Chapter 39

Chapter 39

“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to cause any trouble…”
Blair stood up, picked up her bag, and pulled Serena up with her.
“You’re too nice, S. This girl deserves what’s coming to her.”
“But… this is my battle,” Serena said slowly. “And plus, you’re kind of known for being ruthless.”
Blair pursed her glossy lips. “Fine. We won’t fight back. But if you lose Dan forever to that conniving hoe, it’s not my problem.”
Serena though for a moment, and then picked up her canvas bag, swinging it over her bare shoulder. “Let’s go,” she said, with a fierceness in her voice that Blair had never heard before.
“Good,” B said, pleased. “I was hoping you would give in. Time to put Operation SDBFVTB into action.”
“‘SDBFVTB’?” Serena asked, puzzled.
“Steal Dan Back From Vanessa The Bitch!” Blair rolled her eyes as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Right,” Serena said, laughing.

Dan slipped his hands around Vanessa’s waist, pulling her in closer. Keeping her lips on his, Vanessa backed up into her room. Twirling around, she kicked her bedroom door closed and pushed Dan onto the bed. She climbed on top, sliding her hands across his chest. Thrusting her tongue into his mouth, she began unbuttoning his shirt.
Suddenly, Vanessa heard a loud banging on the front door of the apartment. Disappointment filled her stomach as she got up from the bed.
“Be right back,” she said, winking at Dan. He sighed quietly, watching V as she left the room.
Running to the front door, Vanessa swung it open. The shock on her face slowly morphed into an amused smile.
“Serena,” she said cheerfully. “What are you doing here?”
“I’d like to have a word with you,” Serena replied, glancing around the apartment. “I hope I didn’t come at a bad time.”
“Not at all,” Vanessa said, letting her in, a half-evil grin on her face.
Suddenly, Vanessa’s bedroom door opened, and Dan walked out, still buttoning up his shirt.
“Who was at the door?” he asked, finishing with the last button. Dan looked up, and froze when he saw who was standing next to Vanessa.
Serena felt her heart plummet. Obviously she had come at a terrible time. “Dan,” she said breathlessly, not knowing what else to say.
For a few seconds, Dan couldn’t tear his gaze from Serena. Seeing her stabbed his heart with pain, but he still missed her so much. Finally, Dan asked, his voice cold, “What is she doing here?”
The question was directed to Vanessa, but he was still staring at Serena.
“I don’t know,” V said, her voice chirpy. “Why are you here, Serena?”
S forgot all about her telling Vanessa off. She just wanted to run into Dan’s arms and hug him. If only there weren’t that heartbreaking expression on his face: pain, mixed with sorrow, mixed with hate.
“Dan, I—”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Dan interrupted quickly. “Can you just leave?”
Serena studied his face. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Then, giving Dan one last pleading glance, she turned around and walked slowly to the door.
But just as her hand was ready to turn the doorknob, Serena realized the only way to get Dan back was to fight for him. Gripping the cold metal doorknob, Serena turned around. She let go, and walked up to Dan.
“Please,” she whispered, although her expression was no longer hurt and pleading. “I need you to listen to me. We need to talk. I promise, there’s a really interesting explanation, and it’s nothing like what you think. You just need to trust me.”
Vanessa stood next to the front door, leaning against the wall. She was amused by Serena’s pathetic attempts to win Dan back. And by the expression on his face, she could tell he wasn’t buying into Serena’s story.
Now it was Dan’s turn to study Serena’s face. Longing tugged at his heart. He really wanted to give her a chance. But just as soon as feelings of forgiveness had arrived in his mind, so had the photo from Gossip Girl’s site.
“How can I trust you?” he asked softly, quiet so Vanessa couldn’t hear. He just couldn’t seem to keep the coldness in his voice.
“My hotel suite, tomorrow afternoon, 3-ish. I’ll tell you everything,” she whispered, ignoring his question. In a lower voice, she said, “I know you don’t love Vanessa. I know you don’t because you love me.”
For a second, Dan was astounded by the conceited statement. But then, S added, “And I know you love me because I love you.”
Giving him her kindest smile, Serena turned around. Her face flashed back to a look of desperation as she trudged past Vanessa. V grinned maliciously as she closed the door behind her guest. She twirled back to Dan.
“So,” she said, sauntering towards him, “where were we?” She reached for the collar of Dan’s shirt, but he stopped her. He glanced at the clock on the wall, and then went to the door.
“I just remembered,” he said, putting on his coat, “I have to pick up Jenny from her pottery class. I am so sorry.” He kissed Vanessa’s cheek, and opened the door.
V pouted, but said, “Alright. Call me later?”
Dan nodded, and exited the apartment. As soon as the door was closed, he ran down the hallway and into the stairwell.
Rushing out into the blinding sunlight, Dan shielded his eyes and he scanned the sidewalk. On the other side of the street, he spotted Serena stepping into a cab. He plunged into the busy Brooklyn street, manoeuvring around cars as quickly as he could. But when he finally reached the other side, Serena’s taxi was already pulling away from the curb.
Dan sighed as he watched the taxi slip away into the traffic. He was too late.