Cut to the student centre at Worthington University. Cameras are being wheeled in. Tables are set up with sound and picture editing equipment.
Pacey wanders onto the set with something hidden behind his back. He holds it there, while waving at people with the other hand. Finally he reaches Dawson.
He reveals the clapboard, with a ‘Creek Side Pictures’ logo placed on it.
PACEY: May I?
Dawson rolls his eyes.
PACEY: Come on, please…please, I’ll be your best friend!
DAWSON: You already are.
PACEY: I’ll be a better one. Come on, Dawson. You and Oliver are doing most of the work here. I wanna do something to contribute other than bringing your starlets their bagels. Besides, I’ve always wanted to do this.
Dawson smirks.
DAWSON: Sure. Go ahead.
Pacey grins.
PACEY: You will not regret this. So, do we have a name for this thing yet?
DAWSON: We’re still missing one cast member. If we don’t fill the roll soon, filming is going to have to be postponed. It’s not a major role or anything. Just three or so scenes, so we’ve been filming around it.
PACEY: You want me to give it a try? As you recall, I’ve been known to act once or twice.
Dawson chuckles.
DAWSON: Already suggested it. Oliver doesn’t think you fit his ‘vision’.
PACEY: Yeah. You know, I don’t like that guy. Bad enough he’s sniffing around Andie…
The saddened look on Pacey’s face tells Dawson he should say something. He puts down the script pages.
DAWSON: You okay?
Pacey shrugs.
PACEY: Yeah, sure, I’m ok. I mean, I had my chance four years ago, right? You’re the one I’m worried about. How are things on your angle?
DAWSON: Hmm…let’s see. The woman I love has decided to remain celibate indefinitely for self-improvement purposes. My mom is dating a guy with as much warmth as an Eskimo Pie. My only client is completely indecisive in every aspect of this movie, and if it fails I will be bankrupt…again!
PACEY: In short, things suck, don’t it?
DAWSON: I’m not going to worry about the formers. From here on out, 100% of my concentration is going to be on the movie. When that’s finished, then I’ll worry about personal things.
PACEY: Spoken like a true workaholic.
Chris arrives, with Audrey in tow.
DAWSON: How’s it going?
CHRIS: Perfect. I cleared some stuff out of the back room.
PACEY: Back room?
Dawson turns to Pacey.
DAWSON: We’re going to use some old school tricks for some of the interior scenes. Really, really old school. They’re not showing the play until after the Christmas break, so Chris is letting us film at the Mad Cat Playhouse.
PACEY: What about the warehouse?
DAWSON: Different scenes. It’ll save time, since we only have a limited number of people for the sets. We won’t have must constructing to do. Just need to time in between the drama group’s rehearsal. We’ll have to move fast.
Pacey waves his hands.
PACEY: Say no more. I’ll put together an itinerary to get us from point A to point B. No problem.
DAWSON: Great. Go to Oliver and find out what he wants to film today. That should help make everything run better.
Suddenly, Andie runs up to them out of nowhere. She’s excited, barely able to control herself. Joey and Audrey follow behind her.
ANDIE: Oh my god…he’s here! I can’t believe it! I’m hyperventilating. Why didn’t anyone tell me?
The guys look at her, confused.
DAWSON: Who’s here?
Andie’s eyes go wide, as if not understanding their question.
ANDIE: Andy Brown!
PACEY: Who’s Andy Brown?
Andie gasps.
ANDIE: Oh, you did not just say that! He’s only THE most brilliant brain surgeon in the entire country. What rock have you been living under?
PACEY: Well, sorry. The American Journal of Medicine isn’t high on my reading list, McPhee!
JOEY: Don’t mind her, Pacey! She’s been ranting and raving about that guy all morning.
AUDREY: Who is he, again?
Andie looks at her, a glint of insanity shining in her eyes.
DAWSON: I heard of him. Some high-ranking doctor in New York City. About a year ago, there was some sort of family tragedy that made him move out to Colorado. Very ‘Mosquito Coast’.
