Gossip Girl – The Party's Over
Title: Gossip Girl – "The Party's Over"
Summary: What happens when Manhattan's elite realise it's time to be responsible for their pasts and plan for the future?
Rating: MA for mature readers.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters created by writer Cecily von Ziegesar or television series creators Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage. However, I do lay claim to all original characters. No copyright infringement is intended towards the CW Television Network and no financial reward has been gained.
A/N: Please take the time to review, follow or favour.
Chapter 2
Serena and Blair met Lily Humphrey at the elevator of the fourteen roomed, top floor penthouse at 994 Fifth Avenue and Blair immediately ambushed the older woman, "What do you know about Lindquist Global Industries?"
"Well, hello to you too Blair. Do you mind if I get out of the lift before I answer?"
"Oh sorry about that, but Serena and I are a little impatient."
"I can clearly see that. If you give me a moment to change, I'll tell you all I know."
"Sorry mom, I'll make us a pot of tea," offered Serena while giving her friend a standard death glare.
Unladylike, Blair poked out her tongue.
"Thank you Serena," replied her mother while ascending the stairs.
The elevator door pinged open again moments later and Charles Bass, playboy billionaire stepped into the foyer, "Ladies, what a pleasure to see you again Blair."
"Drop dead mother chucker," snapped Blair with spite.
With a shrug of her shoulders, Serena sighed, "I see the two of you haven't made up yet."
"Apparently Blair considers me to still be a complete bastard for the whole Jack fiasco and for not accepting the reason for her lateness to meet at the Empire State Building."
Blair glared at him, "Basshole, I told you I didn't sleep with your despicable liar of an uncle when you took up his offer to trade me for your precious hotel and you were the one that went to Prague during summer and returned with French tourist Eva, so that makes us even. Now what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be off deflowering some sixteen year old wannabe?"
Remaining calm, Chuck answered, "If you must know, Rufus invited me over for dinner because Jenny finally admitted she was the one who instigated our coitus and I had indeed enquired several times during proceedings if she was sure of what she was doing."
Serena departed for the safety of the kitchen when Blair slapped Chuck on the face, "I've forgiven you for a lot of shit Chuck Bass, but sleeping with Jenny Humphrey is the one exception. Why don't you go back to your Penthouse at Empire Hotel and find solace in the arms of your saviour or one of your thousand dollars a night whores?"
"Blair, I'm a changed man and now that the truth about Eva's dubious career choice as a prostitute has been unearthed, she has left. You are the only one for me, my heart belongs to you."
Blair glared at her former boyfriend and snarled, "I don't want it Bass and I'm tired of you breaking mine."
"Hello Charles," interrupted Lily as she walked down the stairs.
Looking up, Chuck smiled, "Lily, you look lovely as always and my deepest apologies for my appalling behaviour these past three months."
Lily stepped off the last stair and embraced her step-son, "Jenny explained everything last weekend when Rufus and I visited her at her mother's in Hudson. I'm just glad you have recovered from your mugging and subsequent shooting in Prague."
"Yes, your charming husband Rufus informed me of the conversation when he called this morning with his dinner request."
"Well I hope we can all put the unsavoury episode behind us and move forward."
Serena carried a tray containing a tea service to the coffee table and put it down, "Mom, don't you think it's time this family stopped burying incidents and discussed them out in the open?"
Turning to face her daughter, a stunned Lily asked, "Since when have you favoured that theory?"
"Since I've grown up and had a few mistakes on how I live my life pointed out to me."
"Oh, that is interesting," noted Lily while everyone sat down on the white leather sofas.
"So Lily, do tell us about the Lindquist family," urged Blair animatedly.
"Charles, aren't you acquainted with Clara and Oliver?"
"I meet them through my father several years ago. They are both on the board of the Arts and Restoration Society and numerous charity foundations. If memory serves me correct, they own several hospitals and hotels in the city as well as overseas."
"Yes they do," agreed Lily. "They are a lovely couple and have a daughter who attended Yale. She is a few years older than you three."
Serena took the opportunity to recount her interview with Bailey then Chuck continued, "I never travelled in the same circles as Bailey, but she was known as a bit of a wild child as a teenager. There was a rumour she was shipped off to Lundsbergs Skola, Varmland, Sweden when she was fifteen."
"Oh that sounds familiar S," quipped Blair with a smirk.
The elevator doors slide back and four heads turned to see Rufus holding a newspaper and looking highly distressed, step out of the car.
Lily got up instantly and embraced him, "What is it darling?"
"Clara and Oliver were killed in a plane crash Saturday."
"Dear god, no!"
"It would seem Bailey Lindquist was who Gossip Girl was referring to," pointed out Chuck.
"That's such terrible news," remarked Lily tearfully.
"The service is on Friday. They were flying to St Thomas when their jet was struck twice by lightening during an electrical storm. The second strike blew a hole in the fuselage and the pilot couldn't maintain control."
