Summary- The gang is headed on a camping trip. Dawson and Joey are finally happy, but how long can it last? After a tragic accident, will they be able to find their way home to each other’s arms?
Andie, Jack, Pacey, Jen, Dawson, and Joey were eagerly awaiting summer break. They only had one more day of school and then it was off on a camping trip. The only obstacle was clearing it with their parents. The gang is sitting around discussing their plans.
Andie- Dad is coming home for a couple of weeks. He can watch my mom; so, I guess we can go.
Jack- Well, not me. I need to work. Besides, camping really isn’t my thing. (looking at his watch) My shift starts in a few minutes. I need to get to work. Seriously though, thanks for asking.
Pacey- The Witter Protectors of the Capeside would be more than thrilled to get rid of me for a week. So, I’m game.
Dawson- My mom’s working on a story in Boston this week. I was suppose to go to my dad’s, but I’m sure he won’t mind. (To Joey and Jen) I guess that just leaves you two. What do you say?
Jen- It’s going to take some work convincing Grams, but I’m sure I can manage.
Dawson- Joey? (putting his arm around Joey and whispering in her ear) I could use some quality time with you.
Pacey- Do you two ever stop? Hasn’t the newlywed stage passed?
Joey- (ignoring Pacey’s comment and smiling back at Dawson) Bessie does owe me some time off and with Dad at the restaurant, I don’t see why I couldn’t go.
Cut to- The Lindley House Grams and Jen are discussing the trip.
Jen- Grams, this would be a great trip. I promise that I won’t do anything illegal or immoral. Please I really want to go.
Grams- I don’t know Jennifer. A bunch of teenagers, unsupervised, for an entire week. Sounds like trouble waiting to happen.
Grams had every reason in the world not to trust Jen; but she also knew that if she didn’t let her go it would only cause more tension between them. She so desperately wanted to have a good relationship with her granddaughter and was willing to do just about anything.
Grams- Fine, you can go. I am trusting you, Jennifer. Please don’t disappoint me.
Jen was shocked by her Grandmother’s response and to her own surprise she excitedly jumped up and hugged her.
Jen- I won’t Grams. I promise.
Cut to- Icehouse Joey and Bessie are in the middle of an argument about the camping trip.
Bessie- I really need you at the restaurant, Joey. This is totally irresponsible.
Joey- So it’s irresponsible to want to have a little normality and fun in my life. Well, dad said I could go; so, I’m going.
Bessie- FINE!
Joey- (storming out of the restaurant) FINE!
Joey’s father, who had heard the entire argument, walked over to Bessie as she was tossing her apron on the table.
Mike Potter- I get the feeling that this doesn’t have anything to do with the Icehouse.
Bessie- I don’t know dad. I just have a really bad feeling about this trip.
Mike Potter- She’ll be okay. Those kids have been going off together since they could walk. Now I need to get going to my meeting. I’ll be back in two weeks. I’ve arranged the schedule so you will have plenty of coverage while I’m gone.
Bessie- Okay dad, see you in a couple of weeks.
The following afternoon, as soon as school was out, the five friends set out for their campsite. It was a two-hour drive and they were all piled into Pacey’s father’s Cherokee Jeep. He had agreed to let Pacey use it as long as he promised to stay gone the entire week. When they arrived, they walked down to the River to enjoy the view.
Pacey- I hate to damper this Kodak moment, but if we want anywhere to sleep tonight, we need to set up camp. We have a busy day tomorrow.
Dawson- Just what exactly do you have planned for us, Pacey.
Pacey- Oh just some rafting, hiking, climbing, (looking at Andie) and some other activities.
Andie- Pacey!
They all proceed to set up the campsite and then turned in for the night. The next morning, Dawson woke to find that Joey was already gone. After searching for a few minutes, he found her sitting by the river.
Dawson- Joey?
Joey- Hey Dawson. I couldn’t sleep; so, I decided to come down here for a while.
Dawson- Are you okay?
Joey- I just feel a little weird. It’s nothing, probably just the results of Pacey’s kamikaze driving.
After returning from a full day of rafting, swimming, and hiking, they were all exhausted. Dawson had noticed Joey had been unusually quiet and withdrawn all day. Jen and Andie were preparing dinner while Pacey, Joey and Dawson sat around the fire.
