CHAPTER 1
On a sunny summer afternoon at the Upper East Side, Blair was at her mom's boutique, fixing some stuff because her mom assigned her to be in charge since her mom went to Paris, again. Blair, wearing a racer back, her hair pony tailed high, no make-up, wearing skinny jeans and flip-flops. Blair, if you would see her, looked like as if she didn't sleep for a week because she was in charge of the store since that morning. Blair was sorting clothes by style and color and arranging the shoes on the shoe rack. No one was there to help her because her mom had no trust on the salesladies. "Ugh! Damn mother. I'm so stressed. I have no beauty rest. I need beauty rest! I'm gonna call Serena," Blair said as she was hanging clothes on the "new arrivals" rack of the store. Click, click, and click. She dialed Serena's number. "Hey S. I need some help. Eleanor left for Paris early this morning and she wants me to be in charge of the store. Literally, me. Me, myself and I," Blair said and then she sat down on the couch at the reception area of the boutique. "Paris, again? I think it's the fourth time in two months that she left for Paris. What is she doing there anyway?" Serena said. "Actually, it's the fifth time. Oh what the hell. She was invited to this fashion show and she wants to meet the owner of Louis Vuitton. She's so ambitious," Blair said placing her hand on top of her head which meant that she's really tired of working at the boutique. "Oh I see. I'll be there in half an hour," Serena said.
On the other side of New York, Brooklyn to be exact, Dan Humphrey is busy doing his new novel. Jenny on the other hand is also busy with her best friend, the sewing machine, making a new dress for Blair's upcoming party. Rufus is, no, not writing new songs or playing with his guitar but making waffles in the kitchen for their afternoon snack. "Dan! Jenny! Time for snack!" Rufus called out as he was preparing the table. Jenny went outside her room, looking like a battered girl. "About time I take a break. Ooh! Waffles! A Humphrey family classic!" Jenny said and then suddenly looked like a resurrected flower when she saw the waffles served on the dining table. "Yeah Jen. It's been a while since we ate waffles. I think the last time was when your mom was still here. Hey, what's taking Dan so long?" daddy Rufus said while pouring orange juice in each of their glasses. "I'll go get him dad. Looks like he's hooked on his new novel," Jenny said. So she knocked hard on Dan's bedroom door. "Dan! Come out! There's waffles! We won't eat until you come out," Jenny called out. "I'll be out," Dan said. Dan then, marking his words went out of his room and grabbed a seat. As Dan sat down, they ate what Jenny described as "the Humphrey family classic". Rufus then started a conversation. "So Dan, how's that novel of yours and Jenny how's Blair's dress?" Jenny answered, "Me first!" "Go ahead sweetie," Rufus said. Jenny spoke after swallowing the waffle she's eating. "I'm redoing her dress. I can't understand her. She's getting into my nerves sometimes. The day she said she wants her dress to be like this, then the next day she suddenly changes her mind. Her party's in two weeks and if she keeps on changing her mind, there might be no dress!" "You should go talk to her Jen. Make up her mind," Rufus advised. Jenny, finishing her other waffle answered, "Yeah I will. I'll drop by her place later. Thanks dad," Jenny smiled and so as Rufus. "Dan? the novel?" Rufus asked his son. "Chapter four already," Dan answered in a monotonic voice. "That's great son! You just started your novel two nights ago and now you're on the fourth chapter? Wow. You really are enjoying making this story. Job well done," Rufus praised his son. "Yeah. Thanks, dad," Dan answered, again in the same tone of voice. "Dan? Are you still thinking of Serena? Get over her! Move on! There are a lot of other girls out there. Oh by the way, my friend from Parsons, Andrea, thinks that you're hot. I should go set you up both some time," Jenny said. "No need Jen and, I am moving on. I just miss Serena sometimes. Miss her as a friend," "It's the same thing!" Jenny said. "Jenny, leave your brother alone," Rufus said.
