AN: Hi everyone! Words can not express how sorry I am for taking a very long time to post an update. With this craziness going on of COVID-19, you would think I would have time to write! But the sad thing about it is I have been suffering a bad case of writers' block! However, I have been receiving some messages and continuation of favorites from you guys and I just want to let you all know that I appreciate it. Thank you all so much! The song that will be featured in this chapter is titled: "River" by Bishop Briggs. Please listen as you read when it comes up. I hope you all will enjoy this chapter. Reminder: There are two chapters left in this story! Also, hope you all are well and stay safe!

Special thank you to JItterbug5 for being my betta. I couldn't have done this without you ;)

Disclaimer: I don't own Dawson's Creek it belongs to the WB and Kevin Williamson.

~Christina~


Episode 11: Field Trip

Hitting the gym is a must for Pacey. Working out all his anger and stress as he runs the treadmill is supposed to be like medicine for him. But flashes of him and Joey kissing that night and Dawson's words kept replaying in his head and it keeps making him angrier and angrier. Lost in his thoughts as he picks up speed on the treadmill, Pacey didn't notice that he seems to be making quite an audience. Not just any audience, it seems that the whole female population has gravitated towards him. Funny, though, how there is only one female who is currently occupying his mind; even though that said female is pissing him off.

He ran on for about a good 15 minutes until he decides to cool down. Only then that he realized most of the females in the gym were staring at him. Usually, this would make him feel good but it only made him feel horrible. Ignoring them he decided to call it quits as he stopped the machine and stepped down from it. Walking towards the men's locker room, one bold female had thrown herself at him almost causing a scene as Pacey caught his balance and grabbed a hold of the girl who seems to be very pleased with being in his arms.

"Are you okay?" He asked as he continues to hold her firmly in his arms.

The girl blushed as she nodded her head in reply.

Pacey took note of the girl as she kind of reminds him of Joey. Then suddenly it all came flowing back at him as he sees himself and Joey kissing in the kitchen. The only difference is that this time Dawson's annoying voice isn't replaying in his mind. It's just the two of them and how they felt at that moment. Before the whole reveal from Dawson. Before he found out the truth of how she feels for him. Which is - nothing!

The girl squirms in pain as he forgot he was still holding her in his arms. "Sorry," he muttered as he quickly let go.

The girl rubbed her arm where he held her tightly as she gave him a quizzical look. "It's fine," she said as she realized that he didn't want to be bothered.

Pacey quickly hurried off to the locker room as soon as the girl was out of his sight. He stood at his locker as he tried to calm himself down. The more he thinks about Joey the angrier he gets. It makes him even angrier with the fact of how angry he is with her. Hitting his fist to his locker, Pacey leans his forehead on the locker as he tries to figure out how he is going to manage this class trip to Paris with both Joey and Dawson present.

oOo

Capeside Airport.

Joey looked around through the crowd as she tries to spot Pacey but he seems to be nowhere in sight. Where could he be? She thought to herself as she looked at the watch he had given her. Last time she had checked he did mention that he was going on this trip. Mr. Gold had already collected everyone's passport and is about to get ready for them to board the plane.

Dawson seems to notice Joey is distracted as she scans the crowd and keeps looking at her watch. Wondering who she is looking for, he then noticed the light-up look as soon as she saw the person she was looking for. Pacey? He was starting to have an uneasy feeling as their kiss had burned back in his memory. Pacey had said that the kiss meant nothing, it was just an act to follow along with the date night rules. But looking at Joey's viewpoint, did the kiss mean nothing to her?

She had said nothing to him all day about what had happened to her that night and he didn't even know how to approach her about it. He was afraid if he had asked he wouldn't like the answer. But looking at her now - he knew that he is right. He is starting to think that Joey may have feelings for Pacey. He hopes to God that he is wrong because if it is true he wouldn't know how he would handle it.

"You finally made it," Joey smiled but quickly dropped when Pacey brushed passed her and went straight to Dawson.

That cold shoulder did not go unnoticed by Jen as she looked at Joey with concern written on her face. What the hell happened between Joey and Pacey? It looks like she and Dawson aren't the only ones who are having relationship problems. Whatever it is, she is going to put her problems with Dawson aside as she is going to try to help her friends with theirs during this trip.

