Author's Note: Sorry it took so long. I have like four other fics including this one, so I'm trying to update as much as possible. I hope you enjoy this chapter as this was one of my favorite Blair episodes. In this chapter it may seem like Dan/Serena are bonding or he's coming to her rescue but its still very much Dan/Blair but I wanted to stay true to the episode but make it logical, but I promise you won't be dissappointed. Can't wait until Monday, I've read every spoiler possible so I'm just anxious to see what happens to get it over with. So I hope you enjoy, and I would love to hear your feedback on the chapter or in general about this upcoming Monday...so enjoy :)
Chapter Three- Poison Ivy
Episode Summary: As the Upper East Side teens from Constance Billard and St. Jude's prepare for a much-anticipated visit from the Ivy League representatives, Blair and Chuck uncover a scandalous secret about Serena that may not remain a secret much longer. Dan has his heart and future set on the coveted usher position for the Dartmouth rep, only to be beat out by Nate, who has no interest in the school despite pressure from his controlling father, The Captain. Meanwhile, Jenny bonds with Serena's younger brother, Eric, and Rufus must swallow his pride and ask Lily for a favor to help his son, Dan.
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, yeah
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S
His alarm clock rang loudly in his ear before he finally reached over to turn it off. Half of him wanted to go back to sleep for just twenty more minutes in hopes that he would wake up more well rested. Laying his head down on the pillow for some sort of comfort that would take him through the day that would include him being around his snobby classmates, Dan just wanted to cherish the few moments he had to himself before Jenny quickly opened up his door with a tooth brush hanging out of her mouth. Slowly sitting up in the bed, he ran his hand through his hair before he finally just sucked it up and got out of bed. Steadily making his way over towards his closet, he opened up the door to see that he really had no selections for the day because St. Jude's was as uniform as it could get. Looking on at his navy blue suit uniform, he reluctantly reached out to grab his suit.
We flyin' first class up in the sky
Poppin' champagne, livin' the life
In the fast lane and I won't change
By the glamorous, ooh, the flossy, flossy
The kitchen began to bustle with activity as each person inside set out to do certain tasks for the morning rush as it was come to be known as in the Waldorf house. Freshly squeezed orange juice was put into the pitchers that would eventually end up in the finest of crystal glasses, while stove eyes were being fired up just as a skillet pan was placed over the eye with pancake batter filling the center, eggs cracked open into a bowl that was lightly beaten to create the fluffiness that was to be expected, light brown sausage links and bacon sizzled on non stick skillets creating the aroma throughout the house, flowers were picked to placed in vases as the scent of freshness had to come from every ounce of everything that was brought into the penthouse. Bringing over the trays for the women of the house, Darota overlooked the portions that were placed on each plate, and all that seemed like a remedial task, it was everything.
The glamorous, the glamorous, glamorous
By the glamorous, ooh, the flossy, flossy
The glamorous, the glamorous, glamorous
By the glamorous, ooh the flossy, flossy
Finally reaching the level of perfection that was necessary for the Queen Bee status, topping off the product she had become of perfection, she reached over to grab her headband. Slow with anticipation, she brought the headband to her head before slowly putting it on. Fixing up her hair a bit she gave herself the final look over as she was now ready to show the public the style that she possessed. Stepping out of her restroom she was greeted by Darota with her Chanel bag fully loaded with the necessary primping requirements, along with her blackberry filled with the necessary contact list that would get her the much needed information. Reaching in her purse, she grabbed her lip gloss and applied before she made her way over to the door.
Gossip Girl: There's plenty of upside to being the spawn of the fabulously wealthy, but the downside, super successful parents expect nothing less from their offspring and when it comes to college that means the Ivy's. It's more than just getting into college, it's setting a course for the rest of your life and for those few who aren't legacies, the pressures are no less. When parents have sacrificed for their children's future, what kid would want to let them down?
Sitting at the table, she sat with her plate in front of her just texting away while the staff looked on to see if the meal was to her delight. Standing with their hands folded behind their back, Blair just sat there not caring as to who or what they desired to hear from her about their services. Putting her phone down on the table, she looked on at all eyes fixated on her just feeling as if she was more than pressured to eat her food. To oblige the staff she took a single bite of her eggs before she put her fork down then walked away from the table. As she walked down the hallway she heard a bit of grumblings come from within the dining area. Hearing the sound of the fax machine going off, a slight but irritated smile came to her face as she slowly opened the door to her mother's office to see her going through her paperwork. Her mother hadn't torn her attention away from her set out task, which allowed her the time to get comfortable in the seat in front of her mother's desk that way she could show that she was purely about business and well being as opposed to personal vendetta's. Glancing up, Eleanor was a bit surprised to see that her daughter was in her office and not off at school.
