The low drone of the plane's air conditioning system pulsed through Chuck's head as he leaned sleepily back against the leather seat.

"Well Archibald…I think it's safe to say that we did our 16-year-old selves proud this summer."

Nate looked up from the glass he was half-heartedly nursing and raised his eyebrows.

"Sixteen? Jesus. Is that all we were when we went to Monaco?"

"I think so. Junior year."

A strikingly tall and slim brunette in the custom Bass Industries stewardess uniform rustled past and stopped at their seats with a silver tray balanced on one hand.

"Mr Bass, we'll be landing in the city shortly. Just to let you know to buckle up."

Chuck thanked her before winking as she smiled coyly and collected their glasses. Nate waited until she was out of earshot before continuing their conversation:

"So: trip highlight?"

Chuck let out a low whistle before replying.

"I couldn't pick one. Although seeing you get mistaken for Prince William every night in London was pretty interesting."

Nate looked indignant.

"Seriously, I mean, the guy has lost half his hair. It's insulting more than anything! Plus he's married now so it's not like I could even use it to get laid."

"Without causing some serious scandal at least. Not that we had much trouble with that…especially in Berlin, if I remember rightly?"

"Man, that was all you and you know it. It's not my fault you can't resist a girl in leather…"

They both grinned at their shared memories of the last few months.

It wasn't long before they felt the unmistakeable slightly turbulent shudder as the plane began its descent, and Chuck looked up once again with a smile.

"Turns out you have some good ideas when the mood strikes, Nathaniel."

Nate chuckled under his breath.

"Thanks, I think. Although I'm not sure this idea you've come up with is going to turn out quite so well."

"Come on, you haven't been with Serena in what, nearly a year now? Longer? Plus she's spent so many months out here in California without us you'd think she'd be happy to see us again."

Nate chewed his lip slightly.

"I guess you're right. But I'm gonna blame you if this whole thing goes badly wrong."

They both laughed.

"Have you heard from Blair at all?"

Nate looked expectantly at his best friend as he waited for the response. Chuck sighed.

"Not a word. I guess it's easier for her that way. We parted on good terms but… I don't know. It's just easier."

"It's weird though…I thought especially in Europe we'd have seen her on the cover of OK! or some tabloid. Either they have amazing security or publicists who don't know what they're doing."

"It's true. I wouldn't think Blair would want to lie low when she's got the rock of a royal on her left hand. I guess she really is trying to make this engagement work."

They both sat in silence for the short remainder of their journey, feeling the slight bump of plane wheels hitting tarmac, before eventually the door opened and the stairs extended. Immediately they felt the warmth of the west coast breeze through the cabin and gathered their things before they got their feet back on American soil.

000000000000000

Serena was glad Blair had kept her promise. They'd both agreed back in New York that they would keep their distance this summer; not because they were embroiled in one of their now-infamous battles, but because of what Serena had said as they packed for their separate vacations. She was choosing herself, and she meant it. This summer had been educational in more ways than one, and aside from the occasional text just to check she was indeed still alive, it had helped to spend some time away from her best friend (as much as she loved her). Blair, well-meaning as she was, could never have understood Serena's need to completely disconnect. Not to mention she had greatly enjoyed and taken advantage of the lack of Gossip Girl and prying Upper East Side eyes.

Serena's phone vibrated in her purse as she rounded the corner of her driveway. Speak of the devil:

"Just a quick note to say I love you! And that I hope you're not too sad to be leaving California soon. Hope to see you back in the city next week. Can't wait to catch up. B xoxo"

She quickly shut it away and slid it back into the side pocket of her linen tote. She decided to reply later, after a few hours…when she might be able to face the possibility of returning to her New York life.

Swinging open the front door Serena called out.

"Hey Grandma, just me."

Cece sauntered in from the kitchen, a tumbler of juice (and most likely vodka) in her hand.

"Oh hello darling."

"Any news while I've been gone? Oh, I bought the papers if you wanna look."

Cece took the pile of newspapers from Serena's outstretched hand and smiled. Everything had been more relaxed here…even her grandmother. Serena couldn't believe the difference a few months in the California sunshine had made.

"No news. The phone rang just now, I haven't checked for a message though. Could you quickly check when you get to the living room? I left the portable upstairs."

Another measure Serena had taken to ensure she had the most freeing summer possible: throwing away her old cellphone before she arrived. Blair was the only one she had given the new number too, apart from her mom: anyone else who knew her well enough knew the home number of the Van der Woodsens California household.

"Ok sure. Just gonna grab a drink first…it's crazy-hot out there, especially for this time in the morning!"

Cece smiled as she walked past.

"Of course darling. Don't want you getting dehydrated! I'll be by the pool if you need me."

"Thanks, grandma."

As she took a bottle of water from the fridge, Serena wondered who could have been calling. Most likely it was the grocery store they ordered in from every week, or possibly Lily calling to check in. She wandered through to the living room and over to the coffee table where the phone sat in its holster. The 'new message' light blinked and she absent mindedly pressed the button with her thumb whilst sipping from her water bottle.

There was the harsh sound of the tone, and then:

Serena, it's Chuck. Long time, no speak. Anyway, Nate and I…well you've probably read on Gossip Girl… we've been on a trip or two this summer, and we thought we'd extend our vacation to include California before we all head home. The jet will be arriving in a couple of hours: we'll probably be at the house around eleven, maybe midday, all being well. Looking forward to seeing you sis, it's been too long.

Serena's blood ran cold. Chuck and Nate…arriving…now?

She checked her cellphone clock: 10.30am. This was too much. She wasn't ready for her summer to come to an end just yet.