Dawson: Hey. Dawson: Ok. Is this about Pacey and Joey, or is this about your family and you being ashamed to be on a date with me? Jen: Maybe this time'll be different. Joey: You know it's not that bad. Mrs. Witter: Pacey, why doesn't Joanna set the table? Pacey: Pop. There's this birthday party that, if we're in the neighborhood, making our rounds, we could stop by, and Jack is going to be there, and I know he'd love to see you. You see, my parents decided to throw Pacey a surprise birthday party. Your family, out of the kindness of their hearts, wanted to throw a party for you for your 18th birthday. [Scene: Gretchen and Pacey's place. [Scene: Pacey and Gretchen's place. [Walks over to Tobey] Toby. everyone: Surprise!
Plan: A: Joey; Q: Who decides to help Pacey's mother throw a surprise 18th birthday party for Pacey? A: Pacey's self-professed 'birthday curse; Q: What does Joey not know about Pacey? A: Pacey's family; Q: Who makes Pacey feel worthless? A: Dawson; Q: Who is upset that Gretchen doesn't want anyone to know about their relationship? A: their new relationship; Q: What does Gretchen not want anyone to know about? A: their first real date; Q: What does Dawson postpone to go to Pacey's birthday party? A: Dawson and Gretchen kissing; Q: What do Pacey and Joey see at the party? A: Jen; Q: Who suspects that Toby might be harboring romantic feelings for Jack? Summary: Joey decides to help Pacey's mother throw a surprise 18th birthday party for Pacey, not knowing about Pacey's self-professed 'birthday curse'. The party goes downhill fast as Pacey's family makes Pacey feel worthless and everyone else feel uncomfortable. Dawson becomes upset when he feels that Gretchen doesn't want anyone to know about their new relationship and postpones their first real date to go to the party. Pacey and Joey again walk in on Dawson and Gretchen kissing, this time more passionately. Jen correctly suspects that Toby might be harboring romantic feelings for Jack.