"Pacey, where've you been? Mr. Gold had already gathered our passport," Dawson rushed out.

"I know. I'm sorry. I was just going through something. Where's Mr. Gold?" Pacey looked around ignoring Joey's stares.

"He's over there," Dawson pointed over at one of the receptions Mr. Gold is talking too.

"Okay, thanks man," Pacey said as he quickly made his way over to Mr. Gold.

As soon as Pacey left, Dawson turns his attention to Joey. He noticed the pained expression on her face as her eyes never left Pacey. He, too, like Jen had noticed how cold Pacey had been acting towards Joey. He completely ignored her when he had arrived. He didn't acknowledge her at all. Not even once did he look at her. Did he miss something? Just not too long ago he was worried that something might be going on with Joey and Pacey. Something they both failed to share. From the looks of it, he guesses that's not the case at all. Something is going on but it is not what he had thought. Thank God for that, he sighed with relief.

Pacey and Joey had always been at odds. There is no question about that. Dawson was used to their constant bickers. It grew on him for years since they were five. So he never thought much about it. Never, not even once, had he thought of their bickers was a form of a mask to hide their true feelings. It never occurred to him that they would see each other in that way. To him, Pacey and Joey couldn't develop feelings for each other. It just was. He couldn't see it happening but today and that night it became pretty close.

Pacey's actions today show him that he doesn't have any kind of romantic feelings for Joey. But Joey, on the other hand, proved to him that she is starting to see Pacey in a new light.

Dawson doesn't want that to happen! One way or another, he is going to get Joey to look at him again. He is the only man she is supposed to have her eyes on - not Pacey! During this trip that is exactly what he is going to do. Make Joey see him again and put her feelings for him back into place.

oOo

The Freshmen class already has their assigned seats in order as they all are super excited about their trip. Pacey and Dawson were on their way to their seats. Pacey looked at his ticket to see where he is supposed to sit. He is assigned to a middle seat near the back of the plane. He looked around the crowded plane and saw, one other, Joey sitting where he is supposed to sit.

Great! Just my luck, he sighed.

Dawson, on the other hand, looked just as bummed as he does. Pacey took a peek at Dawson's ticket and saw that he had better seating at an aisle. Wondering what is the problem, Pacey follow his line of vision and saw that Jen was also assigned seat there but she was by the window.

A thought popped into Pacey's head as he quickly turned to Dawson expectantly.

"Hey, Dawson, if you don't mind I'll switch seats with you," Pacey said hopefully.

Dawson looked at Pacey for a bit wondering why he wanted to switch seats with him. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter as long as he doesn't sit by Jen Lindley.

"Sure, where are you seated?" Dawson looked around.

Pacey smirked as he pointed to where Joey is sitting. He didn't miss the huge grin on Dawson's face as soon as he saw Joey sitting there. Pacey's heart dropped a little but quickly dismissed it. If he were to get over Joey, he knew that pushing them two together is a way to do it.

"Sure, man, not a problem," Dawson rushed. "By the way, I'm seated over there," he pointed to where Jen is.

Pacey smiled as he didn't mind sitting next to his newfound best friend. Maybe this trip would be easy with her around. He, for one, is counting on that. Otherwise, he would come back from this trip as a very miserable man.

"Cool. I like the aisle seat," Pacey smiled. "Oh, and, Dawson ... good luck with Joey."

Pacey didn't mean it but if he were to move on and forget about Joey - he has to give his blessings to Dawson.

"Thanks, man, I appreciate it," Dawson smiled as he quickly went over to sit next to Joey.


Chatillon Hotel

The freshmen class finally made it to Paris and are currently standing in the hotel lobby waiting to get their rooms assigned. The hotel itself is a very nice little hotel that is reserved for only the entire freshmen class. They also get to have a free complimentary breakfast buffet - only reserved for their freshmen class trip.

Mr. Gold had just handed out keys and room assignments for them. Joey wasn't all too pleased that she would be rooming with Jen. As Dawson and Pacey were glad that they would be rooming together. They each checked out their rooms and unpacked as they had agreed to meet at the main lobby to go out sightseeing.

