Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Blair was walking the hall at school on Monday when Nate came rushing up behind her.
“Blair,” he said breathlessly, stopping in front of her. She pushed him aside and continued walking.
“Go away Nate,” she said dully. “You’re gonna be late for class.”
“Blair,” he protested, grabbing B’s arm and pulling her into a corner. “I really need to talk to you.”
“Save it,” Blair said coldly, pulling her arm away from his grip. “I know you love Serena, remember? And we’re over. I don’t need you anymore.”
“Blair, just hear me out,” Nate begged. “I’m sorry for everything. It’s really hard right now, what with my dad and everything, but I’ve realized that I was neglecting you and your needs. I wasn’t treating you right, and I want a second chance. I only thought I was in love with Serena. I just needed to wake up and realize that neither of us really cared about each other that way, and we could never be together because I would always love you, Blair.”
Blair studied his face. You could see the desperation in his expression. “Well, it looks like you can’t ever be with either of us,” she finally said, “Because it was your love for Serena that kept us from being good together.” She began to walk away. Nate stopped her again.
“But Blair, I don’t love Serena! I love you! And I always will! I was stupid and drunk that night with Serena, and I thought that was love. It was ridiculous of me to ever think I loved her. But now I know that Blair, you’re the girl for me. You always will be, and I’d do anything just to have you back. I’m ready to fully commit to our relationship and make it just like it used to be.”
Blair bit her lip. She was torn between fighting back, or just running into his arms. Finally, she decided what to say. “If I’m the girl for you, then what were you doing with that tramp the night of my birthday party?” If he wanted her, he would have to work for it.
“She’s just a friend! At least I didn’t kiss her! I don’t even like Jenny that way.” Blair’s eyes widened.
“J-Jenny? Jenny Humphrey?”
“Well, yeah! It wasn’t like I borrowed some sl*t from Chuck for the night.”
“You spent the night with her?” Blair was in shock.
“We took a walk. We talked about families and stuff like that. Nothing happened. She’s just a friend. Blair, I didn’t show up at your party because I didn’t know what I was doing that night. I was mad about my parents, and just couldn’t face another one of your parties. I’m sorry. I really do care about you, though, and I really do want this to work.” Nate reached in his pocket and pulled out a ring. It was the gorgeous family heirloom that had belonged to his mother; the same ring the Archibalds had tried to force Nate to give Blair just a few days earlier. Nate took Blair’s hand and slipped it on her finger. He kissed her hand and then let her examine the ring.
B was speechless. She just stood there, turning her hand in every direction to view every angle of the beautiful gem. Finally, she looked up at Nate and smiled.
“So do you think we can start over?” Nate gently took her hand and starting rubbing it. Blair smiled at him.
“I’ll think about it,” she said, right before the bell sounded, telling her it was time to get to class. Nate smiled and kissed her forehead before turning to leave for the boy’s hall. Blair was left standing there, too stunned to move, until Serena rushed up and guided her to their next class.

At lunch, Blair pulled Jenny over to the side to talk to her.
“Jenny,” Blair said in the sweet voice she used to get what she wanted, “What are you doing today after school?”
“Um, nothing,” Jenny replied. “Why?”
“Well, I was just wondering if you would be able to pick up a few things for me. As you are probably aware, I’m planning a new party, so I would really appreciate it if you could pick up some of the decorations and drop them off at my house after you finish class. It would earn you an invite, naturally.”
Jenny, wanting to please Blair, said, “Sure, I think I can do that.”
Blair smiled, satisfied. “Great. Here’s the address of the boutique.” She handed Jenny a slip of paper. “It shouldn’t take you long.”
“Of course. I mean, anything for you, Blair.”
“Awesome. I’ll meet you at my house afterwards. Call me when you get there.” Blair turned and walked back to her friends while Jenny followed. B smiled to herself, happy with her plan.

“Blair Waldorf?” Dan looked up in surprise as B walked through the Humphrey loft door. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have some exclusive event to be at?”
Blair smiled and walked over to Dan, who was making a sandwich in the kitchen. “Actually, not today. I just came by to pick up the purse I left here yesterday when I was with Jenny. I’m going out tonight, and it’s the only one that matches my outfit.”
“Well that’s hard to believe. I had no idea you used a fashion accessory more than once.”
“Scoff if you will,” Blair said sarcastically, heading to Jenny’s room, “But I’m actually quite diligent about recycling. I wear everything at least twice before sending it off to charity.”
Dan laughed as Blair disappeared into J’s room.
Quickly, she hurried to the computer. Turning it on, Blair went to Jenny’s email page. Clicking on the ‘Sent Messages’ folder, she scrolled down. She clicked on one of the messages. Sure enough, just as B had suspected, there was the email to Gossip Girl with the photo of her and Chuck attached.
“B*tch,” Blair muttered under her breath as she printed off the page. She opened the bag she was carrying and pulled out a small white clutch. Hurrying out of the room holding the white purse, she thanked Dan and left the apartment.
Hailing a taxi, Blair headed for home. She needed to have a little talk with a certain Jenny Humphrey.