Chapter 39
“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to cause any trouble…”
Blair stood up, picked up her bag, and pulled Serena up with her.
“You’re too nice, S. This girl deserves what’s coming to her.”
“But… this is my battle,” Serena said slowly. “And plus, you’re kind of known for being ruthless.”
Blair pursed her glossy lips. “Fine. We won’t fight back. But if you lose Dan forever to that conniving hoe, it’s not my problem.”
Serena though for a moment, and then picked up her canvas bag, swinging it over her bare shoulder. “Let’s go,” she said, with a fierceness in her voice that Blair had never heard before.
“Good,” B said, pleased. “I was hoping you would give in. Time to put Operation SDBFVTB into action.”
“‘SDBFVTB’?” Serena asked, puzzled.
“Steal Dan Back From Vanessa The Bitch!” Blair rolled her eyes as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Right,” Serena said, laughing.
Dan slipped his hands around Vanessa’s waist, pulling her in closer. Keeping her lips on his, Vanessa backed up into her room. Twirling around, she kicked her bedroom door closed and pushed Dan onto the bed. She climbed on top, sliding her hands across his chest. Thrusting her tongue into his mouth, she began unbuttoning his shirt.
Suddenly, Vanessa heard a loud banging on the front door of the apartment. Disappointment filled her stomach as she got up from the bed.
“Be right back,” she said, winking at Dan. He sighed quietly, watching V as she left the room.
Running to the front door, Vanessa swung it open. The shock on her face slowly morphed into an amused smile.
“Serena,” she said cheerfully. “What are you doing here?”
“I’d like to have a word with you,” Serena replied, glancing around the apartment. “I hope I didn’t come at a bad time.”
“Not at all,” Vanessa said, letting her in, a half-evil grin on her face.
Suddenly, Vanessa’s bedroom door opened, and Dan walked out, still buttoning up his shirt.
“Who was at the door?” he asked, finishing with the last button. Dan looked up, and froze when he saw who was standing next to Vanessa.
Serena felt her heart plummet. Obviously she had come at a terrible time. “Dan,” she said breathlessly, not knowing what else to say.
For a few seconds, Dan couldn’t tear his gaze from Serena. Seeing her stabbed his heart with pain, but he still missed her so much. Finally, Dan asked, his voice cold, “What is she doing here?”
The question was directed to Vanessa, but he was still staring at Serena.
“I don’t know,” V said, her voice chirpy. “Why are you here, Serena?”
S forgot all about her telling Vanessa off. She just wanted to run into Dan’s arms and hug him. If only there weren’t that heartbreaking expression on his face: pain, mixed with sorrow, mixed with hate.
“Dan, I—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Dan interrupted quickly. “Can you just leave?”
Serena studied his face. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Then, giving Dan one last pleading glance, she turned around and walked slowly to the door.
But just as her hand was ready to turn the doorknob, Serena realized the only way to get Dan back was to fight for him. Gripping the cold metal doorknob, Serena turned around. She let go, and walked up to Dan.
“Please,” she whispered, although her expression was no longer hurt and pleading. “I need you to listen to me. We need to talk. I promise, there’s a really interesting explanation, and it’s nothing like what you think. You just need to trust me.”
Vanessa stood next to the front door, leaning against the wall. She was amused by Serena’s pathetic attempts to win Dan back. And by the expression on his face, she could tell he wasn’t buying into Serena’s story.
Now it was Dan’s turn to study Serena’s face. Longing tugged at his heart. He really wanted to give her a chance. But just as soon as feelings of forgiveness had arrived in his mind, so had the photo from Gossip Girl’s site.
“How can I trust you?” he asked softly, quiet so Vanessa couldn’t hear. He just couldn’t seem to keep the coldness in his voice.
“My hotel suite, tomorrow afternoon, 3-ish. I’ll tell you everything,” she whispered, ignoring his question. In a lower voice, she said, “I know you don’t love Vanessa. I know you don’t because you love me.”
For a second, Dan was astounded by the conceited statement. But then, S added, “And I know you love me because I love you.”
Giving him her kindest smile, Serena turned around. Her face flashed back to a look of desperation as she trudged past Vanessa. V grinned maliciously as she closed the door behind her guest. She twirled back to Dan.
“So,” she said, sauntering towards him, “where were we?” She reached for the collar of Dan’s shirt, but he stopped her. He glanced at the clock on the wall, and then went to the door.
“I just remembered,” he said, putting on his coat, “I have to pick up Jenny from her pottery class. I am so sorry.” He kissed Vanessa’s cheek, and opened the door.
V pouted, but said, “Alright. Call me later?”
Dan nodded, and exited the apartment. As soon as the door was closed, he ran down the hallway and into the stairwell.
Rushing out into the blinding sunlight, Dan shielded his eyes and he scanned the sidewalk. On the other side of the street, he spotted Serena stepping into a cab. He plunged into the busy Brooklyn street, manoeuvring around cars as quickly as he could. But when he finally reached the other side, Serena’s taxi was already pulling away from the curb.
Dan sighed as he watched the taxi slip away into the traffic. He was too late.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Spotted: B and S, back together and better than ever. We hear Blair’s got a new grudge, and she’s willing to do anything to defend her BFF. Watch out Brooklyn: the It Girl and the Queen Bee are out for revenge. And the only thing pretty about it is their designer handbags.
Little J, everyone’s favourite underdog, shopping for a few new clothes. Did Oliver finally call? That boy may be cute, but calling him smart is definitely a sensitive subject. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get too crushed when J uses him as a social ladder to the Upper East Side.
C Bass, leaving the Waldorf penthouse. Thank goodness Eleanor wasn’t home; that would be more awkward than two socialites showing up at a party both wearing the same dress.
N, being a complete loner. Well, that’s what you get when you attack your best friend. No further comments on Nate’s now boring life.
And as for Lonely Boy, well, he has lost all relevance in our tale. Or has he? I’m sure the Darena flame won’t go out without a bang.
Vanessa sat at her computer, smiling. Seeing the picture of Serena and Nate on Gossip Girl’s site for the billionth time still spread a malicious grin across her face. And the comments posted by other users below the pic didn’t do anything to dampen her mood.