Pacey- What’s up Jo? Cat got your tongue or is it trouble in paradise?
Joey- I’m just pretty tired. I think that I am going to skip dinner tonight guys and just go to bed. See ya tomorrow.
Joey climbs into the tent, leaving the others confused.
Jen- What’s wrong with her?
Pacey- I don’t know, but something sure is bothering her.
Andie- How do you know that? Maybe she is just tired.
Pacey- Anytime Joey passes up a cheap shot at me, you know something’s wrong.
Dawson- He’s right. I’m going to go talk to her. You guys go ahead with dinner. I’ll grab something later.
Dawson climbs into the tent with Joey, who he finds crying. He reaches over and gently touches her shoulder. Joey quickly turns around and throws her arms around Dawson.
Dawson- Joey? What’s wrong?
Joey- I don’t know, Dawson. I’ve had this strange feeling ever since we got here. I’m so scared Dawson, but I don’t know what of.
Dawson- It’s okay Jo. I’m here. You don’t have anything to be scared of.
The next morning Joey comes out of her tent and joins the others for breakfast.
Jen- Hey Joey, feeling better?
Joey nods.
Pacey- (sarcastically) At least you look better.
Joey- Bite me, Pacey!
Pacey- She’s fine.
Dawson- Good morning, Joey.
Joey sits down beside him and kisses him on the cheek
Joey- Good morning. Thanks for last night. I feel better now.
Pacey- Hmmm… What exactly happened last night?
Dawson- Get your mind out of the gutter, Pacey.
Andie- Let’s get moving you guys. A day of fun awaits us.
The five friends have hiked a path to the top of a cliff. Pacey, Jen, Andie, and Dawson were standing and looking over the edge, admiring the view, when they heard a terrifying scream.
Joey- DAWSON!
Dawson- JOEY! Hang on. Don’t move. I’m going to get you. Pacey, give me a hand.
Joey had stumbled on some loose rock and slid down the side of the cliff. She managed to grab on to a large tree root. Dawson was trying to lean over the side and reach her hand.
Andie- Joey! Are you okay?
Joey- Yeah, I think so. I don’t know how much longer I can hang on!
Jen- Just hang on, Joey. Dawson and Pacey are going to get you.
Dawson- (frustrated) I can’t reach her. I am going to go down there.
Dawson began to descend the cliff to where Joey was hanging on for dear life. Pacey pulled him back.
Dawson- Pace, I’m going down there. You rig up some kind of harness from the ropes and then throw it down.
Pacey- Dawson, it’s not safe.
Dawson- She can’t hang on much longer, Man! I’m going!
Pacey- Be careful.
Dawson- Just hurry with the harness.
Dawson eased himself down to where Joey was hanging on. He looked down and saw the river flowing below them. He knew that Joey didn’t like heights; so, he had to distract her.
Dawson- Hey, Joey. (sarcastically) Just hanging around?
Joey- Dawson, I’m scared.
Dawson- Just hang on to me. I’m going to get you out of …
Joey screams as the tree root breaks free from the rocks. Dawson quickly grabbed hold of her and held on tight.
Dawson- It’s okay, Joey. I’ve got you. Just look in my eyes and trust me.
Joey- I can’t… I…
Dawson- Look in my eyes, Jo! (looking toward the top of the cliff) Pacey, hurry up!
Pacey had managed to rig a harness together. He leaned over the side and tossed it down to Dawson. Dawson realized how hard it was for him to hold both Joey and himself up.
Pacey- Okay, here comes the rope, Dawson.
Just as the harness neared Dawson’s hand, he lost his grip and he and Joey fell to the river below them, striking the rocks on the way down.
Pacey- DAWSON!! JOEY!!
Jen- Oh my God!
Andie- (looking into the river) We have to get down there, now!
The three friends quickly ran down the path to the river, looking for Dawson and Joey. Suddenly, Pacey spotted them on the river bank.
Pacey- Guys, they’re over here. Oh God, Dawson. Joey, can you hear me?
Jen- We have to get them outta here and back to the campsite.