Back in Manhattan, Blair is still fixing and sorting at her mom's store then suddenly she heard the door open. "Hey S. Can you come..," She stopped when she turned around and saw who came in. "CHUCK?!" She was startled because it was not Serena. "Well, well, Waldorf. New fashion statement eh?" Chuck Bass said wearing that signature scarf and his signature devil look and with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Blair ignored Chuck and just went back doing her thing, fixing and sorting. "Blair, please hear me out. I know we had a very bad conversation last night. Can you just please hear me out?" Chuck pleaded and following Blair. Still, Blair didn't say a single word. "BLAIR!" Chuck shouted. Blair looked at Chuck. "I don't need to hear anything anymore. I don't trust you anymore, Chuck. So will you please get out and leave me alone. Serena will be here in a few minutes. So if you don't want to be attacked by your step-sister, get out of this store now," Blair said. Chuck didn't move. "Get out now, Chuck. I don't want to see you," Still, Chuck didn't move. He just stared at Blair. "Okay, Chuck. It's over. We're through. We're through," Blair said and tears started to rush through her face. "What?" Chuck whispered and was surprised of what Blair had said. "Chuck? You're not deaf right?" Blair said while wiping her tears away. Chuck left, believe it or not, also crying.
Minutes after Chuck left, Serena finally arrived. "Hey Bl… Wow, is that you?" Serena, surprised when she saw Blair "deconstructed". Blair laughed. "Yeah S. You know I can't wear my archetypal clothes when I'm doing this. So I decided to wear something new. Honestly, Serena, I feel comfortable in these," Blair said looking at herself in front of a life-size mirror inside the store. "Yeah… right," Serena a bit confused. "So what can I do for you, Blair?" Serena said. "Oh. Yeah. Grab that box over there, open it. There are new clothes in there then get hangers at the storage room, then hang the clothes over there. Sort them by color okay. You know Eleanor, she doesn't want mixed up colors in the clothes rack," Blair instructed. "Yes ma'am!" Serena said and off she went to do her task. Blair and Serena were playing around while fixing clothes. Before they hang the clothes and arranged shoes, they played dress-up. Blair wore a white tube dress with a belt from the "on sale" rack and a black three inch Mary Janes and acted like her favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn. Serena on the other hand, wore a red halter top dress and high stilettos. The best friends were really having fun. Serena took her camera out and took pictures of them while acting crazy. People from outside would see them and sometimes they would stare at them. When they knew that people were staring, they began to act normal again.
"Gosh Blair! That was so fun!" Serena said as she was changing back to her own clothes inside the fitting room. Blair, was hanging the last set of clothes and said, "Yeah S. I wish we could do this often. I remember when we were younger, we used to do this almost everyday!" "Oh yeah! Aww… I miss those days," Serena said. After that, the two were quiet because they wanted to finish what they're doing because if they talk and talk, it would take them long to finish. Finally, after twenty minutes, they were done. Done, as in done. The store looked like it was just opened. "Whew! Thank God we're done! After six hours," Blair said and lay down on the carpeted floor. Serena, also relieved because they were done, sat down on the couch. Blair stood up on the floor and sat down with Serena. "Chuck was here before you came," Blair said the moment she sat down. Serena was surprised when she heard what Blair just said. "What?! I told him not to come here. That stupid ass. I told him to give you time to calm down first," "I broke up with him already," Blair said. "What? Blair? Are you sure?" Serena said. Blair was quiet for a while. Then tears started to come out from Blair's eyes. "Oh no. Blair. I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. If that's what you want, I'll respect that," Serena said and went to Blair. "I'm sorry if I hurt Chuck, Serena. It's just that I don't want to be with him anymore. He's being his old self again," Blair said. Again they were quiet for a while. Then Blair's phone rang. "Blair, it's Jenny," Serena said. "Just leave it there. I'm not in the mood to talk yet," Blair said, and then she stood up and looked outside. "Uh, hey Blair. I have to go. I have to go visit Dan. It's been a while since I talked to him. So, bye," Serena said feeling a little awkward. "Oh. I'll go with you. I need a break," Blair said. Serena hugged Blair. "What was that for Serena?" Blair asked and was surprised. "I'm sorry. About Chuck. I shouldn't have said that," Serena apologized and both hands on Blair's shoulder. "That's okay Serena. Chuck's your step-brother and I know you care for him a lot. Anyway, let's not talk about it," Blair said and grabbed her stuff at the reception. "You're not gonna change clothes?" Serena wondered. "No. I told you I'm comfortable in these. And I want to see Jenny's reaction when she sees what I'm wearing," Blair said. They both laughed. So Blair closed the store and with Serena, they left for Brooklyn.
