EPILOGUE
Four years before the 2012 Debutante Ball, and four years from the Waldass engagement, Rebecca Kailey Summers went back to California to ruin the lives of other unsuspecting victims, where she belonged.
One year before the 2012 Debutante Ball, and one year before the Waldass engagement, Serena van der Woodsen and Daniel Humphrey got married. They bought an apartment on the Upper East Side, but they also opened an art gallery in Brooklyn. It now rivals the original Humphrey art gallery.
After high school graduation, everyone went to the college of their selection. B loved it at Yale; and they loved her right back. 2012 Yale Valedictorian? Miss Blair Waldorf, thank you very much.
And four months after the 2012 Debutante Ball, the Waldass wedding took place. Big and extravagant, it was the wedding of the millennium. And, by choice of the groom, all the flowers happened to be… why, hydrangeas, of course.
Nathaniel Archibald did not attend the wedding. Nathaniel Archibald did not graduate from Dartmouth. Nathaniel Archibald did not find love. Nathaniel Archibald failed at life. Yeah.
Oh, and eventually, Nate and Jenny both got hit by a bus at the same time. And died. Ugh, failures. =D
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Chapter 59 -Fanfiction Finale
--First of all, I'd just like to thank every person who has ever read one word of this, as your support means the world to me. And it's really sad for me to end this fanfiction, but it needs to be done. I've become so attached to it, but I know that it'll go down in history, especially in my own heart. Thanks so much, fans. I love you too much for words. =)
And keep looking for more of me; I promise you, this won't be the end. You guys make me want to continue writing, and I don't want to let you down. I love you all, as much as I love my fanfiction. Thanks for reading, and I can't wait for you to see more of my work. Enjoy life! And remember, Nathaniel Archibald failed at life. That's for you Natie-lovin' girlies. =D <3
xoxo, Vicky (94gossipgirl25) <3
Chapter 59
“No, no, not midnight blue, midnight indigo! What do I have to do go get some decent service?! Well, fine, I will take my business elsewhere!”
Click!
Blair Waldorf snapped her phone shut, raging with anger. She glared at Serena. “I promise you, I will never buy another Valentino ever again! Come on. We’re trying Versace.”
“B, don’t you think you’re being a little melodramatic?” Serena asked uncertainly.
“No! You don’t understand, Serena, darling! This charity event has got to be perfect! Do you know how many people are counting on me? It’s unbelievable that the board is letting me plan the 2012 Debutante Ball. It’s such an honour! And I cannot mess up! You hear me? If I do, I can never show my face in this city ever again!”
“Come on, Blair, calm down.” Serena rubbed Blair’s back, as she was very close to hyperventilating. Finally, Blair Waldorf’s time had come. Time to show the world what she’s got.
“I’m going to help you, okay? Everything’s going to be fine.” Serena’s soothing voice made Blair a little calmer.
Blair took a cleansing breath. “You’re right. It’s gonna be okay.” She let out another sigh of relief, and then flipped her phone open. Smiling hopefully, she turned to Serena. “Do you think the people at Valentino will forgive me?”
Chuck turned the hydrangea stem slowly with his fingers. Sighing, he placed it next to the little box on his coffee table.
Suddenly, Jenny Humphrey walked into his apartment.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Chuck asked harshly, grabbing the box and tossed it in the table drawer.
“Whoa, calm down,” Jenny said, laughing. “You’d think after four years you’d be less psychotic.”
“And you’d think after four years you’d be less mind-numbingly annoying,” Chuck snapped.
“Always a charmer, Bass,” Jenny said lightly, waltzing into the living room. “I just came here to pick up Blair’s guest list. She forgot it.”
“I think it’s in the study,” Chuck told her, getting up. Jenny followed him into another room, and quickly found the list on Blair’s desk.
“It’s so great she’s letting me be her assistant for the Debutante.”
“I know. I’m shocked she hasn’t ditched your obnoxious *** after all these years.”
“Shut up,” Jenny said, pushing him slightly. “You’re one to talk. I can’t believe she’s put up with you, either.”
“Well, I mean, come on. I am Chuck Bass. Like any girl can resist me.” Chuck raised an eyebrow at her.
“Really? Because I don’t find it as much of a challenge.”
“You’re just jealous because you can’t drink legally.”
Jenny scoffed. “You really need some new comebacks.”
“It’s easier when you’re not busy paying bills and tending to your insanely hot, and insanely insane girlfriend.”
Jenny looked at him, amused. “She’s getting on your nerves?”
Chuck sighed. “Just all this Debutante crap. I mean, we went through this once already, why do we have to do it again?”
Jenny laughed. “Because that’s what you get for falling in love with an Upper East Sider with big socialite dreams.”
“Yeah, I should have moved in with you, Jenny Brooklyn.”
J punched his arm. “I love how close we’ve become.”
“I don’t. Stupid Blair and her leech friends, never leaving, even after we graduate and they’re still stuck at Constance.”
“Yeah, not for much longer, though!” Jenny grinned.
“What schools are you applying for?” Chuck asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. Yale, Brown. Anything B and S recommend, really.”
Chuck scoffed. “Follower.”
J scoffed right back. “Man-wh0re.”
“Touché.” Jenny laughed and walked out of the study.
“Thanks, anyway. I should get going though; I was supposed to meet Blair and Serena at the Palace ten minutes ago.”
“You better leave then. You know how Blair gets.”
J smiled. “Yup. See ya.”
Chuck waved a little and slammed the front door. Sighing, he leaned against the door. It was horrible having annoying not-so-Little J following Blair and Chuck around all the time, but it was even worse now that she was actually hot.
“Pearls, or diamonds?”
Serena smiled as Blair frantically searched through her jewellery box. “Why do you even have to ask? It’s obvious what you’re going to wear.”
Serena pulled open B’s night stand drawer, removing a thin black box from inside. Blair whirled around to face her. When she saw the box, she let out a little sigh. Smiling, she sat down next to her best friend.
Taking the box, Blair opened it delicately. Inside was the diamond necklace, her seventeenth birthday gift. “I haven’t worn this in ages,” she said quietly.
“It’s for special occasions,” Serena said, smiling. Blair looked at her.
Helping Blair put it on, Serena grinned at her friend. “You look beautiful, hun.”
B gave a little sad smile as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. “Our teen-hood seemed like it was ages ago,” she said softly, “yet like it was just yesterday.”
Serena nodded wistfully. “I know what you mean.”
Walking into Victrola, Blair looked around. A warm feeling stirred up in her heart as she made her way over to the bar. Chuck turned around, and smiled.
“Hey,” he said, giving her a small kiss.
Blair grinned. “Not much has changed, has it?”
“Not since that night,” Chuck replied. Blair looked at him. She cocked her head slightly.
“I can’t believe you’re seriously going through with this.”
“All successful businessmen have to start somewhere. Not usually with strip clubs, but whatever floats your boat, right?”
Blair laughed. “Hey, weren’t you always the one correcting me? It’s a burlesque club. God, get it right.” B rolled her eyes.
Chuck laughed. “Yes. A burlesque club.” He pulled Blair closer to him by the waist and kissed her cheek. “Will you come to dinner with me tonight? I thought we could have a nice night out.”
“Does that include some very hot limo sex?” Blair asked huskily, hopping up onto his lap.
“If you want,” Chuck replied, kissing her softly.
“Oh, sure, then,” Blair whispered, laughing.
“I’ll meet you at the Palace at eight.” Chuck gave her one final kiss, and stood up. “I have a business meeting, but I’ll call you later.”
“Okay.” Blair watched him go, smiling. She remembered her diamond necklace, and vowed to wear it that night.
“Wow. You look… beautiful.”
B blushed as she stepped out of the limo. Chuck always made her feel wonderful. “As always, of course,” Chuck added, kissing her. Blair let out a little laugh.
“Come on,” she said, pulling him into the restaurant, “before they give our reservation away.”
As Chuck and Blair got seated, Chuck said suddenly, “I wonder if they made the storage closet any bigger.”
Blair looked up from her menu, laughing. “What?”
“This is that French place we went to that one night of our first official date. Don’t you remember?”
B smiled at him. “Of course I remember,” she said gently. “How could a girl forget?”
Chuck looked up at her, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Wanna go see if it’s any bigger?”
Blair leaned across the table, excited. “For real?” she whispered.
“Come on!” Chuck got up, grabbed her hand, and led her across the restaurant and down the little hallway. Opening the closet door carefully, he flicked on the light.
“Awe,” Blair said, disappointed. “It’s still the same size.”
“Yeah, but look.” Chuck pointed to the doorknob. “They put a lock in.”
Blair laughed. “Oh my god! It’s our lucky day!”
Chuck pulled her inside, and shut the door. Blair couldn’t stop laughing. “This is so provocative,” she said, as Chuck kissed her neck gently.
“I know,” he breathed, pulling her in close. Blair pushed him away slightly.
“You know, we’re not kids anymore,” she said, looking up at him. “We’re adults, so we should be responsible.”
