Hello! This would be my first fan fic with you all here on FanFiction. I've had this on my computer all summer wondering whether I should post it. I have loved all of the other Dan and Blair stories so I felt that I should contribute. This has been a work in progress so please take with a grain of salt. Not a pro at this…
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or its characters.
Chapter 1 - A Brewing Storm
Dan didn't know how to undo what Vanessa had done. He was was pretty much in denial of his suspicions until he received his first check.
Of course Vanessa was smart and hadn't written a returning address.
Panic and anger ensued as he desperately tried to figure out his next move. His book had already been published and was climbing the Best Sellers list. A part of him was flattered, but the fear of losing his friends and family were greater.
Someone would figure it out. It was the Upper East Side. Secrets never stayed hidden for long.
The package arrived anonymously. At first it was thought to be a danger but was quickly ruled out otherwise and given to its meant recipient. Blair Waldolf.
Turning the package over slowly, she did her own close examination of the dirty, beat up package before finally tearing the paper.
Inside
It was a book. Who the hell would send her a book by an anonymous author? Dan? He would have talked to her about it.
Curious she opened the book and discovered a note written inside.
Thought you would like to see yourself through someone else's eyes.
Confused but intrigued, she began to read.
His book's popularity took him by surprise.
Everywhere Dan went, he saw his book. On sidewalk racks, coffee shops, hot dog stands, passer byers deeply submerged in his personal adaptation of the Upper East Side. All of his personal feelings, beliefs, and realizations were all laid out for the world to see.
Vanessa had no right.
It didn't take her long to recognize the style. The vocabulary, use of grammar, point of views—yes, Blair began to get glimpses of Dan coming through the pages. She quickly became fascinated by the story but confused by the lead female. Dan had always based his lead female off of Serena (or in the books case Sabrina), but in this book the female lead wasn't Serena…she was prim, proper—with a dark side—a bitch if necessary, and had confidence about her with an annoying amount of self-certainty.
The more Blair read, the more she recognized—and the more confused she became.
Somewhere deep inside, she knew the truth, but refused to believe. The truth was too confusing. It was more than she could take at the present time.
She set the book down and walked away.
A combination of fear and pride brought him before Inside's publishing office. He stood there…thinking…doubting…breathing. There would be no going back from this point. There was a time when he thought he would have been the one to submit the book himself. That was before last year—before his unexpected 'friendship' with Blair.
Nothing had really changed though had it? Not for anyone else really. He was the only one imagining it—Feeling something that only he felt. Blair would never feel the same way. That question had been answered for him with their kiss. He was living in a dream world, and it was time to face reality. Time to grow up and become the man he wanted—dreamed of being.
Taking another deep breath, Dan opened the huge glass door leading to Jonathan Karp's office.
"Blair?"
"Chuck?"
Blair turned her light on checking the late hour.
"I'm sorry for waking you."
"Chuck why are you calling?"
There was a short silence on the other end.
"Have you heard about that book Inside?"
Blair swallowed nervously, having a knowing feeling of where the conversation was going.
"Yes I have heard about it. Why are you calling me about it?"
"Dan Humphrey wrote it."
She felt her heart instantly jump in her chest.
"So?"
"Blair. Dan Humphrey practically wrote a novel about all of our lives and you aren't angry?"
"I can tell you are Chuck."
"Of course I'm upset! There are some details of my life—our life that I wish weren't out in the open for everyone to read."
"It's not like he used our names Chuck. He is a writer."
"Why are you defending him? Have you even read it?"
"I started it but…"
"Read it Blair. Then you can tell me whether you want to defend him or press charges."
"Charges? Really Chuck?"
"Don't worry. Lily already made me sign a document stating that I wouldn't."
"Chuck, just let it go. You're probably not even the main part."
"No you are."
Not exactly what she wanted confirmed. She could hear the anger in his voice.
"Chuck…"
"Blair read it. I think Humphrey…I think he…"
"What Chuck?"
"I think he likes you...more than likes you."
She laughed at that. Hearing Chuck say it, well she didn't know how else to react.
"Chuck…Dan is my friend."
"I was your friend once Blair."
And with that he hung up. She rolled her eyes at his dramatics' and turned off her light once again, pulling her covers up around her. Unable to fall asleep, Blair's mind raced. What exactly had Dan written about her?
Turning on her light again Blair crawled out of bed and walked over to her book shelf pulling out Dan's book.