"I thought you'd be off to school by now" Eleanor said as she continued to look for her paperwork
"I have ten minutes to spare before the driver comes. I'm actually glad that you've…misplaced something because it'll give us the opportunity to talk" Blair replied
"By talk you mean you complaining" Eleanor said
"If you want to put it that way, I call it an update on staff relations" Blair said as Eleanor leaned back in her chair letting out a sigh
"Do you ever think of making nice with the people that cook for you, steam your clothes…" Eleanor began to list before Blair interrupted
"All stuff that they're paid to do. Mother, we can't just let the staff run amuck" Blair said "Haven't you heard of Julius Cesar?" she asked
"Blair, get on with it. I have back to back meetings today, then I have to fly out to Milan tonight" Eleanor told her
"Your not going to be home tonight?" Blair asked sadly
"If you take this long then I will be, but no, I will not be back until this weekend" Eleanor replied "So get on with it? What is this staff relation you feel I need to know about?" she asked as Blair pulled up the video of Humphrey punching Chuck on her phone to show her mother
"I think this is enough evidence to show that he's not qualified. A woman of your stature doesn't need him as representation at events that we are both well known at, I mean this could have seriously effected my standings in the social circle" Blair stated as Eleanor pulled out her glasses to look on closely at the video
"What am I watching? It looks like two blots moving…one blot in particular has bright clothing that no man should ever wear" Eleanor commented as she squinted on at the images
"It's Humphrey punching Chuck" Blair declared to her mother
"Why is Daniel punching Chuck?" Eleanor asked as she continued to squint
"I don't know, call it the inner hood in him coming out for all I know. That right there is grounds for termination" Blair said
"Do you know how the fight got started?" Eleanor asked
"I don't know. All I know and clearly feel is right under these circumstances is we change all the locks, maybe even double up on security because Lord knows what is being taught in the Bronx" Blair suggested
"I'm not firing Daniel" Eleanor laughed
"Why not? What more do you need?" Blair asked in disbelief
"Does it ever occur to you that you should form a relationship with the people who work here? I mean a lot goes in to working here" Eleanor said
"Oh, spare me the charity case approach. I donate to NAACP each year, so I've more than helped the minority and I refuse to help some inner city youth bamboozle you into thinking he's some noble character" Blair replied
"I'm not firing him, so you can just give it up Blair" Eleanor sighed
"What is it with him? I mean really? Why is he all of sudden tugging at your heartstrings?" Blair asked as Eleanor took a moment to think
"He reminds me of your father" Eleanor smiled as Blair put her hand up in hopes that her mother wouldn't continue on
"Okay, please. Stop right there, if hiring Humphrey is to inspire some sort of sexual lust inside of you…then you really need to get some help" Blair replied
"This has nothing to do with sexual lust. Daniel looks as if he just needs an opportunity, and I fully intend to give that to him…maybe you should as well" Eleanor said before her cell phone began to vibrate "If you will, I have to take this…it's Tokyo" she told her daughter before Blair caught the hint that her presence was no longer necessary any more
Looking down at his class sheet as he came out of his second period, Dan began to rack his brain on where his next class would be with Professor Harmen for Political Science. Running his hand through his hair, he just retired the thought to be something he would deal with after brunch. Making his way over towards his locker, he quickly pulled his books out to put in his locker for the next days class as he attempted to lighten his load for travel at night after work. Still feeling a bit tired after he stayed up all night typing up his research paper that was due for his Advanced Placement classes, he was more than ready to hurry and get this day over with. Leaning his head into the locker finding the darkness within the locker a bit comforting with his sleep deprivation, he was soon torn away from his peaceful rest by the sound of someone clearing their throat. At first he didn't make much of it, but when he heard someone press up against the locker beside him along with the biting of an apple sound, that was enough for him to realize that maybe this person was trying to talk to him or wanted his attention. Closing the locker, Dan was a bit surprised to see the smug look on Carter Baizen face. Fanning away the spreading aroma of smoke that came from a cigarette that he held in his hand, Dan found his locker mate a bit odd.
"You do know your not suppose to smoke on school grounds, right?" Dan asked as he continued to fan away the smoke
"You can when your parents donate thousands of dollars to the school. It's public domain" Carter declared as Dan looked around in hopes that no one saw him with the cigarette
"Public domain is on the sidewalk, this school is private" Dan replied
"Are you always so straight laced?" Carter asked with a slight grin on his face before taking another drag from his cigarette "I mean you smell of…" he said as he began to sniff Dan causing Dan to feel a uncomfortable "A conscience. Oh, my God! This school has a conscience walking among them" he laughed with crazed abandonment
"Okay, and on that note I will be leaving" Dan said as he closed his locker and began to walk away but Carter only followed behind until he caught up with him
"The name is Carter. Carter Baizen" Carter introduced himself as he held his hand out for Dan to shake
"Nice to meet you, I guess" Dan shrugged "Look is there any way that we could separate, I would kind of like to fit in at this school" he said
"Don't fit in, be abstract from that. Fitting in will morph you into one of them, and you strike me as a person that isn't the least bit interested in being like them" Carter said as he pointed on at their classmates
"I guess you'd be right" Dan said before he took a seat at one of the tables
"I know I'm right" Carter smiled "But I have come to rescue you from this hell hole that is the Upper East side" he said
"I'm perfectly fine by myself" Dan said
"Daniel, your in denial" Carter laughed
"How do you know my name?" Dan asked in confusion just as Serena made her way over towards him and Carter with books in hand as she took a seat at their table
"Hey, Dan" Serena smiled "Carter" she then greeted with a smile
"Serena van der Woodsen, that's how I know you. We shall talk later" Carter said patting him on his shoulder before he got up
"I rather we don't" Dan sighed
"Remember, I'm your guide. You'll thank me later" Carter said before leaving the two
"How have you been?" Serena asked
"Uh, busy. I have been busy" Dan replied "You?" he then asked
"I have been surviving, if that's event the word for it" Serena replied to his question with a bit of sadness "Blair won't take my phone calls or answer my texts hence leading me to the conclusion that she is still upset with me" she said
"Can you blame her, you kissed her boyfriend" Dan replied as Serena found it a bit interesting that he hadn't heard the full story yet
"Yeah, I kissed Nate" Serena replied strangely "But I guess I could add busy to the list with everything with my brother" she said
"What about your brother?" Dan asked "I didn't even know you had a brother" he said
"A little brother, to be exact" Serena smiled "He's…he's in rehab. The Ostroff center" she replied nervously
"Oh, I'm sorry" Dan apologized
"No, need. Every family has their issues, but with the added tension with Blair…it doesn't help" Serena sighed "Has she mentioned anything to you?" she asked
"Me. Blair. Talking. Yeah, I think that's something that doesn't happen due to the laws of nature and if it were up to her, social standards to live by" Dan replied
"You work for her though?" Serena asked
"I work for Eleanor, not Blair" Dan corrected "So whatever progress she is making back to your estranged friendship, I would know nothing about" he then said as he looked over across the court yard to see Blair with her minions grading the incoming class of freshmen. Rolling his eyes at her need to exact her power on those, who are just terrified if they can't find their class much less not possessing the latest bag from Marc Jacobs.