“Hello?” Chuck pulled a condom out of his pocket and waved it in her face. Blair burst in laughter, not being able to contain herself.
“Come on,” Chuck whispered. “Just this once.” Blair smiled curtly at him.
“Put that away,” she said, her eyes darting to the condom, still in his hand.
“Oh-kay, but if this is your secret ploy to get me into fatherhood, you aren’t going to succeed.” Blair giggled.
“Just a few kisses,” she said finally. “For old times sake.”
“Works for me,” Chuck said, grabbing her waist and kissing her dramatically.
Feeling just a little tipsy after their date, Blair grinned and kissed Chuck before he got out of the limo to open her door for her. As usual, he didn’t complain.
Opening the door slowly, Chuck took her hand, and lifted her carefully out onto her feet. Which was when he dropped down on one knee.
“Blair Cornelia Waldorf,” Chuck said, gazing up at her, “You are the most stunningly beautiful girl I have ever met, and the only person I’ve ever loved. You mean the world to me, and you make me a person I can be proud of. I’ve never thought I could feel this way about anyone, but you’ve proved me wrong.” Chuck pulled a tiny velvet box out of his suit pocket. Blair’s lips were slightly parted in surprise.
“Blair, will you marry me?”
Chuck popped open the box, and inside was the most spectacular ring Blair had ever seen. A large diamond was set in the middle, and was surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds. The band was pearly white gold. And offering the ring to her, was the man of her dreams.
“Yes,” Blair breathed, almost inaudibly. “Yes!”
She took the ring from its box, slid it onto her finger, and jumped into Chuck’s arms. “Yes!” Her eyes clouded with tears and she clung onto him. Smiling and gasping for air, B kissed Chuck.
It was a perfect, cloudless night in New York. Thousands of stars hung over their heads, creating the perfect movie moment. Blair’s heart pounded with excitement that she could barely contain. She grabbed Chuck’s monogrammed scarf and threw it around her neck, breathing in its familiar smell.
She pulled back slightly, just slightly enough to gaze into his eyes. And that was the moment when she knew; he was the one she’d loved all along.
One Last Spotted, for the fans: Darena, planning their perfect anniversary getaway. Awe. Too adorable. Jenny, finally embracing the Chuck Lover within her. About time, girl. And Chair, in the movie moment of the century. Audrey would be proud. So on behalf of the whole Upper East Side, I’d like to thank Blair Waldorf, Serena van der Woodsen, Dan Humphrey, Nate Archibald, Jenny Humphrey, and Chuck Bass, for making these past 8 years the best times of our lives. I certainly can’t thank you infamous 6 enough; after all your juicy rumors, and even juicier scandal, you’ve helped us all live the best teen years we could possibly live. I know I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride. Love ya all, b****es.
We’ve lived the childhoods, the scandalous high school lives, and the dream college journeys, but now it’s time to grow up and give you guys some space. You’ve earned it.
So thank you Chair, Darena, Blate, Serenate, Chenny, Jenate, Dair, Nuck, Duck, and Blarena. You are our true favourite Upper East Siders (besides the Humphreys, which are honorary members), and that will never change.
It’s been hard on you all, but you’ve pulled through. And you better know by now that we’re only hard on you cause we love you so much.
So I’m closing my laptop now, after one final farewell to everyone at Gossipgirl.net. I’ve had a ton of fun this past decade, but I’m older now, and it’s time to let the past go and move on. But you’ll all be in my heart forever.
-You know you love me-
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL .
And keep looking for more of me; I promise you, this won't be the end. You guys make me want to continue writing, and I don't want to let you down. I love you all, as much as I love my fanfiction. Thanks for reading, and I can't wait for you to see more of my work. Enjoy life! And remember, Nathaniel Archibald failed at life. That's for you Natie-lovin' girlies. =D <3
xoxo, Vicky (94gossipgirl25) <3
Chapter 59
“No, no, not midnight blue, midnight indigo! What do I have to do go get some decent service?! Well, fine, I will take my business elsewhere!”
Click!
Blair Waldorf snapped her phone shut, raging with anger. She glared at Serena. “I promise you, I will never buy another Valentino ever again! Come on. We’re trying Versace.”
“B, don’t you think you’re being a little melodramatic?” Serena asked uncertainly.
“No! You don’t understand, Serena, darling! This charity event has got to be perfect! Do you know how many people are counting on me? It’s unbelievable that the board is letting me plan the 2012 Debutante Ball. It’s such an honour! And I cannot mess up! You hear me? If I do, I can never show my face in this city ever again!”
“Come on, Blair, calm down.” Serena rubbed Blair’s back, as she was very close to hyperventilating. Finally, Blair Waldorf’s time had come. Time to show the world what she’s got.
“I’m going to help you, okay? Everything’s going to be fine.” Serena’s soothing voice made Blair a little calmer.
Blair took a cleansing breath. “You’re right. It’s gonna be okay.” She let out another sigh of relief, and then flipped her phone open. Smiling hopefully, she turned to Serena. “Do you think the people at Valentino will forgive me?”
Chuck turned the hydrangea stem slowly with his fingers. Sighing, he placed it next to the little box on his coffee table.
Suddenly, Jenny Humphrey walked into his apartment.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Chuck asked harshly, grabbing the box and tossed it in the table drawer.
“Whoa, calm down,” Jenny said, laughing. “You’d think after four years you’d be less psychotic.”
“And you’d think after four years you’d be less mind-numbingly annoying,” Chuck snapped.
“Always a charmer, Bass,” Jenny said lightly, waltzing into the living room. “I just came here to pick up Blair’s guest list. She forgot it.”
“I think it’s in the study,” Chuck told her, getting up. Jenny followed him into another room, and quickly found the list on Blair’s desk.
“It’s so great she’s letting me be her assistant for the Debutante.”
“I know. I’m shocked she hasn’t ditched your obnoxious *** after all these years.”
“Shut up,” Jenny said, pushing him slightly. “You’re one to talk. I can’t believe she’s put up with you, either.”
“Well, I mean, come on. I am Chuck Bass. Like any girl can resist me.” Chuck raised an eyebrow at her.
“Really? Because I don’t find it as much of a challenge.”
“You’re just jealous because you can’t drink legally.”
Jenny scoffed. “You really need some new comebacks.”
“It’s easier when you’re not busy paying bills and tending to your insanely hot, and insanely insane girlfriend.”
Jenny looked at him, amused. “She’s getting on your nerves?”
Chuck sighed. “Just all this Debutante crap. I mean, we went through this once already, why do we have to do it again?”
Jenny laughed. “Because that’s what you get for falling in love with an Upper East Sider with big socialite dreams.”
“Yeah, I should have moved in with you, Jenny Brooklyn.”
J punched his arm. “I love how close we’ve become.”
“I don’t. Stupid Blair and her leech friends, never leaving, even after we graduate and they’re still stuck at Constance.”
“Yeah, not for much longer, though!” Jenny grinned.
“What schools are you applying for?” Chuck asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. Yale, Brown. Anything B and S recommend, really.”
Chuck scoffed. “Follower.”
J scoffed right back. “Man-wh0re.”
“Touché.” Jenny laughed and walked out of the study.
“Thanks, anyway. I should get going though; I was supposed to meet Blair and Serena at the Palace ten minutes ago.”
“You better leave then. You know how Blair gets.”
J smiled. “Yup. See ya.”
Chuck waved a little and slammed the front door. Sighing, he leaned against the door. It was horrible having annoying not-so-Little J following Blair and Chuck around all the time, but it was even worse now that she was actually hot.
“Pearls, or diamonds?”
Serena smiled as Blair frantically searched through her jewellery box. “Why do you even have to ask? It’s obvious what you’re going to wear.”
Serena pulled open B’s night stand drawer, removing a thin black box from inside. Blair whirled around to face her. When she saw the box, she let out a little sigh. Smiling, she sat down next to her best friend.
Taking the box, Blair opened it delicately. Inside was the diamond necklace, her seventeenth birthday gift. “I haven’t worn this in ages,” she said quietly.
“It’s for special occasions,” Serena said, smiling. Blair looked at her.
Helping Blair put it on, Serena grinned at her friend. “You look beautiful, hun.”
B gave a little sad smile as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. “Our teen-hood seemed like it was ages ago,” she said softly, “yet like it was just yesterday.”
Serena nodded wistfully. “I know what you mean.”
Walking into Victrola, Blair looked around. A warm feeling stirred up in her heart as she made her way over to the bar. Chuck turned around, and smiled.
“Hey,” he said, giving her a small kiss.
Blair grinned. “Not much has changed, has it?”
“Not since that night,” Chuck replied. Blair looked at him. She cocked her head slightly.
“I can’t believe you’re seriously going through with this.”
“All successful businessmen have to start somewhere. Not usually with strip clubs, but whatever floats your boat, right?”
Blair laughed. “Hey, weren’t you always the one correcting me? It’s a burlesque club. God, get it right.” B rolled her eyes.
