Two Hearts, One Path
INT. CREEK - DAY
The camera pans slowly over the creek, capturing its beauty. Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen sit on the dock, dangling their feet in the water, deep in thought.
DAWSON
(high-spirited)
And that's when I realized, guys, I found my true calling, film making.
Pacey chuckles.
PACEY
(sarcastic)
What an epiphany, Dawson!
Joey smiles, as Jen gazes out at the creek.
JOEY
(sincere)
It's great that you've figured it out, Dawson. Wish I could do the same.
JEN
You will Joey. We all will in time.
INT. LEEERY'S KITCHEN - DAY
Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen, and Andie chat over a simple breakfast.
PACEY
I've been thinking about my dad's advice to join the force like him.
JEN
(surprised)
Really? Pacey, a police officer?
ANDIE
(dyed hair)
Yeah, I could see that. Pacey has the bravado for it.
Joey looks visibly concerned.
JOEY
I don't know if that's your path, Pacey.
As they continue their conversation, the phone rings. Grams enters the kitchen to answer it.
GRAMS
Please excuse me.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen and Andie sit around a table, eating lunch.
DAWSON
(stirring his food)
Principal Fielding caught me with my camera today.
PACEY
(laughing)
What did he say?
DAWSON
He asked me to make a video diary chronicling the senior year for our graduation.
JEN
(smiling)
That sounds like an amazing opportunity, Dawson.
JOEY
Pacey, have you been reflecting on that police officer idea?
PACEY
(sigh)
Yeah, I don't know. It seems like a reasonable option...
Suddenly, Jack approaches the table.
JACK
Hey guys, any chance you can help me find someone?
Everyone pauses and looks at Jack.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen, and Jack sit on the staircase, planning their next steps of finding the missing person.
DAWSON
(struck by inspiration)
What if we use my camera to film our search and capture footage about people of Capeside?
JEN
(smiles)
Combine your passion project and helping Jack?
PACEY
That's the Dawson we know!
JACK
I have to be part of this. Thanks for being a great friend, Dawson.
JOEY
(eyes focused)
Let's find that person!
They begin their search, both filming and searching the town for the missing person.
TO BE CONTINUED
An Unexpected Summer
INT. LEERY'S HOUSE - DAY
A slow, romantic song plays in the background. Dawson and Joey are lying close to each other on Dawson's bed, having a deep conversation.
DAWSON
(looking at Joey)
You know, I never understood why people celebrated the end of summer. I mean, isn't it just a time when we say goodbye to something warmer?
JOEY
(smiling)
That's because they're not looking at it the right way, Dawson. It's like... saying goodbye to an old, comfortable sweater, and making room for something new.
DAWSON
(nods)
Yeah, I guess you're right.
A beat between them - they exchange a lingering look.
EXT. CAPESIDE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Wide shot of students streaming toward the entrance, anxious for the new school year to begin. Pacey and Jen walk side by side, laughing together.
PACEY
(teasing)
Are you sure you're not scared of the big bad seniors, Lindley?
JEN
(rolling her eyes)
Oh, please. I can handle it just fine, Witter.
PACEY
Alright, just remember who's always around to save you from trouble.
JEN
(smiling)
Yeah, yeah. Got it.
A beat. Jen suddenly runs into an old flame, TYSON - a popular and attractive athlete. Sparks ignite.
TYSON
(smiling)
Jen, hey! Long time no see.
JEN
Uh, yeah. Hey, Tyson. How was your summer?
TYSON
Can't complain. You?
JEN
It was good... unexpected, but good.
Pacey watches the exchange, silently jealous.
INT. CAPESIDE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
A thunderstorm rages outside. Everyone is gathered in the gym for an assembly. Dawson anxiously searches for Joey, who hasn't arrived yet.
PACEY
(leaning in to whisper)
Relax, man. She'll be here.
Just as Pacey finishes his sentence, Joey walks in, visibly flustered. Dawson's face lights up.
DAWSON
(at a whisper)
The star of the show appears.
JOEY
(grinning)
I know, I know. Fashionably late as always.
As they all sit together, a mysterious new English teacher, MR. FLEMING, enters the gym with a charismatic air. The students exchange curious glances.
MR. FLEMING
I want to begin by asking everyone a simple question: What makes a good story?
He scans the room, and his eyes lock on Dawson's - a meaningful exchange.
MR. FLEMING
(CONT'D)
Is it... the characters? Or is it the journey they take?
As Mr. Fleming continues to address the students, it becomes apparent that this school year will be one for the books.