ANDIE: You know he has a beard now? Very sexy.
Pacey rolls his eyes.
PACEY: (muttering) I can’t believe this.
CHRIS: So, what’s he doing here?
JOEY: A seminar for the medical students. Andie here is trying to convince us to sneak in.
ANDIE: How many opportunities are going to come for me, Joey? A virtual medical god is speaking at a school I go to? That’s not gonna happen again. I’ll get in there or die trying.
Andie wanders away, while Pacey just shakes his head.
PACEY: Can you believe that? It’s insane.
DAWSON: Yeah, I know. Overact much?
JOEY: Oh, come off it, Dawson! We all know that if Spielberg was going to be in the same state as you you’d do anything to be there.
Dawson points at her accusingly.
DAWSON: That’s different. Spielberg is a celebrity in the public eye. This is just some doctor who went a little crazy.
PACEY: Probably a real bore, too. I bet you’re gonna see him, and he’s some stuffed shirt in a tweed jacket, yammering on about cells and enzymes, putting everyone to sleep out of utter boredom.
*****
Meanwhile, in another part of Boston, two people are seated at a table in a rented out hotel room. One of them is a boy, age 16, with dark hair. His younger sister sits beside him, patiently waiting for the third occupant.
ANDY: (off-screen) Well?
Both children look towards their father. He’s dressed in a green and red plaid jacket.
ANDY: How do I look?
EPHRAM: Perfect. Just perfect. Only, your shoes aren’t big enough, and you’re missing the big red nose.
Ephram starts to laugh. His sister, Delia, giggles. Andy, however, crosses his arms in annoyance.
ANDY: Really, it’s not that bad!
EPHRAM: It is that bad, dad! You look like a 1940’s salesman. I know we don’t have as much money as we used to, but you didn’t have to beat up a hobo for a new jacket.
ANDY: Well, I think it looks very distinguished.
Ephram sighs.
EPHRAM: Could you please tell me why you dragged us here?
ANDY: I thought you of all people would like getting out of Everwood for a while.
EPHRAM: Yeah, but to Boston? So you can talk to a bunch of preppies at a school I’ve never even heard of?
ANDY: Think of it as your introduction to college life.
EPHRAM: I’ve got television to do that, thanks.
DELIA: Are we leaving soon?
ANDY: Just in a moment, sweetie. I just need to make a call first.
Andy picks up the phone and turns to his son.
ANDY: Can you at least try to enjoy yourself?
EPHRAM: Oh, sure. Maybe I’ll hit every coffee house in town and get a caffeine overdose. You could strap me to the roof on the ride home.
Andy sighs, and dials the number.
*****
Cut to Hetson’s class. The students start to leave. Hetson quickly exits the classroom himself, marching down the hallway.
Joey starts to follow him.
HETSON: Good evening, Miss Potter. What can I do for you today?
JOEY: You’re awfully cheery. What’d I do?
HETSON: Can’t a man be in a good mood?
JOEY: You’re the exception. Listen, I need to ask a favour. You know how Andy Brown is speaking today?
HETSON: Sadly, yes.
JOEY: Is there anyway we could get in there? A friend of mine is practically on a sugar high with excitement, and I think she might even try to break in just to see him.
He raises an eyebrow, curiously.
HETSON: You’re joking?
JOEY: Sadly, no. Andie’s acting like he’s the second coming.
HETSON: Now you’re scaring me. I’ll see what I can do. Lord knows why, but I’m in a giving mood today. I have a date.
JOEY: Date? Umm…
Suddenly, a familiar face appears down the hall. Gale Leery walks up to them.
GALE: Hey, Joey! Wow, this place is huge. I can’t believe you’re actually going here!
JOEY: Um…yeah. It’s not as overwhelming once you get used to it.
Gale looks at Hetson.
GALE: Hello, Gregory. I trust I’m not too late.
He shakes his head.
HETSON: Right on time. I’ve gotta go to my office for a minute. You wanna come?