Chuck laughed. “Yes. A burlesque club.” He pulled Blair closer to him by the waist and kissed her cheek. “Will you come to dinner with me tonight? I thought we could have a nice night out.”
“Does that include some very hot limo sex?” Blair asked huskily, hopping up onto his lap.
“If you want,” Chuck replied, kissing her softly.
“Oh, sure, then,” Blair whispered, laughing.
“I’ll meet you at the Palace at eight.” Chuck gave her one final kiss, and stood up. “I have a business meeting, but I’ll call you later.”
“Okay.” Blair watched him go, smiling. She remembered her diamond necklace, and vowed to wear it that night.
“Wow. You look… beautiful.”
B blushed as she stepped out of the limo. Chuck always made her feel wonderful. “As always, of course,” Chuck added, kissing her. Blair let out a little laugh.
“Come on,” she said, pulling him into the restaurant, “before they give our reservation away.”
As Chuck and Blair got seated, Chuck said suddenly, “I wonder if they made the storage closet any bigger.”
Blair looked up from her menu, laughing. “What?”
“This is that French place we went to that one night of our first official date. Don’t you remember?”
B smiled at him. “Of course I remember,” she said gently. “How could a girl forget?”
Chuck looked up at her, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Wanna go see if it’s any bigger?”
Blair leaned across the table, excited. “For real?” she whispered.
“Come on!” Chuck got up, grabbed her hand, and led her across the restaurant and down the little hallway. Opening the closet door carefully, he flicked on the light.
“Awe,” Blair said, disappointed. “It’s still the same size.”
“Yeah, but look.” Chuck pointed to the doorknob. “They put a lock in.”
Blair laughed. “Oh my god! It’s our lucky day!”
Chuck pulled her inside, and shut the door. Blair couldn’t stop laughing. “This is so provocative,” she said, as Chuck kissed her neck gently.
“I know,” he breathed, pulling her in close. Blair pushed him away slightly.
“You know, we’re not kids anymore,” she said, looking up at him. “We’re adults, so we should be responsible.”
“Hello?” Chuck pulled a condom out of his pocket and waved it in her face. Blair burst in laughter, not being able to contain herself.
“Come on,” Chuck whispered. “Just this once.” Blair smiled curtly at him.
“Put that away,” she said, her eyes darting to the condom, still in his hand.
“Oh-kay, but if this is your secret ploy to get me into fatherhood, you aren’t going to succeed.” Blair giggled.
“Just a few kisses,” she said finally. “For old times sake.”
“Works for me,” Chuck said, grabbing her waist and kissing her dramatically.
Feeling just a little tipsy after their date, Blair grinned and kissed Chuck before he got out of the limo to open her door for her. As usual, he didn’t complain.
Opening the door slowly, Chuck took her hand, and lifted her carefully out onto her feet. Which was when he dropped down on one knee.
“Blair Cornelia Waldorf,” Chuck said, gazing up at her, “You are the most stunningly beautiful girl I have ever met, and the only person I’ve ever loved. You mean the world to me, and you make me a person I can be proud of. I’ve never thought I could feel this way about anyone, but you’ve proved me wrong.” Chuck pulled a tiny velvet box out of his suit pocket. Blair’s lips were slightly parted in surprise.
“Blair, will you marry me?”
Chuck popped open the box, and inside was the most spectacular ring Blair had ever seen. A large diamond was set in the middle, and was surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds. The band was pearly white gold. And offering the ring to her, was the man of her dreams.
“Yes,” Blair breathed, almost inaudibly. “Yes!”
She took the ring from its box, slid it onto her finger, and jumped into Chuck’s arms. “Yes!” Her eyes clouded with tears and she clung onto him. Smiling and gasping for air, B kissed Chuck.
It was a perfect, cloudless night in New York. Thousands of stars hung over their heads, creating the perfect movie moment. Blair’s heart pounded with excitement that she could barely contain. She grabbed Chuck’s monogrammed scarf and threw it around her neck, breathing in its familiar smell.
She pulled back slightly, just slightly enough to gaze into his eyes. And that was the moment when she knew; he was the one she’d loved all along.
One Last Spotted, for the fans: Darena, planning their perfect anniversary getaway. Awe. Too adorable. Jenny, finally embracing the Chuck Lover within her. About time, girl. And Chair, in the movie moment of the century. Audrey would be proud. So on behalf of the whole Upper East Side, I’d like to thank Blair Waldorf, Serena van der Woodsen, Dan Humphrey, Nate Archibald, Jenny Humphrey, and Chuck Bass, for making these past 8 years the best times of our lives. I certainly can’t thank you infamous 6 enough; after all your juicy rumors, and even juicier scandal, you’ve helped us all live the best teen years we could possibly live. I know I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride. Love ya all, b****es.
We’ve lived the childhoods, the scandalous high school lives, and the dream college journeys, but now it’s time to grow up and give you guys some space. You’ve earned it.
So thank you Chair, Darena, Blate, Serenate, Chenny, Jenate, Dair, Nuck, Duck, and Blarena. You are our true favourite Upper East Siders (besides the Humphreys, which are honorary members), and that will never change.
It’s been hard on you all, but you’ve pulled through. And you better know by now that we’re only hard on you cause we love you so much.
So I’m closing my laptop now, after one final farewell to everyone at Gossipgirl.net. I’ve had a ton of fun this past decade, but I’m older now, and it’s time to let the past go and move on. But you’ll all be in my heart forever.
-You know you love me-
xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL .
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Chapter 58
Chapter 58
After hours of sitting among normal class people high in the air with no escape, Chuck was happy to get off the plane and into the limo awaiting him outside.
The hot, humid air hit him like a brick as he stepped out into the still-sunny early evening. The limo driver picked up his bag, and Chuck glanced around. Towering, lush palm trees lined the street, creating a canopy above him. Bushes and shrubs overflowing with multicoloured flowers competed for his attention. And the clear blue sky, completely cloudless, surrounded the rainforesty paradise, enveloping in the thick air.
Inside the limousine, Chuck turned the air conditioning on high. As they drove their way to West Palm Beach, he gazed out at the scenery. Far off, Chuck could spot the glittering blue of the ocean. Nearer to him were mini forests of palm trees. All the colours and textures of nature were relaxing, compared to Manhattan’s bustling streets and high-rise apartment complexes.
When the chauffer finally pulled the limo up in front of what looked like a sea-side resort, he opened the door, and Chuck stepped out. Many tall, cream-coloured buildings surrounded them, with beautiful, Spanish-style columns and arches. Large balconies clung to the sides of the buildings, facing the ocean.
On the beach in front of the main building, people were scattered with umbrellas and picnic blankets and huge coolers. Children splashed around in the shallow tides and built sand sculptures at the shore. Parents and teenagers sunbathed on towels while some older people lounged on chairs, soaking up the Florida sun.
“Mr. Bass?”
Chuck turned towards his chauffer, and picked up his bag. “Do you require any further assistance?” the man asked.
“No, it’s okay,” Chuck replied, rolling the suitcase up towards the main building entrance. The limo driver went back around to the vehicle, got inside, and drove off from the curb. Chuck walked up to the front desk where a woman in a paisley suit was sitting, looking rather stiff and uptight.
“What can I do for you, sir?” she asked in a bored tone.
“Uh, yes, can you tell me where Blair Waldorf is staying?”
The woman typed rapidly on her keyboard, and then glanced at the computer screen. “Sunrise Building, villa number 206.”
“Thank you.” Chuck turned around and walked briskly out of the lobby. Outside, a golf cart was pulled up. The staff member driving it tossed Chuck’s suitcase in the back, and told him to hop in.
Chuck took a seat in front next to the driver, and they sped off down the shoreline.
The doorbell to Blair’s villa rung, and Blair unwillingly got up to answer it. She pushed herself up from her armchair, and slipped through the balcony doors and across the living room.
Without checking to see who it was through the peephole, Blair opened the door. She opened her mouth in surprise, and couldn’t breathe for a long moment.
Chuck smiled shyly at her. “Hey,” he said quietly.
Behind her, Chuck could see the amazingly gorgeous suite. It was like a hotel room, only beautified a hundred times over. Suede couches and glass coffee tables made up the living room, while the small kitchen had maple cabinets and granite countertops. On a platform with a few steps next to a huge bay window and the entrance to the balcony was a four-poster, king-size bed, with cream and lavender-coloured sheets. Large, frilly pillows and a swooping canopy adorned it with elegance.
But amidst the most beautiful room Chuck had ever seen, the only thing that interested him was the most beautiful girl, standing inside.
Blair’s eyes were soft and Bambi-esque as she looked at him. Her shiny brown curls were loose as they framed her face, and she was wearing a light pink sundress, which matched the polished toenails on her bare feet.
Chuck gazed back at her with an equally soft expression. “I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you to be mad at me,” he said finally, his voice neither husky nor seductive. “And I didn’t tell you because I hated the fact that it happened. There’s nothing I regret more.”