"And us? What progress are we making?" Serena asked before the school carrier came over to him with a pink note in hand to give to Dan "What is that?" she asked as Dan read the note
"The headmistress wants to see me" Dan replied a little confused as he looked on at the note
It was all ready the first day and she was being called in by the headmistress, could this be that she was finally acknowledging the twenty letters of her college application she had sent over the summer. No, if there was going to be anyone in charge of her fate for Yale, Blair was determined for it to be up to her and not some headmistress with a salary that could barely afford a lobster with the steak at the finest of restaurants New York had to offer. Though she did feel a bit thankful that she had been pulled away from freshmen intake, which was basically the judging of the crop to see who could even make it on to the waiting list of the waiting list to be one of the girls of the steps. Each day, Blair and her minions had lunch on the steps of the Met as some sort preservation of the great beauties, the Met created masterpiece after masterpiece…so it was no shock that Blair felt the need to be surrounded by such creative genius by the many that graced the halls of the met, which is why it was no easy task to be one of those girls. This required rigorous tutelage from her and whatever thought her minions could muster up. Approaching the headmistress's office, Blair began to fix herself up before she entered the office to find that she was all ready expected. Lead to her office by the secretary, Blair forced the biggest of smiles on to her face before it quickly faded once she saw Humphrey sitting in a chair in front of the Headmistresses desk.
"What are you doing here?" Blair turned to ask him
"Hello to you to Waldorf" Dan said forcing a smile as he didn't like the idea of being in the same room as her as much as she didn't
"Blair, take a seat" The Headmistress instructed her as she did as told reluctantly
"Shouldn't the headmaster be in charge of the boys, hence the term headmaster?" Blair asked
"He's out on sick leave, apparently Vegas and fallacious women can do that to you in the city of sin" The Headmistress replied
"Isn't the Headmaster your…oh, never mind" Dan said realizing that it was a sore subject to bring up seeing as the previous statement had said so much all ready
"I hardly doubt that Humphrey and I would have anything in common that would require both of our presence in here" Blair said "I mean I thought we were going to discuss my college letters to Yale. I see no need for me to be present for his questions on applying for financial aid, though I always urge my esteemed parents to always help those who are less fortunate" she said
"Do you even have a nice bone in your body?" Dan turned to ask her
"I'm stating fact. Fact, your not on the same level as me Humphrey. Fact, I find my time at this school valuable in my future endeavors" Blair said under her breath as the Headmistress just listened in on their banter
"That's not fact, that's being an egotistical maniac" Dan scoffed at her notions of what was fact "And I do happen to be smart" he said
"You heard that, right? I mean grammar mistakes after grammar mistakes….and I do happen to be smart" Blair quoted him towards the end "How was he even allowed an application for St. Jude's, I'm outraged that my tax dollars are supporting this walking fragment" she said
"Okay, I've heard enough" The Headmistress said before she took a sip of her coffee "If you two can manage to bite your tongues for a mere ten minutes, then I might be able to accomplish more than finding a divorce attorney on my list of things to do today" she said "Now as you both know, it has been a long standing tradition for us to have an Ivy Week" she told them
"A tradition I come to admire" Blair smiled
"The Constance Billard girls will be in charge of Friday's night mixer, while the St. Jude's boys will provide ushers for the Ivy representatives" The Headmistress said as Dan began to perk up
"Yes, a position in which I applied for…Dartmouth's representative to be exact" Dan replied as Blair laughed to herself
"That's a tall tale" Blair replied
"Laugh all you want, but there is reason for Mr. Humphrey to be here Ms. Waldorf" The Headmistress replied
"To be a thorn in my side is one reason. I still don't get why we're both here?…that's the part that leaves me in anticipation" Blair said
"I'm sure if you were to refrain from all that is you, you would soon find out" Dan said to himself as Blair just glared over at his direction while he played with his tie
"You two hold the highest grade point average in your respective division of schools. Blair for Constance, and Daniel for St. Jude's" The Headmistress said "Which is why we would like for you two, by the grace of God, to work together to put together the luncheon for Saturday" she said
"Work together?" Blair asked "Can't this be divided into tasks for Constance and St. Jude's?" she asked
"Yeah, I mean I'm all ready up to my eye balls on exams, work, then impressing Dartmouth" Dan chimed in
"For both of you, who are dreaming to attend an Ivy League, this luncheon is the most important focus" The Headmistress
"I'm sorry…are you encouraging me to just put all my focus on this one luncheon that I have to plan with….put together over my studies?" Dan asked
"Precisely, but its not pressure" The Headmistress smiled "Look, I have no doubt that you two will somehow work this out, as well as, tend to your studies" she said "This is something to be expected from you both. This is your dream and this is your opportunity" she then pointed out
"And the usher positions, am I automatically taken out of the running?" Dan asked
"Yes, but if this luncheon is the success I know it will be then you'll be memorable in other ways that will matter" The Headmistress said as Blair began to daydream about all the possibilities this could lead to as she'd have one more added bonus of extra curricular to put on her resume for Yale
[Flashback]
Descending the staircase with the biggest of smiles plastered on her face, Blair was overjoyed with happiness of thoughts of Yale. She had finished up reading the latest updates to the campus and she found the yearning thirst for knowledge was only increasing by the minute on the campus, and she someday would be a part of that great tradition that her father spoke so highly about. Joining Darota in the living room area, she sat on the sofa still in midst of a daydream while Darota just continued on with her daily tasks.