TO BE CONTINUED
Dawson's Creek: Weighing Hearts
EXT. DAWSON'S CREEK - DAY
Sunlight reflects off the water as the camera pans over to reveal DAWSON, pacey, Jen and Joey sitting on the dock.
PACEY (grinning)
So are you guys excited? Senior year starting soon.
JOEY (half-smiling)
Yeah, it feels surreal. I'm not sure if I'm ready for everything that it entails.
DAWSON (smiling)
Well, just embrace the changes. It's a time of growth, and we'll have each other's backs throughout the year.
JEN (nodding)
That's true. Besides, I'm excited for some new experiences and the fresh start.
Pacey stands up and extends his hand to Joey.
PACEY
Come on Joey, let's paddle out a bit. Time to make the most of our last summer days.
Joey hesitantly takes his hand and they both step aboard the boat. Camera turns to Dawson and Jen as they watch them sail away.
JEN (smirking)
I think they'd make a cute couple.
DAWSON (defensively)
Uh, no. Joey and I are best friends, and Pacey is like my brother. That's just too weird.
JEN (chuckling)
Oh Dawson, just wait until this year throws you a curveball.
INT. CAPESIDE HIGH - DAY
Students scramble through the crowded hallway making their way to the classrooms. Dawson, Pacey, and Jen stand in front of their lockers chatting.
JEN (surprised)
Hello, my locker is right beside yours, Dawson. Kismet?
DAWSON (smiling)
Well, it'll make for an interesting school year.
PACEY
Oh, geez. That's a recipe for disaster. I'll let you two engage in your not-so-subtle flirting while I escape.
Pacey leaves just as Joey shows up with a worried expression on her face.
JOEY
Guys, I'm feeling really overwhelmed. My college prospects rest on this year's performance, and my job at the Icehouse will make it hard to balance everything.
DAWSON (reassuringly)
We're all in the same boat, Joey. It's all about taking it one day at a time. You're not alone.
JEN
And you've got us. We're a team.
Their hands come together in a supportive huddle.
EXT. ICEHOUSE - DAY
Joey is at work when a HANDSOME STRANGER enters the restaurant.
HANDSOME STRANGER (smiling)
Hey, is there a good seat to catch the sunset?
JOEY (blushing)
Uh, yeah. Table 4 by the window is the best.
HANDSOME STRANGER
Thanks. Oh, by the way, I'm new to town. My name's Kevin. Nice to meet you.
JOEY
Joey. Welcome to Capeside, Kevin.
As Joey walks away, she turns back and shares a smile with Kevin. Meanwhile, another PATRON, an older man, watches their exchange intently.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Dawson's Creek: The Reunion
INT. DAWSON'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Dawson (now in his 30s) is flipping through a photo album. He smiles as he looks at pictures of him, Joey, Pacey, and Jen from high school.
Jen (off-screen): You know, Dawson, nostalgia doesn't look good on you.
Dawson jumps, surprised, as Jen walks into the room smirking.
Dawson: Jen! When did you get into town?
Jen: Just a few minutes ago. Thought I'd drop by and surprise you. Clearly, it worked.
Dawson (smiling): It's really good to see you, Jen.
They hug briefly.
Dawson: So, what brings you back to Capeside?
Jen: A little birdy told me that Joey and Pacey are finally getting hitched!
Dawson (smiling): Yeah, it's about time, right?
Jen: Yep! Anyway, I'm staying at Graham's. You should come by later, we can all catch up.
Dawson: Sounds like fun!
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY
Joey and Pacey are prepping for the big wedding. Pacey is looking over a clipboard, clearly stressed.
Pacey: Joey, did we confirm the band for the reception?
Joey (teasing): Relax, Pacey. I've got it under control. We're just lucky that the Ice House was available for the ceremony.
Pacey (sighs): Yeah, you're right. I just want everything to be perfect for you.
Joey (smiles): It already is, Pace. Don't worry.
INT. GRAHAM'S HOUSE - EVENING
Dawson, Jen, Jack, and Grams are all gathered in the living room, reminiscing and laughing.
Jen: So, Grams, you've been an ordained wedding officiant this whole time? Why didn't you let us know?
Grams (smiles): To be honest, dear, I didn't want to steal anyone's thunder. This is Joey and Pacey's day, after all.
Jack: Not that we can outshine them. What's the head count at now? A hundred? Two hundred?
Dawson: Try three hundred. It's gotten a little out of hand.
They laugh.
Grams: Well, we'll manage. We always do.
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY
The day before the wedding, Joey and Pacey are putting the finishing touches on the decorations. Joey looks out the window and sees a familiar face - Andie.