"What a tragic loss for their daughter and Oliver's mother," lamented a maudlin Lily.
Eric, Serena's younger brother walked down the hall from his bedroom, "Hey everyone, what have I missed and are you all right mom?"
Serena explained the unfortunate news then repeated her story about Bailey to Eric and Rufus while a sombre Lily organised dinner.
-0-
Bailey stood beside her grandmother Greta on the path outside the church and received condolences from the large contingent of mourners as they exited the building. Tears flowed freely as Bailey shook hands and returned hugs.
Sometime later, Lily and Rufus approached the pair, followed by Serena.
"Thank you for attending Mr and Mrs Humphrey. My parents spoke highly of you. Miss van der Woodsen, thank you for being here."
"If there is anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to contact us Bailey," offered Lily sincerely.
"I appreciate your offer."
"My condolences Miss Lindquist," offered Serena as she held the other women's gaze.
"Thank you, I hope I'll see you at the Waldorf for drinks."
"We are on the way there now."
"See you there." Turning to her only relative, Bailey held her hand, "That's the last of them Grammy. Are you feeling all right?"
"I will be once I have a stiff drink or two."
"I can relate to that. I just have to give the minister a donation then we can be on our way."
"I'll meet you at the car dear."
Bailey watched her sixty six year old grandmother walk briskly down the stairs and thought she had aged dramatically over the course of the past six days. The younger woman could only image how difficult it was to lose a child. It was hard enough to lose both parents, and she admired Greta's resolve in keeping her anguish under control in front of the prying eyes of the media.
Going inside the house of worship, Bailey located Father Chartwell and handed over a cheque for one million dollars as per her father's instructions.
-0-
Serena sipped on a club soda and listened on as Lily and Rufus chatted to Eleanor Waldorf-Rose and her husband Cyrus. Her attention was drawn to the doorway of the function room and the arrival of Nate Archibald and his mother Anna. Congressman Tripp van der Bilt and his wife followed closely behind along with William van der Bilt, Anna's father.
Having taken onboard Bailey's words from Monday, Serena excused herself and approached Nate as he headed towards the bar counter. "Hello Nate, I'm surprised to see you here."
"Hey Serena and I knew the Lindquists on a social level. I was introduced to them by my parents eight years ago. There were really nice people and "The Captain" took me out sailing with them a few times."
"Nate, I want to apologise for not calling you over the summer after we broke up and for every lie I ever told you."
Brown eyebrows lifted, "Wow Serena, where did all this come from?"
"I've done a little maturing and want to change from the person I became over the last three years. We both deserve better than to be in a relationship built on secrets and mistrust."
"You've really stunned me and you're right, it is time we grew up."
"I hope we can be friends again someday."
"I hope so too. Listen, what is going on with Chuck and Blair? He won't tell me and has really cleaned up his act. I was hoping you had an idea."
"I only know Blair won't forgive him for sleeping with Jenny after all the trouble she caused. I guess Jenny just set her sights on Chuck when it became clear you had no romantic interest in her. The fact Chuck returned here with Eva didn't help matters."
"Jenny got messed up pretty bad."
"We've all been guilty of that Nate; she just took a speedier route to falling apart."
"I guess you're right and congrats on scoring an internship with Lindquist Industries."
"Thanks, do you know Bailey well?"
"Yeah, we hung out together at polo matches and sailing before her mother shipped her off to boarding school."
Not wanting to miss the opportunity to learn more about her mysterious employer, Serena asked, "What was she like?"
With a gentle grin, Nate answered, "She was a lot of fun and a damn good polo player. I had a terrible crush on her because she was always nice to me and the fact she is so good looking didn't hurt either."
Serena smiled, "Thanks for the info Nate, I'll see you later."
"See you on campus."
After speaking with several people, Serena caught a glimpse of Bailey and her grandmother near the bar. She looked on as the blonde ordered two drinks then conversed with Nate and his mother.
A short time later, Bailey sidled up next to Serena at the bar counter, "I hope you didn't cut class today?"
"No, I attended my morning orientation and had a free afternoon."
"I'm pleased to hear that and if you are not busy, I'd like to introduce you to my grandmother Greta."
"I'd like that very much." Picking up her club soda, Serena followed Bailey over to a table and spent an hour chatting with the still strikingly beautiful woman and her granddaughter.
Lily and Rufus joined the trio sometime later to inform Serena they were leaving.
"I was hoping to stay longer mom," said the younger blonde, reluctant to end the evening.
"All right, we'll see you at home then."
Bailey stood up from the table, "I'll ensure Serena is home by ten Mrs Humphrey."
"Thank you Bailey."
"I'll also make sure she has something to eat."
"I hope I'll see you both soon and it was a wonderful service Greta."
Greta nodded, "I'll be in contact and thank you both for attending."
"Goodnight," said Rufus while taking hold of his wife's hand.