I always knew Serena was a sl*t! Poor Blair.
Ugh. How can Blair put up with her?
How can Blair put up with him?
Nate’s all to blame in my opinion. He always lusted after Serena.
They’re both to blame. They deserve each other.
This really isn’t that surprising. At least, not as surprising as the whole Chuck/Blair thing.
Maybe Nate was just trying to get revenge?
Maybe Nate’s just an a**.
Still, Serena’s such a bad friend.
Ugh, I know. Seriously, doesn’t she already have a boyfriend anyway?
Yeah, that Dan guy. Poor Dan. He should have known better.
Any girl but Serena. For a poor kid, he sure does seem nice.
Of course, Vanessa didn’t care about the Nate bashing. He was just the middleman of the whole operation. As long as he got that skanky Serena van der Woodsen away from her little Dan, that’s all she needed him for. Although, V was delightfully thrilled with all the judging coming down on Serena. She didn’t think people would have much of a reaction. Well, she thought, as long as no one suspects a thing, and I end up with Dan, that’s all that matters.
“What if this doesn’t work?”
Vanessa opened the front door and Nate strode in.
“What do you mean? Of course it will work. Now that Dan’s practically dumped Serena, everything’s in place. All I have to do is steal Dan’s attention, and Serena will be free for you.”
“I guess,” Nate said doubtfully. “But what if either of them catches on? Don’t you think Serena will notice the errors in that photo?”
“Nate,” Vanessa sighed, “come on, it’s Serena van der Woodsen. Wealthy donations and a team of private tutors are what keep her in school. Not to mention the blondie ‘do, not to be prejudiced. Plus, by the time anyone will get around to believing her, she will have fallen back off the social pedestal all the way to Skankville.”
Nate stared at her.
“No offence,” Vanessa added quickly. “She’s just, not right for Dan.”
“Well, Dan’s not the one who’s in love with her.”
“Not anymore,” Vanessa muttered under her breath.
Spotted: B and S, back together and better than ever. We hear Blair’s got a new grudge, and she’s willing to do anything to defend her BFF. Watch out Brooklyn: the It Girl and the Queen Bee are out for revenge. And the only thing pretty about it is their designer handbags.
Little J, everyone’s favourite underdog, shopping for a few new clothes. Did Oliver finally call? That boy may be cute, but calling him smart is definitely a sensitive subject. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get too crushed when J uses him as a social ladder to the Upper East Side.
C Bass, leaving the Waldorf penthouse. Thank goodness Eleanor wasn’t home; that would be more awkward than two socialites showing up at a party both wearing the same dress.
N, being a complete loner. Well, that’s what you get when you attack your best friend. No further comments on Nate’s now boring life.
And as for Lonely Boy, well, he has lost all relevance in our tale. Or has he? I’m sure the Darena flame won’t go out without a bang.
Vanessa sat at her computer, smiling. Seeing the picture of Serena and Nate on Gossip Girl’s site for the billionth time still spread a malicious grin across her face. And the comments posted by other users below the pic didn’t do anything to dampen her mood.
I always knew Serena was a sl*t! Poor Blair.
Ugh. How can Blair put up with her?
How can Blair put up with him?
Nate’s all to blame in my opinion. He always lusted after Serena.
They’re both to blame. They deserve each other.
This really isn’t that surprising. At least, not as surprising as the whole Chuck/Blair thing.
Maybe Nate was just trying to get revenge?
Maybe Nate’s just an a**.
Still, Serena’s such a bad friend.
Ugh, I know. Seriously, doesn’t she already have a boyfriend anyway?
Yeah, that Dan guy. Poor Dan. He should have known better.
Any girl but Serena. For a poor kid, he sure does seem nice.
Of course, Vanessa didn’t care about the Nate bashing. He was just the middleman of the whole operation. As long as he got that skanky Serena van der Woodsen away from her little Dan, that’s all she needed him for. Although, V was delightfully thrilled with all the judging coming down on Serena. She didn’t think people would have much of a reaction. Well, she thought, as long as no one suspects a thing, and I end up with Dan, that’s all that matters.
“What if this doesn’t work?”
Vanessa opened the front door and Nate strode in.
“What do you mean? Of course it will work. Now that Dan’s practically dumped Serena, everything’s in place. All I have to do is steal Dan’s attention, and Serena will be free for you.”
“I guess,” Nate said doubtfully. “But what if either of them catches on? Don’t you think Serena will notice the errors in that photo?”
“Nate,” Vanessa sighed, “come on, it’s Serena van der Woodsen. Wealthy donations and a team of private tutors are what keep her in school. Not to mention the blondie ‘do, not to be prejudiced. Plus, by the time anyone will get around to believing her, she will have fallen back off the social pedestal all the way to Skankville.”
Nate stared at her.
“No offence,” Vanessa added quickly. “She’s just, not right for Dan.”
“Well, Dan’s not the one who’s in love with her.”
“Not anymore,” Vanessa muttered under her breath.
Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Blair woke up, and sighed as she pulled the fleece blanket tighter about her body. Chuck was lying next to her on the soft carpet, still asleep. The events of the previous night ran through Blair’s head.
Chuck had held her there, upon the floor; just talking to her while she listened, curled up with him. He had explained about Nate, and explained that even though sometimes it didn’t seem like it, he really did care about her. But Blair really wasn’t all that interested in the words. She knew he meant it, without even needing to hear him talk. She could just feel the love when he embraced her. She could feel it with every breath he took; with every second that passed.
They hadn’t had sex. They had just been together. For the first time, Chuck was there for her, without the limo seats or diamond necklaces. He knew that all she wanted was him; and he gave her everything.
No perverted jokes, no sarcasm, just honest words and his hands gently rubbing her back. It was 100% the Soft Chuck, and Blair indulged in his sudden purity. Of course, he was no saint, but in that moment, Blair just wanted it to be perfect. And she would let no memories of Chuck’s past invade the soft thoughts drifting through her mind.
The buzzing of a vibrating cell phone pulled Blair from her deep thoughts. As she realized it was her own, she picked it up and pressed ‘talk’.
“Hello?” B said drowsily.
“Blair, I need to talk to you.”
