Bent (Updated 6-22-03)

Quote:
He leaned back against the bed and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. No matter how wrong things might seem, this would always be right.

*sighs*

That line right there turned me into a puddle of goo.

Loving it as always.

Angel

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

You wanna know something? This is quickly becoming one of my favorite fics of all time.

Seriously...I love it!!!

Alright, I understand the whole Pacey needs someone who isn't so close and hasn't known him since he was born...but he is not allowed to start falling for Jen, got it?? Now that that's cleared up...I feel much better.

Great job sweetie!! Please post more soon.

~Lee

Author	Comment
Angel608J Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 41 (4/21/03 10:35 am) Reply	Re: Chapter Nine: Movie Night *Quote:* He leaned back against the bed and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. No matter how wrong things might seem, this would always be right. sighs That line right there turned me into a puddle of goo. Loving it as always. Angel
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 17 (4/30/03 4:48 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Ten: Honestly Okay? Hey you guys! Thanks for the replies. Hastily posts next chapter Sorry! Gotta run! Races away to study for that last damn final SIGH TTFN! Snowie Chapter Ten: ~Honestly Okay?~ Joey walked out the front door of the B&B and stopped short. Her face took on a look of tenderness and heartache as she looked down at the sleeping form resting on her steps. She took a step closer, her heart hurting at the boyish look of his face. He looked so peaceful. Nothing like the tortured young man that she was growing to love. More like the young man he might have been, if everything had gone differently. She walked forward slowly and sat down on the steps next to him. She watched him for a minute before reaching out her hand and brushing the hair off his forehead. “Pace?” She said softly. He woke slowly, his eyelids fluttering sleepily, but when he realized where he was he shot into a sitting position. He glanced at her, embarrassed. “Sorry,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes. “It’s all right,” Joey said, smiling at him. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” Pacey looked uncertain. “I don’t know,” he said softly. “Fear?” “Of what?” Joey asked, concerned. “Today is the first time that my parents will be sitting in on a therapy session,” Pacey said softly. “What if...What if they don’t like what they hear?...What if I’ve changed so much that they don’t even want to know me anymore?” “That’s not possible,” Joey said, placing her hand on his arm reassuringly. “Why?” Pacey asked. “I have changed. You must see that.” “Not as much as you think that you have.” “Maybe,” Pacey said softly. “But more than everyone else thinks I have…” I just want to feel safe in my own skin, I just want to be happy again I just want to feel deep in my own world But I'm so lonely I don't even want to be with myself anymore “You’re parents love you Pacey. They do. And nothing that happened is going to change that. You went through something terrible, but no matter what she did, she couldn’t change you. Not completely. You are still Pacey Witter. Nothing can take that away from you.” Pacey laughed bitterly. “I wish I could be so sure,” he said. “But I’m not. Everything she did, all those horrible things, they’re part of me now...and that scares me more than I can say.” “Pace...” On a different day, if I was safe in my own skin, then I wouldn't feel lost and so frightened “I’m terrified,” Pacey said. “I just feel... I feel so different Jo. What if those years changed me into someone who just isn’t worth all of this...What if Mama Sal ruined me, Jo? What if she ruined everything worthwhile about me?” “Not possible,” Joey said. “Jo...” But this is today and I'm lost in my own skin And I'm so lonely I don't even want to be with myself anymore I just want to feel safe in my own skin, I just want to be happy again. “No. I refuse to listen to that Pacey. She did not ruin you. You are one of the kindest, sweetest, bravest people that I have ever met. You are one of the most worthwhile human beings on this planet. Nothing that she did changed that. She didn’t ruin you Pacey. She can’t, not unless you let her.” “You know, when you say that, I almost believe it.” “You should,” Joey said with a smile. And I'm so lonely I don't even want to be with myself anymore And I'm so lonely I don't even want to be with myself anymore I just want to feel safe in my own skin, I just want to be happy again. “I just... I just wish that I could go back, you know. I wish that I could undo everything that was done. All I want...All I want is to be happy...” “Oh Pace,” Joey said, her eyes filling with tears at the pain that was imbued in every word. “I wish that too, but you know what? Who you are isn’t such a bad person to be.” Pacey just smiled at her uncertainly, not sure of what to say. “Let’s go inside and get some breakfast and then I’ll walk you to Dr. David’s office. What do you say?” Pacey was silent for a moment and then he smiled softly. “Sounds good,” he said. They got to their feet and walked into the B&B hand-in-hand. ~LATER~ Pacey walked tentatively into David’s office. As he had expected, his parents were already there...and they looked worried. “Hey,” he said softly. His parents looked at each other. “Where...where did you go?” Mrs. Witter asked. “We were worried.” “I’m sorry,” Pacey said. “You can’t keep doing that Pacey,” Mr. Witter said. “When your mother walked into your room and you weren’t there...” He paused. “She was very worried, son.” “I’m sorry,” Pacey said again. “I just...” He looked down at his hands. “I was scared...” He said, his voice a whisper. “Scared of what?” David asked. “Today,” Pacey said. He turned his attention to David, relieved to be able to turn away from the searching eyes of his parents. “I... I was scared of what they would think of me...after today.” “Where did you go?” Mrs. Witter asked, studying her son’s face carefully. She hated this. She hated that even though they had him back, he still felt a hundred miles away. A blush colored Pacey’s cheeks. “I...uh...I went to see Joey,” he said, not looking at anyone. “To talk to her about why you were scared?” David asked. Pacey nodded. “Did that help?” Pacey nodded again. “Yeah, she told me that my parents loved me and that no matter what had happened, what she had done, what I had done, that that wouldn’t change...That I hadn’t been changed beyond repair.” He looked up, a faint smile lighting his face. “She said that who I am isn’t such a bad person to be.” “She’s right,” Mrs. Witter said, fighting to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. “I hope you believed her Pacey, because she was right. Your father and I love you. Nothing will stop that Pacey. I swear.” “But...” Pacey started, but he stopped, not sure if he could say what he was thinking. “But what?” Mr. Witter asked, trying to keep the anxiety out of his voice. Pacey looked at David, an uncertain look on his face. David nodded encouragingly. “If that’s true,” Pacey started slowly. “If that’s true then... then why didn’t you guys want me back? She said she offered and... and you didn’t even try. Was I that bad? I...I’m sorry for letting them take me. For not fighting harder...” The Witter’s looked stricken. “It wasn’t your fault, Pacey,” Mr. Witter said, his voice catching. “Then why didn’t you want me back? Why...why didn’t you do what they asked and get me back? Why did you leave me with them? Why didn’t you want me anymore?” “We never had the chance to get you back,” Mrs. Witter said, tears shining in her eyes. “I swear baby. She only called once and that was to tell us that if we ever saw you again, you’d hate us. Don’t hate us Pacey. Please. We did everything. Everything that we could to get you back. I swear.” “Really?” Pacey asked, tears filling his eyes. Wanting to believe them. Needing to believe them. “I...Really?” “Oh Pace,” Mr. Witter said. “I promise you that if she had offered we would have done anything that she asked. Anything in the world to get you back. And we tried. We looked everywhere that we could think of. We did everything that we could...and it wasn’t enough. We failed you and I’m so sorry for that. I’m so sorry Pacey.” A sob broke from Pacey’s throat. “Why Dad? Why did she do this to me? To us? I don’t understand. I don’t understand why this happened. And I need to. I need to understand, Dad!” Mr. Witter reached up and wiped a tear from his cheek. “It’s all my fault,” he said softly. “She hated me, not you. Sally Anderson believes deeply in an eye for an eye. I arrested her son and he died in prison. She blamed me, so she took my son from me... and I never even knew that it was her. I don’t know how to make this up to you Pacey, but I’ll try.” Pacey looked at his father, unsure of what to say. There were all kinds of new thoughts racing through his head and he was having a hard time sorting through them. “I...” He started. He turned to David. “Dr. D? I need to...” He bit his lip. “Please?” David nodded. “All right. Go ahead.” Pacey turned and headed for the door. David shook his head as Mrs. Witter looked like she would try and stop him. “He has a lot to think about,” David said after Pacey had left the room. “The session went well. He wants to believe you. That’s very promising. It gives me a lot of hope for our future sessions.” “Really?” Mrs. Witter asked hopefully. “Really,” David said with a smile. “You’re going to get your son back, Mrs. Witter. He might not be the eleven year old that you lost, but he’ll be yours again. It’s just going to take some time.” ~LATER AT THE WITTER’S~ Pacey was pacing. He didn’t know how to deal with all the new information. He didn’t know how to believe everything that his parents were telling him. He knew that they were much better sources than Mama Sal, but after six years with her, it was hard to go back. It was hard to believe anything anyone said. Pacey stopped his erratic movement as someone rang the bell. He took a deep breath and then went and opened the door. “Jo!” He said surprised. The world is a vampire, sent to drain Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames And what do I get for my pain? Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game “Hey Pace,” Joey said, walking into the house. “I just wanted...” She stopped as she got a good look at him. “Are you okay?” She asked, concerned. “Did something happen?” Pacey sighed. “Nothing earth shattering,” he said. He couldn’t keep still. He lead her into the living room and waved that she could sit before he began to pace again. “Are you sure that you’re okay,” Joey asked. Even though I know - I suppose I'll show All my cool and cold-like old job Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Pacey let out another breath. “I will be. I just need to think. I...I can’t get it all clear!” He stalked over to the TV and flipped it on, needing some external noise to counteract the noise in his head. He then continued to pace around the room. Joey sat down tentatively and watched him. She didn’t know what to say that would help. She only knew that she wanted to be there in case he needed her. Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal But can you fake it, for just one more show? And what do you want, I want to change And what have you got when you feel the same Pacey moved silently around the room, his movements jerky. “I just don’t know what to think,” he suddenly burst out. “I don’t...I can’t...” A frustrated sound escaped from his lips. “I just don’t know what to think anymore.” Joey got to her feet. “Pace, you just need to breath, okay? What happened? Why are you so upset?” Pacey turned to face the wall and took another deep breath, trying to calm himself. He then turned to face Joey. “I just don’t know how to separate reality from fiction anymore. I can’t. I just...” He stopped as something on the television screen caught his attention. Even though I know - I suppose I'll show All my cool and cold-like old job Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage “What the...” He muttered stepping closer to the TV. “Pace?” Joey questioned, turning to follow his gaze. She sucked in her breath at the figure on the screen. “Pace?” she said again. Pacey ignored her. He was glaring at the screen, hating the fact that his heart raced with fear just at the sight of her. Sometimes he wished that he had shot her when he had the chance. Not that that really would have helped how he was feeling now...well, maybe a little... Even though I know - I suppose I'll show All my cool and cold-like old job Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage He turned up the sound a little, listening as the reporter spoke. “Sally Anderson, known to her followers as Mama Sal, was arraigned earlier today on bank robbing charges in Penobscot County Maine. After she faces trial there, she will be extradited to Massachusetts, where she will face kidnapping charges. When asked about the charges facing her in Massachusetts, she had the following to say...” “That boy ain’t worth all this trouble, I tell ya. A bad seed that one. His parents don’t want him. They just gotta take him back, otherwise it’d look bad.” She turned her head and looked at the screen, an evil grin lighting her face. “You know that, don’t you Sonny boy?” Tell me I'm the only one Tell me there's no other one Jesus was an only son Tell me I'm the chosen one Jesus was an only son for you A guttural scream broke from Pacey’s throat as he seized the television and heaved it against the wall. Joey flinched at the crash it made as it slammed into the wall, her eyes widening in fear. “I hate you!” Pacey screamed. “You ruined my life!” He seized the table that the TV had been sitting on and knocked it over. “Why!? Why did you do this to me!?” There was a table next to the couch that had a vase of flowers and some picture on it. He cleared it with a single sweep of his arm, knocking the table to the floor after. “WHY!?” Even though I know - I suppose I'll show All my cool and cold-like old job Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Pacey was breathing hard when he finally came down from the haze of anger that had filled him. He turned towards Joey and was horrified when she flinched at his movement. Joey felt instant remorse at the horror on his face. She hadn’t meant to flinch. “Pace,” she said softly. But Pacey didn’t hear her. He was trapped in his own world, far from her. All he could think about was the look on her face when he had turned to her. She had flinched. He had scared her so much that she had flinched away from him. He had scared her. She had been afraid of him. Afraid of him. Even though I know - I suppose I'll show All my cool and cold-like old job Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage “I gotta go,” Pacey said. He turned and ran for the door, every instinct in him telling him that he had to get away from her, for her safety...and for his own... “Pacey!” Joey called starting after him. “No, I have to meet Dawson,” Pacey said, barely slowing. “I’ll see you later Jo.” “Pacey!” But it was too late, he was already gone. Joey slumped against the wall and let the tears come. That had not gone well. He was running now. From himself, and from her. “No, Damn it!” She exclaimed, pushing herself upright and heading for the door. She wasn’t going to let him run away from her. Not now, not ever. Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved Despite all my rage I'm still just a rat in a cage And I still believe that I cannot be saved And I still believe that I cannot be saved And I still believe that I cannot be saved And I still believe that I cannot be saved “Pacey!” Joey cried, taking off after him at a dead run. “Pacey! Stop!” Pacey slowly came to a stop and turned to face her, both of them breathing hard. Joey wasn’t prepared for the anguished look on his face and it hit her like a blow to the stomach. “Pacey...” She said softly. “You were afraid of me,” Pacey said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I scared you.” “Yes,” Joey said softly. “You scared me, but I wasn’t afraid of you. I was afraid for you.” “No,” Pacey said, shaking his head. His voice broke. “I could see it. You were afraid of me. You thought that I was going to hurt you.” “No,” Joey said. “Never. I know that you would never hurt me Pace. I know that you would never willingly do anything to hurt me.” “You do?” Pacey asked doubtfully. “’Cause, you know, I wasn’t so sure.” His voice broke again and he collapsed to his knees, sobs shaking his body. “I wasn’t so sure, Jo. I couldn’t control it. I couldn’t.... Oh God, I never would have forgiven myself...” He looked up at her, an anguished cry breaking from his lips. “Jo.” She rushed forward and dropped to her knees before him and he collapsed into her arms. “I’m sorry Jo. I’m so sorry!” “Shh,” Joey said, holding him tight and stroking his hair gently. “It’s all right, Pacey. We’ll figure something out, I promise.”
