happier

crossroads

"Happy birthday, Pacemaker!" Cola jumps onto his back as he storms around the school. He laughs at her cheerful mood as she wraps her arms around his neck. He holds underneath her thighs so that she doesn't fall. "You looked really mad and it made me confused, since it's your birthday. What's going on in that head of yours?" She asks, jumping off his back and walking next to her.

"I failed my driving test, Colie." He said, making her frown. She knew how much he wanted to pass it.

"Oh man. I'm sorry. Do you think that they'll let you retake it?" She asks.

"Eh, I don't know if I'd do it. Also, can you believe it? Dawson and Joey forgot my birthday." Her jaw drops. Dawson and Joey have never forgotten Pacey's birthday in all of the years that they've known each other.

"No way. Are you sure they're not just planning something for later?" She asks, making him shrug.

"No. Dawson might be a good director, but he's not a good actor. He actually forgot it. He started going on and on about him and Joey's awkward encounter with his parents, completely dismissing everything I told him. Since we were little, the four of us have planned a road trip to Maine for my 16th birthday and it seems like they've just forgotten about me. I mean, my family forgot about it, but that's no big deal, I'm used to that. I just didn't think that them, of all people, would," She nods, completely understanding what he meant. "Thanks for remembering me, Colie." He said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"Ah, you're stuck with me, Pacey Witter. Besides, maybe today or tomorrow, I can invite a few people to the boardwalk and we can give you a little birthday party. We can even invite that Andie girl that you're always going on about." She says, nudging his side, making him roll his eyes.

"Oh please, that girl is gonna be the death of me. It's like everywhere I go, she's just there. Anyway, tell me about your morning. Maybe it'll cheer me up." She laughs, knowing she had a story for him.

"Well, last night, Mark and I were on my bed making out and then my dad just barged in. It was insane and so embarrassing. I've never seen Mark get that red before. He kicked him out and then gave me a talk about safe sex. I've never wanted to dig myself a hole and bury myself in it more," She said, making him laugh. She was happy that she was able to bring a smile to his face. "Hey, there's that smile I love." She said, poking his cheek. His neck flushes red and he laughs nervously, as they walk to class.

—

Cola and Pacey were supposed to hang out that afternoon, but he said that he just wanted to be alone, so she left him to it. Currently, she was at Mark's house, the two of them doing homework and laughing about what had happened the previous night.

"Y'know, as long as I live, I don't think I'll ever be as embarrassed as I was this morning, Colie." Mark said, shaking her head. She buried her head in her hands, getting second-hand embarrassment from the fact that it was her dad that had walked in on them.

"My dad lives to embarrass me. You might as well get used to it, now that we're dating. At least he kicked you out. He gave me a whole sex talk after you left. All about how safe sex means great sex and all that gross stuff." She said, making him throw his head back in laughter. He then puts his arms around her waist, tugging her up so that they were face-to-face. He tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, admiring her features.

"Colie, you're so pretty." He said, making her blush. She leans her head against his chest, letting out a soft sigh.

—

Cola was walking outside and she saw Pacey standing there, handing out flyers. She furrows her brows, going up to him. He says hi to her before, turning back to giving flyers to people. She reads that it says that he's hosting a dock party at 8 tonight. She nods, knowing that she would definitely be going. He turns and hands Cola the stapler to help him put the flyer up on the bulletin board. Dawson comes from behind them, looking at the flyer.