Fear gripped Erik and gnawed at his stomach, as he and Jenny, along with ten other students sat in the school gymnasium. They watched as the gunman paced back and forth, agitated with a cell phone in one hand and a gun in the other.

"Whose he on the phone with?" Jenny asked, her hand gripping Erik's.

"It sounds like the mediator," Erik replied, trying to stop the shake in his voice. He hoped it was the mediator, at least.

He had never felt a fear quite like this- there was something about looking at the gun that made him want to throw up. Even getting outed by Georgina had been easier than this. Chuck was right in saying to him, " Your family will love you no matter what. There are worse things than being gay."

Family. The word hit close to his heart, making it hurt. He wanted his family right now. Serena must be so worried, he thought to himself. And were Mom and Rufus back now? They must have heard the news? And was Chuck okay?

As if reading his mind, Jenny lay her head on his shoulder and whispered, "I want my Dad and Dan." Her delicate voice broke.

Erik turned to face her. She had certainly come a long way from wanting to be emancipated, and he was so proud of his best friend.

"Jenny, look at me," he whispered back. "We're going to get out. We're going to be fine."

"If you don't get me my money within two hours, all million of it, one of these kids will get shot. Do you understand?" the gunman yelled.

Jenny winced, as the two held onto one another.

"It's okay," Erik whispered, even though it wasn't okay at all. "We'll get out."

They had to. It was as simple as that.

* * *

Back in the big hall, a block away from the school, the group sat huddled together, not speaking. Blair startled as she saw her Mom and Cyrus hurrying towards them.

"What are you two doing here?" she asked, surprised, assuming she'd be going with Lily.

"We came as soon as we heard," Cyrus explained, pulling Blair into a hug. Eleanor hugged her as well.

"Let's get you home," she told her daughter.

Blair shook her head, looking at Serena, Chuck, and Nate, and she admitted reluctantly, Dan. Her Breakfast Club, always together in times of trouble.

"I'm staying. Serena needs me."

Cyrus smiled, but Eleanor frowned.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Erik's in there, and so is Jenny. And Lily's not here yet. Serena's falling apart. I'll come home after, I promise. When things are okay. When Erik's out and Lily comes back."

"Okay," Eleanor relented, giving her daughter one last hug.

"Call us if you need anything," Cyrus said, doing the same.

Blair managed a smile as she waved at the two as they went out the door, then sighed as she went back to her group. It had been an hour and there had been nothing; no word on what was going on in the school. She felt exhausted and drained, but went to Serena and wrapped her arms around her, feeling Serena start to shake. Blair held her as tightly as she could, but didn't have any words.

Chuck took over and went to Serena, motioning to Dan as well. It was shocking to see the two acting nice to one another, Serena mutely noticed, although she appreciated it.

"Come with me," he said, leading her away from the group and to a police officer, several of which were watching the students and keeping track of what was going on in the school.

"Let's get some answers," he said to Serena, who nodded, her face pale, but determined.

"Excuse me," she said to a young looking police officer. "Our brother Erik is in the school right now, as well as his- motioning to Dan's- sister, Jenny. Can you please tell us anything? What's going on in there right now?"

"Are your parents here?" the policeman asked.

"Out of town," Chuck dryly replied.

"I'm sorry, but I can't give any information out unless your guardian is with you."

Chuck swore loudly at the police officer.

"Ridiculous," Dan chimed in. "Absolutely unbelivable."

"Mom should be here soon," Serena said, still trembling and walking away. The boys ran to catch up with her.

"It's not worth it. Let's just wait, okay? We'll find out soon."

Chuck was surprised at her sudden bravery, but didn't know this was all an act. Serena was, in fact, scared as hell.