"Do you remember when Dad gave me my first Yale sweatshirt? I don't think any piece of clothing has ever fit me more perfect, not to mention how adorable I found that bulldog" Blair smiled at the not so distant memories while Darota just looked on at the brunette with concern that she may have become delusional "Remember when I asked you if I could get a bulldog? Good call by the way saying no… and now the big day is finally here. Soon Nate and I will be at college, him going down to Yale, me going up to Dartmouth. Dad flying in for the Princeton game, I hope it doesn't make you feel old watching me grow up"
"Eat up Ms. Blair" Darota encouraged her as Blair leaned forward to grab a single grape to put into her mouth to oblige Darota's wish
"Finished" Blair replied before she rose from her seat
[End of Flashback]
A smile slowly came to her face as she began to realize that this was going to be her moment, her moment to seize the opportunity and maybe, just maybe put her life back on the path it was suppose to be on. Noticing the devilish smile that his peer wore on her face, Dan could only hope that was a sign that she would work with him. "We won't let you down" Blair told the Headmistress before she rose from her seat to give the headmistress her million dollar smile before turning to leave. Unsure as to what this meant, Dan nervously made his way out of the office to follow behind Blair into the hallway
"So are we doing this?" Dan asked her as he trailed behind her as she texted away on her cell phone, not giving him any attention "Waldorf. Waldorf. Waldorf!" he called out before she slowly turned towards him
"Will you lower your voice" Blair instructed "There is no we in this, all that is expected of you is to just smile and no, if you can do that at the same time then great but stay out of my way on this one Humphrey" she said
"Oh, no" Dan said before he ran in front of her "Your not going rogue on me, we're doing this together" he said
"Get out of my way Humphrey" Blair told him calmly
"Not until you agree that we will work on this together" Dan replied
"I'm giving you Dartmouth on a platter, just go with it" Blair replied
"I don't need you to give me anything, I've worked my butt off for this opportunity and I'm going to get it…not you. So do we have an understanding?" Dan asked her once again as she returned to texting on her phone "I do know where you live" he threatened
"If your trying to sound like a stalker, ding ding ding, you've accomplished it" Blair replied "Fine. I will allow you to prove that your not as dumb as you look" she sighed
"Thank you. I think" Dan replied unsure if that was a semi-compliment
Standing amongst her minions, engaging in the latest of gossip about the freshmen intake, Blair found physical education a bit more bearable with gossip involved. Even with the task of putting on a prestigious event for Ivy Week, there was never a shortage of what she had to do to keep order in line. Laughter filled within the circle as they poked fun at the not so appealing gym attire the newbies had to wear as opposed to their gym chic looks that took them all but one day to master in their stint at Constance, but the laughter had soon died down as Serena made her way out on to the field with her field hockey stick in hand. Isabel and Katy began to whisper amongst the girls, informing them of the all ready cliché rumors that had come along with Serena by this point as Blair became irritated with even hearing Serena's 's glare quickly came upon the blonde, who did her best to play the victim, but there was no way that Blair was going to let Serena fool people into letting them think she was the one done wrong. Things were still pretty much fractured between Nate, but she had hoped with enough time for him to realize that he made a very stupid mistake that they could work things out and come back stronger than ever…sort of like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban she thought to herself. The teacher quickly gathered the girls in the middle of the field and instructed them as to what positions they would play, and Blair began to relish the feel of a stick in her hand and the possible ways she could make Serena pay for the embarrassment she had to endure. Placing the ball in the middle of the circle, the game had just begun. Both Blair and Serena ran after the ball as Serena's quickness had allowed her greater advantage. Struggling over the ball, Serena quickly began to feel as if Blair was going after more than just the ball.
"Look, I made a mistake with Nate okay" Serena tried to reason during their struggle "We don't have to be friends…" she said before Blair whacked her with the hockey stick causing her to fall down on to the ground. Taking a moment to collect herself, Serena rose from the ground before she took her stick to hit the ground angrily while all Blair could do was smile at her cheap shot at the blonde
"Waldorf?" The teacher asked wondering why she took such a cheap shot
"Sorry, slipped" Blair replied as she walked towards her spot on the field before the teacher turned her attention over to Serena
"I'm fine" Serena declared
"All right, lets keep it clean ladies" The teacher told them just as Serena walked past Blair
"I really wanna believe that was an accident" Serena told her
"Then you must be delusional" Blair laughed to herself. Running over towards the ball, Serena began to bring the ball up that was until Blair ran up and jabbed her in the stomach. Nearly losing her breath from the blow, the teacher quickly raised a green card up against Blair
"Waldorf, focus on the ball" The teacher said
"Thank you" Serena praised the decision
"Oh, stop acting like you're the damn victim in this" Blair replied before she slowly backed away
Now caught up in the heat of action, the girls were playing an intense game that was going down to the wire. With Serena being the most skillful on her team, she handled the ball most of the time as she was nearly bringing her team back to win the game. Passing the ball to her, Serena in a mad sprint was able to surpass the defenders as she passed off to the girl beside her so she could advance further before getting the ball back. She was nearly inches away from where she had anticipated to pull the trigger and hit her spot in which she knew she'd be able to score. Cocking her stick back ready to fire, Serena was soon torn from her goal as she was up ended into the air by none other than Blair. Letting out a growl of anger as she gripped the grass in between fingers.
"I'm running out of colors here Blair" The teacher told her as Serena quickly got up to get up in her face
"And I'm running out of patience" Serena replied "Enough, okay?" she asked in hopes that they would burry the hatchett
"It's enough, when I say its enough" Blair said not backing down from Serena
"Girls, play the game…leave the catfights until after school" The teacher said as they both went back to their respective teams to resume play. Receiving the ball from a teammate, Blair turned up the field and focused in on the ball as she tried to keep control of the ball before Serena swiftly ran across the field and tackled her to the floor. "Girls, break it up!" he yelled on at the girls as they just continued to wrestle with each other on the floor while the other girls huddle around them
"Get off me!" Blair exclaimed as she began to tug at Serena's hair before Serena tugged away from her grip and got off of her
"So we've come to physical blows now?" Serena asked in disbelief "Could we please just call a truce" she suggested as Blair ran many thoughts through her head as to what she should do. There was no way that she was going to let Serena spin this to her advantage. Becoming limp in one of her legs, Blair screamed out in agony as the overwhelming pain became too much for her
"My leg!" Blair called out
"Serena, you're out of here" The teacher said as he walked over to access the damage as Isobel and Katy helped their ailing friend
"I hope its broken" Serena muttered to Blair as she left the field
Gossip Girl: Hey Upper East Siders. We hear that World War Three just broke out and it's wearing knee socks. Choose your side or run and hide. We have a feeling that this one is to the death.