GALE: Lead the way.
They start to walks off. However, Gale turns back for a moment.
GALE: Oh, Joey. Tell your dad I’ll meet up with him at the house tonight.
Joey’s eyes go wide.
JOEY: Huh? What do you…?
GALE: You didn’t see him yet? He asked me to give him a ride down.
JOEY: Wait? Dad’s here?
*****
Cut to Joey’s dorm room. The door slowly opens, and Mike Potter walks inside.
MIKE: Joey?
He comes inside a looks around. He sees a picture of Eddie Dolan on Joey’s posting board, and sighs.
JOEY: Yeah, just let yourself in!
Mike turns to see Joey at the door.
MIKE: Hello, Joey. Gale gave me a ride down…
JOEY: Yeah, she told me.
He smiles at her.
MIKE: You look great. And this place…wow! I wish your mother could see you now.
JOEY: (quietly) Yeah, me too.
An awkward feeling fills the room. Neither one speaks for a while.
JOEY: So, what brings you up to Beantown?
MIKE: Well, I wanted to see you, of course. The last time we spoke wasn’t on such great terms, and I wanted to make it up to you. Maybe go out to eat?
Joey bites her lip.
JOEY: Actually, I…
Before she can continue, she hears a knock at the door. A look of relief passes over her features, as she goes to answer it.
On the other side of the door is Dawson.
DAWSON: Hey, Jo.
JOEY: Hey. This is kinda a bad time.
DAWSON: It’ll only take a minute, I promise. I’m still having a slight casting problem, so I was wondering if you could ask that friend of yours, Elliott, to…
MIKE: Dawson? Is that you?
Dawson freezes, and notices Mike for the first time.
DAWSON: Mr. Potter?
He smiles.
MIKE: Come in. I didn’t know you went here, too. I thought for sure you’d be off in Hollywood by now.
DAWSON: We’re filming a movie.
MIKE: At the school? Impressive. Is Joey helping out?
JOEY: In an advisory capacity.
MIKE: Boy, it’s so great to see the two of you together like this. Brings back some old memories. I remember you weren’t getting along very well last Christmas. I take it that’s been resolved?
Joey tries to change the subject.
JOEY: Kind of. Could you excuse us a moment?
MIKE: Sure. I’ll just wait in here.
Joey leads Dawson out in the hallway.
DAWSON: Ok, that was awkward.
JOEY: No kidding. I really didn’t expect him to show up on my doorstep. Remind me to thank your mom for that.
Dawson pauses.
DAWSON: My mom?
She pauses.
JOEY: You didn’t know, either. She’s in Boston, Dawson. She came to see Hetson.
DAWSON: (disappointed) Oh… Today? This is not happening. Please tell me this is not happening.
Joey appears confused. Then, after a moment, she realizes why he’s upset.
JOEY: Oh god, I forgot. Today is…I mean, it would have been…
DAWSON: Their anniversary. My parent’s anniversary. Bad enough she’s dating that guy, but does she half to rub my face in it?
JOEY: I’m sure that wasn’t her intention.
DAWSON: You’re not helping. Look, I’ve got to get to work. If you see her, tell her I want to talk.
Dawson hurries away.
MIKE: Is he okay?
Joey turns towards her door and sighs.
JOEY: Yeah, he’s fine. Just fine.
She goes back inside.
*****
Cut to Hetson’s office. Gale and Hetson kiss, while leaning against the door.
HETSON: Now, imagine the scandal if we were caught here?
GALE: Scandal is overrated. Trust me. So, ‘Professor’…where do you suggest we do this? The famous ‘tower’?
HETSON: Damn it! I knew those kids kept going up there for a reason. It’s probably a make-out spot now.
Gale laughs.
GALE: So, is it true? The Andy Brown is in this very building today?
He sighs, as they exit his office.
HETSON: Don’t remind me. You know that girl Andie is acting like he’s some kind of rock star?