Andie- But you shouldn’t move them.
Pacey- Jen is right. We don’t have a choice. It’s going to be dark soon. There’s no way anyone will find us out here.
Jen- Let’s get them to the car and then to the hospital.
Pacey- I’ll get Dawson. You two get Joey and be careful.
Pacey, Jen, and Andie manage to carry Dawson and Joey back to the campsite. When Pacey turned the key in the ignition, it wouldn’t start.
Pacey- Just my luck. Come on God, I could use a little help here!
Pacey rushes back to the others
Pacey- The car won’t start.
Andie- What?! Oh God. Now what are we going to do?
Pacey- There’s a C.B. radio in the back. I’m going to hook it up and try to get some help. Try to get them warm and in something dry.
Pacey got the C.B. radio hooked up and was finally able to reach someone.
Pacey- Hello! Hello! Can anyone hear me? We need help! Hello!
Voice- (static) Yeah, I hear you! (static) …you… (static)
Pacey- We need help! Two people are injured. We’re at the River off of Route 732!
Voice- (static) Off the river where? (static) I can’t… (static)
Pacey- Route 732. (static) Can you hear me? (static) Hello? Hello?
Jen and Andie are getting Dawson and Joey into some dry clothes and wrapping them in blankets. Jen has found some first aid bandages, and covered their wounds. Pacey walks into the tent.
Andie- Did you get anyone? Are they coming soon?
Pacy- I talked to someone and told them where we were. He only heard half of it before I lost him. All we can do is wait and hope to God that he heard me. How are they doing?
Jen- Not so good. Joey has got a bad bruise and cut on her head and Dawson seem to have a real deep cut on his leg. Pacey, they need help. The longer they’re unconscious…
Pacey- They’re going to be okay. Someone is going to find us soon. (under his breath) I hope.
Nighttime came and everyone was worried and tired.
Jen- You two should go get some sleep. I will sleep here with Dawson and Joey.
Pacey- No, we can’t leave…
Jen- Go on. I will be here with them. Besides, you need your sleep if you’re going to find us a way out of here.
Andie- Come on, Pacey. You won’t be any good to them if you are collapsing from fatigue.
Pacey and Andie woke up the next morning and found Jen still tending to Dawson and Joey. It was obvious that she had not been asleep all night. She had gotten both of them cleaned up. She had washed the dirt and blood off of their faces and arms and changed all of their bandages.
Pacey- How are they doing?
Andie- Any changes?
Jen- No, they’re still the same.
Pacey- You need to rest, Jen. I’ll watch them.
Jen- No time for that, Pacey. The cut on Dawson’s leg doesn’t look good. It’s really deep and it has got to be cleaned out before he gets a serious infection.
Andie- I’ll go get some water.
Jen- That won’t work. We need to sterilize it, but I guess that is better than nothing.
Andie went and got three bottles of water and Jen proceeded to clean Dawson’s wound as best she could.
Jen- This will help flush any loose rock or dirt out, but it’s not going to stop the infection.
Pacey rushes out of the tent and runs to the jeep. He opens up the back door and begins fumbling around. Finally, he finds what he was looking for and rushes back to the tent.
Pacey- Will this work?
Jen- (looking at a bottle of vodka) Well, it wouldn’t be my first choice, but it will help.
Pacey- At least my father’s alcoholism has one good purpose..
Jen poured the bottle of alcohol on Dawson’s cut. They watch as his leg flinches from the pain.
Jen- That’s a good sign. At least he is responsive.
Jen rests her head on her knees. Pacey and Andie can tell that she is exhausted.
Andie- Jen, go get some rest. I’ll stay with them.
Pacey- She’s right. No arguments. I’m going to go try the radio again.
Joey- Dawson, I’m scared.
Dawson- Where are we?
They were surrounded by white. Everywhere they looked, it was the cleanest purest white they had ever seen.
Joey- I don’t know. (She turns around and notices someone) Oh my God, Dawson.
Dawson- What is it?
Joey- It’s my mom.
Mrs. Potter- Joey! Dawson!
Joey- (running to her mother’s arms) MOM!
Joey hugs her mother but pulls away.
Joey- Does this mean that we are…
Dawson- We’re dead?