The hotel they were staying at has a great walking distance with wonderful landmarks and restaurants. It was late afternoon when they have arrived and they were getting hungry, so they decide to go and check out any restaurants that have a reasonable price range. They came across ll Etait Un Square and decided to try it out.

As they looked at their menu's everyone seemed puzzled except for Dawson who was trying to impress Joey by showing off his poor French-speaking skills. Which didn't help at all because she was too busy focusing on Pacey who seemed to be more concerned with Jen?

The poor waiter who is standing by trying to get their order was scratching his head as he tries to figure out what Dawson was trying to say for his order. Finally, the waiter suggested that he could get them the English menu and describe their order for them.

At his suggestion, everyone quickly agreed except for Dawson who was personally disappointed with the waiter for not understanding his French.

As the waiter came back with the English menu - Dawson quietly mumble to the waiter, "I could have easily handled the order without the English menu."

"Yes, but it seems you need a little more practice with your French," the waiter mumbled back.

Dawson rolled his eyes at his remark as he quickly glances over at Joey who is currently focusing on the menu.

Everyone finally placed their order and thoroughly enjoyed their dinner. Dawson - who was trying to get Joey's attention but failing miserably - took notice of Pacey paying more attention toward Jen. Which, by the way, had sparked his interest. Deep down he knows he should be upset that Pacey is putting the moves on his ex, but somehow he doesn't feel upset at all. He doesn't feel anything. What goes on between Pacey and Jen is cool with him. As long as it keeps Jen away from him; and the "close bond" that Pacey and Joey seem to be having lately is now non-existence as they seem to be back on track as to how they use to be. That had put a smile on Dawson's face as he is starting to realize that he was worried over nothing.

Meanwhile, as Dawson seemed to be pleased, Joey wasn't! For some reason, she was starting to hate Jen even more as she watches Pacey cater to her every need. It was as if it was just the two of them and nobody else is present. It sickens her as she was forced to watch Pacey cut up meat for Jen - just as he had done for her when they were on their pretend relationship. He was treating Jen just as he had treated her! Joey couldn't look on any longer as she was on a verge of tears. She thought that they had something special, but she guesses that she was wrong...

On the other hand, Pacey was feeling very uncomfortable. He knew it was wrong to put on an act in front of Joey like that. He also knew it is wrong to use Jen like that just to make Joey jealous. But he couldn't stop now that he had started. He told himself numerous times that he needed to get over Joey. But how could he when his heartache for her every time he sees her cry? And to know that he is the reason for those tears... He noticed that she tried to hide it but it was already too late - he saw it. Little does she know, he has been watching her and paying attention to her. He's just good at hiding it.

Jen knew what Pacey is up too. She knows that he is using her to get to Joey. Maybe this will get Joey to open up her feelings to Pacey? She can only hope as she continues to put on an act with Pacey. Both don't know that she is doing this for them as she wants to see both of them happy.

oOo

After their dinner, the gang wanted to check out the Eiffel Tower. It may seem cliche but since they are in Paris they have to check it out! Legend has it that if you take someone that you secretly love to the top of the Eiffel Tower and confess your love to that person; you and that person will become soulmates forever and will never be apart. Dawson secretly glances over at Joey as he thought about finding a way to get her alone tonight so he can bring her back to take her to the top of the Tower and finally confess his feelings.

They didn't get the chance to go inside the Tower as they went by but they did take a group picture at the front of the Eiffel Tower.

They next took a tour to the Pont des Arts where lovers leave a love locks on the bridge and they would throw away the key in the river to symbolize that they are locking their love forever.

On the bridge, Joey fantasizes about her and Pacey locking their love on the bridge and throwing away the key. She didn't notice that Dawson is watching her as she is smiling to herself over her fantasies. Dawson smirked as he thought that maybe she is thinking about him. Walking over to her, he grabs her hand. Joey was caught off guard as she looked up at him in bewilderment.

Dawson didn't say anything as he continues to smirk at her as he pulls her along with him to walk over to where they would get the padlock.

Meanwhile, Pacey watched as the scene was being unfolded. Jen could tell that Pacey is very jealous as he continues to watch Dawson and Joey's every move. Not knowing what to do, Pacey balled his hand into a tight fist. He so wanted to punch Dawson and let him know to keep his hand off his women! He was just about to do just so until he felt Jen holding him back as she shook her head at him. She didn't want him to cause a scene and start a fight between the two friends. That wouldn't be fair for Joey.