Still, Blair said nothing. She just stood there, looking at him.
“Actually, that’s not true. The thing I regret the most is not being able to apologize and tell you how much I love you the minute Becky told you. I regret not letting you understand how much I loathe her, and what she did to you. I regret having to stand here and spill my heart out, all because I kept that secret from you.”
Blair’s eyes were glossy with tears. “You… you came. To Florida. For me.” Her voice was soft and broken.
“Well, of course. There was already one time when I didn’t go after you when I should have, and I couldn’t do that again.”
Blair looked down at her feet as a tear rolled slowly down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away. “You didn’t have to come all the way here,” she said.
Chuck reached out and touched her cheek. She looked up at him. “Yes, I did. I knew you wouldn’t listen to me when I said I loved you. So I’m showing you.”
“I don’t…” Blair’s gaze didn’t move from his. “I’m not mad.”
Chuck looked at her dubiously. “It’s okay if you are. I deserve it.”
Blair let out an embarrassed laugh, and looked down. “I’m not. I just…” She looked up, blinking back tears. “Becky made me run. And I shouldn’t have given her the satisfaction. But I’m weak. And I was scared. I didn’t want to lose you.”
“You’re not weak,” Chuck said softly. “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. You take crap from people when you shouldn’t, but you know how to hold your head up when things get tough. And when you realize people deserve your revenge, you give it to them.” Chuck smiled, and kissed B’s forehead. “And trust me. You couldn’t lose me if you tried.”
Blair smiled back. She looked up at him with her shining brown eyes, and Chuck took her by the waist and pulled her into him. Resting her head on his chest, Blair tugged lightly on his bow tie, like she had long ago, in the closet of a French restaurant.
And Chuck buried his face in her messy chestnut locks, like he had so long ago. “I love you with all my heart, Blair Waldorf.”
Blair let out a little sigh, and smiled. “I know, Chuck,” she said, keeping her eyes on his little red bow tie. “I know.”
After hours of sitting among normal class people high in the air with no escape, Chuck was happy to get off the plane and into the limo awaiting him outside.
The hot, humid air hit him like a brick as he stepped out into the still-sunny early evening. The limo driver picked up his bag, and Chuck glanced around. Towering, lush palm trees lined the street, creating a canopy above him. Bushes and shrubs overflowing with multicoloured flowers competed for his attention. And the clear blue sky, completely cloudless, surrounded the rainforesty paradise, enveloping in the thick air.
Inside the limousine, Chuck turned the air conditioning on high. As they drove their way to West Palm Beach, he gazed out at the scenery. Far off, Chuck could spot the glittering blue of the ocean. Nearer to him were mini forests of palm trees. All the colours and textures of nature were relaxing, compared to Manhattan’s bustling streets and high-rise apartment complexes.
When the chauffer finally pulled the limo up in front of what looked like a sea-side resort, he opened the door, and Chuck stepped out. Many tall, cream-coloured buildings surrounded them, with beautiful, Spanish-style columns and arches. Large balconies clung to the sides of the buildings, facing the ocean.
On the beach in front of the main building, people were scattered with umbrellas and picnic blankets and huge coolers. Children splashed around in the shallow tides and built sand sculptures at the shore. Parents and teenagers sunbathed on towels while some older people lounged on chairs, soaking up the Florida sun.
“Mr. Bass?”
Chuck turned towards his chauffer, and picked up his bag. “Do you require any further assistance?” the man asked.
“No, it’s okay,” Chuck replied, rolling the suitcase up towards the main building entrance. The limo driver went back around to the vehicle, got inside, and drove off from the curb. Chuck walked up to the front desk where a woman in a paisley suit was sitting, looking rather stiff and uptight.
“What can I do for you, sir?” she asked in a bored tone.
“Uh, yes, can you tell me where Blair Waldorf is staying?”
The woman typed rapidly on her keyboard, and then glanced at the computer screen. “Sunrise Building, villa number 206.”
“Thank you.” Chuck turned around and walked briskly out of the lobby. Outside, a golf cart was pulled up. The staff member driving it tossed Chuck’s suitcase in the back, and told him to hop in.
Chuck took a seat in front next to the driver, and they sped off down the shoreline.
The doorbell to Blair’s villa rung, and Blair unwillingly got up to answer it. She pushed herself up from her armchair, and slipped through the balcony doors and across the living room.
Without checking to see who it was through the peephole, Blair opened the door. She opened her mouth in surprise, and couldn’t breathe for a long moment.
Chuck smiled shyly at her. “Hey,” he said quietly.
Behind her, Chuck could see the amazingly gorgeous suite. It was like a hotel room, only beautified a hundred times over. Suede couches and glass coffee tables made up the living room, while the small kitchen had maple cabinets and granite countertops. On a platform with a few steps next to a huge bay window and the entrance to the balcony was a four-poster, king-size bed, with cream and lavender-coloured sheets. Large, frilly pillows and a swooping canopy adorned it with elegance.
But amidst the most beautiful room Chuck had ever seen, the only thing that interested him was the most beautiful girl, standing inside.
Blair’s eyes were soft and Bambi-esque as she looked at him. Her shiny brown curls were loose as they framed her face, and she was wearing a light pink sundress, which matched the polished toenails on her bare feet.
Chuck gazed back at her with an equally soft expression. “I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want you to be mad at me,” he said finally, his voice neither husky nor seductive. “And I didn’t tell you because I hated the fact that it happened. There’s nothing I regret more.”
Still, Blair said nothing. She just stood there, looking at him.
“Actually, that’s not true. The thing I regret the most is not being able to apologize and tell you how much I love you the minute Becky told you. I regret not letting you understand how much I loathe her, and what she did to you. I regret having to stand here and spill my heart out, all because I kept that secret from you.”
Blair’s eyes were glossy with tears. “You… you came. To Florida. For me.” Her voice was soft and broken.
“Well, of course. There was already one time when I didn’t go after you when I should have, and I couldn’t do that again.”
Blair looked down at her feet as a tear rolled slowly down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away. “You didn’t have to come all the way here,” she said.
Chuck reached out and touched her cheek. She looked up at him. “Yes, I did. I knew you wouldn’t listen to me when I said I loved you. So I’m showing you.”
“I don’t…” Blair’s gaze didn’t move from his. “I’m not mad.”
Chuck looked at her dubiously. “It’s okay if you are. I deserve it.”
Blair let out an embarrassed laugh, and looked down. “I’m not. I just…” She looked up, blinking back tears. “Becky made me run. And I shouldn’t have given her the satisfaction. But I’m weak. And I was scared. I didn’t want to lose you.”
“You’re not weak,” Chuck said softly. “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. You take crap from people when you shouldn’t, but you know how to hold your head up when things get tough. And when you realize people deserve your revenge, you give it to them.” Chuck smiled, and kissed B’s forehead. “And trust me. You couldn’t lose me if you tried.”
Blair smiled back. She looked up at him with her shining brown eyes, and Chuck took her by the waist and pulled her into him. Resting her head on his chest, Blair tugged lightly on his bow tie, like she had long ago, in the closet of a French restaurant.
And Chuck buried his face in her messy chestnut locks, like he had so long ago. “I love you with all my heart, Blair Waldorf.”
Blair let out a little sigh, and smiled. “I know, Chuck,” she said, keeping her eyes on his little red bow tie. “I know.”
Chapter 57
Chapter 57
Chuck and Serena burst into the Waldorf penthouse, out of breath. They had practically ran across the Upper East Side, not bothering with a ride through the high-traffic New York streets.
Eleanor Waldorf looked up from her magazine as they stepped out of the elevator, exhausted. “Charles and Serena?” she asked, surprised.
“We… we wanted to know…” Serena puffed, trying to get out the words. “Where’s Blair?” Chuck said, finishing for her.
Eleanor gave them an odd look, as if they had just asked her why she didn’t buy her shoes at Macy’s. “Why, she’s in Florida,” Mrs. Waldorf said, sounding as if it was obvious. “Didn’t she tell you?”
“Not exactly,” Serena replied.
“Florida?” Chuck asked, surprised himself. “Not Paris, or London, or Milan?”
“No… Florida. Harold has a condo over on West Palm Beach. Blair said she didn’t feel like the regular getaways; the relaxing beaches will be a nice break. She’s been so stressed lately.”
“Do you know how long she plans to be there for?” Chuck said, reading Serena’s mind.
Eleanor shrugged, but with elegance. Only a woman as worldly as herself could do that. “A few months, at the most. I’m not really sure. She could come back in a week, or not.”
Serena sighed. “Well, thank you for your help, Mrs. Waldorf,” she said politely.
“Of course. I just can’t believe she didn’t tell you two. You are her best friends after all.”
Chuck wondered if Eleanor Waldorf even knew of the extent of their relationship. He guessed not.
“Yeah,” Serena said, heading for the door. “I suppose she didn’t want it to go public.”
“Well, my bad, then,” Mrs. Waldorf said, laughing. Chuck and Serena stared at her.