Mrs. Potter- No, you’re not dead.
Joey- Then how… where… what… Oh, I don’t care. I’ve got you back.
Dawson has been walking and looking around. He has come across something that resembles a movie screen.
Dawson- Joey, come look at this. That’s Jen…
Jen crawled into the other tent, but she couldn’t sleep. She raised to her knees and did something that she never believed she would. She sincerely prayed with all of her heart.
Jen- Okay God, If you really are up there, I hope you will listen to me. I know that you have absolutely no reason to, but I have a favor to ask of you. Two of the few people that I can honestly say I care about are lying over there dying. I don’t know what else to do for them. (she begins sobbing) Please don’t take them away from me. You’ve taken my Gramps and Abby. Please, don’t take them, too. Please.
Jen fell to the ground crying and eventually fell asleep. Pacey had no luck with the radio and came back into the tent with Dawson, Joey, and Andie.
Pacey- Andie, do you mind if I sit with them, alone, for a while.
Andie- Not at all. I’m going to go check on Jen. Pacey, they’re going to be okay.
Andie leaves and Pacey decides to have a talk with his two best friends.
Pacey- Hey you guys. I just want to say for the record that this whole Romeo and Juliet idea of dying together is definitely outdated. (starts to cry) Oh God. You two cannot leave me! Don’t you remember when we were kids and made that pact to stay together forever? Well, I’m going to hold you to that. I mean it. If you die, I swear I will be so incredibly pissed at the both of you. Joey, I need you to sit up and tell me to go jump off a tall building and Dawson, I need you to help me analyze the degrading habits of my pathetic home life. Please come back to us.
Dawson and Joey have witnessed both of their friends prayers.
Dawson- Oh God, Jo! Now what happens?
Joey- Mom? I don’t understand what is happening.
Mrs. Potter- Joey, God sent me to talk to you. He felt like you were giving up on your family, love, and even your life. He doesn’t want that Joey. He wants you to fight hard to stay alive and be happy.
Joey- Are you telling me to go back? Well, not a chance! I finally have you back and I’m not loosing you again.
Dawson- Mrs. Potter, why am I here.
Mrs. Potter- (she walks to him) Dawson, my dear sweet Dawson. God knows your heart. He knows how much you love Joey. He just wanted to remind you.
Dawson- I’m so confused.
Mrs. Potter- Don’t overanalyze this Dawson. You and Joey are meant to be together, wherever you are. Please promise me that you will always take care of her for me.
Joey- Mom, what are you saying?
Mrs. Potter- You have to go back Joey. You have to fight. You have so much happiness ahead of you, I’ve seen it.
Joey- (crying) But I don’t want to leave you.
Mrs. Potter- I know, but you have to. Joey, I am so happy. I look down on you everyday and I am so proud of who you have become. (to Dawson) And you have had a hand in that.
Dawson- I’m afraid not, Mrs. Potter. Joey is everything all on her own. I just have the pleasure of seeing all that she is.
Joey smiles.
Mrs. Potter- I know that you two have had a bumpy road in the past, but I want you to know that you can overcome any obstacle. Your lives have been intertwined since the day you were born. I never told you this Joey, but when I was sick, I prayed to God every day that he would make sure that you were taken care of. One day, Joey, he answered my prayer. Do you know what he showed me? He showed me Dawson Leery.
Dawson and Joey both smile at each other and then at Mrs. Potter.
Jen, Pacey, and Andie are all in the tent with Joey and Dawson. They are all touching the two of them, trying to make them feel their love. It has been two days since the fall and they are extremely concerned about the condition of their two friends. They suddenly hear a sound above them.
Pacey- What is that?
Andie- It sounds like a helicopter. Pacey, we have to let them know where we are.
Pacey, Andie, and Jen are standing outside the tent and Pacey lights an emergency flair and begins waving his arms around in the air. Jen looks to the sky and mouths the words thank you.
Pacey- They see us. They’re coming!
Mrs. Potter- It’s time for you two to go.
Joey- But mom, I…
Mrs. Potter- (wrapping her arms around Joey and Dawson) I know, Joey. I’m going to miss you, too. I need you to do something for me. Tell Bessie and Alex that I love them both. (pulling away) Joey, I love you and I will always be with you, I promise.