Blair groaned. Serena. “What do you want, Serena?” she said coldly. “No, I don’t know where Nate is. Check your sheets, because I’m sure that’s where he was last night.”
Ignoring B’s remark, Serena said, “Please, Blair, just come have lunch with me. I can explain everything. Please.”
B sighed. She was in too good a mood today to be mean. “Fine. But I can’t stay long; I have plans.”
“The Paradise Café in half an hour?” Serena suggested.
“Sure.”
“Thanks.” B could hear the sincere gratitude in Serena’s voice.
The line clicked dead, and Blair set down her phone. Giving Chuck one last glance, she got up.
In the bathroom, Blair assessed how she looked. Her eye makeup was smudged and her curly chestnut locks had more knots than Jenny Humphrey’s hair in the morning. She was still dressed in yesterday’s cream-white blouse and blood red pencil skirt. Failing at her attempt to smooth out the wrinkles in her clothing, fix her hair, and wipe off the eyeliner smudges, Blair decided to just take a shower instead.
Quickly stripping and tossing her clothes in the laundry basket in the corner, Blair stepped into the shower. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the hot water running down her bare body.
Wrapping an Egyptian cotton towel around her head, Blair stepped out of the bathroom. Chuck was still asleep on the floor.
Stepping around him, B went to her closet. Picking out a not-too-flashy pale yellow dress, she found a headband in a darker yellow to match it. In front of her vanity mirror, she applied some light makeup. She was no Serena van der Woodsen, after all; she couldn’t just wake up, throw on some short shorts, and head out the door. Blair Waldorf always had a put-together look of perfection. It was what the public expected, and demanded.
Finishing up with her Victoria’s Secret lip gloss, she threw the tube into a white handbag, along with her cell phone. She slipped on a matching pair of ballet flats, and walked quietly over to Chuck. Bending down, she kissed his cheek gently before heading out the door.
This better be good, she thought, as she slipped down the hallway.
The little bell above the door dinged as Serena hurried into the café.
“What the eff, Serena? Inviting me to lunch, and then being late?” Blair said as her best friend sat down across from her. “You’re hanging by a very thin string as is,” she warned.
“I know,” S said wearily, taking off her coat. “Blair, I’m sorry, but you’ve just got to listen to me.”
B stared at her friend, wondering if Serena’s story was worth her time.
“Well, it’s a good thing you still haven’t lost your good taste, or otherwise we’d be completely over.” Blair glanced around the fancy Manhattan café. The room was bright and airy, and extremely elegant. And, to top it off, their prices were twice that of Starbucks’.
Serena gave a little sigh of relief. B was in an unusual good mood; but S wasn’t one to complain. “Blair, you should know, I never kissed Nate.”
“And I never lost my virginity to Chuck Bass in a limo.” Blair took a sip from her low fat cappuccino.
“Seriously. Nate is revolting. Remember when I told you about him confessing his love? Well, a few days after that, he asked to meet with me. And out of the blue, he kissed me. I know the picture makes it look as though I’m the one kissing him, but I really don’t know how that is. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was edited.” Blair didn’t say a word. “Blair, you’ve got to try and believe me,” Serena added desperately.
Although she was testy with Serena, she was not being full on bitter, as any normal Blair Waldorf would have done. Instead, B offered her best friend the benefit of the doubt.
“That story seems a little odd,” she said slowly. “But you are my best friend, S, and I really want to be able to trust you.” A look of relief washed across Serena’s face. “But how could the picture possibly have been edited? We both know Nate’s not that smart. He must have had help.”
“But who? He has no friends.”
Blair stayed silent for a moment, racking her brain for possible explanations. “Maybe it wasn’t exactly a friend.”
S gave her a puzzled look.
“Maybe… maybe someone else planned this whole thing. Someone who wanted to screw up the Darena perfection. Maybe Nate has nothing to do with this at all. Well, he does, but perhaps getting you two together isn’t the main goal of this operation. Perhaps the goal is splitting up you and Dan.”
“But who would want to do that?”
Blair stared at her best friend, a serious expression on her face. “I think we both know exactly who would.”
Blair woke up, and sighed as she pulled the fleece blanket tighter about her body. Chuck was lying next to her on the soft carpet, still asleep. The events of the previous night ran through Blair’s head.
Chuck had held her there, upon the floor; just talking to her while she listened, curled up with him. He had explained about Nate, and explained that even though sometimes it didn’t seem like it, he really did care about her. But Blair really wasn’t all that interested in the words. She knew he meant it, without even needing to hear him talk. She could just feel the love when he embraced her. She could feel it with every breath he took; with every second that passed.
They hadn’t had sex. They had just been together. For the first time, Chuck was there for her, without the limo seats or diamond necklaces. He knew that all she wanted was him; and he gave her everything.
No perverted jokes, no sarcasm, just honest words and his hands gently rubbing her back. It was 100% the Soft Chuck, and Blair indulged in his sudden purity. Of course, he was no saint, but in that moment, Blair just wanted it to be perfect. And she would let no memories of Chuck’s past invade the soft thoughts drifting through her mind.
The buzzing of a vibrating cell phone pulled Blair from her deep thoughts. As she realized it was her own, she picked it up and pressed ‘talk’.
“Hello?” B said drowsily.
“Blair, I need to talk to you.”
Blair groaned. Serena. “What do you want, Serena?” she said coldly. “No, I don’t know where Nate is. Check your sheets, because I’m sure that’s where he was last night.”
Ignoring B’s remark, Serena said, “Please, Blair, just come have lunch with me. I can explain everything. Please.”
B sighed. She was in too good a mood today to be mean. “Fine. But I can’t stay long; I have plans.”
“The Paradise Café in half an hour?” Serena suggested.
“Sure.”
“Thanks.” B could hear the sincere gratitude in Serena’s voice.
The line clicked dead, and Blair set down her phone. Giving Chuck one last glance, she got up.
In the bathroom, Blair assessed how she looked. Her eye makeup was smudged and her curly chestnut locks had more knots than Jenny Humphrey’s hair in the morning. She was still dressed in yesterday’s cream-white blouse and blood red pencil skirt. Failing at her attempt to smooth out the wrinkles in her clothing, fix her hair, and wipe off the eyeliner smudges, Blair decided to just take a shower instead.