Although today was a momentary success against Serena, Blair knew that she'd have to do more than fake limp her way through the rest of the day if she wanted to do maximum damage to Serena. There was no way that she could let Serena gain the sympathy of the school, and if she wanted to break the former it girl than she would have to use the information she had in her arsenal. Acquiring the needed information she needed in order to deliver the perfect outing of Serena, and what better way to ruin her than to add her future along with it. Ever since they were little, she had always remembered her friends desire to attend Brown University…it was the only school that Serena would ever dream of going to even though she had less than average grades. If she was going to exact revenge then it had to come in the form of the luncheon, and it had to be soon or else she was going to explode with anger. Stepping off the elevator still dressed in her gym attire due to acting purposes, Blair rolled her eyes in irritation as Dan came out of the kitchen with plate in hand as he stuffed his face with Darota close behind with a smile plastered on her face.
"Since when is the staff suppose to take snacks" Blair stated in annoyance as she made her way over to the living area
"Ms. Blair, you look a mess" Darota said as she rushed over to her
"It was no thanks to Serena. I tell you, she's unhinged in the head or something" Blair replied as Dan began to laugh to himself
"I heard about the throw down on the field" Dan laughed "Who knew you Blair Waldorf could fight" he said "You even scarred up your knuckles there a bit" he went on to notice
"Shouldn't you be working? Not stuffing your face?" Blair asked
"This is work. Your mother wanted us to try out the caterers that she had sent over for an upcoming party…this is house management" Dan said
"I'm sure" Blair replied in irritation as she sat her phone down on the table
"So should we get started with our soirée, I've come up with a list of things we could feature in the panel" Dan told her as he pulled out his notebook
"Maybe you like to come home and sweat it out over homework, but I'm going to take a shower and get washed up because unlike you, I don't like to smell I just traveled through a Mongolian meat market" Blair told him "Darota, will you please put all my calls to voicemail and if any of my minions call then give them the usual time in which they should call under call back times" she then turned to tell Darota
"It amazes me how you multitask in being evil" Dan replied as he leaned back in his chair "Is there any possible way you could actually be civil to me and not treat me like I'm trash" he said
"I really don't have the time, nor do I care what you feel….if you were smart then you would have picked up on that" Blair replied as she made her way over to the staircase
"I'm not going anywhere. I will be right here" Dan said
"I don't doubt that" Blair replied as she knew the leech would be sitting in the same position when she returned as she head up to her room
"What a bi…no, no. I will not call her that even though she is it down to the bone" Dan said to himself not wanting to stoop down to degrading the brunette. Running his hand through his hair in frustration, he was soon torn away from his frustrations by the ringing of his cell phone. Pulling his cell phone out, he looked on to see that it was Jenny calling him "Yeah, hey Jen" he said answering the phone
"Are you at Blair's?" Jenny asked
"Yes, I'm in hell to be exact but yes, I'm at Blair's" Dan sighed "What's up?" he then asked
"Well I don't want to sound to happy, but I am" Jenny said happily "I made it past the first round" she declared
"First round of what?" Dan asked
"Of freshmen intake" Jenny said
"Okay, I'll pretend to know what that means" Dan sighed as he looked on to see Blair's cell phone vibrating on the table. Getting up from the table, he reached over to grab the cell phone to take up to Darota but when he looked on to see that the Ostroff center was calling. "Jen, I'll call you back" he said before he hung up the phone while looking around to see that he was alone before he answered Blair's phone "Hello" he answered
Looking on strangely at her phone after her brother's sudden hang up on her, finally concluding to herself that maybe it was just as well that they stopped talking seeing as she only had a only a limited amount of time before she had to catch the bus. Making her way inside the center, Jenny signed in with the nurse then made her way over to Eric's room. Taking a seat on the edge of his bed, Jenny reached over to his nightstand to look through one of his gaming magazines that he had subscribed to during his stay here. Taking a glance at her watch she had known exactly that he was probably finishing up his final evaluation. She was thrilled that she was finally going to have her friend back at school, although they had met in class she had come to really enjoy her time with him over the past couple of months. Growing more and more concerned about the video games that were being featured in the magazine as all of them consisted of gory images that she felt might not be suitable for him. Just as she got caught in the mess that was his magazine, Eric had made his way into the room surprised to see her.
"I wasn't expecting you so early" Eric smiled as he walked over to hug her
"I told you I was going to come by and tell you all about my day. How was your session?" Jenny asked
"I'd rather hear about school, that's how it was" Eric replied as he flopped down on his bed
"That bad?" Jenny asked as she laughed
"Yes. I believe that this was the worst one to date" Eric sighed "But seeing you here has made up for the crap fest that has been my day" he said
"Well, I do tend to give good company" Jenny smiled "So I've officially made it past freshmen intake, at least the first round" she told him
"Freshmen intake? Wait you were actually serious about the whole Blair Waldorf thing?" Eric asked "I never pegged you as a Blair Waldorf type" he said
"What exactly is a Blair Waldorf type?" Jenny asked
"Basically rising from the level of freshmen to one of her minions. Do you really want that?" Eric asked
"I want to fit in. It's easy for you to criticize her because you've practically been around her your whole life, but I like her…I think she has some endearing qualities" Jenny said
"Yes, Blair does have her moments. I'm not going to say that I hate her, I just think when your sister is best friends with her, and they are constantly best friends or frenemies…it gets kind of confusing at times about what you like about that person. I feel the same way about Serena, I mean she's back but in the back of my mind I'm wondering what now? What scandal is she going to be a part of next" Eric said
"Never thought that you'd dread your sisters return, I thought you two were close?" Jenny asked
"We were, when we were little but as you can tell…as Serena's popularity grew the more detached she became from the family, and then my mom was always off at social events trying to maintain the family name even when Serena was wrecking it. I guess after a while you get use to things going bad in my family" Eric said
"Did your family have anything to do with you ending up in here?" Jenny asked
"I just got in a dark place" Eric said as he struggled to tell her
"You don't have to…I just, I guess we never really talked about you in that sense so I just was wondering" Jenny said
"No, its fine. I think it might actually help if I talked about it with you" Eric smiled weakly at her "Jenny, I tried to…I tried to kill myself" he said
"Why?" Jenny asked
"Being in this world, it's a constant reminder of perfection and how you have to always be perfect. Problems aren't accepted. You can't wish for anything less only greater things. My mom was never really around, and Serena had her friends…so I had no one….until you" Eric smiled
"You should go to the luncheon with me" Jenny then suggested to him
"Okay, that was a weird segway. How did we go from talking about me to a luncheon?" Eric asked
"Because I think that you should get out of this depressing room, and take me out" Jenny told him
"Take you out, huh?" Eric smiled happily
"Yeah, everyone should hang out with friends" Jenny smiled before she reached over to mess up his hair "Now lets get you packed because I can't wait to come visit you without having to sign in….or do you have to do that at Palace still?" she asked
"No" Eric replied unable to hide his sadness "Friends are always welcome" he went on to say only driving the friendship dagger deeper into his heart while Jenny went on a rampage in his closet
Luckily throughout the week, Blair was able to find some trait in Humphrey that made him easy to work with, but she would never say that to him, let alone make him feel as if he was safe in her house. For the most part everything was strategically planned for the luncheon and everything was locked and loaded for the ultimate reveal. With help from Isobel and Katy, Blair was able to get word on the fact that Serena was planning on attending the luncheon to talk with Brown representative about the possibilities of her going there. Of course that small fact caused Blair a few good chuckles here and there because Serena's grades were barely even good enough to get into a regular university much less an ivy. It always amazed her what type of logic Serena had to just think she could show up and be accepted just because she was Serena freakin van der Woodsen. Today, she'd prove that Serena was no better than the rest of them, once and for up in front of the school in her limo, Blair got out of the car with assistance from her driver to see Nate waiting for her in the courtyard. A part of her wanted to ignore him but she knew that she just couldn't keep ditching him, eventually they were going to have talk. Slowly making her way over towards him, he leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek before he pulled away.
