Chapter 14 -Part 1

Chapter 14
Part 1

“Hi, Nate? Look, I’ve thought it over, and, I really would like to start over.” Blair was up in her room getting ready for school. It was a brisk Tuesday morning, and B couldn’t wait to start the day.
“Really? I mean, that’s great, Blair. I’ll see you at school.”
Blair smiled as she hung up. Nate really seemed to be willing to start over fresh, and that could work for her. It would save her the trouble of worrying about her complicated feelings.
Blair got up from her vanity desk and walked over to her jewellery box. She felt like wearing something special today.
She opened the box, but then hesitated. Sitting patiently in front of her was the Archibald ring; but next to it was Chuck’s necklace.
Blair didn’t know what to do.
Shaking her head, she pushed the necklace aside and reached for the diamond ring. Slipping it on her finger, she smiled. That felt good. Obviously, the ring, and Nate, was the right choice.

Serena was hurrying down the hall of Constance Billiard when she ran into someone. Apologizing and picking up her fallen books, she faced the person she had rushed into.
“Vanessa?” Serena said in disbelief.
“Oh, hey Serena. I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you there.” Vanessa gave her a strained smile as she picked up her textbook.
“Oh, um, that’s okay. But, what are you doing here?”
“Didn’t Dan tell you? I transferred to Constance Billiard. I was hoping it would be good change for me, considering this is the sister school to Dan’s and all.”
“Oh, well, I guess Dan forgot to mention it to me.”
“Well, I wouldn’t be surprised. You two really aren’t that close anyway.” Vanessa smiled sweetly at Serena as she started down the hall, but S stopped her.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, nothing,” Vanessa beamed. “It’s just, well, remember when Dan’s mom came back? He came to me, not you. But I guess that’s understandable, considering I am his best friend and all. But don’t feel bad, Serena. I’m sure you can find some other guy to be with. I mean, with your reputation, it’ll be hard not to.” Vanessa gave her one last wicked smile before briskly continuing down the hall. Serena just stared as she walked away, jaw dropped open.

During lunch, Vanessa caught up with Dan.
“Hey,” she said cheerfully, stopping in front of him.
“Hey,” Dan replied distractedly, looking over V’s shoulder. “Have you seen Serena?”
“Actually, no. But this morning I ran into her and she said she didn’t want to see you at lunch today.”
“Huh? Why not?” Dan looked at his best friend.
“I don’t know, she said something about getting sick of you always being so clingy.” Vanessa shrugged and led Dan over to a bench. She sat down with him. “But don’t worry; I’ll hang out with you.”
“Um, okay.” Dan looked a little disappointed. Vanessa frowned.
“What’s wrong? Aren’t you glad we basically go to the same school now?”
“Oh, uh, yeah. No, it’s great. I’m just upset about Serena, I guess. Are you sure that’s what she said?”
“Definitely. I wouldn’t lie to you, Dan.” Vanessa gave him her sweetest smile and leaned over to him a little closer.
“I don’t know… I mean, maybe I should go talk to her…” Dan started to stand up, but Vanessa quickly pulled him back down.
“No! I mean, I don’t think that’s a good idea. She seemed pretty annoyed. I’d let her cool off a bit.”
“Okay…” Dan said, but he still looked rather disappointed.

Spotted: S searching for her Not-So-Lonely Boy at lunch. I guess no one told her V had whisked him away. Better watch out, Serena. Looks like V’s venom is a little more poisonous than you expected. And if you aren’t careful, you might just get bit.