Quickly stripping and tossing her clothes in the laundry basket in the corner, Blair stepped into the shower. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the hot water running down her bare body.
Wrapping an Egyptian cotton towel around her head, Blair stepped out of the bathroom. Chuck was still asleep on the floor.
Stepping around him, B went to her closet. Picking out a not-too-flashy pale yellow dress, she found a headband in a darker yellow to match it. In front of her vanity mirror, she applied some light makeup. She was no Serena van der Woodsen, after all; she couldn’t just wake up, throw on some short shorts, and head out the door. Blair Waldorf always had a put-together look of perfection. It was what the public expected, and demanded.
Finishing up with her Victoria’s Secret lip gloss, she threw the tube into a white handbag, along with her cell phone. She slipped on a matching pair of ballet flats, and walked quietly over to Chuck. Bending down, she kissed his cheek gently before heading out the door.
This better be good, she thought, as she slipped down the hallway.
The little bell above the door dinged as Serena hurried into the café.
“What the eff, Serena? Inviting me to lunch, and then being late?” Blair said as her best friend sat down across from her. “You’re hanging by a very thin string as is,” she warned.
“I know,” S said wearily, taking off her coat. “Blair, I’m sorry, but you’ve just got to listen to me.”
B stared at her friend, wondering if Serena’s story was worth her time.
“Well, it’s a good thing you still haven’t lost your good taste, or otherwise we’d be completely over.” Blair glanced around the fancy Manhattan café. The room was bright and airy, and extremely elegant. And, to top it off, their prices were twice that of Starbucks’.
Serena gave a little sigh of relief. B was in an unusual good mood; but S wasn’t one to complain. “Blair, you should know, I never kissed Nate.”
“And I never lost my virginity to Chuck Bass in a limo.” Blair took a sip from her low fat cappuccino.
“Seriously. Nate is revolting. Remember when I told you about him confessing his love? Well, a few days after that, he asked to meet with me. And out of the blue, he kissed me. I know the picture makes it look as though I’m the one kissing him, but I really don’t know how that is. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was edited.” Blair didn’t say a word. “Blair, you’ve got to try and believe me,” Serena added desperately.
Although she was testy with Serena, she was not being full on bitter, as any normal Blair Waldorf would have done. Instead, B offered her best friend the benefit of the doubt.
“That story seems a little odd,” she said slowly. “But you are my best friend, S, and I really want to be able to trust you.” A look of relief washed across Serena’s face. “But how could the picture possibly have been edited? We both know Nate’s not that smart. He must have had help.”
“But who? He has no friends.”
Blair stayed silent for a moment, racking her brain for possible explanations. “Maybe it wasn’t exactly a friend.”
S gave her a puzzled look.
“Maybe… maybe someone else planned this whole thing. Someone who wanted to screw up the Darena perfection. Maybe Nate has nothing to do with this at all. Well, he does, but perhaps getting you two together isn’t the main goal of this operation. Perhaps the goal is splitting up you and Dan.”
“But who would want to do that?”
Blair stared at her best friend, a serious expression on her face. “I think we both know exactly who would.”
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Jenny sighed as she lay on her bed, fiddling with the corner of her pillow. The last few days since her date with Oliver had been pretty boring; the only things keeping her life from being completely dull were Gossip Girl’s blog updates. Nothing much; just some Blair/Chuck/Nate drama, and something about the Darena relationship slowly inching toward a major break-up. But none of the usually delicious gossip so much as made Jenny’s eyes wide. It didn’t seem to matter all that much.
All J could think about was Oliver. He hadn’t called her since their date, but he was nice to her in the halls at school. She knew their relationship was a little awkward at the moment, especially because of the way their date ended, but still; she couldn’t keep him off her mind.
Jenny flinched, startled, as the beep of her computer sounded suddenly, informing her of an email. Curiously getting up, J went to examine the screen. It was from Gossip Girl, but it was nothing personal. Just an email alert sent out to all her fans.
Has S finally realized that Lonely Boy avoiding her might have something to do with that pic I received a while ago? Finally, little Blondie is catching up. Get with the program, van der Woodsen. And be careful; or you might just lose your man for good. ;)
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL
Jenny sighed, spotting a picture file attached to the message. Clicking on it, a photo popped up onto her screen. It showed Dan and Vanessa in the café where V worked, making out. Little J knew that Dan had been thinking about Vanessa for a while, but she never guessed he would turn to her so quickly, especially considering that he hadn’t even officially broke up with Serena yet. Glancing wearily at the screen, Jenny deleted the email.
Serena let out a long sigh as she read the email on her cell phone. She had just recently been considering that Dan knew about her and Nate’s kiss before Gossip Girl found out and made it public. But how could he possibly know?
S wasn’t in the mood to phone him up and try to explain. Instead of being her normal cheery self, she was feeling a tad melancholy. Maybe that pic of Dan and Vanessa had something to do with it.
NYC is the city that never sleeps, and the city that never stops. With the people that never stop.
Blair Waldorf, spotted, breaking down at a local ice cream parlour. Poor B; taking it out on a triple threat sundae. And it seems her little visit to the bathroom, toothbrush in hand, might just have been a triple threat to her reputation, her relationships, and her life.
We’re all just dying to see what’ll happen next. But right now, I’m thinking someone should call and reserve a space at the Ostroff Centre.
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL
Blair sat on the floor of her bedroom, crying. She had taken a taxi back to the penthouse, only to find that her mother had left for England, without even calling. She still had that nauseating feeling deep in her stomach.
B didn’t know what to do. Tears just trickled down her perfect complexion as she lay on the floor, surrounded by used tissues.
She hated Nate. She hated his obliviousness to her pain. She hated how he never understood. She hated how he stared at her with that infamous blank expression; like the look of an owl. No feelings, no recognition of her at all. Sometimes she thought he was staring right through her.
But then there was Chuck’s face. She loved the way he stared; that indescribable look that made him so irritable. Sometimes, you couldn’t figure out what he was thinking of to save your life, but he always had an expression. You could always read something in his remarkable features.
Sighing, Blair ran her hand across her forehead and down one cheek. Quickly, she scanned the contacts list in her cell phone, and then threw it across the room.