She called him around the regular time and picked the documentary off his Que to be the movie this call. She would never admit it to Dan, but she oddly looked forward to their ritual phone/movie convo's. It was the most normal thing she did anymore. She could just be herself and not have to worry about impressing everyone all the time. Dan let her be herself, and challenged her.
Their conversation tonight mostly consisted of a debate over the film and what he would wear to her wedding. The last thing she wanted to start talking about was his book.
She had finished it the night before. She had so many questions but was afraid of the answers. When had Dan started writing the book? Why did he publish it Anonymous? Did he really feel that way about her? The thought of his answer made fear swell in her chest.
To be completely honest, she had been concerned at one point that she was developing feelings for Humphrey. But that was before the prince, his engagement ring, and the promise of her fairytale ending. She sometimes did wonder what would have happened if Louie hadn't come to New York. But he did and her whole world changed. Now she selfishly found herself hoping Dan wouldn't bring up the book. She had a feeling in her heart she would lose his friendship if they had that conversation.
Right now she just wanted to talk to this guy who was becoming one of her best friends, and forget all of the stress. Dan could do that for her.
He started reading off suits listed in the men's clothes catalog she had sent to him. She laughed at his incorrect pronunciations.
He smiled enjoying hearing her laugh. He found he looked forward to it.
She knew there was something more he wanted to discuss. She could hear it in his voice. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she was starting to understand and know Humphrey. Chances were that the conversation he wanted to have would be an awkward and emotional one. Both she was not in the mood for. Not tonight.
They said there good byes and hung up.
She became aware of the blonde haired beauty at a royal gathering held in honor of her Louie's engagement. Her name was Anna.
The whispers and gossip that spread through the party finally reached her ear…Louie had been running when he found her in New York.
It didn't take long for word to spread, and before Dan knew it his phone was blowing up with texts, calls, and voice messages from his family and friends.
"Dan? What is up with this book? Is this Sabrina girl me? Call me when you get this…"
"Son…ah we need to talk. Lily has this crazy idea that…well just give me a call."
"Hey Dan. The book is great! I work of art really. You should send one to Blair. Mom and Rufus are completely puzzled. Give them a call."
"Dan I know you probably hate me right now, but you did the right thing taking credit. Great things are in store for you."
He was surprised that Vanessa had called. Yes he was still mad, but a part of him was greatful to her for the part she played. He felt a little better now that it was out and published. Like a big part of him could breathe again.
He couldn't help but notice that the one person he wanted to hear from hadn't called him. She probably didn't even know about it…or she didn't care.
Blair finally cracked and told Dan about Anna. She couldn't help but feel insanely jealous and upset with her presence within the mansion. Louie's sister seemed to accept Anna more than she accepted her.
"Blair, you have a past too with Chuck."
"Yes but Chuck and I said good bye. We're over."
"Yeah but how many times have you two said goodbye before?"
"How many times have you said goodbye to Serena?"
"Serena and I are done."
"So are Chuck and I."
Dan paused and laughed to himself.
"Okay fine, but haven't Louie and Anna said goodbye too?"
"But you should see the way she looks at him Dan."
"Chuck looks at you like that all the time."
She was silent on that for a while, noticing the softness of his voice.
"Dan…I guess… I know what it's like to walk away from someone you use to believe would be your forever. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do. What if Louie doesn't have the strength to do this with Anna."
Dan felt his own heart break a little at her words. He himself had felt that way about Serena.
"Well Blair…you are assuming that what Louie and Anna had was what you and Chuck had. Relationships are all very different. People are different. We grow and evolve. You have grown and evolved."
She smiled at his compliment. She felt different and more mature, but it felt good to hear Dan Humphrey confirm it for her.
"So have you Humphrey. I know it wasn't easy to walk away from Serena."
He sighed.
"No it wasn't."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Ah…sure."
Blair paused. She wasn't sure she wanted the answer to this question.
"What made you walk away from Serena?"
Dan wasn't expecting that. He wasn't even sure how to answer that.
"Well, I guess it just didn't feel right."
"What do you mean?"
"We didn't connect the way we use to. Our relationship felt forced. It didn't flow naturally anymore."
"Too much history?"
"No, well maybe. When you have history with someone it's so easy to just fall back into that circle with them."
"I know that all too well. Chuck and I had been off and on and have so much history that I know it would be impossible to be truly happy with him, and I guess that is why I'm afraid of this Anna. I know what hold Chuck had on me. I know what that feels like. What if Louie goes back to her? What if I lose him?"