TrueLoveFic OTL Loves me! Posts: 19 (5/1/03 9:09 am) Reply	Re: Chapter Ten: Honestly Okay? Wooo!!! An update! Sigh. Gotta love this fic, Snow... Sorry, I cant reply more.. Crunched up with piles of work. TTYS! ME
Angel608J Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 42 (5/1/03 12:06 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Ten: Honestly Okay? heart breaks into a million pieces Poor poor Pacey! chokes on sob Grrrrrrrrrrr...........I hate hate HATE Sally! I hope she burns in hell for what she did to Pacey. Can we hope for more soon? Angel
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 57 (5/1/03 12:08 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Ten: Honestly Okay? Goodness me! My oh my! That was some heavy emotional stuff I'm really glad Pacey's opening up a bit to the possibility of the truth of his parents side of things.... but good lord! that woman.. Sal... she's just EVIL. She has such a psychological hold on him... methinks Dr David needs to see him on a much more regular basis Loved the Pacey/Joey interaction though... just loved it. More soon please!
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 18 (5/1/03 4:50 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 4-30-03) Hello all! Here's the next chapter! My exams are done! YAY! Now. Must. Sleep. LOL! Hope you like this chapter! Snowie Chapter Eleven: ~Aftershocks~ “What are they going to say?” Pacey asked softly. “Who?” Joey asked, her soft tone matching his. They were sitting crosslegged on the ground looking at each other. Joey refusing to do anything that might make him think that she was pulling away. Pacey terrified to move at all. “My parents,” Pacey said, his voice small, with a childlike aspect to it. “What am I going to tell them? How...How do I explain this?” “Just tell them the truth, Pacey. They’ll understand. I know they will.” Pacey started and looked down at his watch. “Dawson! I told him...” “He’ll understand if you want to cancel...” Joey started. “No!” Pacey exclaimed. “I don’t want...” He didn’t want to tell anyone that something was wrong. He didn’t want to seem any more different then he already did. “I want to go...” He looked back at his house. “I need to go. I can’t...I can’t go back in there, Jo. I can’t look my parents in the face and tell them why...” He shuddered. “I just need to get out of here for a little while. The fort...” He paused. “I think that the fort will be good for me.” “You have to go back in sometime,” Joey said softly. “I know,” Pacey said. “Just not...Not right now.” “You at least have to tell them what happened,” Joey said. “If you don’t, they’ll be worried Pace.” Pacey nodded and looked down at his hands. “I...I know.” He looked over at her hopefully. “I...I’ll leave them a note?” He said. “I have to go in and get my camping stuff anyway.” Joey nodded, knowing that the note in itself was a victory. She also knew that no matter what it said, it wouldn’t make his parents worry less. She sighed softly. She would tell them what happened. “Let’s go in and get your stuff,” she said softly. “And then I’ll walk you to Dawson’s.” Pacey nodded and got to his feet, offering her his hand. She took it and stood, but held on tight when he went to let go. She wouldn’t let him move away. Not even that little bit. He looked over at her, his eyes shining with something that she had yet to define. “Thank you,” he said softly. Joey smiled softly, knowing what it was that he was thanking her for. “Your welcome,” she said. They turned towards Pacey’s house and walked towards it, hand-in-hand. ~A While Later~ ~Police Station~ Joey walked into the police station and looked around uncertainly. She wasn’t sure how to go about this. Pacey’s family had always made her a little nervous. Maybe Doug would be there. At least he’d be easier to talk to than Mr. Witter. “Can I help you?” An officer sitting at the desk in the entryway said. He looked vaguely familiar to Joey. What was his name? Hinkley? Something like that. “Uh, yeah,” Joey said. “Is Sheriff Witter here? Or Doug Witter?” “The Sheriff just went home,” Hinkley said. “But I’ll find Doug for you. Just a minute.” He turned around in his seat, and yelled to one of the other men. “Hey Harvey! Where’d Doug go?” “He’s in the Sheriff’s office. He’s doing something for him or something.” “Thanks.” Hinkley turned back to Joey. “It’s that door right down there,” he said, pointing. “Go ahead. Just knock.” Joey nodded uncertainly and then walked forward tentatively. When she got to the door, she reached out and knocked on it softly. “Come in,” Doug said, his voice slightly strained. Joey cracked the door and peaked in. “Doug?” She said. Doug’s head popped up. “Joey? What are you doing here? Have you heard from Pacey? Is he all right? Do you know what happened?” Joey sighed and stepped into the room. “Someone’s been home already?” Doug nodded, motioning for her to close the door behind her. He didn’t want his family business being spread around town more than it already was. “My mom. She called here in a panic. Dad went home to try and figure out what had happened...Do you know what happened?” “I was there,” Joey said softly. “What...?” Doug started. “Did you see the news today?” She asked, interrupting him. Doug shook his head. “He was already upset when I got there,” she said. “Something had happened at the counseling session. He turned on the TV...And she was on the news.” “What!?” Doug exclaimed. Damn news people. Always going for the ratings, never caring whose heads they messed with. “What did she say?” He asked, his voice cold with hatred. Joey took a deep breath, tears filling her eyes at the thought of the pain that Mama Sal’s words had caused Pacey. “She said...She said that Pacey wasn’t worth the effort that everyone was putting into him...That your parents had only taken him back because it would have looked bad if they hadn’t...It was bad Doug. It pushed him over the edge. He didn’t know how to control the anger...” “He scared you?” Doug asked softly. “Not as much as he scared himself,” Joey said. “But yeah. I thought he was going to hurt himself. And he...” She stopped. “What?” Doug asked. “He was scared that he would hurt me,” Joey said softly. Doug closed his eyes, his heart breaking for his little brother. When was this going to end? When was the pain going to go away? “Where is he?” Doug asked softly. “He went out to the fort with Dawson. He couldn’t stand to face your parents yet.” “They’re not mad...” Doug started defensively. “I know,” Joey said. “But he is. And he’s scared and confused and... and bent. I can’t say broken. I refuse to think that he’s broken, but he is bent. He doesn’t know what to do or think or say. He’s lost, Doug. He’s so lost that it hurts me to see it. He wants to believe in your family so much that it’s torture for him that he can’t. And then he’s mad at Mama Sal for taking his ability to trust away from him. There are so many feelings there that he doesn’t know what to do with them all.” Doug didn’t know what to say. All he knew was that his heart was breaking for his brother...and that he had never wanted to kill anyone more than he wanted to kill Sally Anderson at that moment. “Thank you for coming in,” Doug said softly. “I really appreciate it.” Joey nodded, smiling slightly “I’m going to call my parents...” Joey nodded. “I’ll see you later Doug.” “Bye Joey,” Doug said. “And thanks again...for everything.” “It’s been my pleasure,” Joey said. She smiled softly at Doug before she turned and walked out the door. “I’m glad,” Doug said softly, watching her leave. He knew how much Joey meant to his brother and he was happy to see that Pacey meant just as much to her. ~In The Woods~ Pacey and Dawson hiked through the woods in uncomfortable silence at first. But soon they were talking about anything and everything. Nothing important, but at the same time, very important, because it was the first normal conversation that they had had since Pacey had returned to Capeside. By the time they reached the fort, Pacey was feeling a lot more relaxed. Enough so that when he spoke, it was with the comfort and familiarity he would have had if the six years with Mama Sal had never happened. "Hey, there it is, D," Pacey said. "Our old fort. The fruit of an entire summer’s labor. She’s still standin’." "You know, this is typical," Dawson said, looking at the fort. Pacey walked into the fort. "Of what?" He asked. "Of me," Dawson said. "I mean everything. I mean this fort, of everything we’ve seen today I remember as being bigger than life. But now it’s just ordinary. Maybe my whole life has been ordinary. Pacey exits the fort. "All this over an old fort? We were nine years old when we built this, Dawson. What did you expect, the Taj Mahal?" He looked around and then sighed. “I would have killed for ordinary,” he said softly. A stricken look crossed Dawson’s face. “Pacey, I’m so...” Pacey shook his head. “Stop right there,” he said, holding up a hand. “You don’t have to apologize Dawson. To be perfectly honest I’m getting really tired of people telling me that they’re sorry. You don’t have to edit yourself around me. You don’t have to pretend that you don’t feel what you feel just to spare me.” “All right,” Dawson said softly. He looked around again. “Wanna set up camp?” “Sure,” Pacey said. He took another look at the fort and shook his head, laughing a little. It was a faint, humorless sound. “What?” Dawson asked. “It’s just funny,” Pacey said, starting to get some things out of his pack. “What is?” Dawson asked, looking at him curiously. Pacey turned and looked at his old friend, something Dawson couldn’t identify shining in his eyes. “It’s just...There were times... I’d think about home, about my family, about you and Jo, about places like this... and I’d wonder if it had all just been a dream. If my life here was just something I’d imagined. It was just... it was so bad there Dawson. It was...I couldn’t believe anymore that I had ever been a part of something this... clean.... this innocent, ya know.” He looked back at the fort. “But it’s still here, proof that I lived that life... and I can’t help but wonder what that means.” “About what?” Dawson asked softly. “About me,” Pacey said. “I... Six years is a long time Dawson. A very, very long time. Longer still if you consider all the things that happened during that time. The boy who built this fort with you died a long time ago Dawson.” Pacey bit his lip. “I wish I could get him back again,” he whispered, shutting his eyes tightly. “I wish... I wish I could run through the woods with you and Jo like we used to, not worrying about anything. I wish I could feel like I did back then. So safe...Happy. Sometimes I think I’ll never feel safe again... Never be happy... Not like I could have been...” “Pace...” Dawson began, finally starting to understand what had happened to Pacey while he was gone... Finally starting to understand the person that he had become. Pacey shook his head and smiled ruefully. “Naw, don’t worry about it D. Can we just...Let’s just forget that I said anything and set up camp, all right?” “All right,” Dawson said, not wanting to push. He felt like he had done enough pushing when it came to Pacey. They quickly set up camp and soon had a fire roaring, and a fine camp meal of beans and hot dogs cooking. The spent a while discussing Capeside. Who had moved away. Who had come. Who was still there. Pretending that everything was fine was becoming second nature to Pacey. He hated the fact that he could sit and calmly chat with Dawson as if he hadn’t just destroyed his parents living room. “And the Oscar goes to...” He muttered under his breath. “What was that?” Dawson asked. “Nothing,” Pacey said, turning his attention back to his friend. “I didn’t say anything.” Dawson took his denial in stride, moving right on to what he had been thinking about. “You know, I always looked at our adventures here as being like those old westerns. Living off the land...” He noticed Pacey’s doubtful look. “What? You don’t think that your life reflects a movie genre?” “Sure it does,” Pacey said slowly. “But there’s no way that it’s a Western.” “What do you think it is?” Dawson asked. Pacey looked at Dawson uncertainly, wondering if his view of the world was something that he truly wanted to share with his overly optimistic friend. He sighed and decided that it would be better for both of them if he let Dawson into his mind a little. “The way I see it,” Pacey said. “Is that horror movies are the most accurate portrayal of real life. I mean, think about it. They may kill the monster in the end, but their lives are still royally screwed up. All their friends are dead, and they live in constant fear that the monster will return like it inevitably does. The clear message being, life sucks and then you die. That’s my reality Dawson. That’s how I see the world.” Dawson was speechless. He didn’t know how to react to a statement like that. More than that, he wondered what it was that had been done to Pacey to have given him such a bleak outlook on life. Pacey watched the emotions play across Dawson’s face and sighed. “D, just so you know, my opinion on that is starting to change a little.” Dawson looked at him hopefully. “I beginning to think that it might be a suspense instead...And that after another scare...or two, maybe, just maybe...the monster will be gone for good.” Dawson smiled. “I hope you’re right,” he said. “Yeah,” Pacey said. “So do I.” ~The Next Morning~ “So are you glad you came?” Dawson asked as they hiked down the path towards home...and reality. “Yeah,” Pacey said slowly. “I am. It was nice to go somewhere that hasn’t been touched by all of this...It was nice to get away.” “I’m glad,” Dawson said. They came to a little store and went inside to grab a couple of drinks. Once they had paid, they