Chuck rushed out of the elevator and into the foyer. Calling Blair’s name, he hurried up the staircase. Reaching her door, he stopped. He could hear faint sobbing on the other side. Slowly, Chuck opened the door.
“Blair,” he said, his voice soft, coming to kneel by her on the floor. Still holding a crumpled tissue, B looked up at him. His eyes were dark with concern.
Gently, Chuck took one of Blair’s hands. He wiped the tears from her face with his fingers. “Blair, I didn’t invite Nate. I would never do that without telling you first. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”
B let out a little sigh. She wrapped her arms around him. Chuck hugged back, holding her tightly, yet gently. Blair smiled, pressing her face to his neck.
“I know,” she whispered.
And it was all Blair needed. His presence, his arms holding her, comforting her, not daring to let go for a single second. It was all she needed to know that she loved him.
Jenny sighed as she lay on her bed, fiddling with the corner of her pillow. The last few days since her date with Oliver had been pretty boring; the only things keeping her life from being completely dull were Gossip Girl’s blog updates. Nothing much; just some Blair/Chuck/Nate drama, and something about the Darena relationship slowly inching toward a major break-up. But none of the usually delicious gossip so much as made Jenny’s eyes wide. It didn’t seem to matter all that much.
All J could think about was Oliver. He hadn’t called her since their date, but he was nice to her in the halls at school. She knew their relationship was a little awkward at the moment, especially because of the way their date ended, but still; she couldn’t keep him off her mind.
Jenny flinched, startled, as the beep of her computer sounded suddenly, informing her of an email. Curiously getting up, J went to examine the screen. It was from Gossip Girl, but it was nothing personal. Just an email alert sent out to all her fans.
Has S finally realized that Lonely Boy avoiding her might have something to do with that pic I received a while ago? Finally, little Blondie is catching up. Get with the program, van der Woodsen. And be careful; or you might just lose your man for good. ;)
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL
Jenny sighed, spotting a picture file attached to the message. Clicking on it, a photo popped up onto her screen. It showed Dan and Vanessa in the café where V worked, making out. Little J knew that Dan had been thinking about Vanessa for a while, but she never guessed he would turn to her so quickly, especially considering that he hadn’t even officially broke up with Serena yet. Glancing wearily at the screen, Jenny deleted the email.
Serena let out a long sigh as she read the email on her cell phone. She had just recently been considering that Dan knew about her and Nate’s kiss before Gossip Girl found out and made it public. But how could he possibly know?
S wasn’t in the mood to phone him up and try to explain. Instead of being her normal cheery self, she was feeling a tad melancholy. Maybe that pic of Dan and Vanessa had something to do with it.
NYC is the city that never sleeps, and the city that never stops. With the people that never stop.
Blair Waldorf, spotted, breaking down at a local ice cream parlour. Poor B; taking it out on a triple threat sundae. And it seems her little visit to the bathroom, toothbrush in hand, might just have been a triple threat to her reputation, her relationships, and her life.
We’re all just dying to see what’ll happen next. But right now, I’m thinking someone should call and reserve a space at the Ostroff Centre.
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL
Blair sat on the floor of her bedroom, crying. She had taken a taxi back to the penthouse, only to find that her mother had left for England, without even calling. She still had that nauseating feeling deep in her stomach.
B didn’t know what to do. Tears just trickled down her perfect complexion as she lay on the floor, surrounded by used tissues.
She hated Nate. She hated his obliviousness to her pain. She hated how he never understood. She hated how he stared at her with that infamous blank expression; like the look of an owl. No feelings, no recognition of her at all. Sometimes she thought he was staring right through her.
But then there was Chuck’s face. She loved the way he stared; that indescribable look that made him so irritable. Sometimes, you couldn’t figure out what he was thinking of to save your life, but he always had an expression. You could always read something in his remarkable features.
Sighing, Blair ran her hand across her forehead and down one cheek. Quickly, she scanned the contacts list in her cell phone, and then threw it across the room.
Chuck rushed out of the elevator and into the foyer. Calling Blair’s name, he hurried up the staircase. Reaching her door, he stopped. He could hear faint sobbing on the other side. Slowly, Chuck opened the door.
“Blair,” he said, his voice soft, coming to kneel by her on the floor. Still holding a crumpled tissue, B looked up at him. His eyes were dark with concern.
Gently, Chuck took one of Blair’s hands. He wiped the tears from her face with his fingers. “Blair, I didn’t invite Nate. I would never do that without telling you first. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”
B let out a little sigh. She wrapped her arms around him. Chuck hugged back, holding her tightly, yet gently. Blair smiled, pressing her face to his neck.
“I know,” she whispered.
And it was all Blair needed. His presence, his arms holding her, comforting her, not daring to let go for a single second. It was all she needed to know that she loved him.
Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Dan strode up to the studio apartment door and banged on it until someone began turning the doorknob. A startled Vanessa opened the door, a puzzled look on her face.
“Dan?”
“V, you were right all along about Serena. I never should have thought she could have changed.” Dan’s eyes were burning with intensity. Vanessa looked at him nervously, trying to read his expression. It was hard to understand; in his eyes was a mixture of anger and confidence, with… passion?
When Vanessa was silent, Dan continued. “I know it’s taken me a long time to realize it, but me and Serena just weren’t mean to be. We were from two totally different worlds, and I think it’s about time I get with someone more like me. Someone more artistic, and understanding. Someone like you.”
And with that, Dan grabbed V and kissed her passionately. It wasn’t like the gentle, romantic kisses he’d shared with Serena. This one was hot and fierce. Vanessa, overwhelmed with surprise, pleasure, and satisfaction, rested her hands on his shoulders and just took in the perfect moment.
Blair sat in her room, alternating between watching her phone, and watching her computer. Suddenly, her bedroom door opened, and one of the new maids came in.
“Miss Blair,” she said quietly, “there’s a young man downstairs that wishes to see you.”
B sighed. Chuck.
“Tell him I’m busy.”
The maid looked troubled. “Er, he says it’s important,” she said nervously.
Blair sighed. “I told you, tell him I’m busy! I’m not in the mood to see him right now.”
Hesitantly, the maid left.