"Dawson! What are you doing?" Joey asked as Dawson paid the sales clerk a padlock.

"You look like you wanted to do what everyone else is doing. So I figure we can do it together!"

Before she even had time to protest, Dawson quickly pulls her along as he grabs a Sharpie to write their initials on the padlock.

Joey looked for Pacey as she realizes that he wasn't paying attention without a care in the world. For all she knows - Jen seems to be his priority now. Whatever is going on between her and Dawson - he does not care.

"There!" Dawson said excitedly as he finishes with their initials. "Now let's go and lock this together."

"Dawson, wait." This isn't right. No matter what the circumstances are - her heart still belongs to Pacey. "I ... I can't do this. Why don't you just keep it."

Dawson frowned as he looked at her. He thought this is what she wanted. He doesn't understand. "Why?"

She can tell that she somehow had hurt his feelings. She doesn't know why Dawson had the need to do this but she can't falsely pretend to be lovers and lock a love lock on this bridge. It's not right. And it's not fair for either of them.

"I can't pretend that we are in love and do such a thing," she said softly.

Dawson's pride hurt as he heard her say those words. He doesn't know what happened? She looked fine a moment ago. He thought this is what she wanted. Was he wrong? Did the smile she had on her lips before having anything to do with the love lock? Or was it his imagination believing that this is what she had wanted? Whatever the case may be, he can tell that she doesn't seem to be in the mood. In fact, during this entire trip, she seems to be down. It was only at that moment when he saw her smiling for the first time, thinking that she wanted to do something like this with him.

He didn't stop to think that maybe the smile was meant for something else. Like the fact that she finally realized that she is here in Paris. Or the fact that she was thinking of a scene in a movie that was made here. It could be several reasons why she had to choose to smile at that moment.

Now he couldn't help but feel foolish as he had just been rejected by the one person who he calls his soulmate. He hopes to God that she would not reject him again tonight when he comes clean to her about his feelings. Who knows, maybe then it just might cheer her up if she knew how he feels for her.

"Okay ..." Dawson said as he tries not to look hurt.

Joey was a bit hesitant as she watches him. But she quickly shrugged it off as it looked like it no longer bothered him. As they walked back towards Pacey and Jen, Joey's heart broke into a million pieces as she saw Pacey brush Jen's hair back behind her ear. It looked so intimate like they belong together. His eyes looked so warm as he gazes at her, all the while, she smiled warmly back at him.

Joey was starting to feel sick as she decided that she want to leave the bridge. Everyone agreed as they started to head out. Little did anyone knew, Pacey had got a love lock and had placed the lock on the bridge with the initials, on it written: "PW & JP 4 Eva."


The gang decided to look at the Aquarium de Paris. It is such a beautiful place with so many astonishing tropical fish. A place for both Joey and Pacey since they both enjoy the sea life and every living creature in the sea. Joey can imagine working at a place like this. She would be the one that would scuba-dive in the world's largest fish tank to feed the fish and swim along with the Dolphins. She would even put on a show for the guests as they watch her feed the sharks. She would even have the privilege to clean the world's largest fish tank.

Joey smiles with that thought as she watches the cute little clownfish swim by; making her think of Nemo. A light breeze went by which made her shiver as she ran a hand down her arm. Both Pacey and Dawson took notice of this as they both made a move to take off their jackets. Just when Pacey was about to lend Joey his jacket - Dawson had beat him to the punch as he wraps his jacket over Joey's shoulders.

Pacey cleared his throat as he tries to play it off and quickly lends his jacket to Jen. She smiled sheepishly at him as she took his jacket from him and put it on herself.

A little scene Joey couldn't help noticing all the while Dawson's hands were still lingering on Joey's shoulders. Something that Pacey doesn't take too lightly.

They continue to look at all the wonderful sea creatures as if they were underwater in the sea with them.

oOo

The next stop was the Place de la Concorde. Both Dawson and Jen wanted to go on the Ferris wheel there. One of the largest Ferris wheels in the world! Rumor has it that if a couple kisses at the very top ... they will be happy forever. Although Jen knows it is all a cliché, she figures she would like to try something that would help Pacey and Joey. Plus, she wouldn't mind trying to do something with Dawson hoping that it would rekindle some old feelings he had for her.