went back outside to drink them. They were silent for a while, both of them had things on their minds. Pacey was thinking about what was going to happen when he went home. Dawson was thinking about all of the things that Pacey had said...and he was starting to worry. “Pacey?” He said uncertainly. “Yeah?” Pacey said. “I’ve just been thinking...About you and Joey, you know? I just...She’s special...and she’s been through so much...” “What are you trying to say, D?” Pacey asked warily, his mind returning to the afternoon before...to the look on Joey’s face when he had turned to her...and she had flinched. “Just be careful,” Dawson said slowly. “You’ve been through a lot, and it...it’s changed you. I just don’t want...” “You think I’d hurt her?” Pacey asked, a stricken look on his face. “No,” Dawson said quickly. “No, not at all, I just...I just want you to be careful, is all. Joey’s...She’s been through a lot. I just don’t want to see her hurt.” Dawson studied Pacey for a minute, with a sinking feeling in his stomach, as a bleak and distant look spread across his face. He had said the wrong thing and he knew that Joey wasn’t going to thank him for it. “Pacey...” He started. “No, I understand,” Pacey said, a deadness in his eyes. Dawson shuddered, wondering just what it was that he had done to his friend with those few simple words. “I understand,” Pacey said again. Understood that he was a danger to Joey, physically and emotionally. Understood that he was damaged goods. That he would never be the same again. Understood that he was wrong for her, that she didn’t need the complication of having him in her life. He understood that. Heck, he was the first one to say it. Why, then, did it hurt so much when someone else said it? “How was camping?” Pacey’s eyes closed tight at the sound of her voice from behind him. He opened them again and saw Dawson look at her, an almost frightened look on his face. “Guys?” Joey asked uncertainly. He couldn’t do this right now. He turned and walked rapidly away, not even raising his head to look at her. “Pace...?” She asked softly, her voice fading away. He didn’t turn, he just walked away, his shoulders slumped. Joey spun around and looked at Dawson accusingly. "Dawson! What the hell did you say to him? He wouldn't even look at me!" "Uh oh," Dawson whispered softly to himself as he was met by Joey's angry gaze. "I...uh, I just told him to be careful. That...that I was worried about you and I didn't want to see you get hurt." Joey studied him for a minute. "What else?" "That he had been through so much and that the things that had happened to him had changed him..." "Damnit Dawson!" Joey exclaimed. "What the hell were you thinking?" "I'm worried about you!" "Yeah, well so was Pacey. 'Cause all those things you just mentioned were the things that he and I have talked about. Do you have any idea what’s going on in his head? I’m trying to convince him that he wasn't ruined by what happened to him. And you just destroyed that. God Dawson, do you have any idea what you just did to him?" "Joey, I was just..." "Yeah I know. You were looking out for me. You know what, I wish people would realize that I can look out for myself." “I’m sorry Jo,” Dawson said, hanging his head. “I’m not the one you should be apologizing to,” Joey said, turning her attention in the direction that Pacey had disappeared. “Do you think he’ll...” Joey didn’t look at him. She just sighed, gazing longingly after Pacey. “I think that you may have just ruined the best thing that has ever happened to either one of us Dawson. I think that he’ll run...And I don’t know if he’ll ever let me close to him again.” “I’m so sorry...” “I know,” Joey said, but her voice was cold. “But I think....I think that I just need to go home right now. I’ll see you around Dawson.” “Jo...” But she didn’t stop. “Great,” Dawson muttered, hitting himself smack on the forehead. “Send not one, but both of your best friends running from you like you have the plague. Great going, moron!” He look first in the direction that Pacey had gone and then in the direction that Joey had gone and wished desperately that he had never opened his big fat mouth.
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 58 (5/2/03 10:54 am) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 4-30-03) Oh lord... I'm such a bitch.. but I'm soooo glad that Dawson stuffed that whole thing up right at the end! Is that wrong? Yes? Hmmm... I don't care! Now Joey needs to seriously try to get through to Pacey or the whole thing is going to get very very very messy Maybe she can enlist the help of Dr David? sniffle More soon please?
LadyHaHa Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 41 (5/9/03 4:06 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 4-30-03) I haven't been here in forever! This story is going really well so far. I'm anxious to see how everything turns out. It's so heartbreaking and so tender. Well, I love it. I'll be better about reading and posting more. Donna
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 19 (5/10/03 7:36 am) Reply	Re: Chapter Twelve: Remembered Pain Hey everyone! Here's the next chapter! I hope you like it! Snowie Chapter Twelve: Remembered Pain Joey couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. He looked so lonely, so defeated, sitting by himself at the end of the dock. She had never wanted anything more that she wanted to go and sit with him. To keep him company...To be with him through the pain that would be filling his life for the next few weeks... But she knew that he wouldn’t let her. She knew that only too well. It had been over two weeks since the camping trip and he hadn’t said more than hello to her since. She could still hear the panic in Mrs. Witter’s voice when she had called and begged Joey to come over that first day. Joey, of course, had run straight there...Only to find that Mrs. Witter’s call had been without Pacey’s knowledge. The teary-eyed woman had met her at the door with a desperate look on her face. When she had begun to speak, her voice had trembled. “He came in, shut the door and he wouldn’t talk. Do you think you could...?” Tears filled Joey’s eyes and she wished desperately that it was yesterday, when she could have. “I can try,” she said softly. “But I don’t know if it will help.” “But...” Mrs. Witter said, something akin to terror spreading across her face. If Joey couldn’t.... “Something happened,” Joey said softly, interrupting. “Dawson was trying to look out for me...he said the wrong things and I think...I think that Pacey’s running from me now...and I don’t know...I don’t know if I can catch him...” “Oh Joey,” Mrs. Witter said sadly, gazing at the girl in front of her with sympathy. She knew how painful it must be for Joey to have Pacey pulling away from her after they had become so close...and how painful it was going to be for Pacey... She sighed softly. This really couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Pacey was going to need all the support that he could get... “Is...Is there something else that’s bothering you Mrs. Witter?” Joey asked softly. “We got a call last night,” Mrs. Witter said. “Since the kidnapping predates the crimes she committed in Maine...They’re trying her here first. She faces the grand jury in a little over two weeks...Pacey has to testify...and soon.” And so there he was, on the last day before his testimony, sitting all alone at the end of the dock. All alone, when she should have been there to help him. To talk him through what he was feeling. To comfort him... She turned as someone touched her lightly on the arm and her eyes met the worried gaze of one of her friends. “How is he?” Jen asked softly. “I don’t know,” Joey said with a sigh. “He won’t talk to me. He’s...” “Running,” Jen said softly, finishing Joey’s thought. Joey nodded with a sigh. “I wish....I wish that I could do something to make this easier on him...” Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s just...He so alone, Jen. Look at him.” She pointed to where Pacey was sitting. “It hurts so much to see him like that and not be able to do anything...” “Do you want me to...?” Jen looked at Joey meaningfully. “Maybe...maybe I can talk to him. Maybe he won’t be threatened by someone that he can’t hurt...and who doesn’t have the power to hurt him....” “Maybe,” Joey said softly. She looked at Pacey uncertainly. She wanted so badly to be the one to help him...but the important thing was that he had someone. “It can’t hurt to try...Just remember...” “I could never forget,” Jen said softly. “And you don’t have to worry Joey. Neither will he...” “Wha...?” Joey started, but Jen was already walking away. She shook her head slightly, not understanding exactly what her friend was saying...Or even what it was that she had been about to say. ~On The Dock~ “Hey Pacey,” Jen said, coming to a stop a little ways behind him. “You can tell her I’m okay,” Pacey said, his voice barely audible above the sound of the water. “Tell who?” Jen asked, her voice innocent. Pacey looked at her for the first time. He just stared at her for a second, clearly not buying it. Jen gave in and sighed. “Well, if you’d just talk to her...” Pacey’s expression darkened and he turned his attention back to the water. “Sorry,” Jen said softly. He didn’t say anything and Jen got the distinct impression that he was ignoring the fact that she was there. She sighed again. “I’ll go...” She turned to leave, but stopped as Pacey spoke. “It’s not that I don’t want to talk to her,” Pacey said softly. Jen turned back to him. “Then why...?” “I’m scared,” Pacey said, his voice small. “I’m just so damned scared.” Jen walked forward the last few steps and sat down next to Pacey on the dock. “What are you scared of?” “That I’ll hurt her,” Pacey said, still refusing to look at Jen. “That I... I scared her Jen. She...She flinched. I would never be able to live with myself...” “She doesn’t think that you’ll hurt her. She believes in you, Pacey.” “How can she?” Pacey asked. “How can she, when I can’t?” “Pacey, I don’t think you’ll hurt her either. It’s not in your nature...” “What if this is a case of nature vs. nurture...where nurture wins?” “What do you mean?” Jen asked, confused. “I was raised on pain and hatred Jen. It was all that I knew for six long years. What if all that’s left of me is what I learned from her?” Jen was at a loss for words. She knew that Joey would have had some idea what to say to that, but she had absolutely no idea. “I don’t believe that,” she said weakly, knowing that it would do little good. “I don’t believe that Pacey, and neither should you.” Pacey shrugged. “Easier said then done,” he said softly. Jen was silent for a minute, She didn’t know what to say to that, so she decided that it was time to try another tactic. “Are you ready for tomorrow?” She asked softly. “I guess so,” Pacey said with a sigh. “They’ve made me go over it enough times. I feel like what they want me to say is pretty much ingrained in my memory.” “What about what you want to say?” “Doesn’t seem to matter so much,” Pacey said wryly. “They do seem to care...It‘s just that they just don’t really want to know....Not everything...” He frowned slightly. Not that he blamed them. There were lots of things that he didn’t want to know either. Things that he would gladly forget, if only he could. “There’s a lot, isn’t there?” Jen asked, studying him carefully. “That you haven’t told anyone?” Pacey shrugged slightly. “It’s just not so easy to talk about, you know? Especially with people who are essentially strangers...” And even harder with the people who weren’t... “What about...?” Jen asked, turning to look at where she had left Joey. “No!” Pacey exclaimed, horrified at the very thought. He couldn’t tell Joey everything that had happened to him. Everything that he had done. “I...I couldn’t... Not...” He couldn’t let her see the worst scars that marred his body and his spirit. Scars that were becoming harder and harder to hide... “It would help,” Jen said. “I... I went through a lot in New York before I was sent here...I did a lot and a lot of things were done to me. I know that it in no way compares to what you went through...but once I faced it...Once I talked about it, things got better. Maybe you should try.” “I am,” Pacey said. “I really am, but sometimes I don’t even know where to start.” Jen shrugged. “That’s the easy part,” she said. Pacey looked at her in surprise. “Start where every story starts. At the beginning.” Pacey laughed slightly. “You think that’ll work?” “If you have a place to start...well that’s half the battle, isn’t it?” Pacey nodded. “That’s for sure.” He smiled slightly. “Thanks Jen.” “Any time, Pacey,” Jen said. Pacey was silent for a minute. “Tell me truthfully, Jen. How is she?” “Not so great,” Jen said honestly. “Oh,” Pacey said softly. Jen studied him for a minute and then took a deep breath, deciding to take a chance. “I know that I don’t know much about you Pacey, or about what happened to you, but I do know Joey. I know that she cares about you a lot. That she needs to be able to talk to you and see you, so that she can know that you’re okay. And I know that this separation that you’re imposing on the two of you is hurting her much more than anything else that you could do.” A cold mask slipped over Pacey’s face as Jen’s words ripped through him. He’d done the wrong thing again. But then, no matter what he did, it would always be wrong. It seemed like there was no course left for him that would be right. “Well, I asked,” he said wryly. “Pacey...” Jen started, but Pacey shook his head. “I’d kind of like to be alone right now,” Pacey said. “Please.” Jen was silent for a minute and then nodded. “Okay.” She got to her feet and stood there for a moment. “Good luck tomorrow, Pacey. We’ll all be thinking of you.” She walked