"You look beautiful" Nate told her
"Thank you" Blair replied "I heard you got the usher position for Dartmouth, I'm sure your excited about that" she then congratulated him
"Not really, I mean its what my dad wanted" Nate sighed
"Your dad? Nate you've always mentioned Dartmouth" Blair said
"Because of my dad" Nate said soon realizing that this conversation wasn't the best one for them to be having, especially when he was trying to make things right between them "I miss you" he then stated as she lowered her head to look away from his eyes
"I…" Blair began to say before she looked over to see Dan coming out into the corridor with Carter in tow "I miss you, too" she said tearing her attention away from Dan and back to Nate
"So then lets end this, lets start getting back to us" Nate suggested as he grabbed her hand to kiss "We should go away for the weekend" he then said
"Oh…any…any suggestions" Blair said as she looked over once again at Dan and Carter, who were then joined by the guy she had met at the Ostroff center earlier this week. Becoming alarmed, Blair pulled her hand away from Nate "I can't talk right now. I have…I forgot that I have to do a last minute run through" she said before she quickly made her way over towards Dan
"Dan" Carter said as he motioned over towards Blair, who was coming up to them
"Mr. Bryant, have you checked in yet?" Blair asked the man
"I've all ready spoken to my group" Mr. Bryant said "I'm highly impressed with this school" he went on to rave
"Excuse me, what did you say? How did you all ready speak to a group? The program hasn't even started yet" Blair asked as she looked from Dan to Mr. Bryant
"I might a last minute adjustment" Dan told her "It was about making sure you have good mental health in order to succeed" he said
"Yeah, it was very riveting" Carter smiled on at Blair knowing that she was probably having a cow right now
"I really wish you would have told me about this?" Blair told Dan just trying not to do any physical harm to him before Nate walked over to join them
"Carter. Dan" Nate greeted the two
"Nate Archibald, we've officially reached those we thought were unreachable" Carter laughed to himself
"What's going on?" Nate asked Blair not obliging Carter's desire to start something with him
"Nothing" Blair said before she grabbed on to Dan's arm "Can we talk partner?" she asked as he had no chance to reply as he was being tugged into the hallway
"Ouch!" Dan declared as he tried to pull away from her grip
"You traitor!" Blair yelled at him before she hit him with her purse "You went behind my back and added things, after you specifically made a big deal about us working together" she said
"Only because you were going behind my back to screw over Serena" Dan replied as she looked at him with shock on her face "Yeah, I figured it out. The Ostroff center, really?…why would you invite them to Ivy Week" he said
"Oh, God! Does my whole have existence have to circle around Serena?" Blair asked "I invited Mr. Bryant for a special presentation" she said
"To embarrass Serena. He told me that you were asking about her visits and how often she frequented…I know everything" Dan said
"This isn't over. Not by a long shot Humphrey" Blair replied angrily at him "Serena thinks she can just come in and give her sorry's like its suppose to be big coming from her, well I'm tired of it!" she declared
"And I get that" Dan said before she interrupted him
"What do you know about it? I bet your one of the many people who fawn all over her….the only reason you did this was to make nice with her" Blair replied
"I did this to stop you from making a huge mistake" Dan replied
"Oh, God. Spare me the PBS moment" Blair replied "In case you haven't noticed, on this side of town, things are cut throat" she said
"Okay, so you do this. You embarrass Serena, how will that make you any different?" Dan asked her "What will you gain from this?" he asked
"Look, I don't expect you to get it on how things are, but stay out of my way or else I will destroy you" Blair told him
"You will regret this" Dan said
"As will you" Blair said before she stormed off
Nervously being lead through the group of people that gathered around at the luncheon, Eric began to feel as if he were an outsider making his way to the party for the first time. It had been enough to get eyes on him just because he was Serena van der Woodsen's little brother but ever since his attempt, he just felt in general that all eyes were on him. Looking back at her friend, Jenny smiled back at him hoping and trying to reassure him that things were going to be fine and that he was worrying for nothing. Stopping off at the appetizers they both grabbed something to munch on while they looked on at all the representatives that came from the different ivy leagues and the students that would have sold their souls just to attend their schools. Noticing her brother with a friend, Serena walked over towards Eric with the biggest of smiles on her face.
