Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Knock, knock.
“Blair?”
Blair’s bedroom door creaked open as Serena entered. Glancing around the room, Serena was shocked.
All the dresser drawers were pulled out, and empty. Rejected clothes were scattered across the floor, and Blair’s closet doors were open. The hangers inside were pathetically empty, with only a few last-season dresses left.
Serena’s mouth hung open in surprise. It looked as if someone with impeccably good taste had come in and raided Blair’s room, taking only the good stuff. And lots of it.
But then Serena noticed the bed. It was the only thing in the room that wasn’t torn apart. Sitting at the edge on the crisp, just-made sheets, were two envelopes. Cream-colored envelopes, both with a name written neatly on it in calligraphy. One said ‘Serena’, and the other said ‘Chuck’.
Glancing around the room once more, Serena made her way over to the bed, being careful not to step on any of the cashmere sweaters or silk tops blanketing the soft carpet.
Gently, Serena picked up her own envelope. Sitting on the bed beside the other one, she tore it open. A note was inside, written in Blair’s writing.

Serena,

Please don’t hate me, but I had to leave. Becky told me something that I just couldn’t handle. Chuck should be able to elaborate. I just needed to get away for a while. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but I need you to understand. Becky Summers hasn’t changed one bit. Please don’t trust her. She’s evil and manipulative and ruthless. And not even in a classy way like me.
If Chuck’s note is still here, please take it to him. Thank you so much for being a good friend to me, S.

Love always, Blair

Serena read the letter over and over again until each word was engraved in her mind. Where had B gone? Surely she couldn’t have left for some exclusive location. Or could have she? Her father did own many getaways around the world.
Serena folded up the note and stuck it back in the envelope. She grabbed Chuck’s, too, and stuffed them both into her schoolbag. She’d have to give it to him later.
Right now she had to deal with how she would face Becky at school.

“Van der Woodsen! Get your skinny *** over here!” Becky grinned and waved at Serena. Cautiously, S made her way across the courtyard.
“What are your plans for lunch?” Becky asked, linking arms with Serena. Carefully, so as not to look like she was avoiding her, Serena pulled her arm away.
“Um, actually, me and the girls were just going to eat on the steps.”
“Oh. So you don’t want to go have some coffee and tonic?” Becky pouted as she tugged on Serena’s hand. Serena shook her head, and stuck her hand in the pocket of her Burberry coat.
“Not exactly. I’m going sober.”
“You’re such a disappointment,” Becky said, laughing. Then, she looked past Serena’s shoulder, and frowned. “Wait. Where’s Blair?”
Serena paused. She considered whether she should tell Becky about the note. She had a feeling, definitely not.
“I don’t know,” Serena replied finally, and honestly.
Becky shrugged. “Maybe she’s just not feeling well or something.” She gave Serena a sly smile.
“Maybe.”
“But fine. You go have lunch with Blair’s followers. But they might not show without their precious Queen.”
“Oh, I’m sure they will.”
“Whatever.” Becky gave Serena a little squeeze, and ran off.
Serena sighed, and gazed after her. Suddenly, she felt someone behind her. She could feel hot breath against her neck. She turned her head, and saw Chuck following her gaze as Becky entered one of Constance’s many buildings.
Chuck caught her eye, and gave her a once-over. “Looking good, VD Woodsen.”
“Shut up.” Serena rolled her eyes, and folded her arms to hug herself. The chilly winter air nipped at her cheeks, chilling her whole face.
“Oh, that reminds me.” Chuck gave Serena a quizzical look as she reached into her bag. Then, suddenly, she stopped. Looking up at Chuck, she said quietly, “Blair’s gone. We have to talk. I’ll come over after school, okay?”
Chuck’s face turned cold and serious. “Gone?” he repeated. Serena nodded, but said no more.
“It would be better if we talked later, in private.” Chuck nodded in agreement, and walked off as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened. Serena’s hand clutched the envelopes inside her bag protectively.
She spotted Is and Kati making their way across the courtyard, so she stuffed the letters deep into her bag, and started towards them.
The less people to know about B’s disappearance, the better.