away slowly, wishing desperately that she could have been more help. “Thanks Jen,” Pacey said, knowing that his voice was too quiet for her to hear. He sighed softly. Each day was getting worse and he was beginning to wonder if any of this was worth it...He certainly knew that he wasn’t. ~NEXT DAY~ ~Courthouse~ Nothing could have prepared him for what it was like to see her again. For the nausea. For the fear. For the hatred. Every emotion that he had ever felt towards this woman rushed into him with a force that he wasn’t prepared for. The flood continued until all that remained of him was a bundle of raw nerves and emotions. He kept his feelings pretty well under control until she turned and looked at him, her face crinkling into a mocking smile that didn’t reach her cold dark eyes. Pacey’s eyes narrowed as she winked at him. Before he even knew what he was doing he was on his feet, flinging himself towards her. His eyes were dark with rage and his arms were reaching towards her, desperate to hurt her as much as she had hurt him. He didn’t really understand what was happening as his forward motion suddenly stopped. It took him a moment to realize that his father and David had grabbed him and were holding him back. He struggled against them, his mind consumed by his desire to destroy this woman in the way that she had destroyed him. When they wouldn’t let him go, he turned his rage towards them. “Let. Me. Go.” He growled, glaring at his father. “Not like that Pacey,” Mr. Witter said softly. “She’s not worth it. Let the courts take care of this. This would only hurt you more.” Pacey struggled for a few more moments and then seemed to deflate. His father was right. Attacking her wouldn’t help anything. It could only make things worse. He was allowing his father to lead him back to his seat when his eyes met Mama Sal’s. She gazed at him mockingly and then winked again. “Weak,” she mouthed at him. “Always so weak, Sonny boy.” He was about to fly at her again, but his father and David were one step ahead of him. They already had him on the way towards the door, his mother following close behind them. It took them a little while, but they finally managed to wrestle him out into the hall. Once he could no longer see Mama Sal the fight went out of him. He moved away from his parents and stood silently, his eyes cold with anger and hatred. Once David was sure that Pacey was content to stay in the hall, he spoke quietly to Mr. Witter and then went into the courtroom to talk to the prosecutor. “Pacey?” Mr. Witter said. He sighed softly when Pacey didn’t answer and decided not to say anything more. They waited in silence until David rejoined them. “Pacey’s testimony has been moved to tomorrow,” David said, his voice somber. “Why don’t we all go home and get some rest?” ~Potter B&B~ Joey paced up and down the floor anxiously. It was horrible, waiting. She glanced down at her watch and sighed in annoyance. It was only 5:27. Three more long agonizing minutes before the local news. She could barely believe where a few weeks had taken her. For the first time in her life she was anxious for the news to come on...And that hurt. It hurt because it was yet another reminder that Pacey was shutting her out of his life. She couldn’t even call him to see how he was. Because he probably wouldn’t talk to her, and even if he would, he wouldn’t tell her the truth. “Damnit Joey!” Bessie finally exclaimed. “Just turn on the damn TV and sit down! You’re giving me a headache!” Joey sighed again and then turned on the TV before flopping down on the couch. She chewed on her lip anxiously as Pacey’s face filled the screen briefly before the female reporter began to speak. “Today was the first day of testimony in the case of the State of Massachusetts Versus Sally Anderson. Under normal circumstances, testimony before the Grand Jury only takes a few hours, but the length of time young Pacey Witter was held prisoner by Sally Anderson, as well as his status as a minor, make this case anything but normal. The prosecution was hoping to finish in one day, but the situation was simply too painful for the young victim. He had to be escorted from the courtroom soon after coming face-to-face with his kidnapper once again. The prosecution presented the majority of their evidence this afternoon, leaving only Pacey Witter’s testimony for tomorrow...” “Oh Pace,” Joey said softly, gazing sadly as the news showed video of Pacey being led from the courthouse by his parents, a look of such pain and anger on his face... “Joey?” Bessie questioned softly, hearing the agonized note to her sister’s voice. “Are you okay?” Joey shook her head. “Not really. Look at him Bess. He needs someone and I...I...” “You want it to be you?” Bessie asked. He voice wasn’t judgmental, just questioning. “I need it to be me,” Joey said, wiping tears from her cheeks. “Because that’s the only way that I can be sure that he’s all right.” She stared at the screen until Pacey’s image faded away. “Where are you Pace?” She whispered. “And why aren’t you here, letting me help you...?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Pacey had been walking for a long time. There was nothing else that he could do. If he were to try and stand still he knew that he would go crazy. He sighed softly, wishing more than anything that he could talk to Joey. Needing to talk to Joey. Needing to talk to someone. Pacey stopped as the front door of a house came within sight. He hadn’t even been paying attention to where he was going, but now that he was here it seemed like it was meant to be. He had to talk to someone and after everything that had happened, she was the obvious choice. Pacey took a deep breath and approached her front door tentatively. The door opened even as he reached out his hand to knock. “Hey,” he said uncertainly, seeing the surprised look on her face. “Pacey!” She exclaimed in surprise. She looked at him more carefully and noticed how drawn his face looked. “Are you okay? Do you want to come in?” “You were going out...?” “It’s not important,” she said waving her hand dismissively. “Come in. We’ll talk.” He looked at her uncertainly for a moment before a small smile spread across his face. “Thanks Jen,” he said faintly. He stepped forward and followed her into the house.
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 59 (5/11/03 7:41 am) Reply	Re: Chapter Twelve: Remembered Pain Poor Pacey... that evil woman just won't leave him be will she? Still screwing with his mind even when she's in custody! I hope she gets what's coming to her Anywho, I think Pacey needs daily sessions with David! I mean, I'm glad he has Jen to talk to right now, because actually I do think Joey is too close to be impartial - but in reality, Pacey needs a professional to help him through this... I'd love to see more Pacey/David scenes Can't wait for more!
leep4joy Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 51 (5/31/03 5:52 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Twelve: Remembered Pain You wanna know something? This is quickly becoming one of my favorite fics of all time. Seriously...I love it!!! Alright, I understand the whole Pacey needs someone who isn't so close and hasn't known him since he was born...but he is not allowed to start falling for Jen, got it?? Now that that's cleared up...I feel much better. Great job sweetie!! Please post more soon. ~Lee
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 20 (6/7/03 5:54 pm) Reply	Chapter Thirteen: Sweet Surrender Hello All! Sorry that this has taken so long! Things have been crazy. I hope you like this chapter. Thanks for the replies Suzie and Lee! I'm glad you're enjoying the story! Snowie Chapter Thirteen: Sweet Surrender “Sit down,” Jen said, gesturing to the couch. “How’re you doing?” Pacey sat down and Jen joined him. “Not so well,” he said softly. Jen was silent for a minute, waiting for him to speak. When he didn’t, she looked at him questioningly. “Why? What happened?” “It was just...” Pacey sighed. He didn’t know what to say...where to start...Or even if he truly wanted to talk... “I don’t know where to start...” “Haven’t we already talked about that?” Jen asked, smiling at him gently. “The beginning,” Pacey said, nodding slightly. “But what if I don’t know what that is?” “You had a bad day in court,” Jen said simply. “Well, if you put it that way,” Pacey said. He smiled wryly at her, then sighed in annoyance. “I had a bad day in court.” “And?” Jen prompted. “Mama Sal is a bitch.” “You’re very good at expressing yourself,” Jen said with a small smile. “Anything to say that isn’t painfully obvious?” “Tons,” Pacey said with a sigh. “I just...” He groaned in frustration. “I need to talk, I want to talk, but I can’t seem to say anything that means anything! Why can’t I talk this out?” “Because it’s not me that you want to talk to,” Jen said softly. Pacey sighed. “But I can’t talk to her Jen. I won’t.” “Why not Pacey? You need her, she needs you...” “I just can’t Jen!” Pacey exclaimed. “Don’t...” He took a deep breath. “Please don’t push me on that one Jen. I can’t...” “I’m sorry,” Jen said softly. “I don’t want to push you Pacey. I just want to help you.” “I know,” Pacey said. “And I appreciate that, but I think...” “You don’t trust me...” “Don’t take it personally,” Pacey said softly. “I can count the number of people I trust on one hand. And you come pretty close for someone I barely know...” Jen nodded. “I understand Pacey...” “Look, thanks for talking to me, but I’ve gotta go. Okay?” “Yeah Pacey,” Jen said, smiling slightly. “I understand. Anytime, okay? I mean that.” “Thanks,” Pacey said, smiling slightly. Jen walked him to the door. “I’ll see you later Pace. Good luck.” “Later,” Pacey said. He stepped out the door and waited for it to close behind him before taking a deep shuddering breath. “Pacey.” He looked up and saw Dawson walking towards him uncertainly. “Hey Dawson,” he said softly. “I’ve been trying to get in touch with you...” “I’ve been kinda busy,” Pacey said, inching away. “Look, I gotta get going...” “This will just take a minute Pacey.” Pacey sighed. “What?” “I just... I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about what I said," Dawson said. "I was completely out of line." Pacey looked at Dawson for a minute before a small smile spread across his face. "She ripped you a new one, huh?" Dawson nodded. Pacey laughed slightly. "Don't worry about it, D. You were right. I would have hurt her." “No, I wasn’t right, Pace,” Dawson said, shaking his head. “I wasn’t even close, because people hurt the people they love everyday. Over big things. Over small things or nothing at all. Whether they mean to or not. That’s just the way it is. I can’t protect Joey from that and neither can you. We can only do our best not to hurt her like we are right now. You by pulling away from her and me by being the one that made you pull away.” “Dawson...” “Just think about that Pacey. There are risks in every relationship... But they’re worth it...” “I’m not,” Pacey said softly. “Joey thinks you are,” Dawson said. “And it’s her decision to make. She has a right to make it.” “I can’t do this right now Dawson...” “Pacey...” “No,” Pacey said, shaking his head. “I can’t think about this right now. I’ll see you later.” He didn’t wait for Dawson to reply, he just took off at a run. Dawson watched as Pacey ran off into the night and sighed. “I hope you listened Pace, cause this time, I’m right... She needs you as much as you need her. Let her help you.” ~NEXT DAY~ ~COURTHOUSE~ Pacey stood as far from the other people in the room as possible. He was trying to get control of himself... He wasn’t getting very far. Finally he gave up and just listened to the DA, Mr. Caldwell. ‘Your testimony is very important to the case, blah, blah, blah. We need you to remain focused, blah, blah, blah...’ Finally he asked Pacey a direct question. “The judge has decided to question you herself. Is that okay with you?” “Whatever,” Pacey said with a shrug. Like it mattered who was asking the questions. The answers wouldn’t change. “I just want to get this over with.” “It shouldn’t take long,” Mr. Caldwell said. “It’s only the preliminary... And there’s already enough to send this before the Grand Jury.” “Then why does he have to testify at all?” Mrs. Witter asked. She watched Pacey run his hand over the scar at his hairline. It was habit that she had noticed more and more lately. Whenever he was nervous or upset, he would run his fingers over it... It worried her... “Because, without his testimony, a lot of the evidence is circumstantial. He gives it weight. We’ve told the judge what happened to Pacey, now she wants to hear it from him. There are many things that only he knows.” “Will he have to testify in front of the Grand Jury too?” Mr. Witter said. “If they call him in, but nothing’s definite.” “Can we just get this over with?” Pacey asked, a sick feeling in his stomach. When he had imagined testifying against Mama Sal, he had never thought that he would have to do it three times. Once would be more then he could handle... “Sure,” Mr. Caldwell said, looking down at his watch. “It’s time to go in anyway.” He walked over to the door and opened it, ushering the others out ahead of him. They entered the courtroom to find that Mama Sal was already seated next to her attorney, Peter Samson. Pacey took a deep breath, and sat behind the prosecutor. “All rise,” the bailiff said. Everyone stood as the judge came in. She made her way to the bench and faced the courtroom. “You may be seated.” When everyone had returned to their seats she turned to Mr. Caldwell. “Is your final witness ready to testify?” “Yes, your honor,” Mr. Caldwell said, standing. “The State calls Pacey Witter to the stand.” Pacey took a deep breath and stood. He walked to the front of the courtroom and he could feel her eyes on him, mocking him. It made his skin crawl, but he ignored her. He could do this! He would do this! He stopped before the Bailiff and placed his hand on the bible. “Please raise your right hand.” Pacey raised his right hand. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you god?” “I do,” Pacey said. “You may be seated.” Pacey took his seat in the witness stand and looked up at the judge, waiting for her to speak. “I decided that it would be best for everyone if I conducted the questioning at this point in the legal process,” Judge Williams said. “And both the prosecution and the defense have agreed. Do you have a problem with that Pacey?” “No ma’am,” Pacey said. “How old are you Pacey?” “I’m seventeen.” “And you have recently been returned to your parents after how many years?” “A little over six,” Pacey said. “And during those six years you were being held against your will, correct?” “Correct,” Pacey said. “Can you tell us who it was that was holding you?” “Mama Sal...Uh, Sally Anderson.” Pacey pointed in the direction of Mama Sal, but didn’t look at her. The judge noticed and wondered just what had been done to him. She decided that she wanted to find out. “Strictly speaking, that’s all I need to know,” Judge Williams said. “But I’d like to question you in more detail. Is that all right?” Pacey looked at his parents uncertainly before shrugging and nodding. They would hear it eventually... “What happened to you on January 21, 1994 when you were ten years old? Please describe it to us in detail.” Pacey took a deep breath. “I walked most of the way home from school with Joey and Dawson... Josephine Potter and Dawson Leery, my two best friends. We split up when we hit the corner of Oaks and Main. They went one way and I went another...” He paused. “What happened then?” Judge Williams prompted. “This car pulled up next to me... I turned to look, thinking that it was my dad in his patrol car or something... But it wasn’t... Some guy jumped out of the car and grabbed me... I tried to fight him off, but...” Pacey paused, swallowing hard. “I lost my backpack when he tossed me into the car. I just kept screaming... My dad had always told me that if someone tried to make me go with them, I should make as much noise as possible... draw attention to myself...” Pacey stopped. It was so hard to get the words out. “The last thing I saw before the guy who grabbed me knocked me out was her face.” He nodded in the direction of Mama Sal. “You say a man knocked you out? Please describe how he did that.” Pacey looked up at the judge. “He hit me... I don’t know what with, but it was heavy...” Pacey heard his mother gasp, but he didn’t look at her... He couldn’t. “What’s the next thing you remember?” “When I woke up, I didn’t know where I was. Some basement. I still don’t know where we were at that point. She was the first thing I saw. She was smiling...This horrible smile. I asked her who she was. What she wanted.” Pacey took a deep breath. “She told me that I could call her Mama, cause she was the only mother I was going to have from then on.” Pacey looked down at his hands, fighting back tears. “I just wanted to go home. I...I told her that...and she laughed...” ”What home, Sonny boy? You’re parents don’t want you. We already tried that. Guess you’re not worth the ten thousand we asked your parents for. You’re stuck here... and you’d better believe that you’re going to earn us every bit of that money... I’m gonna make sure of it.” The judge nodded, struggling to keep steady and impartial... It was just that when he looked at her like that, his eyes welling with tears... “She got every dime,” Pacey said softly. “But not in money... She enjoyed it.” “Enjoyed what?” Judge Williams said softly. “Watching them hurt me,” Pacey said bitterly. “Watching me suffer.” He looked up at her again, his eyes filled with pain and horror. “They used me as a punching bag... But it got to the point where I actually preferred that to the other things that they would do... It was a game,” he said, spitting out the last word. “They enjoyed it. They used me as a damn ashtray!” He pulled up his sleeve. “Look,” he said, pointing to the small circular scars that stood out on his arms. “Look!” “Pacey,” Judge Williams said soothingly. But Pacey was beyond soothing. He was already lost in the past and the pain. “But that wasn’t even the worst,” he said softly. “I... I... Nothing hurt as much... as much as what she did to Meg... She made me watch as they beat and killed her. Meg tried to save me and her reward was the most painful death imaginable! I’ll never forgive myself for that! She deserved so much more...” Pacey reached up and traced the scar that lined his hairline with his finger. It had happened that day... “I was eleven...” “How did you get that?” Judge Williams asked, her voice carefully controlled. “Oh,” Pacey said, dropping his hand to his side. “Rifle butt,” he said simply. “For talking back.” “How often did she have men hit you?” “Whenever I didn’t do what she wanted me to,” Pacey said bitterly. “And I just hated doing what she wanted me to.” “With their fists? Guns?” “Fists, guns, chairs, belts,” Pacey said. “I could show you some other scars... I have plenty. The belt ones on my back are especially lovely. Or, how about this one.” He pulled back his other sleeve. There was a painful looking scar near his elbow. “Bobby pushed me down the stairs. The bone popped right out of my skin... They had to take me to a doctor for that one... Or this one,” he pulled his collar back to reveal a puckered scar on his shoulder. “A knife. One of the men got a little overzealous. He paid for it, but ironically, that didn’t make me feel any better.” He looked up at her again, his gaze almost challenging, and Judge Williams knew that he was just getting started. “There’s a long list, Judge Williams. How much do you want to hear?” “I’ve heard more than enough for what I need to do,” Judge Williams said gently. She knew that they had barely scratched the surface, but it wasn’t her job to try this case. Pacey had been through enough, He didn’t need her to make him relive any more of what had happened. “Why don’t you go sit with you parents.” Pacey nodded, getting to his feet. As he stepped down from the witness stand, he finally allowed himself to look at his parents. His mother was sobbing as quietly as she could manage. His father was holding her and... he was crying. Pacey felt shock race through him. His father was crying. He had never imagined his father crying. “Mr. Caldwell?” Judge Williams said. Mr. Caldwell stood. “Due to the extreme nature of these crimes and her flight risk, I’d like to request that the defendant be held without bail.” Mr. Samson stood. “Your Honor, asking for...” Judge Williams held up her hand, shaking her head. “It’s up to a jury of her peers to decide whether or not she’s guilty, but I’m going to make sure that she’s there to face them. No bail, Mr. Samson. This will go before the Grand Jury on Monday.” She banged her gavel, silencing his protest. Pacey watched as Mama Sal was led from the courtroom and then allowed his parents to move him out the door. He didn’t really look at them until they reached the front steps... and what he saw hurt. So much pain. Their pain, his pain... He had hurt them today, with what he had said. He hated that... He didn’t know how to handle that... “I need to go for a walk,” he said softly, not meeting their eyes. Mrs. Witter felt him drawing away and wanted to reach out and grab him. Hold him tight so that he wouldn’t run away from her... But she knew that would just make him run faster. “Okay,” she said softly. “Call if you’re going to be late.” Pacey nodded, still unable to look at them. “We love you Pacey.” “Love you too,” Pacey mumbled. He took off at a jog, unable to deal with the heightened emotions any longer. He needed to be alone... ~Late That Night~ Running can do wonders for a person’s soul. Even if the solitude doesn’t allow for clear thinking, the exhaustion can sometimes allow you to surrender to what you truly want. And Pacey had been running. He had been running for hours, physically and mentally... And all that he had gotten out of it was an overwhelming need to see Joey. So here he was, standing in front of her window, wondering what she would say if he managed to work up the courage to bang on the glass. Wondering if she would forgive him for pushing her away... If she was willing to take the risk, wasn’t that her right? Maybe Dawson was right... Maybe by trying to protect her, he was hurting her more than he would by letting her be close to him. He lowered his head to his hands. He didn’t want to think anymore! He just needed her, and that was all he could comprehend right then. He reached out a hand and tapped lightly on the glass of the window. It doesn't mean much It doesn't mean anything at all The life I've left behind me Is a cold room I've crossed the last line From where I can't return Where every step I took in faith betrayed me And led me from my home And sweet surrender Is all I have to give You take me in No questions asked You strip away the ugliness That surrounds me Are you an angel? Am I already that gone? I only hope that I won't disappoint you When I'm down here on my knees Sweet surrender Is all I have to give Sweet surrender Is all I have to give And I don't understand How the touch of your hand I would be the first to fall I miss the little things Oh, I miss everything It doesn't mean much It doesn't mean anything at all The life I left behind me Is a cold room Sweet surrender Is all I have to give Sweet surrender Is all I have to give Joey groped for her lightswitch, driven out of sleep by a persistent tapping on her window. She walked over to it and threw it open, her eyes widening in surprise as Pacey’s head appeared. “Pacey?” She questioned softly. “Hey Jo,” Pacey said uncertainly. “Can I...Can I come in?” “Sure,” Joey said, stepping back so that he could come in the window. She didn’t know why he was there, but she was happy that he had come to her. The past few weeks had been torture for her. Wanting to be there for him, but knowing that he didn’t want her there. That he was afraid that he would hurt her. Pacey stepped in through the window and stared at her uncertainly for a minute. He had finally allowed himself to stop thinking and just feel. And what he felt was that he needed to see her. He had never felt more alone then he had this past week without her. He didn’t want to burden her, or put her in danger, but he needed her, more then he had ever needed anyone. Joey studied him as he stood before her, so vulnerable. He looked fragile, as if a single harsh word could break him. She bit her lip and tears filled her eyes at the cautious way that he held himself, as if expecting anger or even for someone to hit him. “Are you okay Pace?” She asked softly. The concern in her voice was all that it took to push him over the edge. A bone-jarring sob shook his body as he simply shook his head. “Oh Pace,” Joey said softly, racing to his side. She led him over to the bed and sat crosslegged on it. He climbed up next to her and curled up beside her. He laid his head in her lap and just let the tears come. Joey stroked his hair gently, comfortingly. She leaned her head close to his and whispered soothing words as he cried for all the years, all the pain, all the loss. Comforted him as the sobs shook his exhausted body. Held him as he gave into his exhaustion and slipped into a restless sleep. Joey brushed the hair off his forehead and gazed down at his face, made boyish by sleep. She had never felt this way about anyone. She would do anything to help him, to comfort him, to protect him. His pain was almost physical for her. She leaned down and kissed his forehead gently, feeling a not completely unpleasant ache in her heart. “I love you Pacey Witter,” she whispered softly. She watched as he shifted slightly in his sleep and she sighed. “Now if only I could tell you that when you were awake, maybe we could get somewhere.” She stroked his face gently and began to sing softly to him, hoping that her voice would reach him and keep the demons away...if only for tonight. I have a smile stretched from ear to ear I see you walking down the road We meet at the lights, I stare for a while The world around us disappears It's just you and me on my island of hope A breath between us could be miles Let me surround you, a sea to your shore Let me be the calm you seek But every time I'm close to you There's too much I can't say And you just walk away And I forgot to tell you I love you And night's too long And cold here Without you I grieve in my condition For I cannot find the words to say I need you so And every time I'm close to you There's too much I can't say And you just walk away And I forgot to tell you I love you And night's too long And cold here Without you I grieve in my condition For I cannot find the words to say I need you so
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 64 (6/8/03 7:37 am) Reply	Re: Chapter Thirteen: Sweet Surrender Awwwwww sobs My heart just breaks more and more for Pacey with each passing chapter Please promise me that there's going to be a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel soon sniffle
Angel608J Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 47 (6/8/03 7:37 am) Reply	Re: Chapter Thirteen: Sweet Surrender GAH - I can't believe I forgot to reply to the last update. Bad Angel! slaps hand I was crying right along with Pacey's parents while he was telling the court only some of the things he endured while being held captive by the psycho and her gang. I'm happy that he went to Joey. I love reading this all over again. More soon please. Angel