Chuck, brokenhearted, stayed at the Vitrola, the burlesque club that he owned. Chuck was drinking his glass of Martini. Chuck was not alone in his spot. He was in the middle of two girls who were also burlesque dancers. "You girls are so hot," Chuck told the two girls he was with. "Thank you Mr. Bass. So what can we do for you?" the girl on his left said. "Just keep me company while I wait for Nate," Chuck told the girl and wrapped his arm around her waist. Nate Archibald stepped inside Chuck's club and went to Chuck's usual spot at the club. Nate was surprised to see Chuck with two girls on both sides. "Chuck! What are you doing? I'm telling Blair," Nate said. The girls stood up with embarrassment and hurriedly left. "Damn Nate. Blair and I are over," Chuck said and sipped in his Martini glass. Nate gave Chuck a look of shock. "What? When? Why?" Nate asked. "3 and a half hours ago. Why? Long story," Chuck said. "What did you do man? Did you hurt her? Fuck it Chuck," Nate said and sipped from his glass of Martini that Chuck handed down. The two were quiet for a while then Nate finally spoke. "Man, what happened? C'mon. I'm your best friend. Say something," Nate pleaded Chuck. "Okay, okay. It's like this. The other day, Serena and I went to this party that her friend from boarding school prepared. Her name's Lady. I think Lady had a 'love at first sight' feeling for me that night. She was flirting with me. I didn't ignore her because she was kinda cool. So we danced and had a couple of drinks. I got kinda tipsy, not yet drunk. So there, we were flirting then I started to kiss her. I pulled away but she grabbed me and kissed me hard. Serena saw us then there, told Blair. I called Blair last night. I explained but she was still upset. We fought. Then I went to her mom's store 3 hours ago and brought flowers for her. I tried to talk to her and settle it but she kept on ignoring me. I shouted at her 'cause I've had it. Then there, she said it. We're through. But I won't give up Nate. She'll be mine again," "I don't know Chuck. You know Blair," Nate said. "She'll be mine again, Nathaniel. She will be. Remember, I'm Chuck Bass," Chuck said.
Knock, knock, knock! Serena knocked on the Humphrey apartment door. Serena and Blair, feeling a bit bored because no one was answering the door. "Do you think they're even home?" Serena said with a bit of frustration. "How should I know?! Try knocking again. Knock harder," Blair insisted. Serena knocked again but still there was no answer. "Ugh! I've had it. Blair, let's go," Serena said, frustrated. After a couple of steps away from the Humphrey apartment, a man with grocery bags approached the two ladies. "Serena!" the man greeted. It was Rufus. "And Blair?! In jeans and slippers?" Rufus said in shock. Rufus stared at Blair from head to toe. "Hey Rufus! Is Dan home?" Serena asked. "Yeah… yeah… He's home. Doing his uh, novel". Rufus said and still looking at Blair as if she was a disgusting thing. "Blair?" Rufus said. "Yes Mr. Humphrey. It's me. Stepping out of my comfort zone. Honestly speaking, these clothes are way more comfy than that of the ones I usually wear," Blair replied with a smile. "Oh yeah… Oh. Uhm, why don't you girls come in? And Blair, Jenny wants to talk to you. Serena, Dan misses you," Rufus insisted the ladies to come inside their apartment.
"Jenny! Blair's here. Dan! Serena's here as well!" Rufus said as he knocked at each of his offspring's bedroom door. "How 'bout some juice girls?" Rufus offered Serena and Blair. "Oh. No thanks. Blair and I just ate," Serena replied. Rufus, Serena and Blair got to a short conversation. Rufus, still surprised at what Blair's wearing, asked why she was wearing those unusual clothes. Rufus also asked how Blair's party preparations were doing. After that, Rufus now talked to Serena. He asked how her mom, Lily and stepfather, Bart were doing. Serena said that Lily joined Bart on his business trip to Hawaii and they will be staying there for two weeks. "So why ask about mom Rufus?" Serena asked and was a bit suspicious. "Oh. Nothing Serena. It's been a while since we last spoke to each other," Rufus said and then taking a drink on his glass of orange juice. Jenny came out from her room. "Blair! Thank goodness you're here! Oh my gosh? Is that you? What are you wearing? Hey! Who are you and what have you done to Blair Waldorf?" Jenny said and also surprised to see Blair. "Hey. I think I heard that line before. Anyway, your dad said you wanted to talk to me," Blair replied. "Yes! About very important matters, Blair," Jenny said and gave an almost "angry mom" look and hands on her waist. "Oh. Is it about the dress for the party?" Blair wondered. "Yes Blair Cornelia Waldorf! Now come here. I'll show you what I've redone so far," Jenny grabbed Blair's arm and they headed for Jenny's room.
