Pete: Later, buddy. Mitch: Dawson? Dawson: I've been in Boston. Dawson: Um... guys, USC Is not for me. I know this comes as a surprise to both of you, but I spent the whole summer in L.A., And I went to every single one of my classes, and the main thing that I learned about LA is that LA is just not where I want to be right now. Dawson: All my friends are in Boston. Dawson: Mom, it's more than that. Dawson: Welcome home. [Joey's Dorm  Joey is cleaning out something as Audrey tries to get her to open up.] Your decisions have real consequences. It's completely and utterly selfish, but I totally want him to drop out of USC and come back and be close to us. I have this amazing family. No. (he moves to Jen)
Jen: Oh, why are you leaving your side of the room? Pacey: With you? Dawson: I will. Dawson: Sure. [Capeside  The Mitch Mobile.
Plan: A: Joey; Q: Who is shocked to discover that Pacey has been living in Boston for more than three weeks? A: no attempt; Q: How did Pacey contact Joey? A: Capeside; Q: Where does Dawson go after dropping out of university? A: understanding; Q: What is Gail's reaction to Dawson's decision to drop out of university? A: the family home; Q: Where does Dawson leave after a heated argument with his father? A: USC; Q: What university does Dawson think he will not be returning to? A: the local shop; Q: Where does Mitch go after Dawson leaves? A: tragedy strikes; Q: What happens to Mitch on his way to the local shop? Summary: Joey is shocked to discover that Pacey has been living in Boston for more than three weeks and has made no attempt to contact her. Dawson heads home to Capeside, having made the decision to drop out of university and move to Boston to be with Joey and all his friends. While Gail is understanding, Mitch is not. Dawson and his father have a heated argument which Dawson refuses to concede. Dawson leaves the family home, still sure that he will not be returning to USC. Later, Mitch leaves for the local shop, but tragedy strikes during the journey.