"Eric, you came" Serena smiled at her brother as she wrapped him up in a hug
"Yeah, uh…Jenny made me" Eric replied "Serena, this is Jenny Humphrey. Jenny, this is the great Serena van der Woodsen" he introduced the two
"Wait, are you Dan's sister?" Serena asked
"Yes" Jenny smiled
"Oh, well its finally nice to meet you. Eric tells me that he's got a friend, and I hung around late just to see this friend…so I'm glad to meet you" Serena said as Eric felt embarrassed
"So have you talked with the Brown rep?" Eric asked his sister
"I have not. I've been waiting for the right time" Serena said "I get so nervous just going up to some rep and then relaying my life story" she said
"I'm surprised you get nervous" Jenny replied
"Big time" Serena laughed "How are you feeling?" she asked wondering how her brother was dealing with his first day out
"This makes me feel like I'm back in that room with that Brazilian woman, where she's asking me questions about Florida" Eric replied trying to feel comfortable as both Jenny and Serena laughed
"I have a grandma that lives in Florida" Jenny thought off the top of her head as Eric just looked at her "In my head it sounded comforting" she laughed
"Has your brother made it yet?" Serena asked
"Uh…I haven't seen him since this morning" Jenny replied as they began to scan the crowd in search of Dan before Serena finally laid eyes on him and became excited to see him
"There he is" Serena smiled as he walked up to them
"Hey Dan" Jenny smiled at him while Blair made her way through the crowd with Isobel and Katy right on her heels
"Hey, I know this is going to sound weird, but I think you guys should go" Dan told them
"Okay, that was weird. Dan this is Eric, Serena's brother" Jenny introduced Eric but found her brother's weird behavior a bit od
"And we have reached the point of no return" Dan said to himself in hopes that they would understand and just flee "Serena, you have to go. All of you actually because…" he said before Serena cut him off
"Why do we have to go? What's wrong with you?" Serena asked with much concern for Dan
"Look, I can't explain but you should go" Dan warned them once again
"Eric, I'm sorry. My brother is acting more crazy than usual" Jenny told him just before Blair grabbed the microphone
"What's wrong?" Serena asked again as Dan wore a look of defeat on his face before he turned to look at Blair up on the stage.
"Can I please have everyone's attention" Blair said as everyone turned to the stage "Welcome again to Constance Billiards and St. Jude's luncheon. My name is Blair Waldorf, chair of the community outreach committee" she said as everyone began to clap for her except Dan as he knew what this was all leading to. Making his way towards the stage, Dan shook his head in disbelief that she was actually going to go through with this
"Who knew she was so involved" Jenny whispered to Eric
"You clearly don't know Blair then" Eric laughed
"Every year our schools choose to support one local institution that we feel benefits our community. This year our schools have chosen to honour the Ostroff Centre" Blair revealed sending a nervous feeling through Eric's body as he looked around thinking that everyone's attention had turned towards him. Listening in intently as to where Blair was going with this, Serena couldn't help but notice that Eric was slowly becoming a nervous wreck but she was thankful that Jenny had grabbed onto his hand to cause some sort of relief. Looking down at their connected hands, Eric didn't know whether to feel like this was a moment between them or her showing support for him
"Blair!" Dan whispered loud enough so that she could hear, but she paid no attention to the boy on the side of the stage that was trying to catch her attention
"This year's choice is a very personal one because the centre has helped one of our own." Blair smiled as all eyes began to look around to see who the lucky person was. Slowly getting a clue as to where Blair was going to take this, Serena had hoped that it would be her and not Eric. "It's because of their excellent programme which aids so many young addicts and alcoholics, that a student here with us today is clean and sober... at least for now. Can I please have Serena Van Der Woodsen join me on stage?" she then requested as everyone turned back to look at Serena, as all Serena could do was stare at her friend with all the hurt in her eyes that she would even take it there, but out of all the things…she was just glad that Eric could breath a sigh of relief
"I always knew she'd be a druggie" Katy whispered to Isobel while Serena made her way through the crowd. Jumping up on the stage, Dan quickly grabbed on to Blair's arm
"Let go of me Humphrey" Blair retorted
"No" Dan replied as he nearly dragged her off stage just as Serena had grabbed the mic
Gossip Girl: Honesty may be the best policy in some zip codes but not in this one and not this week because "I Was a Teenage Drug Addict" is not exactly a winning college essay.
Dragging Blair into an open classroom, Dan quickly closed the door behind them as she just stood there in anger. Folding her arms, she watched him pace the floor as if he were extremely pissed with her but at this point she could care less as to what Humphrey was feeling. It wasn't exactly how she wanted to do it, but she felt a sense of pride knowing that she finally put a bump in Serena's plan. She began to relish the look on the Brown representatives face once he had learned this information. The great Serena van der Woodsen was nothing more than a recovery addict, there was no way in hell that Brown was even going to think about Serena now that her reputation had been tarnished for all to see. Finally coming up with the words to say to Blair, Dan ran his hand through his hair just hoping that there was a soul inside of her that would comprehend the damage she had just done.
"Do you understand what you've just done" Dan said angrily
"Yeah, I finally revealed the real Serena…and I feel good, so spare me the Full House moment Humphrey" Blair replied "I could care less what you feel about me because at the end of the day I'm not trying to impress you, I've been betrayed and I just got a little bit of an old fashion case of revenge" she said
"That's what that was? It just looked like you being a total bitch" Dan told her "You think you got back at her but you looked just as bad up there" he yelled
"That's your opinion" Blair yelled at him
"You want to know what the sad thing is, you think your so damn smart but in this….you're the idiot. You're the complete fool in this scenario" Dan told her before she slapped him across the face. Surprised by the force behind the slap, he took a moment to massage
"Look who is talking, the boy that works for my mother. The boy, who's father still thinks he's a rocker. The boy who has no clue about this world" Blair replied in the nastiest of tones at him while he still massage his face as he turned to look at her "I'm done with this, and considered yourself fired" she then added with the same coldness before she made her way over to the door
"It was Eric" Dan said causing her to stop dead in her tracks
"What?" Blair asked
"You got the wrong person" Dan said "The van der Woodsen that was at the Ostroff Center was Eric" he said as she slowly turned around to look at him like she had seen a ghost "See that's the funny thing about revenge, you get so blinded by it that you forget to look at all the facts, because if you had asked specific questions to Dr. Bryant than you would have known that the only reason why Serena frequented the center was because she was coming to visit her brother, Eric van der Woodsen" he said before he walked past her and made his way out of the classroom
"Dan, wait!" Blair called out as tears began to well up in her eyes at what she had done to not just her best friend but to someone at one point she considered to be her little brother as well. Coming out into the hallway, Blair was caught off guard to see the Headmistress standing in front of Dan
"So you two put on an interesting display out there" The headmistress said
"I can explain…" Blair replied as she tried to take responsibility
"I really don't care to hear why it was necessary to reveal that Serena van der Woodsen attended the Ostroff Rehabilitation Center, I would buy it as an honest goof but I'm in no mood to hear any reason" The headmistress said as Dan just hung his head in disbelief by today's events "You two, detention for two weeks" she told them
Gossip Girl: Another bomb lands in Blair's lap. Will she use it as ammunition or will she finally surrender and put down her arms?