Once the couple left the area, Greta noted, "Your mother appears very content Serena."
Serena gave a little giggle, "She is and I think she finally married the right man this time."
"I agree and how is your grandmother doing?"
"She's getting stronger every day."
"That is excellent news and I must give her a call. She sent a wonderful bouquet of flowers to the apartment and made apologies for not be well enough to travel."
Serena reached across the table and gently squeezed Greta's left hand, "She was upset about not being able to attend and expressed deep sorrow for your loss."
Tears welled in the older woman's eyes, "Thank you for passing the message on dear."
"You're welcome," replied Serena before changing the subject.
-0-
By seven, most of the guests had left and Bailey returned to Greta and Serena, "Would you care to dine with us Serena?"
"Well, you did tell my mother you would take care of me."
"In that case it's time to make a move."
"Where do you live?"
"Waldorf Towers, so it's only a short walk. Gramm, are you ready to leave?"
"Yes dear, just let me take care of the bar tab."
"I've already dealt with it."
"Thank you Bailey."
-0-
The youngest Lindquist was busy in the kitchen cooking while Greta showed Serena around the five bedroom 5,400 square foot apartment. The younger woman stopped in front of a family portrait in the study and pointed out, "You have an attractive family Mrs Lindquist."
"Thank you and please call me Greta."
"Some of the art work seems familiar. I think my mother has a portrait by the same artist above the staircase in our home."
"Lily has first-class taste and I believe your step-father has several of the artist's pieces in his gallery."
"I'll have to ask him."
"I'm glad you've spent this time with us Serena. Bailey doesn't invite many people here when she is home."
"I believe she was overseas for some time."
"Yes in Paris as CEO of the corporate office and she would return here from time to time to take care of business for her father when he required a break."
"That's very impressive for someone so young."
"Bailey worked hard at turning her life around and has proven to be more than capable of running a large company. Oliver and Clara were extremely proud of her."
"I can understand why."
"Before we join Bailey, I'd like you to know I'm aware of the deal struck between you and my granddaughter."
"Oh, do you know why she chose me?"
"When you appeared in the papers and magazines two summers ago making a spectacle of yourself, Bailey recognised the signs of you desperately trying to grab someone's attention. Then when Oliver informed her of your job application last month, she felt compelled to help you sort through your troublesome youth."
"Bailey mentioned I reminded her of herself when she was younger."
"Unfortunately that's true. Bailey was uncontrollable and socialising with a bunch of likeminded socialites when she was rushed to hospital suffering from alcohol poisoning after a two day drinking binge. Her downward spiral was fuelled by an incident involving Georgina Sparks and my son and daughter in-law stepped in to made radical changes to her life."
Taken aback by the exposed admission, Serena enquired, "She was friends with Georgina?"
"Only for a short time until they had a disagreement. When Bailey was enrolled into a Swedish boarding school, she had already severed all ties with her irresponsible acquaintances."
"Georgina is nothing but trouble."
"Yes she is and we better return to the kitchen. Bailey is an outstanding cook and her filet mignon is superb."
"Thank you for being so open and honest with me."
"It was my pleasure dear and I firmly believe in speaking the truth."
-0-
Rufus and Lily were sitting on the sofa drinking tea when Serena arrived home after being dropped off by Greta's driver.
"Hello Serena dear, how was dinner?"
"It was very interesting. Greta is fascinating to talk to and Bailey is an excellent cook."
"So she can cook more than waffles and chilli?" taunted Rufus.
"Yes," replied a smiling Serena as she sat in an armchair. "So why are you two still up?"
"Rufus and I have been celebrating."
"Have I missed something?"
"No Serena," answered a beaming Rufus. "I happened to sell three paintings today that will cover the full cost of Dan and Jenny's educational tuition."
"That's awesome and speaking of paintings; Bailey's apartment has several pieces of art by the same artist of the portrait above the stairs."
Both Lily and Rufus looked at each other then turned their heads around to the staircase.
"The artist is Annabelle Leyton," explained Rufus. "She's from New York and it was a trio of her works I sold this morning."
A curious Serena asked, "So you know her?"
"Only by reputation; I bought four of her pieces three years ago when she was living in Paris."
"Did you buy one of the paintings from Rufus mom?"
"Yes, I saw it at Rufus' gallery while I was looking for redecorating ideas several years ago."
"She's really accomplished. I wonder if there is more of her work available."
"There isn't," began Rufus. "Annabelle passed away a year ago. I had the last of her work."
"Oh that is a shame. Do you know what happened to her Rufus?"
"She was stricken with breast cancer. It's sad really, she was only twenty-one and so talented."
Shaking her head, Serena remarked, "That's just plain tragic."
"The value of her paintings tripled overnight and with some of the profit, I am taking your mother on a romantic getaway for the weekend."
"What a wonderful idea and goodnight, I'm off to bed." She stood and kissed them both.
"Goodnight dear."
"Night Serena."
-o-