Joey: Pacey, Andie's here!
Pacey (startled): What? Andie?
Pacey goes to the door and opens it, revealing Andie, much older but still looking bright and cheerful.
Andie: Hi, Pacey. It's nice to see you.
Pacey: Andie! Wow, it's been years! What brings you to Capeside?
Andie: I heard about the wedding and I couldn't resist coming back. I hope you don't mind.
Joey walks over, smiling.
Joey: Of course not, Andie! We're glad you could make it.
Andie: Thanks, Joey.
The three share a heartfelt group hug.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Dawson's Creek - New Beginnings
INT. DAWSON'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Dawson, now 36 in age, sits at his editing suite, intently working on his latest film project. A photograph of him, Jen, Joey, Pacey, and Jack from their high school days is visible in the background.
DAWSON (V.O.): It's been 20 years since we last set foot in Capeside, and yet, it feels like just yesterday...
EXT. CAPE SIDE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY - FLASHBACK
The hallways of the high school are bustling with students. Young Dawson, and his friends Jen, Joey, and Pacey are laughing and walking together.
INT. DAWSON'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Dawson's cell phone vibrates, indicating a new message. He reads it and smiles to himself.
DAWSON (V.O.): And now, life brings us back together...
INT. JOEY'S APARTMENT - DAY
Joey carefully puts the final touches on a painting she's been working on. She looks at her phone, and smiles, reading the same message that Dawson read earlier.
JOEY (V.O.): For a new beginning...
INT. PACEY'S RESTAURANT - DAY
Pacey confidently walks through his high-end restaurant, inspecting the tables and chatting to staff. He too, receives the same message and smirks.
PACEY (V.O.): In the place where it all began...
INT. JACK'S LAW OFFICE - DAY
Jack sits in his law office, working hard before glancing at his phone, and grinning at the message.
JACK (V.O.): And where the answers to our futures...
INT. DAWSON'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Dawson finally finishes his work and yawns,looking out of the window.
DAWSON (V.O.): All lie within each other...
-CUT TO:
EXT. CAPE SIDE`S MAIN STREET - DAY
Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jack all walk towards each other in the middle of the street, with warm smiles on their faces. Dawson raises his phone between them.
DAWSON: So, we're all in?
JOEY: Capeside High 20-year reunion, let's do it.
PACEY: It'll be interesting to see how things have changed.
JACK: Count me in.
They all agree, and together, they take a group selfie, capturing the moment.
DAWSON (V.O.): It may have been 20 years, but something tells me that Capeside has a few more surprises in store for us...
TO BE CONTINUED
Dawson's Creek: A Blast from the Past
INT. LEERY'S DINER - DAY
A trendy new diner has opened up in Capeside, and the gang - DAWSON, JOEY, PACEY, and JEN - sit in a booth, catching up.
JOEY
(to Dawson)
Can you believe we've been friends for almost a decade?
DAWSON
It's crazy how time flies.
JEN
(to Dawson)
Wait, weren't you going to tell us some news?
DAWSON
(smiling)
Oh, right. Remember Mr. Peterson from 9th grade history?
PACEY
Aw, the grump. How could we forget?
DAWSON
Well, I ran into him last week, and he invited me to speak to his class about my experiences in filmmaking.
JOEY
Dawson, that's amazing!
JEN
You're officially a local celeb now!
PACEY
(a bit sarcastically)
Great. Just what his ego needs.
DAWSON
(playfully punches Pacey)
Come on, Pacey. You know you're proud of me.
PACEY
(teasing)
Of course I am, Spielberg Jr.
INT. CAPESIDE HIGH SCHOOL - MR. PETERSON'S CLASSROOM - DAY
Dawson stands in front of the class, sharing his insights and experiences in filmmaking. Mr. Peterson looks on, impressed.
DAWSON
(to class)
...and that's when I learned a valuable lesson - always trust your gut, but be open to collaboration. It could lead to amazing things.
The bell rings, and students quickly pack their things and leave. Mr. Peterson walks over to Dawson.
MR. PETERSON
Dawson, that was fantastic. I'm so pleased you came to speak to my class.
DAWSON
(smiling)
Thank you, Mr. Peterson. It was a pleasure.
INT. LEERY'S DINER - DAY
Dawson returns to the diner to meet up with the gang, beaming with happiness.
JOEY
(confused)
Why are you so chipper, Dawson?
DAWSON
It just felt great giving back to the school, you know? I would have never become a filmmaker without Capeside High.
PACEY
(smiling)
It's nice to see you so happy, man.
JEN
I agree. It's contagious.