“What?” she asked defensively. “Isn’t that what you youngsters say these days? ‘My bad’?”
Oh, god. Chuck and Serena hated it when adults tried to be cool. But didn’t every teenager? Of all the people, they never would have guessed Eleanor Waldorf would dare to drop to such a high level of patheticness.
“Yes, well, thank you,” Chuck said quickly, ushering Serena out. “Talk about scary,” he said quietly as they exited the building.
Serena laughed. “Yeah. So, what are you going to do, Chuck Bass? What shall it be?”
He glanced at her. “The plan is: my hotel suite, so I can pack. Then the airport. My father’s jet is in Italy with him on some trip, so I’ll have to settle for public. But it shouldn’t be too hard to get an instant flight, with my name.”
Serena scoffed at his arrogance, even in such a time like this. Even though she couldn’t help but admit he was right. “Fine. Do you want me to come with you? To the airport, I mean. I don’t think this is a situation I can help fix.”
“I think I’ll be okay. Plus, you’d just be wasting your time coming along. You’d better go home. I’ll call you later.” Chuck walked down the street a ways, and then hailed a cab. He turned to her just as a yellow taxi pulled up.
“And, Serena?” His eyes turned soft as Serena spotted the tiniest smile on his lips. “Thank you.”
Serena smiled warmly. She didn’t say anything, but just gave a little wave as Chuck lowered himself into the taxi.
“Here you are, sir. One ticket to Palm Beach, Sunshine State.”
The airport attendant smiled as she handed Chuck the printed boarding pass. Grabbing his suitcase, he headed for Customs.
“Serena.”
Becky pushed herself from the wall as Serena walked through her hotel suite door.
“Becky,” she said in surprise. “What… what are you doing in my suite?”
“I thought we could talk.” Becky’s expression looked strangely bitter. But not exactly unbelievable, as Serena remembered her face when she stormed out of Chuck’s place.
“I’m not really in the mood for talking,” Serena said simply as she hung up her coat and tossed her purse on the sofa.
“Well, too bad, because I am. So how about a little game or 20 Questions?” Becky raised her eyebrows. Serena loathed the gesture. “Question One. What was Chuck doing expecting you at his suite after school?”
“What do you think? With Blair not available, he obviously called me over for a quickie.”
Becky’s eyebrows shot up a little more, amused. “Question Two. Where is our little Blair Waldorf?”
“Taking some time off. I heard some people have been drawing her close to the depression line.”
“Question Three,” Becky said, unaffected. She looked at Serena suggestively. “You going to go after her?”
“Here’s a question for you, Rebecca,” Serena said, no longer in the mood for this stupidity. “When are you going to get the hell out of my suite, and go spread your crap to someone who cares?”
Becky blinked. Thrown aback for the second time today, she snatched up her coat and opened the door. “Fine. Be a b****. I was just trying to be friendly.”
“Yes, well, don’t. You’re not fooling anyone.” Serena nudged Becky out the door, and slammed it shut. Pushing the bolt over the door, she leaned back against it and sighed.
At that very moment, there was nothing Serena van der Woodsen wanted more than for Becky to get her scrawny *** back over to LA and leave her Upper East Side alone. Drama is fun. Scandal is juicy. Partying is wild. But Becky Summers? Becky Summers is chaos. Troublesome, evil, chaos.
Chuck and Serena burst into the Waldorf penthouse, out of breath. They had practically ran across the Upper East Side, not bothering with a ride through the high-traffic New York streets.
Eleanor Waldorf looked up from her magazine as they stepped out of the elevator, exhausted. “Charles and Serena?” she asked, surprised.
“We… we wanted to know…” Serena puffed, trying to get out the words. “Where’s Blair?” Chuck said, finishing for her.
Eleanor gave them an odd look, as if they had just asked her why she didn’t buy her shoes at Macy’s. “Why, she’s in Florida,” Mrs. Waldorf said, sounding as if it was obvious. “Didn’t she tell you?”
“Not exactly,” Serena replied.
“Florida?” Chuck asked, surprised himself. “Not Paris, or London, or Milan?”
“No… Florida. Harold has a condo over on West Palm Beach. Blair said she didn’t feel like the regular getaways; the relaxing beaches will be a nice break. She’s been so stressed lately.”
“Do you know how long she plans to be there for?” Chuck said, reading Serena’s mind.
Eleanor shrugged, but with elegance. Only a woman as worldly as herself could do that. “A few months, at the most. I’m not really sure. She could come back in a week, or not.”
Serena sighed. “Well, thank you for your help, Mrs. Waldorf,” she said politely.
“Of course. I just can’t believe she didn’t tell you two. You are her best friends after all.”
Chuck wondered if Eleanor Waldorf even knew of the extent of their relationship. He guessed not.
“Yeah,” Serena said, heading for the door. “I suppose she didn’t want it to go public.”
“Well, my bad, then,” Mrs. Waldorf said, laughing. Chuck and Serena stared at her.
“What?” she asked defensively. “Isn’t that what you youngsters say these days? ‘My bad’?”
Oh, god. Chuck and Serena hated it when adults tried to be cool. But didn’t every teenager? Of all the people, they never would have guessed Eleanor Waldorf would dare to drop to such a high level of patheticness.
“Yes, well, thank you,” Chuck said quickly, ushering Serena out. “Talk about scary,” he said quietly as they exited the building.
Serena laughed. “Yeah. So, what are you going to do, Chuck Bass? What shall it be?”
He glanced at her. “The plan is: my hotel suite, so I can pack. Then the airport. My father’s jet is in Italy with him on some trip, so I’ll have to settle for public. But it shouldn’t be too hard to get an instant flight, with my name.”
Serena scoffed at his arrogance, even in such a time like this. Even though she couldn’t help but admit he was right. “Fine. Do you want me to come with you? To the airport, I mean. I don’t think this is a situation I can help fix.”
“I think I’ll be okay. Plus, you’d just be wasting your time coming along. You’d better go home. I’ll call you later.” Chuck walked down the street a ways, and then hailed a cab. He turned to her just as a yellow taxi pulled up.
“And, Serena?” His eyes turned soft as Serena spotted the tiniest smile on his lips. “Thank you.”
Serena smiled warmly. She didn’t say anything, but just gave a little wave as Chuck lowered himself into the taxi.
“Here you are, sir. One ticket to Palm Beach, Sunshine State.”
The airport attendant smiled as she handed Chuck the printed boarding pass. Grabbing his suitcase, he headed for Customs.
“Serena.”
Becky pushed herself from the wall as Serena walked through her hotel suite door.
“Becky,” she said in surprise. “What… what are you doing in my suite?”
“I thought we could talk.” Becky’s expression looked strangely bitter. But not exactly unbelievable, as Serena remembered her face when she stormed out of Chuck’s place.
“I’m not really in the mood for talking,” Serena said simply as she hung up her coat and tossed her purse on the sofa.
“Well, too bad, because I am. So how about a little game or 20 Questions?” Becky raised her eyebrows. Serena loathed the gesture. “Question One. What was Chuck doing expecting you at his suite after school?”
“What do you think? With Blair not available, he obviously called me over for a quickie.”
Becky’s eyebrows shot up a little more, amused. “Question Two. Where is our little Blair Waldorf?”
“Taking some time off. I heard some people have been drawing her close to the depression line.”
“Question Three,” Becky said, unaffected. She looked at Serena suggestively. “You going to go after her?”
“Here’s a question for you, Rebecca,” Serena said, no longer in the mood for this stupidity. “When are you going to get the hell out of my suite, and go spread your crap to someone who cares?”
Becky blinked. Thrown aback for the second time today, she snatched up her coat and opened the door. “Fine. Be a b****. I was just trying to be friendly.”
“Yes, well, don’t. You’re not fooling anyone.” Serena nudged Becky out the door, and slammed it shut. Pushing the bolt over the door, she leaned back against it and sighed.
At that very moment, there was nothing Serena van der Woodsen wanted more than for Becky to get her scrawny *** back over to LA and leave her Upper East Side alone. Drama is fun. Scandal is juicy. Partying is wild. But Becky Summers? Becky Summers is chaos. Troublesome, evil, chaos.
Chapter 57
Chapter 57
Chuck and Serena burst into the Waldorf penthouse, out of breath. They had practically ran across the Upper East Side, not bothering with a ride through the high-traffic New York streets.
Eleanor Waldorf looked up from her magazine as they stepped out of the elevator, exhausted. “Charles and Serena?” she asked, surprised.
“We… we wanted to know…” Serena puffed, trying to get out the words. “Where’s Blair?” Chuck said, finishing for her.
Eleanor gave them an odd look, as if they had just asked her why she didn’t buy her shoes at Macy’s. “Why, she’s in Florida,” Mrs. Waldorf said, sounding as if it was obvious. “Didn’t she tell you?”
“Not exactly,” Serena replied.
“Florida?” Chuck asked, surprised himself. “Not Paris, or London, or Milan?”
