A/N: This is my first story, so please go easy on me. I've been reading fanfic for over two years, but I know have a deeper respect for authors after my first attempt at writing a fic. Review and tell me if you think that this is worth continuing.
She stains her lips with YSL's Red Temptation, arranging her features into a cold, hard mask. Waldorfs never show weakness. Sliding on her shiny new red Louboutins, she sucks in a deep breath and marches out to face the world. Passing by an elevator, she catches a glimpse of herself; she quickly looks away. The lack of a trademark headbands only serves to remind herself of the old Blair that has withered away. People say that adversity makes one stronger, but she feels like crying in her father's lap. Her eyes start to water, thinking about the disappointment that was reflected in her father's eyes. She looks up and clenches her fists, clamping down on her emotions with an iron fist. Waldorfs never show weakness.
She briskly marches out into the cold world, head tilted forward and facing the world full on. She follows invisible footprints, walking against the breezy New York wind and heading for her newfound haven. Walking up scuffed steps into the rugged apartment, she strides down the sparse, yet refined hallway. However, when she knocks on the door, the silence is deafening.
Looking down at her shoes and twisting her heel gracefully—Waldorfs are never awkward—she notices a slightly bent corner of an off-white envelope. Glancing around the deserted hallway, she bends down and picks up the envelope. The thick, creamy paper feels like heaven under her fingertips, and while stroking the fine texture of the paper, she notices the word "Blair" scrawled hastily onto it.
Somehow, her legs feel like they're about to give way, and she slides down onto the floor and rests her head against the wall. With a sense of trepidation, she stretches her fingers towards the fallen envelope. She pulls out a sheaf of papers, recognizing the messy scrawl, and looks away. Waldorfs never show weakness, but there is no one here to watch, so she allows a single tear to slide down her face.