happier

uncharted waters

Cola was on the back of Pacey's bike as they biked to school. It was a really nice day and Cola had her eyes closed as she laid her head on his back. They hear police sirens and Pacey quickly pulls over. Cola gets off the bike and the doors open to reveal Pacey's dad, John. Cola looks at Pacey, seeing his lips purse.

"Well, if it isn't Capeside's very own Jennifer Aniston? You get even more gorgeous every day I see you," He says, making her smile. He brings her in for a hug. "I'm sure that when you become a famous model, you'll come back and visit to see Pacey at whatever fast food joint he's working at. Maybe you two will get married and he'll actually have something going for himself." He said, making Cola look at Pacey, who had a sarcastic smile on his face.

"The Witters all come from a long line of illustrious professions requiring uniforms, right?" Pacey said, but his father simply ignored him.

"Tell Dawson that I expect him on the dock at 0600 hours. He has to come prepared physically and mentally, because he's going to be fishing in the presence of greatness. With his help, we're gonna bring back the tournament trophy. Cola, why don't you tell your brother? He could use a good fishing trip, maybe your father can come as well," Cola nodded, saying that she would tell him. "I hope I see your brother and father tomorrow. Keep Pacey out of trouble, will you?" She nods awkwardly, as he gets back into the car, saluting them before driving off.

"I'm sorry about him." Cola said, while he waved her off, getting on his bike.

"It's whatever, I'm used to it. Now, come on. We're gonna be late." She gets on the back of his bike, wrapping his arms around his waist, leaning her head on him again.

—

"How's your book coming along?" Cola asks, as her and Mark are walking through the halls. They both took what they said to heart and were working hard to try and mend their relationship. He lets out a sigh, taking a bundle of papers from his bag out.

"It's hell right now. I've gotta sign all this paperwork, make sure my parents are cool with me publishing a book, I've gotta find a publishing company. I've gotta somehow make a buttload of money to pay for it, too." He said, making Cola let out a laugh.

"You sound like a proper adult. Chaos everywhere." She teased him, making him roll his eyes.

"Actually, Abby's been helping a lot with it. She's using her evilness for good by threatening a lot of people." He said, making Cola let out a hmph.

"I didn't even know Abby was into this kind of stuff." She said, making Mark sigh, a faint smile on his face.

"I didn't know either. When I had brought the book up to her, she seemed so excited to help out with it. It's actually helped release a ton of stress off of me," He said, making her purse her lips, as they get to her locker. Before they could say anything, Jen rushes over to them, smiling at them both. "I've actually gotta get going, see you ladies around." He said, while Cola sighs, watching him walk away. She turns back to Jen, smiling at the blonde.

"Colie, I need your help," Cola grew concerned as she shut her locker. "Listen, I promised Gale that I'd help her with her news report-"

"Gale as in Mrs.Leery?" She nods, making Cola look at her weirdly. "I didn't know you were on a first-name basis with her." Jen shrugs, before continuing.

"Yeah, she's doing a report on teenage girls as the new consumer phenomenon. Y'know, what they think, what they like, what makes them tick. She's letting me help her on a lot of these, it's really interesting. Anyway, we really need girls to come by Dawson's house tomorrow to answer questions about what it's like being a teenager. We need girls that are thoughtful and articulate. I asked Joey, but I don't know if she's actually gonna show up. No one's as more blunt and passionate about what they believe in than you. So...will you come?" She sighs, thinking it was going to be a shit show if Jen and Joey were going to be in a room together, so she agreed.