"You know that Louie loves you. Trust that. If she is after Louie, this Anna is counting on you to lose your nerve, but prove her wrong. Invite her to lunch, to go horseback riding, or even to help in the wedding. You're so much stronger than she is. Prove it."
Blair felt her eyes water a little at his complement. And in that moment, because Dan Humphrey believed she was stronger, so did she.
With Louie's sister and mother including Anna in every part of the wedding planning, Blair could see their scheme in play.
Unfortunately for them, she was better at it than them.
Blair would laugh to herself at their surprise when they would realize she was one step again.
She couldn't help but take joy in their unhappiness at their failure to sabotage her. They truly under estimated her.
Remembering Dan's words, she personally asked Anna to be part of her bridal party, on the account that she was so close to Louie's family. The look of shock on Louie's mother and sister's face brought pure pleasure, not to mention Anna's stuttering response of yes she would love to.
It would only be a matter of time before Louie's mother and sister both accepted her and respected her. If she had to beat them at a couple of schemes to do it then she would. As long as Louie was by her side loving her, she could do anything.
The elevator doors opened with a familiar ding. Dan hesitantly stepped into his Dad and Lily's penthouse.
As soon as he rounded the corner he found his Dad, Lily, and Eric waiting for him.
"Hey Dan."
His dad approached and hugged him followed by Lily and Eric. The awkwardness was unbearable. Finally Lily broke the silence.
"Dan we should really talk about your book." she smiled politely.
He knew that's what this dinner would be about. He had mentally prepared.
"What do you want to know?"
She smiled calmly at him, picking up her own copy of his book off the coffee table.
"Well for starters, did you ever love Serena?"
Her voice was lined with concern but a little hurt as well. Dan swallowed and hesitated. He had thought out his answer ahead of time, but it still didn't make it easy to say.
"Yes, of course I did, but…"
"Blair has always had a place in your heart?" Eric finished for him with a smile.
Rufus and Lily looked at Dan in shock. The confirmation written all over his face.
"I had suspected Blair to be the other girl in your book, but I…" Lily started.
"Dan, didn't you hate Blair?" Rufus asked.
Dan laughed to himself and sat on the couch next to Eric, who gave him an encouraging smile.
How was he going to explain this to them? He didn't understand it himself.
The truth was, yes. There were points in his life when he thought Blair was evil, but there were so many more times when he would see through her façade, when he would see the truths that lay underneath her surface. He had seen her at her low points, when she was vulnerable, and a part of him fell for her. That part of him wanted to be the guy to take all her pain away—to never disappoint her.
"Yes, I mean, I did, but…"
"Why don't you start from the beginning?" Eric suggested.
"That's a lovely idea." Lily smiled taking Rufus's hand.
Dan watched them sit on the couch across from him and Eric…then began from the beginning.
Louie had responsibilities as the Prince. Blair understood that, but she did not expect how often it would take him away from her.
He explained that when they would be married she would be able to accompany him on more business. She would nod and smile and tell him to return safely, giving him a kiss good bye.
In his absence, she busied herself with the wedding plans, decorating, and attended events with Louie's mother and sister. She didn't exactly enjoy their company, but it was what she needed to do. What she needed to do for Louie and for their future.
A month before their wedding, Louie cut back on his trips and stayed with her when she asked. This sudden change made her happy at first, but then she started to notice a shift in her fiancé. Blair wasn't stupid. She had known what it was like to lose that connection—to recognize the signs of disconnect.
Louie was there with her, but not really. Every smile, every touch, every kiss was tainted. Something didn't feel right. That combined with the short answers, lack of eye contact, and overwhelming amount of presents she received finally made her break.
All she could think about was Anna and her presence in the castle causing this rift between them.
Louie refused to acknowledge that anything was wrong. He instead insisted that she was stressed with the wedding and had been hurt so many times she didn't know what it was like to be in a healthy relationship.
Deep down inside she knew what was happening…she was losing Louie.
It had been their 12th movie night and Dan still hadn't had the courage to bring up the subject he so desperately wanted to discuss with Blair.
From just talking to her, he got the vibe that either she had no idea about his novel or she didn't want to talk about it. He hoped that she just didn't know about it yet. He wasn't sure if Serena, Chuck, or Nate had told her anything, and he didn't know how to go about asking her.
"So have you read any good books lately Waldolf?" He started. She was silent for a moment.
"Not recently. I haven't had time to read Dan. You know that."
Serena returned from California to see Eric off to college. Dan hadn't seen or talked to her in months and pretty much expected her to ignore him the entire time—or maybe slap him? With Serena you never knew. She was a wild card. Something he used to love about her.