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 21 (6/15/03 8:42 am) Reply	Chapter Fourteen: To Make You Feel My Love Thanks for the replies Angel and Suzie! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I'm going to try and post a chapter a day through the end, which is coming up in, oh about five more chapters... Because... I started a sequel... It's called, If You're Gone... Anyway, thanks for the replies and here's the next part! Snowie Chapter Fourteen: To Make You Feel My Love Joey sat quietly for a long time, just watching as Pacey slept, his head still in her lap. His movements had calmed and now he slept peacefully, his breathing steady and even, his face young and innocent. His scars faded in the quiet darkness. Joey looked up as someone knocked lightly on the door. It cracked open and Bessie stuck her head in. “Jo...” She stopped when she saw Pacey lying on the bed. Joey put a finger to her lips. Bessie nodded and gestured to the hall. Joey nodded in return, carefully lifting Pacey’s head and slipping out from under him. She laid his head on the bed and watched as he began to move restlessly. A sound of protest broke from his lips, but he didn’t wake up. She kissed her fingers and placed them gently on his forehead before quietly making her way to the door and slipping out into the hall, closing the door behind her. Bessie smiled slightly at her sister. “I was just coming to ask if you had seen him. His parents called.” “He just got here a little while ago,” Joey said. “I don’t know what happened today, Bess, but...” Bessie’s face sobered. “From the sound of things it was pretty bad,” she said softly. “The judge questioned him... He talked about a lot of things that happened. Things that he had never told anyone. Horrible things. That woman is a monster Joey.” Joey’s eyes went to the door of her room, tears welling in her eyes. “How, Bessie? I mean Pacey... How could anyone hurt Pacey?” “I don’t know Joey... How is he?” Joey shrugged. “He didn’t really say anything... Not good... Can he... Can he stay here tonight?” Bessie nodded slowly. “I’ll call his parents.” “Thanks Bess,” Joey said. She took a deep breath. “I’m just gonna...” She nodded towards her room. Bessie nodded in understanding. “Go ahead. I’ll check on you in a little while.” “Night Bess,” Joey said. She opened her door and slipped back into her room, and wished instantly that she had never left. Pacey was moving restlessly on the bed, sounds of pure anguish breaking from his lips in short bursts. Joey hurried to the bed and dropped to her knees by the bed. She stroked his hair comfortingly and spoke softly to him, trying to calm him. It was no use. He was far away, trapped in a nightmare that was all too familiar to him. Pacey ran through the woods, a young woman a few paces ahead of him. "Come on Pacey!" She called. "Just a little bit further! We're almost there!" "Meg!" He called, hurrying to keep up with her. "I'm trying Meg! Wait for me." "Don't worry Pacey!" She said, turning her lovely face towards him for a brief moment, and giving him a quick, reassuring smile. "I won't leave you. We're going to be okay. We're almost there." “No!” Pacey moaned, shifting on the bed. “No!” A note of pure panic entered his voice, for this time the face he saw didn’t belong to Meg. This time, the face was Joey’s. Pacey doubled his efforts, racing after her. “Joey!” He cried. “Joey! Wait!” She turned and smiled at him. “It’ll be all right Pacey. You’re safe now. Everything’s going to be fine.” Pacey moaned in fear, knowing somehow that it wasn’t going to be fine. Nothing was ever fine. Everyone he loved could die here... But it hadn’t happened yet. With Meg it had already happened... But with Joey... With Joey, maybe, just maybe, he could save her... Pacey pushed himself to his limit, trying desperately to catch up with Joey. To be there to protect her, but somehow, the faster he ran, the farther away she was. “Joey,” he called desperately. She turned slowly towards him as a two figures stepped out of the shadows. “JOEY!” Pacey screamed as a man reached out and grabbed her, one arm around her waist, the other covering her mouth. Pacey cried out as her eyes widened in horror and fear... As her eyes begged him to save her. The second figure turned towards Pacey, a mocking smile spreading slowly across her face. “Too late Sonny Boy,” she cackled. She turned to the man and nodded. He smiled in pleasure and brought a knife to Joey’s neck. He raised his head slightly, meeting Pacey’s eyes. Pacey shook his head in denial. “Larry?” He murmured, his eyes widening in horror, knowing deep down what was about to happen. “No!” Larry winked slowly, his eyes sparkling like black diamonds. Then, in one swift motion, he slashed Joey throat. “No!” Pacey screamed, throwing himself forward, his eyes never leaving Joey’s face. He saw the life slowly fade from her eyes as she fell limp in Larry’s arms. He made it to her side in time to catch her as Larry let her fall. Pacey sank slowly to the ground. “No Jo!” He exclaimed, running his hands over her face, willing her to wake up. Willing her to be all right. “Oh God!” He murmured, looking down at his hands which were now covered with her blood. His eyes widened in horror and his gaze flew back to her face. Her eyes stared up at him blankly, a silent accusation. “I'm sorry Joey!" Pacey cried, his body convulsing in sobs as he pulled her close to his chest. "I'm so sorry! I never meant..." "What you meant doesn't matter Sonny," Mama said, glaring down at him. Pacey slowly raised his head and met her gaze, his eyes filled with pain and hatred... Mama Sal just smiled. "You should have known that you couldn't get away from me. You'll never get away from me." “NO!” Pacey screamed sitting up straight in bed. “Pace,” Joey said softly, placing her hand on his arm. Pacey turned to face her, sighing in relief at finding her next to him... and alive. “Jo,” he breathed, tears of relief... and of fear, filling his eyes. “Thank god...” “What’s wrong?” Joey asked. “What happened?” Pacey shook his head. He couldn’t form a coherent thought about the dream. There was no way that he’d be able to explain it. “Pacey...” Joey said again, getting to her feet and sitting down next to him on the bed. Pacey just shook his head again, and held out his arms to her. She moved closer to him without hesitation and wrapped her arms around him. She felt him shudder as she touched him and she moved even closer. “Pacey, tell me what’s wrong!” Joey’s only answer was Pacey’s muffled sob as he buried his head in her hair. Joey held him tighter as he began to shake. “I can’t...” “It’s all right,” Joey said softly, knowing that he would tell her if and when he could. Knowing that pushing would only make it worse. “You don’t have to.” “I’m sorry,” Pacey whispered. “Shh,” Joey murmured. She pulled back slightly and looked him in the eyes, smiling reassuringly at him. She cupped his face in her hands and gently kissed him on the forehead. “Why don’t you just lay down again?” Pacey looked at her uncertainly. “I don’t think...” He didn’t think he could sleep... “I’ll stay with you,” Joey said softly. Pacey was still for a minute and then nodded. He allowed her to help him take his shoes off, and let her talk him into slipping under the covers. “My parents,” he said suddenly, remembering that he had promised to call.. “Bessie called them,” Joey said, pulling the covers up over him. Pacey nodded and let himself relax into the warmth and comfort of the bed. That had been his final protest. He was to tired to argue or move or even to think. Joey crawled into bed next to him and turned off the light. She snuggled up next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. He let out a soft sigh and relaxed the moment that she touched him. “Sleep,” she said softly, resting a hand on his chest. Pacey hugged her close to him and she felt him nod. “Thanks Potter,” Pacey said softly, kissing her on the temple. “Thank you,” Joey said softly, snuggling closer. “I’m glad you’re here.” Pacey closed his eyes and felt himself drift. His next words flowed from him without thought or prompting. “I love you Jo.” He almost choked when he realized what he had said, but at the same time, it was the most natural thing that he had ever said. He held his breath as he waited for Joey’s response. Joey’s eyes popped open, and a smile spread across her face even as tears filled her eyes. “I love you too Pace,” she said softly, her voice reassuring. Pacey let his breath out slowly. It was all right. He hadn’t done the wrong thing. Maybe, now, after all this time, he had finally done something right. He rested his head against hers, feeling more safe and secure then he had in years. Joey stayed awake until she was sure that Pacey was asleep, then she let herself drift off. She didn’t know what would happen in the morning, but right now all that mattered was that he was there... When the rain is blowing in your face and the whole world is on your case I would offer you a warm embrace to make you feel my love When evening shadows and the stars appear and there is no one there to dry your tears I could hold you for a million years To make you feel my love I know you haven't made your mind up yet But I would never do you wrong I've known it from the moment that we met No doubt in my mind where you belong I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue I'd go crawling down the avenue No, there's nothing I wouldn't do To make you feel my love The storms are raging on the rollin' sea Down the highway of regret The winds of change are blowing wild and free You ain't seen nothing like me yet Nothing that I wouldn't do Got to the ends of the earth for you I could make you happy, make your dreams come true To make you feel my love The Next Morning Waking like this was bliss, Pacey decided, as he looked down at Joey’s peaceful face. Warm and safe with Joey in his arms. He couldn’t remember the last time he had slept so well... It had been before he was kidnapped, that was for sure. He lay still, not wanting to disturb her and decided that he could watch her sleep for hours... He smiled as her eyelids began to flutter, and then opened. “Mornin’ Jo,” he said softly. Joey smiled up at him. “Mornin’,” She said, hugging him close. A feeling of warm peace filled Pacey’s chest. “I don’t ever want to get up,” he said softly. “Mmm, me either,” Joey said, snuggling into him. Pacey brought his hand to her cheek and touched her face gently. “It’s almost like a dream,” he said softly. His words brought the night before back to Joey with a start. "What do you dream about, Pacey?" She asked softly. The look on Pacey’s face made her want to take back her words, but it was too late. Besides, the dream that he’d had the night before had been a doozy and she wanted to know what it was about. She wanted to be able to help him. Pacey looked away from her, wishing that he hadn’t said anything to remind her of the dream. "You don't want to know, Joey," he said, his eyes darkening with images of her death. Images totally separate from the kind of dream he had been speaking of. "You can trust me, Pace," Joey said insistently. "I only want to help." Pacey looked at her uncertainly for a minute and then sighed. "I dream about lots of things," Pacey said softly, sitting up in the bed. Joey sat up to, sitting crosslegged on the bed and facing him. "I dream about them. About things that happened." He paused for a minute. "I dream about you." And not always in a good way. She could hear that in his voice. “What about me?” She asked softly. “Happy dreams?” “Some of them...” Pacey said. “Some of them are happy.” “And the others?” Joey prompted. Pacey looked at her uncertainly. “The others...” He stopped, shaking his head. “I...I can’t.” “I get hurt?” Joey asked softly. Pacey nodded slightly. “By Mama Sal?” “Sometimes,” Pacey said faintly. “By you?” Joey asked, her voice barely a whisper. An unspeakable amount of pain filled Pacey’s face and his eyes filled with tears... but he nodded. “They’re just dreams, Pacey,” Joey said. “They’re not real. The only time you’ve ever hurt me is when you wouldn’t talk to me. When I couldn’t see you. That hurt me so much, Pacey.” “It was the right thing to do,” Pacey said determinedly. “No it wasn’t,” Joey said. “I’m telling you right now, it wasn’t the right thing to do. And you know something else? You’re not going to separate yourself from me again. I won’t allow it.” “I don’t have the strength anymore,” Pacey said softly. “I know that I should... I should do whatever it takes to keep you safe... but I can’t anymore. I need you too much, Joey. I can’t stand to do that to us anymore.” He took a deep shuddering breath. “But I’m scared Jo. I’m so damn scared.” “You don’t have to be so scared Pacey. I know it’s easier to say that than to believe it... But it’s the truth. You don’t have to be so scared. We’re going to be okay. You’re going to be okay. We just have to take it one day at a time.” Pacey closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “One day at a time,” he said faintly. “I think I can do that.” Joey smiled at him. “Good,” she said. “That’s all I ask.” Pacey stared down at his hands silently for a few minutes. Finally he spoke again, not looking up. “I... I just... I have to tell you that... I meant what I said last night Jo.” He looked up, his eyes shining with emotion. “I do love you. I couldn’t have survived this long without you.” Joey smiled and laid a hand gently on his cheek. “And I meant what I said, Pace. I love you too. And that’s why we’re going to be okay.” Pacey reached out a hand hesitantly and ran his fingers through her hair. Joey closed her eyes at the gentle touch and leaned closer to him. Pacey sighed and gave in to the desire he had been fighting for weeks. He cupped her face in his hands and ever so gently brought his lips to hers.