A few moments later, there was a knock on the door. The same maid entered, but a guest followed behind her. Nate Archibald.
“Hello Blair,” he said in his usual tone. He walked over to her. The maid left, closing the door quietly behind her.
“What are you doing here, Nate?” Blair asked, trying to keep her tone positive.
“I just wanted to come and talk.”
Blair sighed. “Look, I’m not in the mood to talk about Chuck, okay?”
“Then let’s just talk about you. And me.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. We broke up, remember?”
“Yeah, I know, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still be friends.”
Blair laughed bitterly. “It kind of does. Nate, I know about that picture of you and Serena. You don’t have to explain; you just have to accept the fact that I’m over you and I don’t need you in my life anymore.”
Nate winced at B’s cold words. “Blair… I’m sorry.”
Blair just glared at him, shaking her head slightly. “Well ‘sorry’ doesn’t cut it. Our relationship is over, and so is our friendship. I have someone else now.”
Blair thought of Chuck. But when she thought of them together, memories of the old Chuck came flooding back into her mind. Memories of the way he used to be. Memories of everything he used to do. Blair thought about how much he had changed since that one night at Victrola, but she also thought about how he was probably just bored and had decided to torture her for his own personal pleasure. And finally, the game was over. They were over.
A tear rolled down B’s cheek as she pushed the thoughts of Chuck away. She remembered the last thing she had said to Nate, who was silently waiting for her to continue. What she had said to him was a lie. She didn’t have anyone else.
More tears trickled down Blair’s face without a sound as she looked at her lap. Nate just stared at her, his head cocked slightly to one side.
“Blair… is Chuck the one you lost your virginity to?” he asked slowly, his voice sounding anxious, like he was dreading her response.
She looked up slowly, her eyes shiny with tears. Nate saw the sadness in her expression. He sighed. He didn’t have the heart to be upset.
“Can I just ask you why?” he said finally.
Blair was about to say no, but she looked up into his beautiful blue eyes, and knew she at least owed him a reason.
“I needed him,” she said slowly, her voice quiet. “You weren’t there, and… and he was.”
Nate just stared at her, silently. A look of deep thought was fixed to his face. “I wasn’t there… when?”
“All of the times!” Blair exclaimed suddenly, tears continuing to pour down her face. She sobbed loudly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Without saying another word, she ran out of the room. Nate just stayed where he was, gazing at the door after she had rushed out.
Running to the elevator, Blair grabbed her coat and hurried out of the penthouse. Once outside, she hailed a cab and told the driver to go to the nearest ice cream shop.
Gazing at her giant ice cream sundae, Blair felt sick. But she forced the ice cream down anyway, along with the pain. With every mouthful, Blair felt worse and worse. The pain wouldn’t leave. But she tried harder still.
When the sundae dish was empty, Blair sat looking at it, almost in tears again. She swallowed hard. B took out her phone, and scanned through her contacts list. She passed Serena’s name without much thought; she didn’t feel like talking to S. Blair paused when she reached Chuck’s name. Her thumb lingered on the ‘talk’ button. She felt a growing desire rise in her chest. She wanted to be in his arms so badly. She wanted to feel his warmth against her own body. She wanted to hear his voice, which she loved so much, whispering in her ear.
But she knew she couldn’t. Not after he had purposely put her relationships with both him and Nate on the line. He didn’t care about her; he didn’t care about anyone but himself.
A wave of depression swallowed Blair. She closed her phone. Searching in her purse, B found a hair elastic. Still feeling sick, she tied her chestnut locks away from her face. Sighing, Blair got up and headed for the ladies’ room.
Dan strode up to the studio apartment door and banged on it until someone began turning the doorknob. A startled Vanessa opened the door, a puzzled look on her face.
“Dan?”
“V, you were right all along about Serena. I never should have thought she could have changed.” Dan’s eyes were burning with intensity. Vanessa looked at him nervously, trying to read his expression. It was hard to understand; in his eyes was a mixture of anger and confidence, with… passion?
When Vanessa was silent, Dan continued. “I know it’s taken me a long time to realize it, but me and Serena just weren’t mean to be. We were from two totally different worlds, and I think it’s about time I get with someone more like me. Someone more artistic, and understanding. Someone like you.”
And with that, Dan grabbed V and kissed her passionately. It wasn’t like the gentle, romantic kisses he’d shared with Serena. This one was hot and fierce. Vanessa, overwhelmed with surprise, pleasure, and satisfaction, rested her hands on his shoulders and just took in the perfect moment.
Blair sat in her room, alternating between watching her phone, and watching her computer. Suddenly, her bedroom door opened, and one of the new maids came in.
“Miss Blair,” she said quietly, “there’s a young man downstairs that wishes to see you.”
B sighed. Chuck.
“Tell him I’m busy.”
The maid looked troubled. “Er, he says it’s important,” she said nervously.
Blair sighed. “I told you, tell him I’m busy! I’m not in the mood to see him right now.”
Hesitantly, the maid left.
A few moments later, there was a knock on the door. The same maid entered, but a guest followed behind her. Nate Archibald.
“Hello Blair,” he said in his usual tone. He walked over to her. The maid left, closing the door quietly behind her.
“What are you doing here, Nate?” Blair asked, trying to keep her tone positive.
“I just wanted to come and talk.”
Blair sighed. “Look, I’m not in the mood to talk about Chuck, okay?”
“Then let’s just talk about you. And me.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. We broke up, remember?”
“Yeah, I know, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still be friends.”
Blair laughed bitterly. “It kind of does. Nate, I know about that picture of you and Serena. You don’t have to explain; you just have to accept the fact that I’m over you and I don’t need you in my life anymore.”
Nate winced at B’s cold words. “Blair… I’m sorry.”
Blair just glared at him, shaking her head slightly. “Well ‘sorry’ doesn’t cut it. Our relationship is over, and so is our friendship. I have someone else now.”
Blair thought of Chuck. But when she thought of them together, memories of the old Chuck came flooding back into her mind. Memories of the way he used to be. Memories of everything he used to do. Blair thought about how much he had changed since that one night at Victrola, but she also thought about how he was probably just bored and had decided to torture her for his own personal pleasure. And finally, the game was over. They were over.
