy. She had the second scan and found out the sex of the baby. That made choosing a name easy. The baby would be called Tim Jack Witter. Andie insisted upon it. When Pacey found out it was a boy, he was ecstatic.
Coming back to Boston was a lot less difficult than Pacey imagined. Madison had resigned as his agent but his publishing company found another agent quickly. Helen was happily married and extremely professional. She even managed to renegotiate Pacey’s contract so he got a bigger cut of the profits and got him a weekly slot on the Living Channel. He would go up to Boston every Thursday and shoot the programme and still be home in time to fix dinner for Andie.
Buying the house was a little more difficult than he liked. The owners had unrealistic expectations that the home was worth far more than it was. It took Pacey and Andie a week of toing and froing to finally reach settlement on a fair price. Pacey was still hesitant to live next to Doug and his brother-in-law Jack but quickly realised the benefits. They would always have a willing babysitter and when he was away from home, he knew that Andie would be looked after. The home was everything they wanted and fortunately didn’t need any decorating apart from the baby’s room. Doug and Jack spent one weekend painting and building the cot and change table as a wedding gift to Andie and Pacey.
Andie left LA to fly home to Minneapolis to sort out her home and position at the clinic. Packing up her home was the simplest task she had. The more difficult task was sorting out her career after Tim was born. The directors of the clinic pleaded with her to remain on staff but Andie was determined to begin her life with Pacey and Tim in Capeside. Reluctantly letting her go, they arranged it so that she could do some consulting work while she was still pregnant. Fortunately for Andie and Pacey, the general practice centre in Capeside was seeking a doctor to act as a locum. Andie agreed to work up until Tim was born and then she would fill in as required. Hopefully in a few years she could become fulltime and move to being a partner in the practice. General Practice suited Andie and she relished the day to day contact of patients as opposed to the constant grind of medical research.
On a cool autumn morning Andie’s water broke while she was proofreading Pacey’s next book. They quietly went up to hospital with well rehearsed ease. Andie had planned this day down to the last second. All Pacey had to do was to remember what to do and in what order. It had taken a few rehearsals and some strong words between them, but he had remembered his role. As they were driving to the hospital, Pacey was amazed that soon he would be a father and that he and Andie had gotten through the pregnancy so well. Somehow Pacey was able to manage Andie’s mood swings and hormonal urges. He figured it was a legacy from their first time together. Andie always believed that she had all the drama one would ever need in a life back then and since then her life had been on a fairly even keel.
After a few hours of labour, a healthy baby boy was born. Pacey was overcome with a flood of emotions as he held his son for the first time. Everything was in order and he looked at Andie and saw the contentment and sheer joy in her face. Everything he wanted was in this one place. Dawson and Joey came up from New York as soon as they could and Audrey arrived breathless from LA. Jack and Doug ran errands and helped out as much as they could. Having the responsibility for a child bonded brothers and a sister closer than before. Doug was never prouder of Pacey than the moment he saw him hold Andie and looking at his son cradled in Andie’s arms.
It was a few months later when Pacey finally proposed to Andie officially. As soon as she had arrived back from LA he had taken her to the little jewellery store just around from the loft. The ring he thought of getting her was not the one she chose. Andie selected a diamond and Ceylonese sapphire cluster mounted in a platinum setting. The stones were beautiful and flawless and the ring was simple and elegant. Andie knew that was the ring she wanted the moment she saw it. On the inside of the band Pacey had engraved ‘Andie, my love for you is infinite. Pacey.’ They were taking Tim out in his stroller when they walked pass what used to be their ‘spot’. Andie reminded Pacey.
“Do you know where we are?” she smiled at the memory.
“Um, where we first kissed?” Pacey hoped he was right.
“Yes. And where were first danced.”
“That was some night McPhee. Your brother getting punched out by Dawson all because he kissed Joey.”
“Joey seemed to cause quite a few fights if I remember correctly Pacey.”
Pacey could laugh now at the memories. “Yeah she did. But having her in my life also caused you pain and I’ll always regret it Andie.” He turned serious and he nervously fingered the ring box in the pocket of his jeans.
“Pacey, you have nothing to apologise for. We all did things we regret.” Andie stopped and hugged him. This was Pacey’s opportunity and he knew it. He released Andie from the hug and got down on one knee.
Andie caught unawares gasped “Pacey? Oh my god!” she covered her mouth with her hand in a gesture of surprise. With having Tim and starting a new life with Pacey the agreement reached in LA had been nearly forgotten.
“Andie McPhee, I love you so much I cannot even begin to describe how much that is. Being with you has and always will bring out the best in me. Andie, will you please marry me?” Pacey looked expectantly into Andie’s eyes, now brimming with tears of joy.
“Oh Pacey, I will. I love you so much and you have no idea how happy you make me. You did it, you really did it Pacey…kiss me now before I break down here.” She extended her arms to him as he got off his knee. They held each other tightly for what seemed an eternity.
Pacey looked down at the sleeping figure of his son. “Timmy, one day we’ll tell you about this.” And they both laughed as they continued on towards home and their life as husband and wife and child. Andie’s wishes had all come true and they were still here together, happy, healthy, and more in love than ever.
The end