Joey- I love you, too, mom.
Dawson- Mrs. Potter, I promise that I will always be there to take care of her.
Mrs. Potter- (she kisses him on the cheek) Thank you, Dawson. Now, do you see the rainbow over there? Just walk toward it.
Joey- Don’t leave me alone, mom, please.
Mrs. Potter- You will never be alone Joey. You will always have me in your heart and Dawson by your side. Just remember to trust in your love for each other and you will overcome anything. Your lives have been intertwined since the day you were born.
Joey looks at Dawson and then back to where her mother had been standing.
Joey- Mom? I love you, mom.
Dawson- (looking at Joey and then at the rainbow, he reaches out his hand) Let’s go home, Joey.
Joey takes his hand and they begin walking toward the rainbow.
Pacey, Jen, and Andie go back in the tent to check on Dawson and Joey and wait for the rescuers to come. All of sudden, Dawson and Joey simultaneously open their eyes and sit up.
Joey- Mom? Dawson?
Dawson- I’m here, Joey.
Dawson puts his arms around Joey and hugs her while the others watch in total shock and amazement.
Pacey- Dawson, Joey, you’re awake! You’re okay!
Jen- We’re so happy to see you guys; but take it easy, you were both hurt pretty badly.
Andie- We’re going to get you to a hospital real soon. The rescuers should be here any minute.
Just then, the front of the tent flies open and a rescuer sticks his head in.
Rescuer 1- You kids okay?
Jen- These two are hurt. They fell a long way and have been unconscious until just now.
Rescuer 2- Okay, you three head on to the helicopter and we’ll bring your friends.
Cut to- Capeside Memorial Hospital Grams, Bessie, Gail, and Mitch come bursting through the hospital doors. They rush over to Pacey, Andie and Jen, who are siting in the waiting room.
Gail- Pacey, where are Dawson and Joey?
Bessie- What happened?
Pacey- Calm down. They’re fine. We saw them a few minutes ago, but the doctor wanted them to sleep before you guys got here.
Mitch- What happened?
Pacey- We went hiking and followed a path up a cliff. Joey slipped and Dawson went down after her. They both fell. (wiping a tear from his eye) I couldn’t reach them.
Andie put her arms around him and he quickly wiped the tear away.
Pacey- They were both unconscious until right before the rescuers got there, but they’re both fine now, thanks to Jen.
They all look at Jen, who is sitting quietly in a chair. Grams sits down next to her.
Andie- Jen saved them. She refused to sleep. She kept their bandages cleaned and cleaned out the cut on Dawson’s leg.
Gail and Bessie- Thank you.
Grams looked at Jen who was crying, and hugged her.
Grams- I am so proud of you, dear.
Jen- (looking toward Heaven) Thank you, God.
Grams was shocked at what she had just heard. She smiled and continued hugging her granddaughter.
Bessie, Gail, Mitch, Andie, and Pacey walked down the hall to the kid’s rooms.
Pacey- Joey is in 212 and Dawson is in 214.
Bessie was way ahead of them and came out of Joey’s room, panicking.
Bessie- She’s not there. Oh God, what if something happened.
Pacey- (going to her) Relax Bessie, I think I know where she might be.
Pacey led them down the hall to Dawson’s room. They opened the door and saw Joey and Dawson asleep in the same bed.
Gail- We should have known.
Joey- (hearing their voices) Hey you guys!
Bessie- (rushing to her) Oh thank God you’re okay!
Gail- Dawson, honey, are you okay?
Dawson- Yeah, I’m fine. A little sore. Okay, extremely sore.
Joey- I didn’t know that your bones could hurt like this. Bessie, I will never again complain about being on my feet all day. It’s nothing compared to this.
The Doctor comes in the room and notices Joey in the bed with Dawson.
Doctor- Well, there you are Josephine.
Joey- It’s Joey.
Doctor- (smiling) I thought I told you to rest.
Joey- I am, just in a different bed.
Doctor- (smiling) I guess you are the family of these two. They were very lucky, you know.
Dawson- (looking at Joey) Luck had nothing to do with it.