leep4joy Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 53 (6/16/03 4:08 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Fourteen: To Make You Feel My Love Awww sweetie!! What a great update!!!! I think my heart just melted....they said "I love you"!!!!!!! I love that Joey is gently pushing Pacey to let her help him. Heheheheehehe....I saw that you posted the sequel at PoTL, but refuse to read it until you finish posting the rest of Bent here. Hurry up, ok????? I can't wait until you post the next part today!!! Get in here already!!!! ~Lee
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 22 (6/16/03 4:16 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Fourteen: To Make You Feel My Love Hello all! Here's the next chapter! I hope you like it! Thanks for the reply Lee! Snowie Chapter Fifteen: By The Pricking Of My Thumbs Joey didn’t protest when Pacey pulled away, knowing that he needed this to move slowly. Knowing that, by any definition, they had made giant leaps already. She felt in her heart that he wouldn’t turn her away again. He might move away slightly, or run a little, but he would come back. Knowing that, she was willing to take it slow. Pacey just sat, looking at Joey for a few minutes. She sat just as silently, letting him reach whatever conclusion he was coming to on his own. There were no excuses this morning. No apologies and, best of all, no fear. A smile spread unconsciously across his face as he allowed himself to just be happy. Joey smiled back at him, feeling joy leap in her chest. This was good. She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a pounding on the door. “Up and at ‘em you two!” Bessie called, banging on the door again for good measure. Pacey and Joey just looked at each other for a moment before breaking into laughter. “We’re up Bess!” Joey called back. She turned to Pacey. “Why don’t you go ahead into the bathroom,” She pointed to the door that connected her room to the downstairs bathroom. “And take a shower. I’ll get some of Bodie’s things from Bessie for you to wear.” Pacey nodded, smiling uncertainly at her. “Thanks Jo,” he said, and Joey knew that it was for more than the clothes. For more than the night before. “You’re welcome,” she said softly. She got up and slipped out the door into the hallway. She turned to head to the kitchen and ran directly into Bessie. “Geez Bess!” She exclaimed. “How is he?” Bessie asked, ignoring the reproachful look on Joey’s face. “Okay,” Joey said, allowing herself to smile. “He’s... good.” Bessie raised her eyebrows, but didn’t say anything. “What?” Joey asked, puzzled by her sister’s behavior. “Well, it’s just that it was awfully quiet in there before I knocked...” “And?” Joey said with a smirk. Bessie looked at her meaningfully but Joey just gazed back at her questioningly. Bessie sighed. “Fine,” she said. “Breakfast will be ready in half an hour. Bodie’s making pancakes.” “Cool,” Joey said. “Can you get something of Bodie’s for Pacey to wear?” She kissed her sister on the cheek. “Thanks.” She turned and hurried back into her room, grabbing some clothes and hurrying upstairs to the other bathroom. She showered and dressed in record time and hurried back down to the kitchen after quickly running a brush through her hair. She found Bodie finishing up the pancakes and Bessie setting the table, but there was no sign of Pacey. “He’s still in your room,” Bessie said. “Why don’t you go get him?” Joey nodded and headed for her room. She opened the door without thought and entered the room silently, shutting the door behind her. Pacey was standing shirtless with his back to the door, looking out the window. Joey stopped short, her eyes drawn to the rippling muscles of his back. Muscles that rippled under scars that were far more horrible then she had allowed herself to imagine. Scars that crisscrossed his back, puckered and ugly... Painful. Pacey turned as a small gasp broke from her throat and stared at her, horror jumping into his eyes. Joey saw the horror in his eyes and vaguely registered his muscular arms and washboard stomach. She knew where the muscles had come from. Pacey had told her of the long boring hours where he had nothing to do but run laps in his cell and do pushups and situps to pass the time... and to prepare himself for a fight that he knew loomed ahead of him. But he had never told her about the scars that marred the skin of his back and that’s what her mind remained focused on. “Oh Pace,” she said softly, unable to keep the pity from her face and voice. A dark cloud descended over Pacey and he quickly pulled on the t-shirt that Bessie had left for him. He grabbed his coat and pulled it on as he headed for the door. “Pacey?” Joey questioned uncertainly. “I.. Uh... I... I can’t...” He looked down at his feet. He couldn’t stand that look.... He couldn’t stand to have her pity him. “Pace...” “I’m late,” Pacey said shortly, picking the first thing that came to mind. “Dr. David... I’ll see you later.” And before Joey could say another word he had scooped up his shoes and was out the door. “Pacey!” She called, hurrying after him. He stopped at the door to pull on his shoes. “Pacey!” Joey said again. He didn’t look up. His entire focus was given to tying his shoes. “Damnit Pacey, talk to me!” Joey demanded. Pacey paused in his movements for a moment but didn’t look up. He hurriedly finished tying his shoes and then straightened. He glanced at her uncertainly, wincing at the fear in her gaze. “It’ll be all right,” he said, his voice as reassuring as he could make it. “I... uh... I just need... to think.” That was all that he could make himself say. He turned and hurried out the door. “Damnit!” Joey exclaimed. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. “It’ll be okay. He just... He just needs to think...” She shook her head and forced back the tears that were threatening. He wouldn’t run away from her again. He’d be back. ~ACROSS TOWN~ David looked up as Pacey slipped silently into his office. The haunted look on the boy’s face spoke volumes. “Pacey. I’m glad you’re here.” “Hey Dr. D,” Pacey said, his voice thin. “What’s up?” “First things first, how are you? I know that yesterday was a difficult day for you...” Pacey laughed incredulously. That was the understatement of the century. “Yeah. Difficult.” “But you did well,” David said. “Yeah right,” Pacey scoffed. “I lost it.” “You told the truth, and the truth is that you went through something unimaginable and survived. The judge saw that, but more importantly, she believed every word that you said. And I have to say that considering the kind of torture you were describing, it’s amazing you stayed as calm as you did.” “So you think that... you think that even if I lose it like that in front of a jury... it won’t ruin the case?” “If anything, it’ll help it Pacey. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Pacey nodded slightly and began studying his feet. “Where did you go last night?” David asked gently. “To see Jo,” Pacey said, not looking up. A smile spread across David’s face. “Well that’s the best news I’ve heard all week. How’d it go?” “It was... She...” Pacey smiled suddenly. It was hard to describe how Joey made him feel. “She makes you happy?” Pacey shrugged slightly. “She makes me...safe. She makes me feel safe. And happy. Happy too, but that isn’t... It’s the safe thing that really gets me, ya know?” David nodded. “That warm feeling, like nothing can touch me as long as I’m with her.” “That’s an amazing thing to have, you know Pacey? That safe warm feeling?” Pacey nodded and then sighed. “I just wish it wasn’t so tenuous.” “What do you mean?” David asked, his voice concerned. “Something always seems to intrude... Memories...” His voice drifted. “She saw them...” “Saw what?” “The scars. She saw the scars on my back.” “And why is that so bad, Pacey? She knew that they were there.” “But she didn’t, because knowing intellectually that they’re there is different from physically seeing them. And I don’t want her... I don’t want her to pity me. I know... I know that she’s sad for me, but that was the first time that I saw pity in her eyes.” “Pacey, having her pity you for the scars isn’t bad,” David said soothingly. “What?” Pacey said doubtfully. “It felt bad!” “She pities you for something that was done to you, not for something that you are. She loves you for who you are. She hurts for the pain you had to endure. That’s all pity is. Pity is hurting for someone. It’s not bad to have someone who hurts for you Pacey, because all it really says is that she cares about you.” “I guess,” Pacey said, not sounding too sure. “Well, I know,” David said. “Besides, the pity that you see? It’ll fade. But the love? The love will stay...and that’s what’s important.” Pacey smiled slightly and then nodded. “Okay, ya got me.” David smiled back at him, but his smile faltered as the conversation that he had had moments before Pacey came in came back to him. “What is it?” Pacey asked, sensing that change in the atmosphere of the room immediately. “What happened now?” “Your father called before you got here...” “What happened? Did she get out? Is...” David held up a hand. “Nothing like that, Pacey.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t know how to tell you this... But... They found Meg, Pacey.” “What!?” Pacey exclaimed, sure that he hadn’t heard right. “Well, her parents actually. The case has never been solved...” “Where...?” “You were in Virginia at that point...” David said. An almost pleased smile crossed Pacey’s face and David blinked, thinking that he had imagined it. But when he opened his eyes again it was still there. “Virginia has the death penalty, doesn’t it?” He asked, his voice almost emotionless. “Uh... I believe that they do... But I’m not sure when the last time they carried out a death sentence was.” “Doesn’t matter,” Pacey said. “After what they did to her, no one will doubt that they deserve to die...” David looked at Pacey uncertainly. This was a reaction that he had expected, but he wanted to be sure that Pacey prepared himself for the reality of the justice system...Not that he was all that sure what that reality was. “I believe that only the person that actually killed her can be sentenced to death...” He said, his voice unsure. “Well, then Larry should start putting his affairs in order,” Pacey said, not about to let go of the satisfaction of imagining Larry getting what he deserved. “Larry Anderson?” David questioned uncertainly. “We still don’t know where he is.” “What!?” Pacey exclaimed, crashing back to reality with a thud. “Larry hasn’t been found yet,” David said, looking at Pacey worriedly. “I thought your father...” He thought that Mr. Witter had told Pacey that Larry was still missing. He had thought that Pacey was dealing with it in his own way and that if he had needed to talk about it, he would bring it up. He didn’t know why Mr. Witter hadn’t told Pacey, but he did know, judging by his reaction, that it might have been a good idea to keep Pacey in the dark. “He didn’t tell me,” Pacey said, his voice cold. “Nobody told me that they hadn’t found...” “Pacey...” “Do you think that I could have slept knowing that he was still out there? Do you think... Do you think that I would have let anyone close to me, knowing that he could be out there, watching? Looking for my weakest spot? Finding the best way to hurt me?” Pacey laughed bitterly. “I thought I was safe! After all this time, I thought that I was really safe...” “Pacey. You are safe. No one’s going to hurt you here.” “What about Joey? Is she safe? What about my parents? And Dawson? Jen? Are any of them really safe? When I was eleven, I thought that I was safe... And look what happened to me then.” “Larry isn’t going to come here!” David said, searching his mind desperately for a way to reassure Pacey. “Every police force in the state of Massachusetts in on the lookout for him... He’d have to have a death wish!” “He does,” Pacey said simply. “He has a wish to see me dead... And everyone I love with me.” “Pacey...” Pacey interrupted, his eyes cold and filled with loathing. “He slit Meg’s throat with a smile of pure happiness on his face, David. So it doesn’t matter to me what you say! I won’t believe that anyone is safe until he’s dead or locked up somewhere.” “Pacey,” David said again, his voice soothing. Pacey shook his head, not allowing himself to be soothed. “He’s pure evil, David,” he said flatly. “Unpredictable, unfaltering... And he truly enjoys hurting people. So you tell me what he’s likely to do.” ~JAILHOUSE~ Mama Sal looked up as her visitor entered the room. An ugly smile spread slowly across her face. He sat down across from her and picked up the phone. “Larry,” Mama Sal said softly. “Mama,” Larry said, looking at her sadly. He hated seeing her here, trapped behind bars. She deserved to be free. His eyes narrowed. The boy would pay for this. “What do you want me to do?” “Hurt him,” Mama said softly, knowing that he would do anything she asked of him. “Kill him.” “All in good time,” Larry said, his dark eyes glittering with madness and hatred. “First he must suffer for the pain he has brought you.” Mama Sal smiled fondly at her eldest son...Her favorite child. “What do you have in mind?” “Did you know that your Sonny boy has fallen in love?” Larry said with a grin. “Really?” Mama said. “How nice for him.” “How nice for us,” Larry said. “But he didn’t tell us, silly boy... And after we fed him and clothed him...” She pouted slightly, shaking her head. “He must be punished for his arrogance...And for his betrayal of the family...” She smiled again. “Kill her... And then kill him.” Larry smiled, his eyes sparkling with pleasure. “That’s one of the many reasons that I love you, Mama. You’re always so supportive of my plans.” “Well, I want my boy to be happy, now don’t I? Enjoy yourself Larry.” She smiled even brighter. “Make it last.” “He will suffer, Mama. I promise you that... And so will she.” They looked up as a guard entered the room. “Time’s up,” he said, his voice monotonous. Larry put the phone down and got to his feet. He took one last look at his mother and smiled at her. She smiled back and then mouthed the words, ‘No mercy.’ He winked at her and then turned and followed the guard out of the room. Larry stepped out of the Jailhouse and stopped at the top of the stairs. he pulled out his sunglasses and put them on, smiling as he looked out over the town around him. It was a beautiful day. He walked nonchalantly down the steps and disappeared into the crowd. Down in the depths of my fiery home The summons bell will chime Tempting you and all the earth to join our sinful kind There is a job to be done and I'm the one You people make me do it Now it is time for your fate and I won't hesitate to pull you down into this pit So come on Jump in the Fire So come on Jump in the Fire With hell in my eyes and with death in my veins The end is closing in Feeding on the minds of man and from their souls within My disciples all shout to search out And they always shall obey Follow me now my child not the meek or the mild But do just as I say So come on Jump in the Fire So come on Jump in the Fire Jump by your will or be taken by force I'll get you either way Trying to keep the hellfire lit I am stalking you as prey Living your life as me I am you you see So reach down grab my hand walk with me through the land Come home where you belong So come on Jump in the Fire So come on Jump in the Fire