A tear rolled down B’s cheek as she pushed the thoughts of Chuck away. She remembered the last thing she had said to Nate, who was silently waiting for her to continue. What she had said to him was a lie. She didn’t have anyone else.
More tears trickled down Blair’s face without a sound as she looked at her lap. Nate just stared at her, his head cocked slightly to one side.
“Blair… is Chuck the one you lost your virginity to?” he asked slowly, his voice sounding anxious, like he was dreading her response.
She looked up slowly, her eyes shiny with tears. Nate saw the sadness in her expression. He sighed. He didn’t have the heart to be upset.
“Can I just ask you why?” he said finally.
Blair was about to say no, but she looked up into his beautiful blue eyes, and knew she at least owed him a reason.
“I needed him,” she said slowly, her voice quiet. “You weren’t there, and… and he was.”
Nate just stared at her, silently. A look of deep thought was fixed to his face. “I wasn’t there… when?”
“All of the times!” Blair exclaimed suddenly, tears continuing to pour down her face. She sobbed loudly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Without saying another word, she ran out of the room. Nate just stayed where he was, gazing at the door after she had rushed out.
Running to the elevator, Blair grabbed her coat and hurried out of the penthouse. Once outside, she hailed a cab and told the driver to go to the nearest ice cream shop.
Gazing at her giant ice cream sundae, Blair felt sick. But she forced the ice cream down anyway, along with the pain. With every mouthful, Blair felt worse and worse. The pain wouldn’t leave. But she tried harder still.
When the sundae dish was empty, Blair sat looking at it, almost in tears again. She swallowed hard. B took out her phone, and scanned through her contacts list. She passed Serena’s name without much thought; she didn’t feel like talking to S. Blair paused when she reached Chuck’s name. Her thumb lingered on the ‘talk’ button. She felt a growing desire rise in her chest. She wanted to be in his arms so badly. She wanted to feel his warmth against her own body. She wanted to hear his voice, which she loved so much, whispering in her ear.
But she knew she couldn’t. Not after he had purposely put her relationships with both him and Nate on the line. He didn’t care about her; he didn’t care about anyone but himself.
A wave of depression swallowed Blair. She closed her phone. Searching in her purse, B found a hair elastic. Still feeling sick, she tied her chestnut locks away from her face. Sighing, Blair got up and headed for the ladies’ room.
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Well, Chuck’s parties always promise to be entertaining. And I think this one gets the blue ribbon. By the end of the night, N had a bloody nose, C had another black eye, and B had tears rolling down her cheeks. Someone should tell that girl to grow up. The two hottest guys of the UES are fighting over her, and all she does is cry because Chuck knocked into her and spilled her cocktail on an insanely expensive new pair of heels. Now, I must admit, she does have great taste in shoes, and fashion doesn’t come cheap, but that B is just a tad too spoiled. And god, have her dating standards ever gone down.
Chuck’s party was basically a chance to confirm the rumors about C and B hooking up. Am I the only one who thinks Blair is just a bit on the sl***y side here? Oh, well. At least the skirts of girls everywhere are safe. We hope B can keep old Bass from his date raping ways. But we’re all quite sceptical about Chuck’s sudden change.
I suppose no one figured Nate would crash the party and learn all about C and B’s little, erm, relationship? But oh, wait a moment. All he knows is that Chuck kissed Blair. Hmm, the results certainly are a tossup, but I’m betting that N won’t be too thrilled to find out there’s more to “Chair” than just a kiss. xoxo.
And onto somewhat related news, a new pic is circling around town. Yes, the Nate and Serena photo. Quite racy, isn’t it? Well, I for one am not surprised. It’s like Paramore says, second chances never matter, people never change. I guess Serena just couldn’t contain the wh0re within her any longer. Oh, well. The Upper East Side can never be too scandalous.
I’m just wondering what our precious Lonely Boy will think.
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL
Serena stared at her computer screen, dismayed. Of course Gossip Girl would find out. She always did.
S picked up her phone and punched in the number she already knew so well.
“Blair? Have you seen what’s on Gossip Girl?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.” B’s voice sounded slightly cold.
“Okay, well, I know what you’re thinking and—”
Blair cut her off. “You know what I’m thinking, Serena? I’ll tell you. I’m thinking that I was right about you all along. You think that just because me and Nate are over, you get to have your turn? Well, you already did. Last year.” Blair laughed bitterly. “But I guess I should give you credit this time. I mean, at least you had the decency to get with him after we had split up.”
“Blair, I—”
“I don’t want to hear it. In fact, I don’t want to hear anything, not from you. Ever. Have a nice life, Serena van der Woodsen. I hear it’s always greener on the sl***y side.”
Serena sighed as the line went dead.
`t
Chuck moaned as he heard a knocking at his door. Before he could get up, Serena came into the suite.
“Well aren’t we depressed,” Serena said, coming over to where Chuck lay on the couch. He held an icepack to his right eye. He just turned his head slightly to glare at her.
“What do you want?” Chuck’s voice sounded dark and mean, just like it had been before Blair.
Serena sat down next to C on the sofa. “Blair’s not answering my calls anymore. And apparently, she isn’t answering yours, either.”
“Not since yesterday. Not since Nathaniel had to show up and ruin my life.”
Serena sighed. “It’s not all Nate’s fault. You kept it from him for a long time. And you know it’s impossible to keep a party a secret from anybody with Gossip Girl on the prowl.”
“Fine. It’s her fault, too.” Chuck said dully as he adjusted the icepack.
S was silent for a few moments. Finally, she said, “Chuck, can I ask you a question?”
“No, Serena, I won’t have sex with you. What would Blair think?”
S rolled her eyes. “Seriously.”
“I know I’m irresistible, but you need to control yourself, S.” Serena looked into Chuck’s eyes, a weary expression on her face. He just stared back with a tiny smug smile at the corner of his lips.
Ignoring his comment and his gaze, Serena asked, “Why didn’t you run after her?”
Any trace of a smile on Chuck’s face vanished. He sighed, and looked up at the ceiling. “Serena, I got the s*** beat out of me by Nate Archibald. I was humiliated in front of all my schoolmates. And to top it off, Nathaniel stole my bow tie. I just couldn’t go after her, even if I tried.”
