Chapter 16 -Part 2

Chapter 16
Part 2

“Oh, Blair! What are you going to do?” B had just explained to S what had happened between her and Chuck.
Blair sighed. “I don’t know! I mean, Nate really does look like he wants to change, and I love that because then I’ll have my boyfriend back, but then Chuck comes in here and ruins everything!”
Serena hesitated. “Maybe,” she said slowly, “Maybe Chuck’s not the one who’s ruining everything…”
Blair looked at her, puzzled. “Do you mean that Nate is the one who’s interrupting something special?”
“Well, I’ve never seen Chuck like this before. You’re all he can talk about. He can’t help it if he likes you, Blair. And Nate just comes storming in and out of your life; maybe it’s time you just let go of him and move on for good.”
Blair replied thoughtfully, “Well, I know you would be honest with me, Serena. I mean, it’s not like you’re telling me to break up with Nate just so you can have him…”
“No, of course not! I love you too much to do that to you, B. Plus, my thing with Nate is over. We’re just friends, and that’s all we’ll ever be. And I’ll make sure of it.”
Blair laughed a little. “Yeah, I know. But I’m torn! I mean, I really want to be with Nate again, because I love him, but Chuck… argh!!! I’m so confused! Why am I thinking about Chuck so much??? He’s perverted and disgusting and totally not my type…”
“Well, maybe that’s what makes you think about him so much. He’s interesting. No offence, B, but Nate is kind of blah.”
Blair thought about that. “Hmm, well, maybe. I mean, maybe just a little.” She laughed. “Yeah, maybe a little with Chuck being interesting and Nate being blah. Yes, I suppose Chuck never ceases to amaze.” B glanced over at her dresser where the diamond necklace sat.
Serena followed her gaze. She walked over to the dresser and picked up the necklace. Blair had told her the truth about it when she had her outburst. Serena held it up to the light, and gazed at it as it glistened and sparkled.
Serena looked back at Blair, still holding up the piece of jewellery. “Does this mean…” she said, glancing at the dangling necklace. “Does this mean you like Chuck?”
Blair stared at her friend for a moment. Then, her gaze shifted to the necklace. She was awed by its beauty. Chuck’s words came back to her. Something this beautiful deserves to be worn by someone worthy of its beauty. Blair sighed. There was something about that necklace… there was something about that quote… there was something… there was something about Chuck. Something Blair loved.
But just because his necklace awes me and his words enchant me, Blair told herself, that doesn’t mean that I love him. Or even like him, in that way.
“No, of course not,” she finally told Serena. “I mean, Chuck Bass? How lower could my standards fall?”
Serena gave her a look that said, You so love him. “Sure,” Serena replied sarcastically. She put the necklace back and walked over to Blair.
“But seriously,” Serena said, sitting down next to her friend. “Chuck is pretty hot. Except, of course, for the date rapist thing.”
Blair laughed. “Yeah, I don’t know what that’s about. But I haven’t seen him with a single girl since that night at Victrola.”
“Really? That’s weird,” Serena said thoughtfully. “Hey, maybe he loves you.”
Blair punched Serena’s arm. “Yeah, right. Come on, Chuck Bass doesn’t fall in love.”
“He also doesn’t sleep with the same girl more than once,” S countered. “Except by accident, of course.”
“Yeah, but he would never betray Nate like that.”
Serena raised her eyebrows. “Or would he? Hey, here’s a not-so-crazy thought: Maybe Chuck’s always loved you, ever since preschool!”
Blair laughed loudly. “Yeah, that’s totally realistic. Come on, Chuck’s never been in love. With anyone. And probably never will be.”
“I don’t know,” Serena said in a sing-song voice. “The way he looks at you… the way you look back…”
“Shut up! I don’t like Chuck, okay? Me and Nate are together now. And I need to make this work. Chuck and I will just have to stay friends. That’s how it’s supposed to be, anyway. This way, Nate will never find out, and Chuck will get to keep his life.”
Serena smiled. “You know, I would laugh at last part if it wasn’t so true.”
“Thanks so much, S. For today. You’re such a good friend.”
“No problem, Blair. But, is it okay if I leave now? I’ve got to go talk to Dan. I’ll tell you about it later.”
“Okay. Call me when you’re not busy.”
“Sure.”
Serena headed towards the door, but suddenly stopped. “Good luck, B. I mean, with Chuck and Nate and everything.”
Blair smiled. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” Serena was just heading into the elevator when she called over her shoulder, “Oh, and Bass so loves you.”
Blair laughed and shook her head, but inside, she thought about what Serena had just said. Maybe, Blair thought, Maybe he really does.