Previously on Dawson's Creek: Gale speculated as to why Gretchen took time off from college; Jack injured his shoulder, and Andie tried to get him to see the silver lining; Mr. Brooks grumped at Dawson; Joey wanted to stay in Capeside with Pacey, but Pacey said he'd planned "to be wherever [she is.]"

Fade up on the kitchen of the International House Of Fishcakes, where Gale "Georgette Hamilton" Leery, wearing yet another Delia's creation that shows way too much bony, crepey cleavage, tells Mitch "The Flash" Leery that she's fine. The Flash points out that "fine" people don't spend the afternoon in the bathroom puking. "But I'm fine now," an exasperated Gale tells him, bustling around the kitchen. Dawson "Grease-feratu" Leery says that, while he's not taking sides, Gale won't get better unless she gets some rest. Gretchen "Ben Olds Five" Witter comes in and reels off a list of bar-related headaches, and Gale in response reels off a list of solutions, ending with, "And tell my husband and my traitor son to get off my back!" She hams it up with a damsel-in-distress hand to the forehead while Dawson and The Flash shoot her worried, oh-those-womenfolk-and-their-tarn-fool-hormones looks. Gale huffs out of the kitchen; The Flash follows her and tells her to go home before the customers all catch her stomach flu and the restaurant gets sued. "He's right," Dawson shrugs. Gale says she gives up, she'll go home, and she stomps off all beleaguered. The Flash mutters angrily that he told her to go to the doctor last week; Dawson observes that Gale had the same thing The Flash had, but The Flash's "didn't keep coming back." Gretchen PSAs the telltale signs of early pregnancy for us, and when the male Leerys confirm that Gale has shown them all, Gretchen says that it sounds like Gale will feel a lot better "in about nine months." As a production assistant begins feeding a cat tail-first into a wood chipper, Dawson and The Flash exchange a stunned glance before turning to stare at Gale, who grunts, "What?" Dawson gives The Flash a "now what?" look. The Flash gives Gale a "well well, little lady" look. I give my stomach lining a "please don't hurt me" look.

In an upstairs hallway at Reconciliation Ranch, Dawson and The Flash make small talk while waiting for Gale to take a home pregnancy test. Ew. It's one thing to have your husband pacing around outside the bathroom, but...your son? That's not appropriate. After a failed attempt on The Flash's part to make nervous conversation, Gale emerges from the bathroom with test stick in hand: "It's...pink." The Flash smiles and grabs Gale in a hug, but Gale barely returns the embrace, instead looking apprehensively over The Flash's shoulder at Dawson. Dawson inspects his fingernails. The Flash blathers about getting Gale to a doctor to confirm the results, which Dawson takes as his cue to wander off, still scrutinizing his cuticles, and when The Flash asks in a puzzled tone where he's going, Dawson explains that he's late; it's his first day painting Mr. Brooks's house. "Well, aren't you going to say anything first?" The Flash prompts him. "Congratulations," Dawson says flatly, flicking a contemptuous eyebrow at his parents and stomping off in his XXXL cargo shorts. On Cape Cod. In November. Shut up, Dawson. Gale smiles blearily at The Flash. They hug. The Flash looks concerned.