As they continue to enjoy their time together, an old friend - ANDIE - walks in. She spots the gang and hesitates before walking over.
ANDIE
(surprised)
Wow, is this a high school reunion or something?
PACEY
Andie! What are you doing back in town?
ANDIE
(sighs)
I wish it was under better circumstances. My mom's not doing so well, so I came home to help out.
JOEY
Oh, Andie. We're here for you.
The group embraces Andie, both excited to see her and sympathetic to her situation.
ANDIE
(smiling through tears)
It's so good to see you all.
TO BE CONTINUED
Under a Starry Sky
EXT. DOCK - NIGHT
A gentle summer breeze rustles the leaves as stars twinkle over the quiet creek. DANIELLE (a new character) sits alone on a bench, sketching in a notebook, while Joey and Pacey walk up.
PACEY
(longing look)
Nice night, isn't there something strangely alluring about the sky?
JOEY
(sarcastic)
You're only noticing now, Pacey?
DANIELLE
(smiling)
I've always found the stars fascinating too. Some things just seem infinite.
A moment of shared understanding. Pacey and Joey exchange looks, both curious about Danielle.
INT. LEERY'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Dawson, Jen and Jack gather around the counter talking about the new girl in town.
DAWSON
(enthused)
So she's into filmmaking! Maybe there's finally someone who shares my passion for Spielberg.
JEN
(doubtful)
Yeah, but it might be more than just the movies, Dawson. I've heard she's experienced some difficult times recently.
JACK
(optimistic)
Everyone needs a fresh start though, right? Maybe this is hers.
INT. CAPESIDE HIGH - DAY
Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen, and Jack approach Danielle in the hallway, eager to bring her into their inner circle.
JOEY
(nervous)
Hey, uh, we were just talking last night, and we thought it'd be cool to, you know, get to know you better...hang out or something.
DANIELLE
(genuinely appreciative)
That actually sounds great. It's been a while since I've felt welcomed.
PACEY
(cheerful)
In that case, let's cue the Capeside welcome wagon. How about some '90s movie nostalgia at my place later?
DANIELLE
(smiling)
That sounds perfect.
TO BE CONTINUED
Reunion at Capeside
EXT. CAPESIDE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
A '10 Year Reunion' banner waves in the wind, as the camera zooms in on the familiar school. An older, but still as innocent looking Dawson Leery (as portrayed by James Van Der Beek) takes pictures of the event, now a successful filmmaker. While his shots are focused, we see Joey Potter (portrayed by Katie Holmes) caught in one of the pictures.
INT. CAPESIDE HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY
As Dawson walks in and surveys the gym, Joey nervously approaches, trying her best to awkwardly smile.
JOEY
Hey, Dawson. It's been a while.
DAWSON
(smiling)
Yeah, it sure has. You look great, Joey.
As the two stand there, they notice Pacey Witter (portrayed by Joshua Jackson) near the punch bowl. He's joking with some fellow REUNION ATTENDEES when he catches the eye of Joey and Dawson.
PACEY
(mock salute)
Ahoy there, mates!
The three friends exchange hugs and greetings. They are joined by a slightly nervous Jen Lindley (portrayed by Michelle Williams) who is now an established psychologist.
INT. CAPESIDE HIGH GYMNASIUM - MOMENTS LATER
The gang sits on lunch tables, reminiscing over high school memories.
DAWSON
Never thought it'd be ten whole years since we set foot in this place. Feels like yesterday.
JOEY
There have been so many changes, but I miss this. Capeside, our friends and... us.
JEN
I have to agree. I'm grateful for everything we had, even the fights and the tears.
PACEY
You've all got that nostalgic look in your eyes. Shall we take a trip down the memory creek for old times sake?
The others exchange some knowing glances and smirks, but agree to a little adventure.
EXT. CAPESIDE WOODS - LATER
The four friends hike alongside the creek and arrive at a small grassy clearing where an old rowboat lay abandoned.
DAWSON
Looks like the True Love has seen better days.
PACEY
(sad)
Yeah, she does. I remember when I first took her out with Andie, those were the days.
In the background, Joey becomes lost in thought as they discuss the boat and its significance.
INT. LEERY HOUSEHOLD - NIGHT
Later that night, the gang gathers in Dawson's room. They dig out the old videocassettes of the movies they made as teenagers.
DAWSON
(disbelief)
I can't believe tapes were a thing back then. Such a relic.
JOEY
(nostalgic)
We should watch some of these; see how far you've come since then, Dawson.
The four friends set up the VCR, and start watching old home movies, smiling as the cheesy high school memories play before them.
TO BE CONTINUED
