Chapter 8: The Realm of Basses & Waldorfs
A/N: Thank you very much for all of you who were willing to spend their little time to read my story. I really appreciate it and it's such a great honor. We hit the eight chapters so far and I'm really excited about it. I'm sorry for the long hiatus, life being crazy lately.
I take this opportunity to recite my special thanks for all readers who's following my story. Thank you for making my story as one of your favorite stories too. It's such a bless for me. Thank you!
Last but not least, for all of my readers, with or without account, I would like to say thank you for all great reviews for me and my story. Eventhough I rarely reply your review but I always read it through my email. Your review brightens up my day and inspired me more to be a better writer and came out with a greater story ahead I hope. Please, don't stop doing it. Keep the reviews coming as an encouragement and spirit for me, big hug from me. Enjoy the story.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl character, except those characters I created by myself.
Waldorf's Penthouse, Waldorf-Astoria Tower, Manhattan, New York
" I don't know how why, every time I watch this film, I feel touched." said Serena. Aimee just rolled her eyes. She knew how Serena is. Serena and chick-flick film will bring out "Melted-Serena". Serena continued her ramble, "They should have their finally ever after, happily married or having their festive of love just the two of them."
"Yeah...yeah.." answered Aimee. When Serena was about to start her sentences, her phone was ringing. She's picking up her phone when she saw her mother's name was flashing on the screen, "Yes mom?"
...
"I'm at Blair's."
"Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can. Bye." With that she ended the phone call.
"What happen?" asked Aimee.
"I need to get going. Need to be at the Rhodes Annual Charity Ball. You know, family matter."
"Go get ready then."
"Well, for your information, I'm not really excited with this event where prospertorous well-breed old horse will be around."
"Ouch S, that's harsh even for you." Aimee chuckled.
"Well you don't know how it feels having your grandmother parading you like a masterpiece ready for auction." Serena sighed.
"Well, what do you expect, get hitched already and it will stop automatically."Aimee winked at Serena, "Am I right?" Serena threw a pillow toward Aimee. Both girls laughed in unison.
Serena picked up her things and put in a bag. She went to bathroom to freshen up and ready to go back to her house. "I should get going now, or my mom will explode. You know how being enchantedly beautiful takes time." Serena kissed both Aimee's cheek. "Send my kiss-kiss to Blair, okay."
"Oui." Aimee nodded, "Have fun okay." She winked at her. With that Serena left.
Juliette's Condominium, Manhattan House, 225 East 67th Street, New York
Juliette smartly pushed off an over-eager admirer from her many St. Jude's alumni; and still she managed to ignore Carter and maneuvered to avoid having a casual in-touch with him. Carter watched as she motioned to the girl next to her that she was getting a drink. He followed her, of course, eyes narrowed through the crowd.
"Juliette." His voice was right against her ear, audible above the thumping music. "Nice party I supposed?"
She looked at him and her mouth curved pleasantly, "The best, thank you." Juliette then looks at the other direction. Her mind wandered around. This party supposed to be a way for her being with Chuck, and having her way with him. Carter followed her gaze with some amusement. "Care for a dance, J?"
Juliette's nose had wrinkled in disgust, "Ugh, as if." With that she left. Carter scowled. Damn Juliette Cooper. No matter how hard it is, he's going to make her his.
On the other part of the party place, a foam party took place. Nate approached Carter from behind, "Hey man, somebody was telling me about a foam party, right over there. Let's go there, it will be fun." Nate drags him to where the foam party takes place. Despite himself, an hour later Carter was almost having fun. Not almost actually. And it was hard to maintain ignoring Juliette and having his own good time when he could see her drenched hair and the thumping music had filled him with a strange feeling. The shot he has downed before possibly helped.
Juliette couldn't help but laugh as she tipped her head back, another spurt of foam coating her hair and sliding down her back. She's having fun, eventhough Chuck haven't come yet. It's her party after all. Someone grabbed her from behind, scooping her off the floor. Juliette squealed, kicking back. Someone's hand slid around her arm. She found herself, quite abruptly, next to Carter. His other hand held a small mound of foam. "Give up?" His voice was low. "Never." She answered. Juliette blow some foam to her male friend and he tried to tickle her.