leep4joy Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 54 (6/16/03 8:44 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Fourteen: To Make You Feel My Love NO!!!!!! Larry can't go after Joey and he can't harm Pacey anymore!!! Snowieeeeeeeeee.......nooooooooo What a sad and upsetting update to read right before bed. Oh well...that just means I'll have to read fluff before actually going to bed! I really do love this fic Snowie....despite my sadness at the dramatic turn this just took. And just when I had such high hopes for Pacey's healing. Can't wait to see what you've done with tomorrow's update!! ~Lee
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 23 (6/17/03 5:56 pm) Reply	Chapter Sixteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes Here's the next chapter! Hope you like! Snowie Chapter Sixteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes Pacey walked out of David’s office and out the front door. He stopped dead in his tracks, a small smile crossing his face, even as fear invaded his heart. She was sitting on the steps, her head bent in thought as she waited for Pacey to come out. He stood silently for a few moments, gazing down at the girl he had come to love so much. Even after he had run from her, she hadn’t given up on him. “Hey Jo,” he said softly. Joey turned and looked up at him, smiling softly. “Hi Pace.” I don't know how I survived In this cold and empty world for all this time I only know that I'm alive Because you love me Pacey stepped forward and sat down next to Joey on the steps. “What’s up?” Joey sighed softly. “I’m sorry if...” Pacey shook his head, smiling gently at her. “There’s nothing that you need to apologize for Jo. I just... You were the first one to... to see those scars... I didn’t know how to handle that... I didn’t know how to handle the pity I saw...” “I couldn’t help it Pace... They were just so...” Tears filled her eyes. “They hurt you so badly...” “I know,” Pacey said, nodding slightly. Joey leaned her head against Pacey’s shoulder. “I don’t pity you Pace... Not in the way you worry about... I just... It hurt me to see what had happened to you.” “And that means so much to me, Jo. I..I can’t even begin to tell you how much. Can we... just forget my momentary insanity?” When I recall what I've been through There's some things That I wish I didn't do Now I do the things I do Because you love me “Forgotten,” Joey said, smiling brightly at him. She jumped to her feet and grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet. “C’mon!” “Where are we going?” Pacey asked, following her willingly. “Well, it just occurred to me that you had a birthday not too long ago...” Joey said. “A couple of weeks before I came home,” Pacey said, his brow ruffling in puzzlement. “What does that have to do with anything?” “I realized that I hadn’t gotten you a birthday present yet,” Joey said. “So I got you one.” Pacey laughed. “You didn’t have to do that!” And now that you're in my life I'm so glad I'm alive 'Cause you showed me the way And I know now how good it can be Because you love me “I wanted to,” Joey said. “Besides, I think you’re going to like this...” “What did you get?” Pacey asked. “And ruin the surprise?” Joey said, raising her eyebrows. “Not on your life!” “C’mon!” Pacey said, tugging on her hand. “Just a hint?” He looked at her pleadingly. “Usually those eyes would do me in,” Joey said with a grin. “But not this time! I’m determined to resist! Now hurry up!” Pacey laughed. “Nope, if you’re not going to tell me, then I think I’ll just take my time...” “Move your ass Witter!” Joey said, yanking on his hand. Pacey let out a hoot of laughter, but decided that it would be in his best interest to do what she said. “Yes, ma’am!” And now that you're in my life Oh, I'm so glad I'm alive 'Cause you showed me the way And I know now how good it can be Because you love me Joey rolled her eyes. “Don’t ever call me that again, Pacey.” “Sorry,” Pacey said with a smirk. “No more Ma’am’s... Will you at least tell me where we’re going?” “My place,” Joey said. “Now c’mon. I can’t wait!” Pacey laughed, but followed her willingly. “You’re really not going to tell me?” “Nope,” Joey said, pulling him along at a jog. It wasn’t long before they reached her house. Joey tugged gently on his hand, leading him up the steps to the porch where Bessie was sitting with a grin on her face. “I see that you found him,” she said. “Yup,” Joey said. “Where’s his surprise?” “Laundry room,” Bessie said, still grinning. Pacey opened his mouth to say something, but Joey yanked on his arm, pulling him towards the door. “Ok-ay,” Pacey said, raising his eyebrows at Bessie. Bessie laughed. I believe in things unseen I believe in the message of a dream And I believe in what you are Because you love me Joey pulled Pacey up to the door of the laundry room and then dropped his hand. She pushed the door open and Pacey’s eyebrows drew together in puzzlement when he heard the pattering of toenails against linoleum. A surprised smile spread across his face as a small black puppy wiggled into view. “You got me a dog?” Pacey asked in surprise. “From the shelter,” Joey said, smiling at the happy look on his face. “He’s mostly black lab.” “My parents...” Pacey started as he crouched down and reached a hand out towards the puppy. “I asked them before I went to pick him out. They thought that it was a great idea.” “Really?” Pacey said. He laughed as the puppy tottered over to his hand and began to lick it. He scooped the puppy up and cradled him in his arms. He continued to laugh as the puppy begin to nibble at his chin. “What’s his name?” “He doesn’t have one yet,” Joey said. “It’s up to you.” She grabbed his hand. “C’mon, let’s go into the living room. We can think of one together.” With all my heart and all my soul I'm loving you and I never will let go And every day I'll let it show Because you love me Because you love me Pacey followed her into the living room and they sat down on the couch. Pacey sat the puppy on his lap and looked down at him thoughtfully. “Any ideas?” “I don’t know,” Joey said, also looking at the puppy. “You?” “Nope...” Pacey said. He laughed slightly. “I know what Dawson would call him,” he said with a grin. Joey smiled back at Pacey and then looked at the puppy, tickling him under the chin. “You want to call him little Elliot?” Pacey rolled his eyes. “I don’t think so.” Joey laughed. “E.T.?” Pacey shook his head. “Dawson would love that, but I’m not about to subject this poor puppy to a name like that .” Joey laughed again. A wicked smile spread across her face. “I have a secret for you, but you have to promise that you’ll never tell anyone, especially Dawson!” “What?” “Andie hates E.T.” Pacey snorted. “You’re kidding!” “Swear on Captain Jones’ bones,” Joey said, holding up her right hand. A smile spread across Pacey’s face. “That’s it!” “What’s what?” Joey asked, confused. “Captain Jones,” Pacey said with a smile. A link to a happier time, untouched by everything he had seen and done. “That’s what I’ll call him. Captain Jones... CJ for short.” Joey smiled, seeing in the name the same things that Pacey did. Happiness and innocence. Their childhood. “I like it.” Pacey was silent for a moment, just petting CJ. He looked up suddenly. “So Andie really doesn’t like E.T.? And he doesn’t know that?” Joey laughed, shaking her head. “Dawson almost flipped his lid when he found out that her favorite movie was Dumbo. She figured he’d go into cardiac arrest if he found out that she hates E.T.” Pacey laughed again. “So the policy towards Dawson is still, ‘what he doesn’t know, won’t hurt us?’” “Always,” Joey said, joining him in laughter. Bessie stuck her head into the room. “Jo, I’m going into town to pick up some things. Listen for the phone, okay? I’m taking Alexander with me.” “No problem,” Joey said. Bessie turned to Pacey. “What do you think of your present.” Pacey grinned. “One of the best I’ve ever gotten.” “Have you named him yet?” Bessie asked. “CJ,” Pacey said. “For?” “Captain Jones,” Joey said, winking at Pacey. “I don’t get it,” Bessie said, a puzzled expression on her face. “It’s a long story,” Pacey said with a grin. “Ah,” Bessie said. “Maybe some other time then.” “Sure,” Joey said. “We’ll see you in a little while.” “Be good,” Bessie said over her shoulder as she left the room. Joey rolled her eyes. “Yes mother.” Pacey laughed and Joey smiled sheepishly at him. “She’s a tad overprotective.” “When it comes to your safety, there’s no such thing,” Pacey said, smiling softly at her. “Cheeseball,” Joey said, but she smiled and leaned back against his shoulder, sighing in contentment. Pacey slipped an arm around her and looked down at the sleeping puppy in his lap. So this is what happiness was. He had forgotten. “Thank you, Jo,” He said seriously. “For calling you a cheeseball?” Joey asked in confusion. “No,” Pacey said, his voice still serious. “For making me happy.” “Oh Pace,” Joey said, tears burning in her eyes. “You make me happy too.” “I’m glad,” Pacey said. He sighed in pleasure and settled into the couch, hugging her to him. That sat without speaking for a while, comfortable in the silence. Because you love me ~CAPESIDE POLICE STATION~ “Hey Doug!” Doug looked up as one of the other deputies hurried over to him. “Yeah, Hinkley?” “This was just sent over from the prison,” Hinkley said, holding out a manila envelope. “They wanted you and the Sheriff to take a look.” “What is it?” Doug asked, taking the envelope. “Some pictures of the guy that visited Sally Anderson in lockup this morning.” “What!?” Doug exclaimed, quickly opening the envelope. He pulled out the pictures and looked at them carefully, his heart dropping in his chest. “Oh god.” He turned and hurried to his father’s office. He knocked on the door and then pushed it open without giving his father a chance to answer. Sheriff Witter looked up in surprise as Doug burst into the room. “What’s wrong?” “They just sent these over from the prison. Sally Anderson’s latest visitor. Look familiar?” Sheriff Witter looked at the picture and his face went white. “Bill...” He started to say, then shook his head. “Not Billy. Larry?” “It must be,” Doug said. “And if he’s in town...” Sheriff Witter nodded, knowing as well as Doug did that if Larry had stuck his head out, he was going after Pacey, and soon. “Pacey had a session today. Joey was going to meet him there and take him to the B&B. Take Hinkley and get over there NOW! I’m going to inform the FBI and send out an APB on Larry, then I’ll meet you there.” “On my way,” Doug said. He turned and hurried out of the room. “Hinkley! You’re with me. Potter B&B ten minutes ago! Move it!” He then turned and almost ran out of the stationhouse, Hinkley at his heels. ~OUTSIDE~ Larry watched for Bessie to leave the house before he approached. He knew that the B&B was closed for renovations for the week, and he had seen the sister’s boyfriend leave not long before Pacey and Joey had returned to the B&B. Now that the sister and her kid were gone, the only ones left in the house were Pacey and his little girlfriend. Larry smiled as he made his way quietly onto the porch. He peeked into the diningroom window, but saw nothing. He moved to the other end of the porch and looked into the livingroom. They were sitting on the couch, smiles on their faces, obviously happy. Larry felt rage rush through him. What right did they have to be so happy while his mother rotted away in jail? He ground his teeth together and straightened. Well, they wouldn’t be happy for long. He would see to that. The door opened without problem. Stupid country folk. They didn’t even think to lock the door. He stepped quietly into the entryway. “Forget something Bess?” Joey asked coming out into the hall. She stopped dead when she saw Larry. “Can I help you?” “I’m looking for an old friend,” Larry said, smiling sweetly. “I was told that he was here.” Joey felt her skin crawl at his smile, and she wondered why. There was nothing outwardly frightening about the guy, he just gave off a bad vibe. “Who are you looking for?” “Who is it Jo?” Pacey asked, entering the hall. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Larry, his face going white. His stomach flipped and he had to fight to keep from being sick. “No!” He whispered forcefully. “No!” “Him,” Larry said, answering Joey’s question. “Hello Sonny-boy. Long time no see.” “Bastard!” Pacey spat, glaring at the man who still haunted his nightmares. Joey looked from Pacey to Larry in confusion, a sinking feeling in her stomach. It didn’t take much to figure out what connection this guy had to Pacey... Or what he was doing there. “Is that any way to treat the man who fed and clothed you for six years of your life?” “Screw you, Larry,” Pacey growled. “I don’t owe you @#%$!” “Now that is a lie,” Larry said, pulling a handgun from his pocket. “You owe me for my mother, and the time that you’ve stolen from her... And I’m going to make you pay...And pay dearly.”
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 65 (6/21/03 11:48 am) Reply	Re: Chapter Sixteen: Something Wicked This Way Comes Well I've been away for a couple of weeks on a business trip so it was fabulous to come back and have a few updates to catch up on... but oh my god! How could you leave it there?! Didn't I read you say that you were going to post an update each day? In which case you absolutely MUST post more of this today - I absolutely bloody insist on it! Oh my oh my oh my.... what's that bastard Larry going to do to Pacey and Joey? sobs It's so not a good idea for me to read such scariness at this time of the month Now hurry back and SOON!

Operation True Love: Pacey and Joey > Pacey and Joey Fan Fic > Bent (Updated 6-22-03)
Page 1 2 3 4	<< Prev Topic \| Next Topic >>

Visitors to the OTL message board since 6/4/01.