Doctor- Well, someone was definitely watching over you.
Joey takes hold of Dawson’s hand and lays her head on his shoulder.
Gail- We’re just glad that you’re both okay.
Doctor- Okay, we need to let these two rest. They’ve had a hard couple of days. They can both go home in the morning. (laughing) Now, I should go tell the nurses where Josephine… Joey is. They’re frantic. It’s the first patient they have ever “lost.”
Mitch- Come on you all. You heard the Doctor. Well, be back in the morning kids.
Dawson- Pacey, can you, Andie, and Jen hang around outside for a minute.
Pacey- Sure, D.
Bessie- Well, I guess I should go too, kiddo.
Joey- Bessie, wait. Can we talk for a second?
Bessie- Joey, you don’t have to say anything. I am so sorry about our fight. I just had a bad feeling about this whole trip. Now I know why.
Joey- I’m sorry, too. But that is not what I wanted to talk to you about.
Bessie- What is it then?
Joey- Something happened to Dawson and me after we fell. (Dawson squeezes her hand) Anyway, mom wanted me to tell you that she loves you and Alex very much.
Bessie- (wiping a tear away) You saw mom?
Dawson- It’s true, Bessie. I can’t explain it and I am not even going to try.
Joey- She was so beautiful and peaceful, Bessie.
Bessie- (hugging Joey) Thank you. (pause) I should go now.
Dawson- Bessie, will you ask Jen, Andie, and Pacey to come in now?
Bessie- Sure. See you tomorrow.
Joey- Bye Bessie.
Jen, Pacey, and Andie all come into the room and stand by Joey and Dawson’s bed.
Andie- I am glad to see that you two are feeling better.
Dawson- We want to thank you guys for taking such good care of us.
Joey- We are extremely grateful, thanks.
Jen- You had us pretty scared for a while. (smiling) Don’t do it again.
Pacey- What I want to know is, what the heck happened with you two. One minute you’re both unconscious and the next, you wake up at exactly the same time and start hugging. It was like you didn’t even remember that you fell. Now, what is all that about?
Joey and Dawson look at each other and smile.
Dawson- Coincidence, I guess.
Pacey grins and agrees to accept their answer, knowing that they aren’t telling something. They all go over to hug the two before leaving. When Jen finally gets to them, she is realizes that Joey is sincerely hugging her and not just being polite.
Jen- (sarcastically) You must have hit your head harder than we thought. (noticing tears in Joey’s eyes) Are you okay?
Joey- Thank you, Jen. God heard your prayer and we care about you, too.
Jen looks at Joey and Dawson, shocked, and remembers the prayer she had prayed when she thought that they were going to die. Dawson and Joey both smile at her and she walks out of the room, speechless.
Dawson and Joey are finally alone. They are lying in the bed watching television when Joey turns it off.
Joey- Dawson, I don’t think that we should tell anyone about seeing my mom. They would probably want to have us institutionalized.
Dawson- I agree, but not because they would think we were crazy. That was the most wonderful encounter that we could possibly experience, and I am not willing to share that with anyone. It’s ours alone.
Joey allows her head to rest on Dawson’s shoulder once again.
Joey- Dawson, did you mean what you told my mom, when you promised her that you’d always be there to take care of me.
Dawson- (lifting her head to look in her eyes) Of course I meant it, Joey. I love you so much and I am never going to leave you.
Joey- (smiling) Seeing my mom was like having a piece of heaven here on earth. I wish I could have had a little more time with her.
Dawson- I know you do. (beat) I was thinking back to when we were kids, and do you know why your mom and I always got along so well?
Joey- Why?
Dawson- It was because we both had this incredible love for you. I know that you miss your mom, but I want you to remember what she told you.
Joey- What’s that?
Dawson- You will always have her in your heart and me by your side.
Joey- (leaning over to kiss him) I love you, Dawson Leery.
Dawson- And I love you, Josephine Potter.
Joey and Dawson share a kiss while Mrs. Potter watches from above and smiles with the comfort of knowing that her daughter is in good hands.
The End
So, what do you think? I know it is a little long, but I decided against splitting it up into parts. E-mail me at rwallace@t-l.com and let me know your opinions.