The flashing lights over Juliette's bare arms made Carter's rage fill with frustration and jealousy when he saw she's dancing with other guys, and now with exhilaration. He wanted her. He approached her and then crushed his mouth toward hers as her finger tightened on his chest. His lips bruised hers and she bit back. His hands were too tight on her waist. Her wet hands slid over his expanse of chest. For a moment there was quiet as he gazed at her, just his harsh breathing and the already meaningless music. "No, it couldn't be happening."
Juliette tried to free herself from him. "No, no, no, no..." He grabbed her hand in answer, her fingers small and tight in his. His arm stayed just as tight around her waist. "Let's have this moment. For fun. One time madness. What do you say? You're not afraid, aren't you?" He knew how to push her button. She crushed her lips to him. He was fairly sure she had no idea what she was doing. She whimpered against his ear, barely giving them time to breathe, "I want to leave. Now. My room." Smirk appeared on Carter's face. He's going to make her his no matter what.
Bass' Penthouse, Palace Tower, Madison Avenue, New York
Misty Bass busy ordering the household maid to prepare the important dinner. Tonight was the night where her dream will come true. "Gloria, please make sure everything go exactly like I want."
"Yes Mrs. Bass."
Misty left the dining room. She went to the living room where her son sit on the couch and busy with his iPad. "Charles..." Chuck looked at his mother who sat next to him. "Have you cleared your schedule for the dinner?"
"Yes I have mother. You don't have to worry."
"Good. I'll take no excuse for your absence." Chuck chuckled.
"What so funny about it, Charles?"
"I don't know mother. You tell me, why are you so eager with this dinner?" asked Chuck.
"Well it's important. That's all you have to know." Misty winked at her son.
Van der Woodsen's Penthouse Dining Room, The Plaza Residences, New York
Benedict arrived at the Van de Woodsen's penthouse. She rang the bell. Someone opened the door. "Good afternoon Miss, how may I help you?"
"I'm Benedict Moreau. I'm here to see Serena van der Woodsen."
"Who is that Paquita?" there's a female voice heard, coming from inside the penthouse.
"Miss Serena isn't at home yet, but she's on her way home Miss. Would you like to wait inside?"
Lily appeared right behind Paquita, "Bene, you're here. Looking for Serena? She'll be here any minute, come in." Lily approached her and kisses both of her cheeks.
"Aunt Lily, it's very nice to see you again."
"How are you dear? How was London?" Lily dragged Benedict inside toward the living room. "Paquita, please bring some drinks for us, thank you."
"Right away Mrs. Lily."
"Great. London is such a beautiful city, eventhough it's not as beautiful as Paris in my opinion but there's a very big differences in London that's make me feel excited."
"I cannot not agree with you, London has its own beauty, every city has it. So, is there any Englishman catch your heart already?" Lily winked at her.
Benedict laughed, "Oh aunt Lily, I'm afraid that my heart already captured by a French man." She blushed and remembered how Louis being sweet toward her since she arrived in New York. "And when the time is right, I will let you know more about him."
"I can see from the way you talk about him, he is special to you, am I right dear?" asked Lily.
"Yes you are."
Serena's voice interrupted their conversation, "Mom, I'm home!" Serena noticed that her mother wasn't alone in the living room. When she realized that it's Benedict, Serena ran and squalled, running toward her and hugged her warmly. "Bene! Bene! Oh my god, you're here. How was London? You look lovely." Serena turned her around in circular motion. "See nothing's change, only your sense of fashion shouts LONDON!" Both girls laughed.
"Have you seen Blair? You know what, Aimee also here. She's staying at Blair's penthouse. Where are you staying? Stay here with me, please..please..please !"
"Hold your horse S. I'm staying at the Empire. All of my good friend here in New York, we should hang out together."
"Yes it a must. How about tomorrow, we go to Blair's and spend quality time together? For now I want you to spend your night here and join me to a Charity Ball. It is okay right mom, for Bene to join us?" Serena used her puppy eyes, begging to Lily.
"Why of course. Bene is like my own daughter too." answered Lily.
"No, it's okay. I'll stay around after the event, I don't bring any formal dress with me, and what I wear now is too casual for such event."
"No, I insist. I have some dresses which aren't used yet. We have a same size after all. You must come with us, right mom?" Lily nodded.