“No… Florida. Harold has a condo over on West Palm Beach. Blair said she didn’t feel like the regular getaways; the relaxing beaches will be a nice break. She’s been so stressed lately.”
“Do you know how long she plans to be there for?” Chuck said, reading Serena’s mind.
Eleanor shrugged, but with elegance. Only a woman as worldly as herself could do that. “A few months, at the most. I’m not really sure. She could come back in a week, or not.”
Serena sighed. “Well, thank you for your help, Mrs. Waldorf,” she said politely.
“Of course. I just can’t believe she didn’t tell you two. You are her best friends after all.”
Chuck wondered if Eleanor Waldorf even knew of the extent of their relationship. He guessed not.
“Yeah,” Serena said, heading for the door. “I suppose she didn’t want it to go public.”
“Well, my bad, then,” Mrs. Waldorf said, laughing. Chuck and Serena stared at her.
“What?” she asked defensively. “Isn’t that what you youngsters say these days? ‘My bad’?”
Oh, god. Chuck and Serena hated it when adults tried to be cool. But didn’t every teenager? Of all the people, they never would have guessed Eleanor Waldorf would dare to drop to such a high level of patheticness.
“Yes, well, thank you,” Chuck said quickly, ushering Serena out. “Talk about scary,” he said quietly as they exited the building.
Serena laughed. “Yeah. So, what are you going to do, Chuck Bass? What shall it be?”
He glanced at her. “The plan is: my hotel suite, so I can pack. Then the airport. My father’s jet is in Italy with him on some trip, so I’ll have to settle for public. But it shouldn’t be too hard to get an instant flight, with my name.”
Serena scoffed at his arrogance, even in such a time like this. Even though she couldn’t help but admit he was right. “Fine. Do you want me to come with you? To the airport, I mean. I don’t think this is a situation I can help fix.”
“I think I’ll be okay. Plus, you’d just be wasting your time coming along. You’d better go home. I’ll call you later.” Chuck walked down the street a ways, and then hailed a cab. He turned to her just as a yellow taxi pulled up.
“And, Serena?” His eyes turned soft as Serena spotted the tiniest smile on his lips. “Thank you.”
Serena smiled warmly. She didn’t say anything, but just gave a little wave as Chuck lowered himself into the taxi.
“Here you are, sir. One ticket to Palm Beach, Sunshine State.”
The airport attendant smiled as she handed Chuck the printed boarding pass. Grabbing his suitcase, he headed for Customs.
“Serena.”
Becky pushed herself from the wall as Serena walked through her hotel suite door.
“Becky,” she said in surprise. “What… what are you doing in my suite?”
“I thought we could talk.” Becky’s expression looked strangely bitter. But not exactly unbelievable, as Serena remembered her face when she stormed out of Chuck’s place.
“I’m not really in the mood for talking,” Serena said simply as she hung up her coat and tossed her purse on the sofa.
“Well, too bad, because I am. So how about a little game or 20 Questions?” Becky raised her eyebrows. Serena loathed the gesture. “Question One. What was Chuck doing expecting you at his suite after school?”
“What do you think? With Blair not available, he obviously called me over for a quickie.”
Becky’s eyebrows shot up a little more, amused. “Question Two. Where is our little Blair Waldorf?”
“Taking some time off. I heard some people have been drawing her close to the depression line.”
“Question Three,” Becky said, unaffected. She looked at Serena suggestively. “You going to go after her?”
“Here’s a question for you, Rebecca,” Serena said, no longer in the mood for this stupidity. “When are you going to get the hell out of my suite, and go spread your crap to someone who cares?”
Becky blinked. Thrown aback for the second time today, she snatched up her coat and opened the door. “Fine. Be a b****. I was just trying to be friendly.”
“Yes, well, don’t. You’re not fooling anyone.” Serena nudged Becky out the door, and slammed it shut. Pushing the bolt over the door, she leaned back against it and sighed.
At that very moment, there was nothing Serena van der Woodsen wanted more than for Becky to get her scrawny *** back over to LA and leave her Upper East Side alone. Drama is fun. Scandal is juicy. Partying is wild. But Becky Summers? Becky Summers is chaos. Troublesome, evil, chaos.
Chuck and Serena burst into the Waldorf penthouse, out of breath. They had practically ran across the Upper East Side, not bothering with a ride through the high-traffic New York streets.
Eleanor Waldorf looked up from her magazine as they stepped out of the elevator, exhausted. “Charles and Serena?” she asked, surprised.
“We… we wanted to know…” Serena puffed, trying to get out the words. “Where’s Blair?” Chuck said, finishing for her.
Eleanor gave them an odd look, as if they had just asked her why she didn’t buy her shoes at Macy’s. “Why, she’s in Florida,” Mrs. Waldorf said, sounding as if it was obvious. “Didn’t she tell you?”
“Not exactly,” Serena replied.
“Florida?” Chuck asked, surprised himself. “Not Paris, or London, or Milan?”
“No… Florida. Harold has a condo over on West Palm Beach. Blair said she didn’t feel like the regular getaways; the relaxing beaches will be a nice break. She’s been so stressed lately.”
“Do you know how long she plans to be there for?” Chuck said, reading Serena’s mind.
Eleanor shrugged, but with elegance. Only a woman as worldly as herself could do that. “A few months, at the most. I’m not really sure. She could come back in a week, or not.”
Serena sighed. “Well, thank you for your help, Mrs. Waldorf,” she said politely.
“Of course. I just can’t believe she didn’t tell you two. You are her best friends after all.”
Chuck wondered if Eleanor Waldorf even knew of the extent of their relationship. He guessed not.
“Yeah,” Serena said, heading for the door. “I suppose she didn’t want it to go public.”
“Well, my bad, then,” Mrs. Waldorf said, laughing. Chuck and Serena stared at her.
“What?” she asked defensively. “Isn’t that what you youngsters say these days? ‘My bad’?”
Oh, god. Chuck and Serena hated it when adults tried to be cool. But didn’t every teenager? Of all the people, they never would have guessed Eleanor Waldorf would dare to drop to such a high level of patheticness.
“Yes, well, thank you,” Chuck said quickly, ushering Serena out. “Talk about scary,” he said quietly as they exited the building.
Serena laughed. “Yeah. So, what are you going to do, Chuck Bass? What shall it be?”
He glanced at her. “The plan is: my hotel suite, so I can pack. Then the airport. My father’s jet is in Italy with him on some trip, so I’ll have to settle for public. But it shouldn’t be too hard to get an instant flight, with my name.”
Serena scoffed at his arrogance, even in such a time like this. Even though she couldn’t help but admit he was right. “Fine. Do you want me to come with you? To the airport, I mean. I don’t think this is a situation I can help fix.”
“I think I’ll be okay. Plus, you’d just be wasting your time coming along. You’d better go home. I’ll call you later.” Chuck walked down the street a ways, and then hailed a cab. He turned to her just as a yellow taxi pulled up.
“And, Serena?” His eyes turned soft as Serena spotted the tiniest smile on his lips. “Thank you.”
Serena smiled warmly. She didn’t say anything, but just gave a little wave as Chuck lowered himself into the taxi.
“Here you are, sir. One ticket to Palm Beach, Sunshine State.”
The airport attendant smiled as she handed Chuck the printed boarding pass. Grabbing his suitcase, he headed for Customs.
“Serena.”
Becky pushed herself from the wall as Serena walked through her hotel suite door.
“Becky,” she said in surprise. “What… what are you doing in my suite?”
“I thought we could talk.” Becky’s expression looked strangely bitter. But not exactly unbelievable, as Serena remembered her face when she stormed out of Chuck’s place.
“I’m not really in the mood for talking,” Serena said simply as she hung up her coat and tossed her purse on the sofa.
“Well, too bad, because I am. So how about a little game or 20 Questions?” Becky raised her eyebrows. Serena loathed the gesture. “Question One. What was Chuck doing expecting you at his suite after school?”
“What do you think? With Blair not available, he obviously called me over for a quickie.”
Becky’s eyebrows shot up a little more, amused. “Question Two. Where is our little Blair Waldorf?”
“Taking some time off. I heard some people have been drawing her close to the depression line.”
“Question Three,” Becky said, unaffected. She looked at Serena suggestively. “You going to go after her?”
“Here’s a question for you, Rebecca,” Serena said, no longer in the mood for this stupidity. “When are you going to get the hell out of my suite, and go spread your crap to someone who cares?”
Becky blinked. Thrown aback for the second time today, she snatched up her coat and opened the door. “Fine. Be a b****. I was just trying to be friendly.”
“Yes, well, don’t. You’re not fooling anyone.” Serena nudged Becky out the door, and slammed it shut. Pushing the bolt over the door, she leaned back against it and sighed.
At that very moment, there was nothing Serena van der Woodsen wanted more than for Becky to get her scrawny *** back over to LA and leave her Upper East Side alone. Drama is fun. Scandal is juicy. Partying is wild. But Becky Summers? Becky Summers is chaos. Troublesome, evil, chaos.
