Stumbling
Chapter 5 - Double-Sided
“Hey, Jo.”
Joey jolted upright upon hearing that voice. Never had she expected to be faced with anything on the bed other than textbooks. Since Jack had been rather crabby all night, she’d thought that forcing herself in the room was the only way to enter. What a mistake. She should have known even something that simple would have a hitch.
She forced herself to smile as she said, “Hey, Witter. What brings you back here?”
Pacey and Jack exchanged glances, unsure what to tell her. Finally, Jack replied, “He wanted advice about Dara.”
Pacey raised an eyebrow but went along with the story. “Yeah, um, she wasn’t very pleased with the way the evening turned out.”
“That’s not really a surprise,” Joey scoffed. “Who really would be? Anyway, I’m sorry to bother you, Jack. I thought you were alone…” She backed toward the door.
“You don’t have to leave. I should be returning to my apartment anyway.” He jumped off the bed to stop her. “It’s much easier to talk about me when I can’t interrupt.”
Joey continued to apologize, “That’s okay. My fault. It would be useless to think that you came back to sweep me off my feet.” Pacey nodded. “So why did you return?”
Pacey replied, “I did come back because of you. To see how you were. You and alcohol aren’t always buddies.”
“Dara doesn’t mind?”
“Considering we’re really not dating anymore. I think she can handle it.” Joey perked up with that information. “She said I had too many issues right now.” He smirked, “I wonder why she’d say that.”
Jack added, “So he came in here looking for a way to deal with those issues.” Pacey raised an eyebrow, wondering why he would be encouraging Joey.
Joey nodded, accepting that answer, “I guess Dara didn’t appreciate my antics.”
“You weren’t the only one,” Pacey muttered, staring at the ground.
Jack shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another, then stated, “I’m gonna find something to clean.”
Pacey begged, “Please don’t do that.” He knew what had to be said to Joey would be hard enough as it is. It was even tougher not knowing what exactly to say about Jack.
Jack ignored the request, knowing he really couldn’t face Pacey right now, as he left the room.
As soon as the door shut, Joey continued, “So I should try to contact Dara to let her know I was wrong…”
Pacey interrupted, “Did you want me to date Audrey?”
Her eyes went wide at the suddenness of the question. She stammered, “Yeah, of course.” Then she gathered herself to continue, “I thought I would be fine with it. After all, I wanted both of you to be happy. It’s just that…the more I’d see you two together, the more it hurt. I’d wonder why we don’t have that anymore.”
“Did Audrey really want it to end? Or did you push her to that decision?”
Joey realized Pacey was accusing her and quickly defended herself. “She was clear about you two having problems. True, Audrey was having urges to try out a date with a girl but it wasn’t only that. I…” She stopped speaking as she recalled what Audrey said at the restaurant. “I think this may have caused what happened today… She told me that she thought she was just a distraction because you couldn’t be with the person you really wanted.” Her eyes welled up. “I just assumed she meant me.”
“I’m sorry,” he said as he pulled her into an embrace. Joey clung on tightly as she let the tears flow. “You were misled. I never said anything to Audrey about wanting another person.” He wondered what Audrey was talking about. If she was talking about Jack, that would certainly explain her reactions tonight. At any rate, he knew now was not the time to explain; Joey was in too fragile a state for that news.
Joey pulled away slightly to gaze into his eyes. She asked in a wistful tone, “So there’s nobody else?”
It was difficult to outright tell her the right answer to that question. He safely answered, “There could be other Daras.”
“Yeah of course.”
“I do still love you,” Pacey assured her. “Just not in the way you want that love. I’m sorry I’m past the point where we feel the same.”
Joey gave a small smile to that information. “Do you think you could drive me back to the dorm? I’m not feeling well.”
He sighed, “I could do that.”
* * * * *
Audrey woke up to the sound of tapping. She peered up, surprised at the lack of light. All she could distinguish was a tall shadow by the cabinet.
“Who is it?”
The figure fumbled for the light switch, revealing Dawson holding several drinking glasses. “Sorry if I disturbed your sleep.”
“What time is it?”
He turned to the clock on the wall. “4:25”
”Damn, that was a nice long nap. This couch is so much more comfortable than that board Worthington calls a bed.”
Dawson chuckled, “It’s got Pacey’s seal of approval as well.”