"Okay, okay. I'll come with you."
"What are we waiting for, let's get ready then." Serena dragged her toward her bedroom to get ready for the Charity Ball.
Waldorf's Penthouse, Waldorf-Astoria Tower, Manhattan, New York
Blair and Aimee were both in their underwear, hair blow-dried and room filled with the scent of their perfume. Blair still couldn't work out what to wear while Aimee already decided to wear her broken white Vera Wang dress. Blair needed an outfit that was perfect.
"I need something classy. Something elegant and timeless. Sophisticated. Something that screams Blair Waldorf." Aimee chuckled, Blair glared at her.
"So, not the red Valentino Dress, or the Carolina Herrera dress?" Aimee's grin was mischievous.
"Seriously," Blair wailed; "Who throws a dinner at this late notice? Everyone knows that you need at least proper time to make yourself presentable, especially for a woman like me. I have reputation to uphold.." Blair sighed.
There was a noticeable chill in the room which make Blair turned toward the door slowly. Eleanor Waldorf was standing in the doorway, "Blair." She smiled, aware of her daughter state of undress, "I remember what Waldorf women are like." Eleanor held out a dress bag, "I specially design this for you, L'Amour by Waldorf real masterpiece which will be showed at my atelier but not going to be sold out. The one that Serena wore at the Fashion Week is the second to this and will be made only in limited numbers."
Eleanor put it to the bed with warm smile on her face and then went out of the room. At the doorway Eleanor stopped and talked, "Blair, your father and I will wait for both of you at the living room, make it quick, we don't want to be late, do we?" Blair nodded. Blair and Aimee were staring at the dress bag. "Wouldn't you going to have a look at the dress?" asked Aimee. Blair picked up the bag, unzipped it and then stopped once the dress was out. "Wow!"
It was gorgeous. A deep purple dress with Swarovski Crystal on it. Perfect dress. "Oh my god B, it's beautiful." exclaimed Aimee. Blair held it up, examining the cut, "Let's get ready then. Like my mother said, we don't want to be late ."
Bass' Penthouse, Palace Tower, Madison Avenue, New York
Misty glanced at her watch. The Waldorf's should be here in a minute or so. She looked up when their private elevator dinged and walked in the Waldorf's. Blair walked in looking very pretty in her deep purple Original Waldorf dress with her parents and someone she didn't know for sure. She greeted them, "Hello Harold, Eleanor, thank you for coming to my short notice dinner invitation." They shared warm hugs and kisses on the cheek.
"It's our pleasure." said Harold. He continued, "I hope you don't mind, I bring along Blair bestfriend slash co-worker who happen staying at our place for the Fashion Week with us along attending your dinner invitation."
"No, it's okay. No need to worry. The more the merrier." Misty looked toward Blair, "Blair, you look absolutely beautiful tonight."
"Thanks aunt Misty. By the way, let me introduce you to my bestfriend and assistant, Aimee."
Aimee extended her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Bass, I'm Aimee."
"Pleasure to meet you too. Please do call me Misty. I insist."
"Oui, aunt Misty."
Misty continued, "Bart and Charles in the living room, shall we?" Misty led the Waldorf's and Aimee to where the men were. Bart Bass greeted the Waldorf's enthusiastically
Chuck sat at the couch, busy with his iPad, looking at the new schedule which Marry has rescheduled. Chuck's stomach was in knot as he saw Blair. He had to look away, avoiding to have her find him gaping at her like some love struck idiot. He approached Harold Waldorf and greeted him, "Hello Mr. Waldorf, it's a pleasure to see you again." He shakes his hand. "It's good to see you again too Charles. Please do call me Harold. No need the formality." He turned to Eleanor, "Eleanor, you look lovely as always."
"You such a charmer, Charles." Both shared kisses on the cheek. "Blair.." He took her hand and kissed it, "You look...amazing tonight." Blair blushed. She released her hand from him because he held her hand too long. "Thank you." answered Blair.
Misty looked so happy seeing how her son and Blair interacted. "Charles, this is Aimee-"
He interrupted his mother, "We've met."
"Oh really?" asked Misty amused.
"Yeah, at the Empire Hotel few days ago, she's with Blair and Serena, they're having their girls night-out together."