Serena stared at him thoughtfully. His eyes were dull as he looked away from her.
“Do you love Blair?” Chuck whipped his head back. He sat up on the couch next to S. He stared at her a moment.
“Love is a big word,” he said finally.
“…Is that a no?”
Chuck sighed. “I don’t know, Serena! Can you even love when you’re this young? I never cared for it, personally. A waste of time. Why love girls when you can screw them?”
Serena looked down at her lap. She sighed, quietly. “Sometimes you can’t help but love someone,” she said slowly, turning back to him. “Sometimes it isn’t a matter of choice; it just happens.”
“Yeah, well, you should know by now that Chuck Bass doesn’t fall in love,” Chuck said quickly, standing up.
“Are you sure about that?” Serena called to him as he headed for the door. “What about butterflies? Isn’t that love?” He stopped, his hand on the doorknob. Chuck turned to look at her. He was about to say something, but he stopped himself. Staring off through the window behind Serena, he said, “Even if I did love her, it’s too late anyway. She thinks I invited Nathaniel, and now she hates me.”
“It’s never too late.” Serena looked at him hopefully. Chuck just looked back, and then walked out the door.
Well, Chuck’s parties always promise to be entertaining. And I think this one gets the blue ribbon. By the end of the night, N had a bloody nose, C had another black eye, and B had tears rolling down her cheeks. Someone should tell that girl to grow up. The two hottest guys of the UES are fighting over her, and all she does is cry because Chuck knocked into her and spilled her cocktail on an insanely expensive new pair of heels. Now, I must admit, she does have great taste in shoes, and fashion doesn’t come cheap, but that B is just a tad too spoiled. And god, have her dating standards ever gone down.
Chuck’s party was basically a chance to confirm the rumors about C and B hooking up. Am I the only one who thinks Blair is just a bit on the sl***y side here? Oh, well. At least the skirts of girls everywhere are safe. We hope B can keep old Bass from his date raping ways. But we’re all quite sceptical about Chuck’s sudden change.
I suppose no one figured Nate would crash the party and learn all about C and B’s little, erm, relationship? But oh, wait a moment. All he knows is that Chuck kissed Blair. Hmm, the results certainly are a tossup, but I’m betting that N won’t be too thrilled to find out there’s more to “Chair” than just a kiss. xoxo.
And onto somewhat related news, a new pic is circling around town. Yes, the Nate and Serena photo. Quite racy, isn’t it? Well, I for one am not surprised. It’s like Paramore says, second chances never matter, people never change. I guess Serena just couldn’t contain the wh0re within her any longer. Oh, well. The Upper East Side can never be too scandalous.
I’m just wondering what our precious Lonely Boy will think.
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL
Serena stared at her computer screen, dismayed. Of course Gossip Girl would find out. She always did.
S picked up her phone and punched in the number she already knew so well.
“Blair? Have you seen what’s on Gossip Girl?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.” B’s voice sounded slightly cold.
“Okay, well, I know what you’re thinking and—”
Blair cut her off. “You know what I’m thinking, Serena? I’ll tell you. I’m thinking that I was right about you all along. You think that just because me and Nate are over, you get to have your turn? Well, you already did. Last year.” Blair laughed bitterly. “But I guess I should give you credit this time. I mean, at least you had the decency to get with him after we had split up.”
“Blair, I—”
“I don’t want to hear it. In fact, I don’t want to hear anything, not from you. Ever. Have a nice life, Serena van der Woodsen. I hear it’s always greener on the sl***y side.”
Serena sighed as the line went dead.
`t
Chuck moaned as he heard a knocking at his door. Before he could get up, Serena came into the suite.
“Well aren’t we depressed,” Serena said, coming over to where Chuck lay on the couch. He held an icepack to his right eye. He just turned his head slightly to glare at her.
“What do you want?” Chuck’s voice sounded dark and mean, just like it had been before Blair.
Serena sat down next to C on the sofa. “Blair’s not answering my calls anymore. And apparently, she isn’t answering yours, either.”
“Not since yesterday. Not since Nathaniel had to show up and ruin my life.”
Serena sighed. “It’s not all Nate’s fault. You kept it from him for a long time. And you know it’s impossible to keep a party a secret from anybody with Gossip Girl on the prowl.”
“Fine. It’s her fault, too.” Chuck said dully as he adjusted the icepack.
S was silent for a few moments. Finally, she said, “Chuck, can I ask you a question?”
“No, Serena, I won’t have sex with you. What would Blair think?”
S rolled her eyes. “Seriously.”
“I know I’m irresistible, but you need to control yourself, S.” Serena looked into Chuck’s eyes, a weary expression on her face. He just stared back with a tiny smug smile at the corner of his lips.
Ignoring his comment and his gaze, Serena asked, “Why didn’t you run after her?”
Any trace of a smile on Chuck’s face vanished. He sighed, and looked up at the ceiling. “Serena, I got the s*** beat out of me by Nate Archibald. I was humiliated in front of all my schoolmates. And to top it off, Nathaniel stole my bow tie. I just couldn’t go after her, even if I tried.”
Serena stared at him thoughtfully. His eyes were dull as he looked away from her.
“Do you love Blair?” Chuck whipped his head back. He sat up on the couch next to S. He stared at her a moment.
“Love is a big word,” he said finally.
“…Is that a no?”
Chuck sighed. “I don’t know, Serena! Can you even love when you’re this young? I never cared for it, personally. A waste of time. Why love girls when you can screw them?”
Serena looked down at her lap. She sighed, quietly. “Sometimes you can’t help but love someone,” she said slowly, turning back to him. “Sometimes it isn’t a matter of choice; it just happens.”
“Yeah, well, you should know by now that Chuck Bass doesn’t fall in love,” Chuck said quickly, standing up.
“Are you sure about that?” Serena called to him as he headed for the door. “What about butterflies? Isn’t that love?” He stopped, his hand on the doorknob. Chuck turned to look at her. He was about to say something, but he stopped himself. Staring off through the window behind Serena, he said, “Even if I did love her, it’s too late anyway. She thinks I invited Nathaniel, and now she hates me.”
“It’s never too late.” Serena looked at him hopefully. Chuck just looked back, and then walked out the door.
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