“That says very little given he used the kitchen of the restaurant as a living quarters for several months. How’s Joey doing?”
“Pacey drove her back to the dorm.”
Audrey raised an eyebrow as she sat up on the couch. “He returned to the scene of the crime? Why would he do that?”
“I think he was concerned about the mess he’d created.” Dawson placed the glasses on the table by the cabinet and sat down next to Audrey. He then blurted out, “I don’t understand these people anymore. When did all the alliances get so fucked up?”
Audrey couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden outburst of her clueless pal. “I couldn’t agree with you more.”
“Why would Joey think that Pacey’s in love with her again? I had to keep quiet about it when she was crying on my shoulder earlier. Besides, I don’t want Jen to think I’m concerned because it’s that particular couple.”
Audrey sighed, “I don’t know. I complain about him and that must have triggered her to defend him, then love him again.”
Dawson cautiously asked, “Was Pacey in love with you?”
Audrey was startled by the question. Never had love been in the plan. It was supposed to be basically a sex-no-strings-attached arrangement. Still, Audrey had to admit that it hurt seeing the look in Joey’s eyes when she believed Pacey was in love with her. For that matter, it hurt a little the moment she realized Pacey would rather date Jack than her.
“Sadly, I fall way down on his list of loves.”
He patted her on the back sympathetically. “I’m sorry to hear that. I just hope I’m wrong and Joey doesn’t make one last attempt.”
“Huh? Why would she try again?” She jerked away from his hand. “She knows he’ll reject her.”
“In my experiences, it usually doesn’t quite sink in until you make a fool of yourself the second time.”
Audrey jumped off the couch suddenly. “Where’s Jack?”
“Jack?” Dawson thought about it, then grinned, “Funny you should ask. Guess where Pacey and Joey convened?”
Audrey shook her head furiously, realizing how not funny this was. “Why there?”
“After she kicked me out, she went to get a more impartial opinion. Pacey apparently had the same idea a few minutes earlier.”
She muttered, “Joey interrupted the guys’ talk.”
“Um, yeah, that’s another way to phrase it,” Dawson said guardedly, wondering why she was focusing on that aspect. “So, anyway, Jen and I were in the kitchen at that point. Jack walks past, saying he needed some fresh air to sober up before going back to studying. He fell asleep outside.”
Audrey nodded, even though she was almost certain that wasn’t the only reason. “Thanks, Dawson.” She jolted off the couch.
Dawson gave her a strange look. “Do I really want to know what piece of the story I’m missing?” Audrey turned around, surprised by inquiry. “When the night began, I thought Pacey wanted to make you jealous. This despite the fact that he thought you was dating Carla. Why aren’t you concerned about Joey going after your ex?”
“I am. Just not for the same reason you think I should.”
* * * * *
Audrey stood in front of Jack, passed out on the wicker chair, and began kicking his foot. Getting no response, she grabbed onto the arms of the chair, leaned close and hissed, “I know something you don’t know.”
Jack’s eyes opened and he murmured, “What are you talking about?”
“I’ll never tell.” She backed off the chair. “Actually, I know nothing yet. That’s why I need you.”
“You’re confusing me quite successfully.”
“Why was Pacey here earlier?”
“He went off with Joey. Isn’t it obvious?”
“I meant, why was he in your room?”
He rolled his eyes in annoyance. “To talk about Joey’s behavior.”
“And?”
“That’s all.” He closed his eyes, to block out everything that had happened.
“I’m just wondering. It’s your bedroom, Pacey’s been wanting to jump your bones…not that I blame him...”
Jack shook his head. “Stop it.”
She continued, “…and you probably wouldn’t object, not that I blame you either.”
He stared up into the blackness of the sky. “Just what do you want to happen?”
“I want to stop being tugged by three different friends. I want to see some people be happy who are in my regular circles. Not that I hope Jen and Dawson will fall apart or something but I don’t see them as often. Most importantly, I want to go back to my dorm and find out if Joey’s gonna try and steal my blue and white striped V-neck. You’re the only one who can do it right now.” Jack peeked in her direction, noticing her sticking out her lower lip and pouting. “You wouldn’t want me to whine, would you?”
Jack laughed as he struggled to lift himself from the chair. “You’ll get one of those desires today.”
* * * * *
Jack drove into the parking lot near the dorm and stopped in one of the vacant spaces. Audrey gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you so much.”
