Chapter 4: Dinner for Shmucks

After receiving the text from Gossip Girl, Serena received a text from her mom saying there's a little celebration going on at home. Serena asked Blair to come with her, and called up Chuck, as well.

Well, for the Van der Woodsens, little doesn't really mean little. When they arrived at the apartment, people were everywhere. Lots of food were on the table, and there were waiters and waitresses here and there, drinks overflowing...

"Serena," Rufus and Lily greeted. Lily hugged her.

"Oh, Blair," Lily smiled, "I'm glad you two made up."

"Yeah, it just took us a while..." Serena said. Blair's arm was linked to hers.

"Serena!" Nate said as he and Charlie made their way to her. He hugged her, "God, it's been too long! I'm glad you're back."

"Thanks, Natie," She smiled, "And congrats,"

"Ahh," Nate said, "I'm blessed with her."

"He's bluffing," Charlie said, and they laughed.

"Wow, look at that," Chuck said as he and Dan came up to the group, "Look who just kissed and made up." He was talking about Blair and Serena. He gave Blair a peck on the cheek and hugged Serena, "Welcome back, Sis."

"And should I be surprised that you and Dan have kissed and made up as well?" Serena quipped.

Dan laughed, "Ahh, we're grown men," He said.

"Yeah," Chuck said, "Besides, you're back, why would we be fighting?"

More laughter.

"So, Nate, how did you propose to Charlie?"

"Ah, that one I know," Dan said, "We orchestrated it."

"And it's very cheesy, mind you," Chuck said.

Nate laughed, "Shut it," He said.

"So how was it?" Serena asked again.

"Well, we accompanied him to Vegas," Chuck said, "And you know this little Venice thing there? We went there, he knelt on one knee—"

"Complete with Flowers and Balloons..." Dan said.

"And he brought out the ring," Chuck said, "And professed his love."

"And I said yes," Charlie smiled.

"Oh, Natie," Serena said, "That's wonderful—"

"Ah, well..." Nate muttered and smiled.

They talked some more, caught up on their lives, and their phones beeped altogether.

"Oh, please not again..." Serena muttered.

"Looks like someone really missed you, Serena," Chuck said.

They got out their phones, clicked on the new message and read:

Hello Upper East Siders. I heard that there's a party going on at the Van der Woodsens...Or Humphreys. Whatever. And that our favorite blonde is back.

Seems like everyone's welcoming her with open arms. But not me.

Because as they say, you can try to move on, but you can NEVER let go of your past. And yes, S, your past will catch up to you.

But I'll drop the bomb in time.

Oh, and Charlie? Beware. You know nothing yet.

You know you love me.

Xoxo,

Gossip Girl

"It's just insane how she sends a blast the day I come back," Serena muttered, "How crazy can she be?"

"Everyone's not my friend?" Charlie said.

"Oh, don't mind her," Nate said, "Gossip Girl's crazy."

"She tries to ruin everything," Blair said, "And S is her favorite target."

"I want to ostracize her," Serena said.

"Easy," Dan said, "Don't mind her, You know you're better than that."

"Thanks," Serena said.

Dan smiled at her, "So," He said, "Let's...get the party goin'?"

Serena laughed, "If Dan Humphrey wants to party, I'm in." She smiled and he caught her eye.