They all sat at the brunch table eating their favorite breakfast foods like they used to do before life stepped in and changed the rhythm on them. Lily, Rufus, Eric, Serena, and Dan. The conversation was lite, mostly about Eric and his classes. Dan was relieved. He had prepared himself for worse.
After seeing Eric off he said his own good byes and stepped into the elevator, but before the doors could closed Serena jumped in, hitting the hold. They stood there is silence for what felt for forever before she spoke.
"When did you start writing Inside?"
Dan sighed, rocking back on his heels nervously, shoving his hands in his pocket. He knew she was looking at him, he could feel her stare. He had prepared himself for this conversation with her as soon as he realized the book had been published, but standing with her—one on one…it was overwhelming. Finally he looked up at her. She looked upset but calm. The past couple of months had helped Dan thought. She obviously had had time to deal with it, but also time to read the entire book.
"Did you read it?" He asked. Serena laughed to herself.
"Of course I read it Dan."
He nodded his head in understanding.
"It wasn't really meant to be published. Vanessa…"
"I know about that already. Eric told me. Dan when did you start writing it?"
Dan hesitated but met her eyes with his.
"Five years ago."
He watched her swallow, taking a step back from him, grasping the rail.
"Was it always Blair? Did you even love me? Did we even matter? I mean I loved you so much Dan! I still find myself thinking of you, wondering if we might ever…"
"Of course I loved you! I loved everything about you and still care about you. Serena…a part of me will always love you."
A tear escaped, lightly gliding down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away.
"But in the book…"
"Listen Serena, I did love you, but…"
"So you secretly were in love with Blair?"
Dan laughed. Everyone had seen it that way, but it wasn't that necessarily at first.
"In love is not the best way to describe it. I think I was intrigued."
"Intrigued? What does that mean? You hated Blair in high school."
"I…I don't know. I guess I just saw her differently. No matter what happened, I always found myself connecting or relating to her. I know it sounds weird but…"
"So you weren't in love with her then, but what about now? Do you have feelings for Blair, Dan?"
He hesitated once again wishing that he weren't having this conversation with Serena of all people. He looked up at her. She was patiently waiting for his answer, hanging on every breath and movement he made.
"I think so…yes."
She closed her eyes, more tears streaming down her face. She took a deep breath.
"When did you know?"
"I think it was when Blair and I started to sneak around just to hang out. I realized it wasn't normal. She started to freak out when Dorota caught on and…"
"She freaked out?" Serena asked confused.
"Yeah, well, it was more like I stood her up and she came to the loft to yell at me and just started going off about me being her social suicide…"
Serena started to laugh. He looked at her confused, because he was pretty sure two seconds ago she was crying.
"That sounds like Blair." Serena started. "What did you say?"
"I told her it wouldn't continue being a big deal if we would stop making it one."
"You two being friends?"
Dan nodded.
"From there on, it just led up to our kiss."
Serena smiled and shook her head.
"I had no idea it was this involved, this deep."
"That what was?"
"You and Blair."
"Well honestly I'm just a loser. There is no way that she would ever have feelings for me. I just need to…"
"Dan. Honestly wake up. Blair was hiding you because she did like you, but was afraid to admit it."
"Yeah right, she hated me and thought I was a loser in high school."
"Yeah she would always bad talk you, but it was you she would always turn to for advice and encouragement."
"Ah I don't know. I see what you're saying but, she never really saw me in that way."
"Maybe not then, but she started to at W. She was highly intimidated by you, but don't' tell her I told you that."
Dan laughed.
"Well I guess I saw her in a new light after that too."
"And no matter what I want to believe, you two obviously connect in a way that I can't understand. "
He was shocked. Here is was having a normal conversation with Serena when he originally pictured a screaming match. Dan couldn't help but admire her for her mature nature.
"I'm sorry that you had to read it all in the book. I…"
"It's okay. Something tells me you never would have told me—or anyone for that matter if it hadn't."
"You're probably right." Dan laughed.
"Besides I think Blair deserves to know too."
Dan looked at her confused.
"You didn't tell her or talk to her about it?"
"No. I've been busy in California and she has been busy with Louie and the wedding planning, and really, I didn't want to talk to her about it. It was still kinda…"
"A shock?"
"Yes." Serena nodded. "A shock."
"So she hasn't read or know anything about the book? You're sure?"
"Not that I know of…" Serena looked at him confused but then understood. "You were waiting to hear from her?"