Chapter 56
Chapter 56
“Alright, bye, Jenny.” Oliver kissed Jenny on the lips, and when he walked away, her friends began squealing.
“Oooh Jenny! He so loves you!” Isabel cooed.
“He so does. Did you see that? Adorable!” Kati added.
“Oh, come on, guys,” Jenny said, blushing. But deep inside, she was ecstatic. Not just because Oliver was now her official boyfriend, but because now she had her very own man for Is and Kati, infinite bachelorettes, to admire and envy.
Serena smiled. “Good for you, J,” she said happily. “But I have to go. I’ll talk to you guys later.” The girls waved as Serena walked away, leaving them to chat about Jenny’s new beau.
Suddenly, as Serena turned the corner out onto the street, Dan popped out in front of her.
“Dan!” she said excitedly, hugging him. She kissed him quickly, then pulled away. “I haven’t talked to you in forever.”
“Yes, well, you’ve been incredibly busy with that Becky girl.” Dan looked slightly disappointed. Serena frowned, and hugged him again.
“Awe, don’t be sad. You don’t have to worry about her being a bad influence on me anymore. I’m just waiting for the right moment to shun her from my life.”
Dan looked at her, puzzled. “Explain, please?” he asked.
“It’s… complicated. A Blair thing. I don’t even know.” Serena shrugged.
“Oh. Well, don’t hate me for it, but I’m glad. Something about her just didn’t seem right.”
“Apparently,” Serena muttered under her breath, thinking of the note from Blair stashed safely in her bag.
“But anyway, where is Blair?” Dan glanced around at the emptying campus. “I haven’t seen her all day.”
“I don’t know, but hopefully I’ll find out soon.” Dan gave her another quizzical look. “Don’t worry. She’s fine. I’ll just… I’ll explain later.” Serena kissed Dan’s cheek, and waved her fingers at him and she walked off down the path. Dan sighed, and started off in the other direction. It wasn’t like he wasn’t used to Serena explaining her life in the vaguest way possible.
Chuck looked up as his hotel suite door opened. “Hey, Serena, I—” He stopped when he saw that it wasn’t Serena. It wasn’t even close.
“Serena, huh?” Becky closed the door behind her, looking amused. “Charles Bass, I had no idea. I thought you were a one-lady man.”
Chuck rolled his eyes. “Rebecca Kailey Summers, what do you want.”
“Oh, so we’re going formal now, huh?” Becky threw her coat onto the hanger, and walked slowly over to where Chuck was sitting. She sat beside him on the sofa and crossed her legs neatly. She smiled at him.
“So, you were expecting Serena? Hmm, I wonder what for.” Becky eyed him suggestively.
“Yes. It’s exactly what you think it is.” Chuck’s voice was dull, as if he didn’t want to talk playfully with her.
“What’s wrong?” Becky said, frowning. “You always used to like bantering with me.”
Immediately, Chuck thought of Blair. He liked bantering with Blair. He didn’t mind when she insulted him because he knew it was out of affection. And although the things she said weren’t always respectful, he knew she respected him. And he respected her, obviously. Chuck Bass doesn’t ask, “You Sure?” very often. Especially to hot, drunk, dress-less girls in his limo.
“I guess I’ve grown out of it.”
Becky inched closer. “A lot of things you’ve seemed to outgrow since I left,” she said, scooting over a little bit with each word.
“What do you want, Becky.” Chuck’s question was less of a question, and more of an invitation to her to leave.
“I just thought we could hang out,” she said innocently. “Like old times.” She leaned closer to him, placing her hand delicately on his thigh. Fingering his collar, Chuck could feel the heat of her breath. His pulse quickened, and he pushed her away slightly.
“What?” Becky pouted. A sly smile made its way onto her lips. “I’m not doing nothing.”
Chuck glanced at her wearily. “Becky,” he said, “No, okay? You know about me and Blair. And we…”
“Chuckles,” she said softly. “But we have history. Important history. And you just want to forget that? Like nothing happened? Like what we did that night meant nothing?”
“History. Exactly. That’s what it is; history. And I think you’re the one who wanted to forget.” Chuck’s voice started to waver a bit as he got louder, the anger boiling up inside him. “You’re the one who left a week later, left for the other side of the country. And didn’t call, or write, for 3 years. And then you just come back, expecting nothing to have changed. You expected Serena to still be a party girl. You expected Blair to still be Nate’s virgin. You expected me to forgive and wait for you to come back.”
He stared at her, hurt softening his face. “But I don’t wait. Not for people like you. You don’t deserve me waiting and being loyal while you were off drinking with the cast of the OC, and sleeping with the dancers from High School Musical. While you were attending movie premiers and red carpet events, you expected me to sit her in New York, waiting. And I got sick of waiting. I got sick of you controlling me from a million miles away, so I made a vow to do what I wanted.
“You’re the reason I found happiness in spending money and investing in strip clubs. You’re the reason I didn’t know what true happiness was until I was with Blair. You ruined my teen-hood and kept me from what I really wanted, just so when you decided to come back, you’d have someone to come home to. But I left that position a long time ago.
“So don’t even try. Because you know I’ll never even look at a selfish, b****y piece of **** like you ever again.”
For once, Becky Summers didn’t know what to say. For once, Becky Summers’ eyebrows weren’t raised. For once, Becky Summers was hurt. But Chuck wouldn’t let her have the satisfaction of being hurt. He’d let her have the guilt, and the understanding of what he’d always seen her as.
But she deserved nothing else.
“But… but you loved me”, was all she managed to say.
Chuck remained stone-faced. “No. I lusted after you. You were just one of the many stuck on that list.”
Becky opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Quickly, she tried to save some of her pride. Standing up, she snatched her coat, and opened the door without another word. But someone was already waiting on the other side of the door.
“Becky,” Serena said in surprise. The surprise wasn’t at her being at Chuck’s; it was the tears brimming her eyes. In all the years S had known Becky, she had never, never, seen her cry.
Still without saying anything, Becky pushed past her and hurried down the hallway. Serena turned to Chuck, silently asking him for an explanation.
Chuck sighed. “Don’t even ask,” he said, leaning back against the couch.
Serena just pursed her lips, and walked over. Sitting down where Becky had just been, she lifted her bag up beside her. Chuck sat up, intrigued.
“So? What’s going on?” he asked as Serena dug around in her purse. She pulled out the two envelopes, and handed one to Chuck.
“She left us letters. That’s the one she gave to me.”
Chuck read it over, frowning. Serena watched his face as he gravely handed it back to her.
“What was that part about you being able to elaborate?” she asked curiously.
“Remember when Becky and I dated a few years back, right before she left for California?” he asked, not hesitating to tell her. “Well, we slept together. My first time. And then she left.”
Serena’s eyes grew so wide they looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. “Uh…” Wow. Serena hadn’t even ever considered that Chuck had lost his virginity. She’d just thought he was born a nonvirgin.
“I know. So, what? Becky told Blair?”
“Well, it wasn’t exactly out in the open,” Serena pointed out.
Chuck sighed. “That’s because that’s a chapter in my life I’d like to forget.”
“Seriously? Out of everything, that’s the one thing you regret? Unbelievable.”
“You know what I mean. That girl just drives me insane. And not in a good way.” Chuck eyed the other envelope. “Is that one mine?” he asked.
Serena nodded, and handed it to him. She waited while he opened and read it.
Chuck,
Don’t think I’m not extremely pissed off at you for not telling me. You could have, you know. It would have been better than Little Miss Evil breaking it down.
I’ve gone away for a while. It’s just best. I need some time to cool off and think. I’m not going to tie you down, though. Do whatever you want while I’m gone; the Victrola girls must miss you.
And even though I can’t see you right now, and you kept this huge secret from me, just remember that I love you. Always will.
xo, Blair
Chuck let out another sigh as he read it over, and then handed it to Serena. She read it quickly, and placed it back in the envelope.
“Looks like she doesn’t want us to know where she’s gone,” Serena said quietly, looking at her lap.
“Well that’s stupid,” Chuck said. “We could just ask her mom.”
Serena shot up and looked at him. Her eyes were filled with hope.
“What? Now?” Chuck sounded almost irritated.
“You truly know nothing about romance,” she said, pulling him up and out the door. “No wonder you gave your virginity to Becky Summers.”
Chuck scoffed, but followed her down the hall to the elevator. “So, what? We ask Eleanor where Blair went, and then what do we do? Hop on a private jet and drag her back to Manhattan?”
Serena whirled around so abruptly Chuck bumped into her. She looked into his eyes, her expression serious. “I think you know what you need to do.”
Chuck gazed at her. Thoughts of Blair filled his mind. Her perfect smile, her warm eyes, her luscious lips, her amazing body. Her voice when she said his name. Her hair blowing about her face as the wind rushed by. Her soft, feminine hands as they slid over his jacket, her touch full of desire.
Chuck came back into focus and looked at Serena. His face was solemn with determination. “Let’s go,” he said firmly, pulling Serena into the elevator.