Serena on the other hand, still waiting for Dan to come out. "Hey Rufus, is it okay if I just knock at Dan's room?" Serena said. Serena knocked on Dan's bedroom door. "Hey Dan? It's me, Serena," Serena said. There was no answer. She was again, feeling frustration. So she just opened Dan's door. "D--. Oh. That's why. Damn it," Serena was surprised seeing Dan asleep. She didn't go out of Dan's room. She went to Dan's table because she noticed that Dan's laptop was on. Serena saw the unfinished novel that Dan was doing. She read some parts of the story flashed on his laptop. As she was reading further, she almost started to cry. The story was about their story. The Dan and Serena love story. Serena didn't continue reading. She silently stood up and went to Dan's bed and sat down. She kissed Dan's forehead, stood up and slowly walked towards the door. But as she was about to turn the doorknob, "Serena? What are you doing here?" Dan suddenly woke up. "Good morning?" Serena replied and smiled. "What are you doing here?" Dan said. "Oh nothing. Just here to check if you're doing fine. I haven't talked to you in a while. So I decided to visit you," Serena replied. "Oh. Yeah. Uhm. Wanna go somewhere? Uh, Central Park perhaps?" Dan suggested. "Sure Dan. That would be delightful. And uh, nice story by the way," Serena said. Dan's eyes widened. Turned his head to his laptop and back to Serena. "You read my story?" Dan said in shock. "Not all. Just until chapter two. I was moved. Oh, uh, anyway, I'll wait for you outside," Serena went out of Dan's room and Dan got dressed.
"Hey Nate. What did you do to win Blair back?" Chuck asked Nate. "Hmmm. Let me think. First I started to flirt with her again. The flirting didn't work so I wrote her a letter expressing all the things I really feel for her and why I wanted her back. Things like that. Well for you, just give her some time first. Time heals the pain man. I'm sure she will take you back. But not now. Time will come," Nate advised. "Time is not my middle name, Nathaniel. You know that. I want it to be in an instant," Chuck said. "Your aggressiveness won't do you any good, Chuck," Nate said. Chuck took another sip of Martini. "Hey Chuck, easy on the drinks will you? Come on. Let's go some place non-alcoholic," Nate suggested. "No!!! Keep me drunk. I want Blair! Blair! Blair! Blair!" Chuck shouted. "Come on, I'll take you home. You're drunk and it's just six o'clock in the evening," Nate was pulling Chuck away from his spot. "Nate? You're my best friend, right? So just please leave me alone. What I'm doing is what makes me happy at the moment," Chuck said releasing his hand from Nate's. "No. My job as your best friend is to make sure that you don't do crazy things like this," Nate said. Chuck continued drinking Martini. Chuck called for a dancer and asked the dancer to stay by his side and entertain him. "Oh my god, Chuck. I'm leaving now. I have to do some stuff," Nate said in a frustrated tone. "Thanks for the company Nathaniel," Chuck said and then made out with the burlesque dancer. As soon as Nate stepped out from the club, he grabbed his phone and called Blair. Blair's phone was on voicemail. "Damn it," Nate said.