Dan hesitated not knowing how safe it was to discuss these kinds of things with Serena just yet.
"Well…I asked if she had read any good books lately and she said she hadn't and I just figured…"
"Well she hasn't talked to me about it, so I don't know. I'm sure it's only a matter of time."
Serena leaned forward and hit the release on the hold which started their decent once again.
"Serena?"
She turned and looked at him.
"What?"
He reached and hit the hold again, jarring them to a sudden stop. Serena looked at him confused.
"I just want you to know that I never meant to hurt you. I really did love you."
She smiled at his words. Surprising him, she leaned up and gave his cheek a light kiss, then wrapped her arms around him.
"I know now you did, but thank you for saying it." She whispered in his ear. Pulling back she looked up at him. "We had our chance and we didn't work. If you and Blair are meant to be, then I have faith that you will find each other."
Dan hugged her a little tighter.
"Thank you." He smiled.
"Oh," Serena added pulling away from him again, "and just because I seem okay with this now, I still need time. I want to be okay with this but I need space."
"I can respect that." Dan nodded.
Reaching over she hit the release once again ending the conversation but Dan had feared up to this point. Now all he could think about was having this conversation with Blair. And that scared him even more.
"How long will you be gone this time?" Blair asked from their bed. Morning had arrived faster than she had wanted and now he was packing again.
"Not long. I promise. I told the men I could only be away for a day." He smiled.
"You better." She teased. "We're getting married in 25 days and I need you here."
Louie sighed putting his clothes into his suit case.
"I told you Blair. Whatever you want I want…"
"As long as you marry me you are happy." Blair finished for him.
"Exactly." He smiled.
She watched him pack a little longer, remembering what waking up with him use to be like. They had lost their rhythm—there passion. He seemed comfortable with it, but she wasn't. Suddenly she had an idea. Getting out from under the covers she crawling down to him at the end of the bed and before he could react pulled him into a deep kiss. He responded, his arms wrapping around her pulling her closer. Blair began to feel her doubt melt, but felt him pull away too soon.
"What was that for?" He smiled, tucking a loose curl behind her ear.
"What? I can't kiss my fiancé?" She teased. He laughed.
"I wish I could stay, but I can't my love." Louie sighed stepping out of her embrace.
She sighed, slouching back onto their bed pouting, watching in silence as the doorman came in and collected Louie's luggage. It all felt familiar and saddened her.
Louie kissed her gently.
"I will be back before you know it."
And with that he was gone.
And with his sudden departure came the sudden feeling of doubt.
The feeling of doubt in her heart that warned her. It would only be a matter of time before it would be broken…again.
Life was starting to calm down a bit, in the sense of surprise and confusion over his book. With most of his friends and family in understanding, Dan agreed to start accepting more publicity and signings.
It was all overwhelming at first. A dream come true of course, but still overwhelming.
You spend your life waiting for that moment to see people lining up to purchase your first published novel, but when it finally happens there are no words to really describe how it feels. The only way Dan could describe it—it felt like coming home…feeling complete.
His novel started to give him that bit of joy he needed in his life since Blair Waldolf had left with her prince.
Her mother, Dorota, and Serena arrived in excitement for her shower. She was relieved for familiar faces, especially Serena's.
Her best friend always had a way of improving her mood. They left Dorota and her mother to the party arrangements and took a walk on the grounds. Blair was excited to show Serena the entire property.
"And down here are the stables! Louie loves his horses." She beamed.
Serena laughed and followed her best friend inside to see Louie's prized possessions.
"So where is Louie? Will he visit with us tonight?" Serena asked.
"Well he had to go out of town for a day, but will be back tomorrow. He is busy. More responsibilities have landed on him."
Serena nodded understanding.
"How often is he gone?"
"Not much really…" Blair started but met her best friends knowing glare.
"Blair? I know you…you have had that fake smile on your face the moment we stepped into the house. What's going on?"
"Nothing is going on…"
"Blair…"
"No really. I just miss him when he is gone and…"
"And what? There is something you're not telling me."
"And why would you care Serena? You haven't returned any of my calls! God! I talk to Dan on the phone more than I talk to you!"
"B, I know! I'm sorry! I was a horrible friend but I got consumed in my job out there and…"
"Your job? What job?"
Serena laughed at Blair's confusment. They really hadn't gotten to talk in a while. She reached down and took Blair's hands in hers.
"Blair. Please don't be angry with me. I'm sorry that I was MIA but I'm here now aren't I?"
"I suppose." Blair sighed.
"B? What is it?"