“Alright, bye, Jenny.” Oliver kissed Jenny on the lips, and when he walked away, her friends began squealing.
“Oooh Jenny! He so loves you!” Isabel cooed.
“He so does. Did you see that? Adorable!” Kati added.
“Oh, come on, guys,” Jenny said, blushing. But deep inside, she was ecstatic. Not just because Oliver was now her official boyfriend, but because now she had her very own man for Is and Kati, infinite bachelorettes, to admire and envy.
Serena smiled. “Good for you, J,” she said happily. “But I have to go. I’ll talk to you guys later.” The girls waved as Serena walked away, leaving them to chat about Jenny’s new beau.
Suddenly, as Serena turned the corner out onto the street, Dan popped out in front of her.
“Dan!” she said excitedly, hugging him. She kissed him quickly, then pulled away. “I haven’t talked to you in forever.”
“Yes, well, you’ve been incredibly busy with that Becky girl.” Dan looked slightly disappointed. Serena frowned, and hugged him again.
“Awe, don’t be sad. You don’t have to worry about her being a bad influence on me anymore. I’m just waiting for the right moment to shun her from my life.”
Dan looked at her, puzzled. “Explain, please?” he asked.
“It’s… complicated. A Blair thing. I don’t even know.” Serena shrugged.
“Oh. Well, don’t hate me for it, but I’m glad. Something about her just didn’t seem right.”
“Apparently,” Serena muttered under her breath, thinking of the note from Blair stashed safely in her bag.
“But anyway, where is Blair?” Dan glanced around at the emptying campus. “I haven’t seen her all day.”
“I don’t know, but hopefully I’ll find out soon.” Dan gave her another quizzical look. “Don’t worry. She’s fine. I’ll just… I’ll explain later.” Serena kissed Dan’s cheek, and waved her fingers at him and she walked off down the path. Dan sighed, and started off in the other direction. It wasn’t like he wasn’t used to Serena explaining her life in the vaguest way possible.
Chuck looked up as his hotel suite door opened. “Hey, Serena, I—” He stopped when he saw that it wasn’t Serena. It wasn’t even close.
“Serena, huh?” Becky closed the door behind her, looking amused. “Charles Bass, I had no idea. I thought you were a one-lady man.”
Chuck rolled his eyes. “Rebecca Kailey Summers, what do you want.”
“Oh, so we’re going formal now, huh?” Becky threw her coat onto the hanger, and walked slowly over to where Chuck was sitting. She sat beside him on the sofa and crossed her legs neatly. She smiled at him.
“So, you were expecting Serena? Hmm, I wonder what for.” Becky eyed him suggestively.
“Yes. It’s exactly what you think it is.” Chuck’s voice was dull, as if he didn’t want to talk playfully with her.
“What’s wrong?” Becky said, frowning. “You always used to like bantering with me.”
Immediately, Chuck thought of Blair. He liked bantering with Blair. He didn’t mind when she insulted him because he knew it was out of affection. And although the things she said weren’t always respectful, he knew she respected him. And he respected her, obviously. Chuck Bass doesn’t ask, “You Sure?” very often. Especially to hot, drunk, dress-less girls in his limo.
“I guess I’ve grown out of it.”
Becky inched closer. “A lot of things you’ve seemed to outgrow since I left,” she said, scooting over a little bit with each word.
“What do you want, Becky.” Chuck’s question was less of a question, and more of an invitation to her to leave.
“I just thought we could hang out,” she said innocently. “Like old times.” She leaned closer to him, placing her hand delicately on his thigh. Fingering his collar, Chuck could feel the heat of her breath. His pulse quickened, and he pushed her away slightly.
“What?” Becky pouted. A sly smile made its way onto her lips. “I’m not doing nothing.”
Chuck glanced at her wearily. “Becky,” he said, “No, okay? You know about me and Blair. And we…”
“Chuckles,” she said softly. “But we have history. Important history. And you just want to forget that? Like nothing happened? Like what we did that night meant nothing?”
“History. Exactly. That’s what it is; history. And I think you’re the one who wanted to forget.” Chuck’s voice started to waver a bit as he got louder, the anger boiling up inside him. “You’re the one who left a week later, left for the other side of the country. And didn’t call, or write, for 3 years. And then you just come back, expecting nothing to have changed. You expected Serena to still be a party girl. You expected Blair to still be Nate’s virgin. You expected me to forgive and wait for you to come back.”
He stared at her, hurt softening his face. “But I don’t wait. Not for people like you. You don’t deserve me waiting and being loyal while you were off drinking with the cast of the OC, and sleeping with the dancers from High School Musical. While you were attending movie premiers and red carpet events, you expected me to sit her in New York, waiting. And I got sick of waiting. I got sick of you controlling me from a million miles away, so I made a vow to do what I wanted.
“You’re the reason I found happiness in spending money and investing in strip clubs. You’re the reason I didn’t know what true happiness was until I was with Blair. You ruined my teen-hood and kept me from what I really wanted, just so when you decided to come back, you’d have someone to come home to. But I left that position a long time ago.
“So don’t even try. Because you know I’ll never even look at a selfish, b****y piece of **** like you ever again.”
For once, Becky Summers didn’t know what to say. For once, Becky Summers’ eyebrows weren’t raised. For once, Becky Summers was hurt. But Chuck wouldn’t let her have the satisfaction of being hurt. He’d let her have the guilt, and the understanding of what he’d always seen her as.
But she deserved nothing else.
“But… but you loved me”, was all she managed to say.
Chuck remained stone-faced. “No. I lusted after you. You were just one of the many stuck on that list.”
Becky opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Quickly, she tried to save some of her pride. Standing up, she snatched her coat, and opened the door without another word. But someone was already waiting on the other side of the door.
“Becky,” Serena said in surprise. The surprise wasn’t at her being at Chuck’s; it was the tears brimming her eyes. In all the years S had known Becky, she had never, never, seen her cry.
Still without saying anything, Becky pushed past her and hurried down the hallway. Serena turned to Chuck, silently asking him for an explanation.
Chuck sighed. “Don’t even ask,” he said, leaning back against the couch.
Serena just pursed her lips, and walked over. Sitting down where Becky had just been, she lifted her bag up beside her. Chuck sat up, intrigued.
“So? What’s going on?” he asked as Serena dug around in her purse. She pulled out the two envelopes, and handed one to Chuck.
“She left us letters. That’s the one she gave to me.”
Chuck read it over, frowning. Serena watched his face as he gravely handed it back to her.
“What was that part about you being able to elaborate?” she asked curiously.
“Remember when Becky and I dated a few years back, right before she left for California?” he asked, not hesitating to tell her. “Well, we slept together. My first time. And then she left.”
Serena’s eyes grew so wide they looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. “Uh…” Wow. Serena hadn’t even ever considered that Chuck had lost his virginity. She’d just thought he was born a nonvirgin.
“I know. So, what? Becky told Blair?”
“Well, it wasn’t exactly out in the open,” Serena pointed out.
Chuck sighed. “That’s because that’s a chapter in my life I’d like to forget.”
“Seriously? Out of everything, that’s the one thing you regret? Unbelievable.”
“You know what I mean. That girl just drives me insane. And not in a good way.” Chuck eyed the other envelope. “Is that one mine?” he asked.
Serena nodded, and handed it to him. She waited while he opened and read it.
Chuck,
Don’t think I’m not extremely pissed off at you for not telling me. You could have, you know. It would have been better than Little Miss Evil breaking it down.
I’ve gone away for a while. It’s just best. I need some time to cool off and think. I’m not going to tie you down, though. Do whatever you want while I’m gone; the Victrola girls must miss you.
And even though I can’t see you right now, and you kept this huge secret from me, just remember that I love you. Always will.
xo, Blair
Chuck let out another sigh as he read it over, and then handed it to Serena. She read it quickly, and placed it back in the envelope.
“Looks like she doesn’t want us to know where she’s gone,” Serena said quietly, looking at her lap.
“Well that’s stupid,” Chuck said. “We could just ask her mom.”
Serena shot up and looked at him. Her eyes were filled with hope.
“What? Now?” Chuck sounded almost irritated.
“You truly know nothing about romance,” she said, pulling him up and out the door. “No wonder you gave your virginity to Becky Summers.”
Chuck scoffed, but followed her down the hall to the elevator. “So, what? We ask Eleanor where Blair went, and then what do we do? Hop on a private jet and drag her back to Manhattan?”
Serena whirled around so abruptly Chuck bumped into her. She looked into his eyes, her expression serious. “I think you know what you need to do.”
Chuck gazed at her. Thoughts of Blair filled his mind. Her perfect smile, her warm eyes, her luscious lips, her amazing body. Her voice when she said his name. Her hair blowing about her face as the wind rushed by. Her soft, feminine hands as they slid over his jacket, her touch full of desire.
Chuck came back into focus and looked at Serena. His face was solemn with determination. “Let’s go,” he said firmly, pulling Serena into the elevator.
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.
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.
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