"Oh I see. Well dinner is ready, let's go to the dining room, shall we?"
Dinner was a strange affair. Blair was seated between Aimee and Chuck, with Aimee on the left side and Chuck on her right side. Chuck looked at anywhere but Blair. Bart tried to make a conversation. "So Blair, I heard from your father that beside fashion industry, you also interested in Law, Any near future plan to continue your study in Law?"
"Well maybe not in the near time. I need to focus on Waldorfs Magazine, maybe I will reconsider in three or four years ahead."
Misty interrupted, "Well it's a good thing, a woman should have their own career life, not just a throphy or an accessoris. Don't you think so dear?"
"Absolutely." answered Blair.
"How about marriage and family? Any future plan of yours in near time?"
Blair felt quite shocked. She always avoid this topic of conversation, but it was rude to try avoiding the question, since the dinner host who asking. So she answered it with her usual answer, "I haven't found the right one, and it makes me hard to see the path ahead clearly."
"Oh..I wonder how many men already broken hearted because of you dear." Eleanor chuckled and spoke up, "A lot, and many more to come. I don't know when will this right guy come if she keep busying herself with load of works." Eleanor shook her head.
Silence ensued after that, only the adults chattering with each other. Chuck wasn't talking, just eating his food with too much focus and attention to be normal. Blair was getting up from the seat and explained when the adults stared. "I need to use the bathroom, could you show me where the bathroom is?"
"Over there dear." Misty pointed to the bathroom direction. Blair walked toward the bathroom leaving the dining table. Misty took Blair's leave as a cue to tell the Waldorfs her real intention. It's time, she talked to herself. She looked at her husband, he nodded. "Harold, Eleanor, I knew both of you since forever, you two are like my own family, deep down in my heart eventhough we live apart for a very long term. I sincerely do think that making us together as a family officially is in front of us in fact. I invited you two to come here for officially and properly asked your daughter hand in marriage to our son Charles and officially make us a family."
Harold and Eleanor feel shocked and smiling, "Well, Misty.." Harold chuckled., "We will be very glad to have Charles as our son. As your intention to betrothed our children in marriage is something that I won't forbid, for heaven sake, it such a wonderful news, don't you think my dear?" Harold looked at his wife, Eleanor nodded.
Chuck once again felt knot in his stomach, he feels shocked. His parents, no his mother tried to betrothed him with a woman whom he barely know, eventhough he didn't deny that she's amazing and attractive, for god sake, he's Chuck Bass, he didn't do girlfriend and now he's being matched to someone who his mother really like to become his wife, not just a girlfriend but WIFE. He should be angry, but this is his mother deed, how the hell he supposed to refuse it, to see her disappointed by being rejected. He's officially trapped.
Blair standing in front of the vanity mirror on the basin, washed her hand and then sighed heavily. She never had this kind of feeling before, never. She didn't know how and why, like something big and important would occurs in near time. Aimee's eyes widened. This is really serious. She wondered how's Blair reaction. Blair still in the bathroom, she didn't know something big was crashing her life, it could be a good thing, a bad one of even both.
"So i guess that means Charles and Blair union have both of your blesses?" confirmed Misty.
"Absolutely Misty, I cannot believe that we're going to be a real family." A big grin plastered on Eleanor's face.
"Charles," Misty called her son.
"Yes, mother."
"Could you acompany me for a minute, I need to take something from the library?"
"Of course."
"Excuse us for a moment." Misty excused herself and her son from the dinner table. Both Misty and Chuck walked toward the library where the family secret safe is located.
Blair walked back to the dinner table from the bathroom. She noticed that Misty and Chuck was gone. She whispered to Aimee, "Did I miss something important? Where's aunt Misty and why does my mother looking at me that way? It's quite creepy."
Aimee answered, "Something Grande."
Blair confused, "Really?"
"You'll see." That's all what Aimee said.
Plaza Ballroom, The Plaza Residences, New York
Serena and Benedict grinned toothily at each other as they entered the ballroom. Serena scanned the room, her hazy blue eyes attempting to recognize someone there. How was she supposed to socialize if she didn't know any one of them.
Someone approached them, "Hello." he began. Serena responded, "Hello."