"What's what?"
"The reason you just freaked out. You're stressed. What about? And don't try to tell me it's over nothing."
Blair sighed and sat down on the bench outside of the field house.
"It's a long story."
"We have time." Serena smiled sitting next to her. Blair gave her a weak smile.
"To be honest, I really don't know what is wrong…I mean I know what is bothering me and then I don't."
Serena laughed and rolled her eyes at her best friend.
"Okay well let's start with what you know is bothering you."
They had met there before—when their families had disagreed on their love struck union, but this time felt different…it was different. Everything had changed.
Louie looked up from the park bench he sat at and watched the people stoll by. He found a calm reality would come around him when he was surrounded by his public. Watching them live their lives, dream their dreams. It almost made life seem simple…almost.
"Louie?"
He heard her soft voice behind him but was suddenly afraid to turn. He had promised himself time and time again that he was done, but he would always find himself back in her graces. Taking a deep breath he stood and turned. She was wearing a black dress with a red sweater draped across her shoulders with her red pumps. Her long blonde hair was down today and curled to frame her beautiful face. He couldn't help but notice how her legs looked in her red pumps.
"Anna."
She smiled at her name coming off his lips.
"I was afraid you wouldn't come." She smiled.
"I almost didn't." He replied honestly.
"I would have understood." She said glancing hesitantly down at the ground.
Louie motioned for her to sit, and so she moved elegantly to the seat next to him on the park bench.
"I know what you want to discuss." Louie finally spoke. He felt her laugh.
"You have always known me well."
"Yes, well, I meant what I said after…I'm with…"
She held up her hand silencing him.
"I am well aware of your engagement." Anna replied coldly.
"Then I don't understand why you have called me here."
Anna looked up at Louie, slight shock on her face.
"Louie…this is where…"
"I'm well aware of that memory Anna, but it's in the past, as we are in the past."
His tone wasn't harsh but final.
"It didn't feel like we were in the past last week." She spoke quietly.
"It was a moment of weakness."
Anna held back her tears, and took a deep breath.
"You sit here and act like you are fine without me, but I know better! I know you wish every day that I would have said yes!"
"Of course I wish you would have said yes! I sometimes wonder what our lives would be like… but you said no Anna, and here we are. You made a decision."
"I made a mistake."
Louie laughed causing a glare from Anna.
"Now you must live with it." Louie said, "I will not break Blair's heart like you have broken mine."
"She doesn't love you Louie. She is in love with the idea of you! Of the life you bring! She is a child!"
"I will not have you speak of her that way!"
Anna looked away frustrated.
"Only I will love you the way you are meant to be loved, and somewhere deep inside your heart you know that truth. I cannot go back in time and correct my mistake, but I will try to right it in the present."
"Anna…"
"Our love is stronger, and it's the only thing that gives me hope now. Hope that you will someday be mine once again."
Louie watched as Anna stood and walked away from him. He did not try to stop her. He was afraid of what would happen if he did.
"So she is going to be in your wedding?" Serena asked in disbelief.
"At this point yes. Keep your enemies closer."
"Blair it's not supposed to be this way. If Louie loves you the way he is supposed to then you shouldn't feel threatened. So tell me, do you think he loves you?"
Blair was caught off guard by her best friend's blunt question.
"Of cour…course…I…I…I don't know! It just all feels so different! Everything was better between us when he was sweeping me off my feet in New York and now that were here and Anna arrived it just feels like…"
"Like what?"
"When she enters a room he notices. It doesn't matter what he is doing or what conversation he is having, he acknowledges her. It used to be me that he couldn't take his eyes off of…"
"Blair…"
"Then last night before he was about to leave I came out in my best lingerie and he didn't even notice? He kept reading his book! He gave me some excuse about wanting to wait to make our wedding night special!"
Blair could feel the tears starting to form in her eyes. Serena took her hand.
"You think he is still in love with Anna." Serena confirmed out loud. Blair closed her eyes and let the tears stream down her face.
"I'm losing him S. Even if he doesn't leave me for her, can I honestly live the rest of my life with a man who doesn't truly love me?"
"No. And I wouldn't want that for you. You deserve better."
"The funny part is that I thought I was getting better."
Serena squeezed Blair's hand.
"Whatever you decide, I am right here with you."
Blair smiled at her best friend, but Serena watched her smile fade as Blair turned her head to look out over the fields on the property.
Did I do okay? The reason I decided to join this site was to grow as a writer so please feel free to comment or give suggestions! Thank you for reading!