Dan went outside of his bedroom. "Shall we go?" Dan told Serena. "Yeah. But I have to drop Blair home first," Serena said. "Oh. She's here?" Dan said fixing his top. "Yeah. She's in Jenny's room right now. C'mon. Let's call her," Serena said and then going to Jenny's room. "Uh, sorry to disturb you guys but Blair, uh, we have to go. Dan and I are going to Central Park," Serena said. Dan stepped in Jenny's room. "J---… Hey?!" Dan said as she saw Blair. "Serena, are you sure this is Blair?" Dan said. Serena just smiled. "How come everyone's surprised with what I'm wearing? Be surprised when I'm naked," Blair said. "Did you move to Brooklyn or Queens perhaps?" Dan asked Blair. "No way Humphrey!" Blair told Dan with disgust. Dan looked at Blair from head to toe. He stared at Blair for a minute, looking at every detail of Blair's appearance. Dan thought that Blair was crazy. "Stop staring Humphrey! You're being Chuck," Blair said and then slapped Dan's cheek. "Hey! Do you have to slap?" Dan said touching his slapped cheek. "Duh!" Blair said. "Okay, okay. Let's go," Serena grabbed Blair. "Hey Jenny, thanks by the way and I'm sorry," Blair said while walking towards the door. "Yeah! Sure Blair!" Jenny said. "Oh hey, uh, Serena. Wait for me outside. I'll talk to Jenny first," Dan said and then closed Jenny's bedroom door. "Talk to me about something?" Jenny wondered. "Uh, I just wanna ask if Blair's dress is fine," Dan asked Jenny. "Yeah… it's okay. She finally stuck with the design she wanted. Why?" Jenny said. "Nothing. Anyway, make that dress beautiful. See ya," Dan said and then went out of Jenny's room.
Dan and Serena arrived at Central Park. "So how are you? It's been two months since we last talked. I'm sure there's some news about you," Serena asked Dan. "Nothing much. Jenny set me up on a date two weeks ago," Dan said. Serena was surprised to hear what Dan said. "That's nice. I'd like to hear about that," Serena said. "Okay. Her name's Denise. She's a friend of Jenny. She's cute. Brunette and two inches shorter than you are. She's okay," Dan said. "What?! You just described her. What happened to your date?" Serena asked, taking a pause from their walk. "It's just that. She's not my type," Dan looked into Serena's eyes. It's as if Dan's stare was saying that he still wants Serena. Serena looked away from Dan and continued walking. "Rufus said you missed me," Serena blurted out. "He did? Well. Yeah. I did miss you these past days," Dan said placing his hands on his pocket. "Yeah. Me too," Serena said and then hugged Dan. The two continued walking around the park sharing stories. Until there was a time they got tired and sat on a bench. "So how about you Serena? I noticed that it's all about me that we talked about," Dan said. "Me? Oh. Uhm. I--- uh," Serena was stuttering. "You're unfair, Serena. I spent the last twenty minutes talking about what happened to me the last two months and you, can't share anything?" Dan said. "Well. Uhm. Okay. Here it goes," Serena said and took a deep breath. "What?" Dan said. Serena didn't say anything. "Serena. Okay. I'm going home," Dan stood up from the bench. "Hey wait! Okay! Nate's been courting me. For two months," Serena revealed. "What?" Dan said. They were quiet for a minute. "Well, that's great, uh, Serena. That's why. You were busy with Nate the last two months we haven't talked," Dan said with a sigh. "Look, I'm sorry Dan. I should have told you before," Serena said with a low tone. "No. It's okay, Serena. Really, it is. And, I'm happy for you. Really, I am. Come here," Dan stretched out his arms asking a hug from Serena. So there, they hugged. "Hey! You can't tell Blair or anyone, okay? You're the first person I told you about him courting me. Even Gossip Girl doesn't know about it. Thank god," Serena and Dan's phone beeped. After reading their messages they both smiled. It was from Gossip Girl. "Wow. Gossip Girl thinks we're together again. That picture of us, hugging, just moments ago 'proved' it," Serena said making quotes on the word proved. They both laughed. Serena's phone rang. "Oh. It's Nate. I gotta take it. Maybe it's about that Gossip Girl thing," Serena said. "Yeah. Sure," Dan said.
"Dorota! Can you prepare a hot bath for me? Thank you!" Blair arrived at her penthouse and went straight to her room. As she opened the door, she saw Chuck sitting on her bed. "Chuck?! What are you doing here?! I told you we're through! Now please get out," Chuck suddenly stood up from Blair's bed, grabbed Blair and kissed her. Chuck pulled away after three seconds and kissed her again. "Chuck! No!" Blair pushed Chuck away from her. "I told you, we're through! We are through! Can't you comprehend that?!" Blair shouted. "I love you, Blair," Chuck said. "You're saying that because you're drunk!" Blair said and pushed Chuck. "No. Blair, I do love you," Chuck said holding Blair's waist. Blair released Chuck's hands from her waist and said, "I do too, Chuck. But I have to end this. I don't trust you anymore. And it's hard you know. You, and that Lady girl. Look, if you want me back then you have to start over," Blair said. There was a moment of silence. "Never mind," Chuck left.