Holding her umbrella that shielded her from the rain that poured so frantically, she gripped on tight as she made her way through the silenced park. She had hoped that the next day she would feel some sort of victory that she had put a wrench in Serena's future, but the only thing she had learned was that maybe revenge was something she'd have to let go in order to forgive. She didn't want to hurt or feel betrayed anymore because frankly it was something that made her feel even lesser than she was. If she was ever going to rebuild and move on then she had to realize that she would have to find it within herself to forgive. Coming up an a secluded spot with regal arches, Blair was relieved to see that she still knew a bit about her friend that so she wasn't a complete stranger to her. Looking up, Serena was caught off guard to see Blair standing there before her. Closing up her umbrella, Blair slowly walked towards her friend as Serena began to rise from her seat hoping that it wouldn't be yet another smack down between them.
"Whenever something was bothering you, I would always find you here" Blair observed of the place she had come to known ever since knowing Serena
"You here for another cat fight?" Serena asked before Blair opened up her clutch purse and pulled out a white envelope before closing to hand over to Serena
"What is this?" Serena asked
"A letter. I wrote it to you while you were away at boarding school" Blair told her as Serena looked on at the envelope wondering if she should open it "I never sent it though…I figured what's the point" she said as tears began to well up in her eyes "Dear Serena, my world is falling apart and you're the only one who would understand. My father left my mother for a 31 year old model; a male model. I feel like screaming because I don't have anyone to talk to" she cried "You're gone. My dad's gone. Nate's acting weird. Where are you? Why don't you call? Why did you leave without saying goodbye?…..You're supposed to be my best friend. I miss you so much. Love Blair" she told her
"Why didn't you send it" Serena said trying to hide her tears "I could've…" she said before Blair interrupted
"You could've what?…you knew Serena, you didn't even call" Blair cried
"I didn't know what to say to you. I didn't know how to be your friend after what I did" Serena cried "I'm so sorry" she told her friend
"Humphrey gave me a rude awakening about Eric. I guess your family has been going through a hard time too" Blair said as she started up conversation
"I thought you and Dan don't talk" Serena said through muffled tears that she wiped away
"We don't" Blair laughed
Taking a rag, Dan began to clean the kitchen counters while Darota finished preparing lunch for the day. He hadn't really argued or tried to go behind Blair's back to see if she had grounds to fire him because he was just at this point where he was tired of dealing with Blair in general. Throwing the rag over his shoulder he began to wonder if he should tell Darota that this was his last day on the job. Maybe this was for the best he thought to himself because with the added detention that they would have to serve together, there was only so much Blair Waldorf he could take. Putting the dish rag in the sink, Dan nodded over at Darota before he made his way out of the kitchen with a slight laugh on his face. Grabbing his jacket that was resting on the chair, he began to put it on just as the elevator doors opened. Looking over at the elevator he soon wished that he had hurried up so that he would have avoided seeing Blair.
"I'm leaving" Dan said as he attempted to walk past her but she had cut him off
"Actually, do you think you could stay?" Blair asked
"No" Dan said as he attempted to leave again but she had once again stepped in front of him
"But I think you should stay" Blair said
"I don't want to" Dan replied as he slid over to move past her but she got in front of him
"I'm trying here" Blair said
"This is you trying to do what?" Dan asked in confusion as to what cutting him off at every step was supposed to translate to
"To you know, do that thing when you were wrong about something" Blair said not eagerly wanting to admit that she was wrong
"You mean apologize" Dan said
"Yeah, that thing" Blair replied
"I'll be waiting for that to happen" Dan said before he tried to move past her but yet again she cut him off "Waldorf!" he said in frustration
"Look, I can't do that because I…I can't stand you" Blair said before he cut her off
"And this is an apology. You need help, serious psychiatric help" Dan told her
"I'm trying Humphrey" Blair said through gritted teeth "You can't stand me. I can't stand you. So why don't we just admit that and move on from this" she said
"So is this a momentary thing due to guilt and ignorance of facts or is this something that's going to stick?" Dan asked
"Me disliking you is pretty much set in stone" Blair replied "But I think I can dislike you while you still work here" she compromised
"So what? Your unfiring me now?" Dan asked
"Yes, I'm unfiring you" Blair said
"Is this the closest I'm every going to get to an apology?" Dan asked
"This is the closest your going to get to me" Blair replied
"Fair enough" Dan said as he turned to take off his jacket
"Humphrey" Blair said as he turned to look at her "You tried, yesterday…you tried to warn me and then stop me. Why not let me go through with it not knowing the repercussions?" she asked
"Because, Waldorf, I don't think your that heartless as your proclaim to be" Dan smirked before he headed back into the kitchen
Gossip Girl: So what will it be? Truce or consequences? We all know two wrong people, don't make a right relationship. What happens next? Only time will tell. XOXO Gossip Girl.
Chapter/Episode: Blair is thrilled when her mother, Eleanor, chooses her to be the new face of her clothing line. However, Blair's happiness soon turns to feelings of betrayal and jealousy when Serena moves into the spotlight and Blair is finds herself back in Serena's shadow. Meanwhile, Dan tries to empower the staff to stand up to Blair.