She opened the door and was about to step out when something caught her attention. A recently shined Mustang was parked in the row ahead.
“Something wrong?” Jack asked.
Audrey tried to forget Dawson’s words. There was no way Joey could have gotten Pacey back. “Nothing. Good night.”
She turned back around to see Jack staring in the same direction. “Damn it,” he mumbled.
“It can’t be as bad as it looks. They’re friends; maybe they’re catching up on better times.”
“Of course,” Jack replied doubtfully.
“Yeah, that’s it. Maybe he crashed on my bed.”
“Maybe. Or possibly he can’t believe that he was kissed by a guy so he hops in bed with the first person that wants him.” He rested his forehead against the steering wheel.
She shrieked, “You did what? Why didn’t you say something?”
“Let it go. It’s bad enough it happened.” He could feel his face turning red from the admission.
Audrey jumped out of the car and raced to the driver’s side to open the door. “I knew it!” she exclaimed, “We’re heading upstairs right now!” She yanked him out of the car and dragged him to her dorm building.
* * * * *
Audrey stood at her room, the keys dangling from her hand. She was afraid of what she’d find on the other side.
Jack sighed, “If you are forcing me to be your sidekick for this break-in, I suggest we get this over with.”
She shrugged, unlocking the door and slowly entering. She could sense that something had happened here in the time since she left for the dinner. Once both entered the room, they were surprised by the sight.
Joey was asleep in bed, the blanket pulled up to her chin and covering her hair so it looked more like a hood. Trails of tears were dried on her cheeks. The strangest part was that she was alone.
Audrey looked at her bed and saw the same mess of blankets and clothes she’d left there the previous morning. She spotted the bathroom door open a crack and chose to investigate.
As soon as the door opened, Pacey jumped up from his position on the floor. Seeing Audrey’s face, he perked up a little. “I’m glad to see you. I know I made a huge mistake regarding Joey and I hope you won’t hold it against me…” Her now-horrified expression did nothing to ease his concerns.
She turned back to Joey then snapped her head back to him upon realization. “Please tell me you did not have sex with her.”
“I didn’t,” Pacey replied, then continued in a hushed tone, “It was a close call, however.”
“I don’t believe this!” Jack cried out. When Pacey heard his voice, he realized just how bad this could get. “You fucking liar!”
“Oh, shit.” Pacey chased after him, grabbing onto his shirtsleeve. “You don’t get it. Don’t leave!”
Jack jerked away from his grasp. “Why don’t you go back to the person everyone knows you belong with? Don’t worry about all that nonsense you said tonight. It doesn’t mean anything.”
Joey was now awake and shocked by the crowdedness of the room. “What brings you here?” She picked up a sweatshirt from the floor to cover herself up. The gesture was not lost on either Audrey or Jack, knowing for certain that Joey was not dressed for a regular night’s sleep.
Jack glared at Pacey as he spat out, “Absolutely nothing.” He turned to Joey, “Sorry to wake you. Good night, ladies.” With that, he stormed out.
Audrey knew she was trapped in this mess worse than she could have imagined. Before consoling Jack, she needed to get a clearer picture of this Pacey and Joey situation.
Joey wiggled into a pair of jeans and jumped out of bed. She was astonished to spot Pacey. “What the fuck are you still doing here?”
“Joey…”
“Haven’t you caused enough problems?”
“We need to talk. That’s why I’m still around.”
Joey placed her hands on her hips, not amused. “You mean about how I made an ass of myself, then you insisting that you really want me but the timing sucks? What else is there to say?”
“A little more than ‘I’m sorry’ is required, I suppose.”
“You want me, then you don’t want me. Do I look like that goddamn skank Karen or Melanie or whoever your fuck is this week? Or is this all about games to play against Audrey? It’s bad enough that I practically threw myself at you without all this other bullshit.”
“This has nothing to do with any of those people. I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.”
“That's blatantly obvious.” Joey bolted out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Pacey slid against the wall and buried his head in his hands. Audrey stared down at the meager figure lain before her. “Do you realize what you’ve done?”
“I let him walk out the door and I fucked up a friendship with a childhood friend.”
Audrey smiled slightly; she was glad to hear Pacey finally admit who was more important. She sat down on the floor and wrapped a reassuring arm around him.
Part 6
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