Jen pulled Joey aside as she relayed her plan. She told Joey that she would like to get some alone time with Dawson and thought that they would come up with a strategy to get Dawson in the same cart with her.

Joey thought for a moment and figure it wasn't a bad idea since she would like to get some alone time with Pacey. Knowing how Dawson seems to be so clingy to her lately, she never got the opportunity to talk to Pacey.

Nodding her head in agreement, Jen smiles as she tells Joey her plan.

"This is what we will do as soon as the cart arrives, I will grab a hold of Dawson's hand and quickly get in the cart with him. Leaving you and Pacey to ride on the next cart. How does that sound?" Jen asked hopefully.

Joey couldn't help but to roll her eyes good-natured as she agreed to go along with her plan.

Both girls walked up to the guys with clear puzzlement on their faces. Joey and Jen smiled knowingly as the guys try to get answers from them. They walked up to a very crowded line. The line was full of couples who wanted to try out the legends that they've heard.

Inline, Pacey and Jen are upfront with Pacey standing on the left and Jen to his right. Next in line is Joey and Dawson with Joey standing behind Pacey to the left and Dawson behind Jen to the right. Pacey and Jen were finally next in line. Now the strategy was for Jen to reach back behind her and grab a hold of Dawson to pull him with her into their cart when it arrives.

It was a very simple neat plan ... that is ... until ...

As soon as their cart arrived, Jen quickly springs into action as she proceeds with her plan. Reaching back behind her without looking; she grabs a hold of who she thought is Dawson's hand and race right into the cart as planned.

Smiling to herself as she took a moment to take deep breaths, she finally looked over to the person sitting next to her and nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Joey! H-How?!" She quickly looked over at the line as the lift move up for the next cart to arrive.

Both Pacey and Dawson were at a loss as they watch the girls leave in their carts; leaving Pacey and Dawson to ride on the next one.

oOo

After the Ferris wheel ride, in which, they had no success - the gang took one last stop at the Canal Saint-Martin. At the Canal, it runs through one of Paris' trendiest neighborhoods which are filled with cool shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also wooden bridges, benches, and leafy parks along its length that are ideal spots for love-struck couples to cuddle up and share a few intimate moments.

But that wasn't the case for either one of them -,, especially for Joey and Pacey. (Start playing River by Bishop Briggs). As Dawson and Jen decide to stop at one of the shops to look around, Pacey and Joey stayed behind at one of the benches. Thoughts were running wild between them. Joey couldn't get over how sweet Pacey has been treating Jen this entire trip, while Pacey is fuming with the thought of Joey and Dawson back at the Pont des Arts where they left the lovelocks at the bridge. Then to top it off, he still couldn't get over the date night they had was all for Dawson!

"What's wrong, Jo, missing your boyfriend already?" Pacey sneered.

"What are you talking about, Pacey?" She couldn't understand him now and the tone he uses on her was starting to piss her off.

"Don't play dumb with me, Jo. Admit it ... you and Dawson are an item now," Pacey was hot with jealousy.

Joey glared at Pacey as she couldn't understand where he got the notion to believe that she and Dawson are dating. "Pacey, I don't know what you are talking about but believe me when I say that you got it all wrong!"

Pacey let out a sneer of a laugh.

"What has gotten into you, Pace?! Why are you being such a jackass suddenly?" Joey was tired of Pacey treating her like crap.

Pacey gave Joey a cold glare. "It must have been fun for you to play such a mean trick on me that night. Did Dawson put you up to it?"

"Pacey! I honestly don't know what you are talking -"

"I'm talking about the date night!" He shouted so loud that the person passing by jumped and looked over at them.

Joey felt embarrassed as a color was starting to show on her face. Hot with anger and confusion, Joey stood from the bench they were sitting on and hovered over Pacey as she glares down at him.

"Look, Pace, you need to calm down and explain to me what you are talking about," she said in a low tone.

Not wanting to back down, Pacey stood tall and he is now hovering over Joey. "I'm talking about the fact that the person who you wanted to bid on that night is Dawson!"