"You look familiar. Serena van der Woodsen right?" he continued, eyeing Serena's blue eyes, her long neck, the spot where her golden dress dipped into a "V" and exposed her flesh.
"The one and only." she answered, not having made up her mind about him yet. Normally, all it took was a few seconds for her to decide if someone is okay or not okay and then treat them as such, but she was clearly intrigue by this character. "Do I know you before?"
"I'm not really sure that you remembered me because last time and the first time we've met at your father Charity Night event for his foundation. I'm Dan, Daniel Humphrey."
"Oh I see. I almost forget, this is my friend, Bene, Benedict Moreau."
"Hello it's nice to meet you Bene."
"Nice to meet you too Dan. I wonder if you are the "Dan Humphrey" Best Seller author of Inside?"
"The one and only." He answered.
"Oh God. I really like your book, great story."
"Well thank you."
"What a small world. We meet a lot of unexpected people. I happened to be in the position of not knowing your book, maybe I could have a copy."
"I'll be very glad to send you one."
"Thank you, that's very kind of you."
Three of them engaging in a friendly conversation through the event.
Bass' Penthouse, Palace Tower, Madison Avenue, New York
Dining Room of Bass Penthouse
"Aimee what is it? You know how I hate to be left in the darkness." said Blair. Aimee just smiled, grabing a roll from her plate. Blair rolled her eyes.
Library of Bass Penthouse
Misty opened the secret safe behind a picture. She took out a box from the safe. Chuck feels nervous. He feels confused. Too much happening in less that 24 hours. They just having a shopping spree earlier and bam now her mother would like to betrothed him to the woman who happen to be someone who gave him a rare effect on his stomach when she's around, like there's something fluttering in his stomach.
Misty took his son hand and handed him the little box she took from the safe. "This is Bass family heirloom. I got it from your nana (read: grandmother), nana Victoria, on my engagement day. She said that I should pass it to my first daughter in law. Since I really want Blair as my daughter in law through this union, I want you to give this ring to her." Chuck opened the box. Inside the box, lay a beatiful diamond ring with heart-shaped ruby in the center of the ring which surrounded by diamonds. Chuck became speechless. He didn't know how to react. It's a hard choice for him, his mother or his reputation as Chuck Bass.
"Let's get back to the dining room. We don't want to leave our guest too long. It's rude don't you think so my son?" Misty smiled warmly toward her son. Chuck nodded. He saw how happy his mother was. It's written all over her face. How can he refuse it, it's mean he taken all her mother's happiness.
Dining Room of Bass Penthouse
Chuck and Misty entered the dining room. "I'm sorry it took me and Charles so long."
Misty and Chuck sat back on their preavious seat. "I see that Blair already back, then we should let her know."
"I'm sorry. Know what?" asked Blair.
"Blair dear, a moment ago, I officially and properly asked your hand in marriage to my son Charles and officially make the Waldorfs and the Basses as one family to your parents. My request has been accepted by your parents and I'll be very happy to have you as a part of my family, as my daughter." Misty stood up from her seat. She walked toward Blair, approaching her. She took Blair hand, "I always dream for having a daughter who's not just beautiful but also strong. I would be really happy, if you would accepted my request." Misty eyes started to fill with tears, her lips quivered but she manage to smile at her. Blair feels shocked and trapped and the same time. How can she say no, seeing a woman, who hapen to be a kind, loving and caring mother, asking her to be her daughter through marriage with her only son.
"Charles, come here."
Chuck got up from his seat, approaching his mother. Misty nodded, "It's about time son." Chuck didn't know what to do. He instinctively go down in one knee and pull out the box. What the hell was wrong with him. Never ever in his life he dreamed about going on one knees and a ring get along in a sentence. He opened the box in front of Blair. Blair want to say something, to refuse, to ask questions, is it just a dream. Please someone do wake me up. Bertha. Wake me up. No it's not a dream. When she looked at the ring, it was beautiful. Chuck looked at his mother. "Charles put it on Blair's finger, my son."
Chuck took the ring and put it on Blair finger. It's fitted her finger. Both Chuck and Blair looked at Misty. Misty nod her head, wiping at her eyes. A happy cry. She hugged Blair and kissed her cheek. "Thank you. You make me the happiest mother on earth." Blair just manage to nod. On the other side, Eleanor also wiping at her eyes.