Unknown to Hetson, Andy, Ephram, and Delia have just arrived, and are standing directly behind him. Andy has a huge smirk on his face.
GALE: Um…Greg?
HETSON: Come on…the man’s obviously overrated. I just don’t understand all the fuss over some washed-up brain surgeon. This he’s so great because he had his name in the paper. You know what I’d say if I ever met him face-to-face?
ANDY: What would you say?
Hetson freezes, turning around slowly.
HETSON: Dr. Brown? This is an unpleasant surprise.
Andy laughs.
ANDY: Your last name wouldn’t happen to be Abbot, would it?
HETSON: No. Why?
ANDY: Never mind. I can assure you, though, that I am in no way vain. I’m just here to give some of your students some advice based on my personal experience. No bells and whistles for me.
HETSON: Well, nice to know you’re a professional. We like that around here.
Ephram, meanwhile, takes a look down the hallway. He sees a blonde-haired girl running towards him.
ANDIE: Oh…wow!
She stares at him. Eprham smiles.
EPHRAM: Hey!
ANDIE: I saw you from down the hall! I hoped I’d get here before you disappeared, and, well, here I am.
EPHRAM: You did?
She walks past Eprham, and over to Andie. Eprham sighs.
EPHRAM: (muttering) Oh, give me a break!
Andy looks at her.
ANDY: Well, hello, Miss…?
Andie shakes his hand enthusiastically.
ANDIE: McPhee. Andrea McPhee. But my friends call me ‘Andie’.
ANDY: What a coincidence. So do mine.
Andie laughs.
ANDIE: And he has a sense of humour, too? You are incredible!
ANDY: Well, thank you for saying that.
ANDIE: I was just wondering if maybe I can sit in on your seminar. I’m not actually in the program, but I have been taking night courses, and I really want to hear what you have to say.
ANDY: Well, I don’t see why not!
Ephram walks up behind them.
EPHRAM: She can take my place.
ANDY: Eprham? I don’t want you wandering around Boston all by yourself!
EPHRAM: I lived in New York for years. This town’s like a suburb by comparison.
ANDY: Still, I’m not comfortable with the fact. Especially since you’re supposed to be making sure Delia doesn’t get lost.
Andie raises her hand, trying to get his attention.
ANDIE: Hey, excuse me, these are your kids?
Andy nods.
ANDY: Ephram, Delia…meet Miss McPhee.
ANDIE: Hey! Well, maybe I can help? They could stay with my boss until you’re done. He’s supposed to travel around town a bit today, so they can see the sites without getting lost.
ANDY: Are you sure that’ll be all right?
She scoffs.
ANDIE: Oh, sure. He’s not so much my boss as a close friend who hired me. Really easy-going.
ANDY: Well, all right. As long as there isn’t any problem.
Andie smiles.
*****
Cut to Creek Side Pictures. Dawson hears a knock on the door, and goes to answer it.
DAWSON: Andie?
Andie walks inside with Ephram and Delia. Delia’s eyes go wide when she sees Dawson. She gives him a wide smile.
DELIA: Hey!
DAWSON: Um…hello?
ANDIE: Hey, Dawson? Could you do me this really, really big favour?
Ephram looks at Dawson.
EPHRAM: This guy’s your boss?
DAWSON: Yeah, what’s it to you?
ANDIE: Ok, I kinda promised their dad you’d keep an eye on them.
Dawson’s mouth hangs open.
DAWSON: You did what? Andie, I don’t have time for this today. We have to start filming in two hours, and…
ANDIE: These are Andy Brown’s kids! You can’t just say no! Pacey will help later, so just until then. Please?
Dawson bites his lip, unsure.
DAWSON: Well…
ANDIE: Great! See you later!
Andie runs out the door before he can argue. Dawson sighs, turning to the others.
DAWSON: Dawson Leery!
Dawson extends his hand. Ephram looks at it, and walks right past him.
EPHRAM: Ephram Brown.
Dawson sighs, following the teenager.