Color drain from her face. Joey was as pale as a ghost as she looked up at him wide-eyed. How did he found out that she had planned to spend that night with Dawson? She was going to tell him tonight. She planned to get him alone so she could explain to him about that night. She never thought that the whole reason why Pacey was acting so cold towards her is that he was misinformed about her behavior and reasonings of that night. What upset her the most is the fact that Pacey decides to treat her like dirt instead of confronting her about it! She thought that they have grown closer. What happened between them for the past couple of months didn't mean anything to him?

"Well? Explain yourself," Pacey said impatiently.

Joey swallowed the lump in her throat as her heart is breaking because of the man that stood in front of her.

"I don't need to explain anything to you, Pace," her tone was breaking.

"So, it is true! You and Dawson are an item," he sneered yet again.

"Believe what you want, Pace, no matter what I say you won't believe me."

He knew she was right. No matter what excuse she would try to make - he would not believe any of it. The fact that he knew she had feelings for Dawson and not him was enough. If she was going to deny the fact that she and Dawson are together, he doesn't want to hear it. He hates the fact that the women he loves would play games with his heart. He wouldn't take it and he wouldn't let her. No matter how much he loves her and still does to this day, he wouldn't let her use him like that.

For some reason, Pacey couldn't help but push her buttons. He wants to at least know where her feelings for him are at. "You know ... I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss we shared," he started.

Joey furrowed her brow as she looked up at him.

"I couldn't help but to wonder is it me that you were kissing or was it, Dawson?" His eyes were dark as he looked down at her.

Meanwhile, Joey couldn't understand where this is all coming from. What right did he have to say such things to her! Instead of trying to figure out what he is implying and his reasonings behind his words, Joey was too pissed off with him to even think clearly. Before any of them knew what was happening, Joey raised her right hand as she slapped Pacey hard across his face.

It was at that moment when Dawson and Jen arrived as they saw the scene being unfolded.

"Hey guys, is everything alright?" Jen asked her friends. She had hoped that leaving the two alone for a while would bring them closer.

Dawson, on the other hand, kept his eye on both Pacey and Joey. He couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of them. They look so intimate with each other even when they are angry with each other. Something that he and Joey never have.

"Jen, I'm so glad you're back," Pacey said as he walks toward her.

Giving Joey a smug look, he turns his attention back to Jen. "Let's get out of here and head back to our hotel room," he sneered as he grabs a hold of Jen's hand and pulled her along, leaving Dawson and Joey alone looking after them.

As she watches Pacey drag Jen with him heading to the direction of their hotel, Joey couldn't stop a single tear from rolling down her cheek.

oOo

Back at the hotel room, Pacey couldn't stop pacing the room as Jen kept a close eye on him. It was obvious that Pacey and Joey had a big fight and he is trying to upset Joey by bringing her back here with him. Which to her is a dumb idea considering that he had left Joey alone with Dawson! Seeing how he is pacing the room now made her realize what he had done was bad and was starting to regret it.

"Pacey, slow down! You're going to burn a hole on the floor," Jen tries to calm Pacey down.

"How can I be so stupid, Jen! I made her think that you and I ... you and I ..." he couldn't finish his sentence.

"It's okay. Everything will be fine," Jen tries to reason.

"But I said so many awful things to her and then left her alone with him! What was I thinking!" He panicked.

"You were thinking that you wanted to hurt her as much as she had hurt you." Jen frowned as she looked at him.

"What happened between the two of you, anyway? I thought things were going well. What changed?"

"Dawson!" Pacey spat out.

Confused Jen asked, "What do you mean?"

Pacey stopped pacing the floor as he quickly turns to Jen and started explaining what happened the night of the auction. Jen listened intently as Pacey relayed every single detail of that night up until he came across Dawson and what Dawson had told him.

Jen was starting to feel guilty and couldn't help but think that this is all her fault. She knew that Joey and Dawson had plans for the date night auction, but she had intervened on their plans. If she hadn't stopped Joey from bidding on Dawson than Pacey wouldn't have to take Dawson's place and end up getting hurt in the process. If things had gone according to plan, then maybe Pacey and Joey wouldn't be in this situation.

"I'm so sorry, Pacey," Jen said in a shaky voice. "I'm afraid that this is all my fault."

