Cut to the beach.
As we open from a bird’s eye view, it’s obvious the holidays are in full swing. People are playing volleyball, swimming, sun tanning, and generally enjoying themselves. A lifeguard is stationed at their post, overseeing everything.
Eventually, we focus on one woman, tanning on the beach, dressed in a bathing suit and sunglasses.
A moment later, a shadow is cast over her.
JEN: If you don’t shut that thing off right this moment, it’s going for a swim.
Dawson chuckles, putting away his video camera.
DAWSON: You’re no fun.
Jen sits up, and lowers her glasses.
DAWSON: So, you enjoying spring break so far?
She shrugs.
JEN: I can’t help worrying about Grams. But you know her… “Jennifer, you’re young. You should be out enjoying your holiday with your friends, not worrying about an old buzzard like me.”
DAWSON: She actually referred to herself as an ‘old buzzard’?
Jen nods.
DAWSON: I’m just glad you came. We don’t get to see each other too often these days.
JEN: You guys invited me, how could I refuse? Besides, I heard about the Jack thing from Andie. If anyone can knock some sense into him, it’s me.
Dawson’s attention is suddenly diverted to several feet away, towards the ‘Snack Shack’. Joey is standing in line, ordering some food.
JEN: Ugh…wearing jeans to the beach? Major fashion faux pas, Joey.
Dawson just can’t stop staring at her. Something Jen quickly notices.
JEN: Yoo-hoo? Earth to Dawson?
Dawson sighs.
DAWSON: I’m in love.
Jen gives him a look.
JEN: (sarcastically) You don’t say?
Dawson laughs.
DAWSON: No, I mean…most of time I’m ‘head in the clouds’ mode, it’s unrequited. It’s just occurring to me that I can express it without fear of discovery. It’s very freeing.
JEN: Dozens of women in bikinis on this beach, and you spend the entire time staring at the one in jeans? There’s such thing as being too faithful, you know?
Dawson gives her a look.
DAWSON: Are you jealous?
Jen sighs.
JEN: Yes and no. It’s just a little disappointing is all. When I left last summer I had a boyfriend, while all of you were alone and not-so-miserable. Now you and Joey are together, Pacey’s with Andie, Audrey’s with Chris, which is still weird by the way…while I’m the third wheel here.
DAWSON: Actually, you’re more of a seventh wheel.
Jen gets a sour look.
JEN: Not helping, Leery!
DAWSON: Ok, ok…I apologize. And I promise I will do everything in my power to make you not feel left out. Tone down the romanticisms for your benefit.
JEN: You don’t have to change your plans on my account.
He raises an eyebrow.
DAWSON: Plans?
JEN: Come on, Dawson…I’m wise to the ways of the male species. Spring break is hunting season. The beach is the woods, and girls are the prey. You’re just waiting for the opportunity to spend some ‘quality time’ with miss Potter, if you get my meaning?
Dawson’s eyes go wide.
DAWSON: No…no, come on Jen. I promise you, my intentions on this trip are nothing but noble. Joey and I haven’t even talked about it yet. Well, not really…
Jen puts up her hand, indicating for him to stop.
JEN: Wait, wait…hold on a second. You mean to tell me you and Joey haven’t had sex yet? You’ve been back together three months. What’s the hold up?
DAWSON: Maybe I need to refresh your memory? (imitating Joey) Who here thinks Dawson should have told me he was seeing someone before we slept together?
Jen rolls her eyes.
JEN: That happened eighteen months ago.
DAWSON: It was also the first and only time Joey and I ever slept together. I spent years trying to deduce the ideal timing and setting, and it ended up being the equivalent to a one night stand. Do you have any idea how crushing that is?
JEN: As opposed to the dozen other fights you’ve had over the years? Trust me, the sooner you get on with it, the sooner that memory will fade into oblivion. So quit making excuses and start putting out, Leery.
DAWSON: Thank you, Pacey Witter!
Jen laughs.
JEN: Look, you love her, right? And she loves you. I’ve never always been happy about it, but you’ve more or less wanted her in some way, shape, or form as long as I’ve known you, Dawson. So why not have the entire thing?
DAWSON: This conversation isn’t going to devolve into another ice cream metaphor, is it?
She rolls her eyes.
JEN: You’re impossible.
He laughs.
JEN: Ok, I know you well enough to know I won’t change your mind. Just consider what I’m saying, ok. You two are, like, the poster couple for abstinence. There are actually people who think you’re gay. BOTH of you!
Jen walks away.
DAWSON: What people?
She keeps walking.
DAWSON: Jen? What people…JEN?
He chases after her.