Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Gossip Girl. However, Stryker does belong to me.
Reviews, critiques and suggestions are welcome.
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"Thank you." Stryker said as the taxi driver opened the door for him. He stepped onto the street and pulled out his wallet. The taxi driver came back around and handed him his bags. Stryker paid the man and turned down the street. He had had the driver drop him off a few blocks away from his childhood home. He didn't want to be seen by anyone that would recognize him. Gossip Girl was always watching, after all. Stryker hadn't been home in almost a year. He wasn't even sure his family would even take him back. He knew that he deserved their forgiveness, but there was no telling that he would gain that forgiveness.
Stryker stopped and looked up at the building in front of him. He had been away much too long. He wasn't even sure that the bellman would allow him to go up to the penthouse. Stryker sighed and entered the building. This was a now or never moment. If he didn't take it, he would probably lose this chance forever. He turned when he saw the bellman stand. He knew he needed permission to enter the penthouse. The older man looked up at Stryker. His wrinkled eyes widened. Ok, maybe he did recognize Stryker.
"Mr. Stryker." The older man reached out a hand. "It has been a long time since you have been home."
Stryker shook the older man's hand. "It has." He agreed and released the hand. "How have you been, Winston?"
"I have been well, lad." Winston nodded. "I bet you are itching to get home and put those bags away. Go ahead." Winston hit a button and allowed Stryker to enter the elevator. "Nice seeing you, Mr. Stryker."
"Take it easy, Winston." Stryker said as the elevator doors closed. He sighed and put his head back on the wall. He wasn't sure how his family was going to react to this. He just needed to see them again. He was always running from his problems. He had run out of places to run to. He just wanted their forgiveness. He didn't even need to stay at home that long. He would be in and out in a flash if that was what they wanted. He watched the light flash on as he rose to the top level penthouse. He held his breath. This was going to be harder than he thought. The elevator abruptly stopped and the doors began to open. Stryker reached for the button to close the doors. He should probably go back to California without a word. No one would miss him if he left now.
Before he could reach the button, he glanced up. His chocolate brown eyes met with identical, feminine eyes. She looked at him in shock. "What are you doing here?"