Pacey looked at her, bewildered.

"What do you mean, your fault?"

Then it was Jen's turn to relay her story. She told him how she came upon Dawson and Joey and how she overheard their conversation; how she had a plan to get rid of Joey so she could have an opportunity to bid on Dawson. How that night with Dawson went up until she had assumed that's when Pacey had met up with Dawson.

As Jen relayed her story, Pacey still felt very upset. He didn't blame Jen, though, not in the least, it was the fact that Joey had gone to that auction to bid on Dawson as her date! If he recalls, he did remember telling Joey that she wasn't going to participate in the auction because he had thought it ridiculous and he remembered Joey agreeing with him stating that she wasn't going to go herself! Yeah, he ended up being there but that was because he had run into Mr. Gold and had promised him that he will DJ for the night. If he hadn't agreed to that then he wouldn't have known that Joey was going to be there and that she had planned to bid on Dawson. Joey lied to him and made him believe that the date was all for him! So where is the silver lining in all this? It still didn't help the fact that she had lied and is continuing to lie to him now!

Jen saw the anger grow in him and is very worried that she may be the cause of it. Not knowing what to do next, she stood up from where she was sitting and was about to leave for her room when Pacey grabs a hold of her hand to stop her from leaving. Looking at him, she could tell that he didn't want to be alone.

"Please don't go," he pleaded. "I can use a friend right now," he said as he pulled Jen to him for a hug.

Meanwhile, Dawson took Joey back to the Eiffel Tower as he had promised himself, he would. They went inside the Tower and made it to the top. Dawson has never been so nervous in his life as he took a look at Joey. This is the moment he has been waiting for all day. To finally tell Joey how he feels. He took a deep breath as he wipes the sweat on the palms of his hands on his jeans. He continues to look at Joey as he was so amazed at how beautiful she looks. This is the moment for him to confess his feelings for her.

Clearing his throat, he started, "Joey?"

"Yeah?" She answered still not looking at him but out of the Tower.

"I love you, and I think we should be together," he held his breath to see what she is going to say.

Joey froze as her eyes grew wide. She slowly turns to Dawson as for the first time in her life she saw in his eyes that he is very serious.

To be continued ...


AN: Finally, I have completed this chapter! It was a struggle but I did it! I hope you guys enjoyed it. I must say I didn't care too much for this chapter :( I hope I get my inspiration back on the next one. Anyways, during this COVID pandemic, I want to wish you all to stay safe and healthy!

Character Insight:

Pacey - He's been struggling through this whole misunderstanding with Joey. Blind by the fact that Joey does indeed has feelings for him, he still believes that she is into Dawson. He can't help but feel angry that the women he loves are looking at someone else instead of him. He tries to tell himself that he wants her to be happy and that he needs to let her go, but it is hard for him to do so. Instead, he opts to treat her coldly which is something he is quite familiar with.

Joey - She is clueless about the fact that Dawson has told Pacey everything about the date night. She planned to tell Pacey about it and also confess her feelings for him. But things didn't go as planned when Pacey started to treat her differently. She then starts to take notice that Pacey and Jen are growing very close. Something that she and Pacey use to be. Now she has to deal with Dawson who just confessed his feelings for her!

Dawson - He found this trip as an opportunity to let Joey know that he is in love with her. He notices that Pacey and Joey are at odds which he is confused about because he thought that things were going well between them. The way Pacey is treating Joey has left Dawson feeling uncomfortable because he could tell that Pacey must have some strong feelings for Joey. In turn, he could tell that Joey must have some kind of feelings for Pacey, as well. But that didn't stop him from confessing his feelings for her in the end!

Jen - Stuck in the middle between Pacey and Joey, she wanted this trip to be peaceful for the both of them in hopes that they would rekindle whatever it is that they had going, lol. But things didn't go as planned as Pacey had used her to get back at Joey. Forgetting her problems with Dawson for now, Jen decides to help Pacey with his as the two of them became close as friends.

Next Chapter - Episode 12: Beauty Contest

- Pacey continues to give Joey the cold shoulder.

- Jen convinces Joey to join the Miss Windjammer contest.

- Mitch and Gale are at odds yet again.

- Dawson confronts Joey about his confession to Joey.