Chapter 9
Blair made her way back to her room, her mind swimming. She did not know what to do. She wanted to get out of the crowds in her hallway and be alone. She needed to think. She pushed open her door and slammed it behind her, slumping against it.
'What's wrong?'
Blair jumped a mile when she heard the familiar masculine yet soft voice.
'Chuck,' she stammered, 'What? ... I thought you weren't back till next week.'
Chuck smiled and made his way to her, pulling her into his arms, 'I had to come back to see you,' he whispered in her ear, 'I missed you.'
Blair squeezed her eyes tight, 'I missed you,' she heard herself say.
He gently tugged her over to the bed where they sat down side by side. He looked in her eyes so deeply that she felt like he would be able to read everything on her mind. She turned away realising that Dan was on her mind, and she didn't want him to sense that.
'What's wrong,' Chucked frowned, 'anyone would think you're not happy to see me.'
'I am,' Blair whispered, 'It's just... you've been gone for so long. Too long.'
'I know,' Chuck said and pulled her in for another hug, 'but I'm here now.'
Blair just allowed herself to be held. It felt nice. For a moment Dan, Scott and NYU were long from her mind.
'Hellllllo!' A voice sung as the door swung open, 'Oh Chuck! Goodness I'm sorry. I didn't realise you were back.' Georgina froze as she entered the room.
Chuck straightened up quickly, 'yes, I've come to take Blair to dinner.'
'Oh how nice!' Georgina smiled making Chuck and Blair both frown. How could long could she keep up this nice girl act for? 'Although I barely see Blair these days, she's been staying at her place so often.' Georgina told Chuck.
Blair stood suddenly and made her way to the mirror busying herself by straightening her makeup.
'Back at the penthouse?' Chuck asked frowning.
'Yes,' Blair responded trying to act like it didn't matter. Please shut up! Please shut up! She thought desperately, 'Georgina, what are you up to tonight?' she attempted to change the subject.
'Oh, I'm seeing a movie! With Dan!' Georgina near squealed the last part.
Blair paused, 'Dan Humphrey? Like a date?' she asked.
'Does it matter?' Chuck muttered.
'Well I don't know if I'd call it a date. Maybe,' Georgina smiled coyly.
Blair felt Chuck's eyes on her, 'Ew!' She muttered hoping Chuck wouldn't question her behaviour.
'We should go,' Chuck said, 'Georgina.' He nodded as he pulled Blair out of the room.
Once in the hallway, Chuck turned to Blair, 'What's going on?'
'What do you mean?' Blair asked forcing a smile.
'You seem, different,' Chuck said.
'You've been away for 3 weeks Chuck, I've kept myself busy here at NYU with classes and papers. I'm just a little tired and taken by surprise that you're suddenly here,' Blair hurried to cover her tracks, 'but I'm happy you're here.'
Chuck smiled, clearly taking the bait, 'So dinner, then back to my place?'
Blair suddenly found herself wondering if she had the energy to keep up her pretence all night, 'sounds like a plan,' she said.
'Chuck?' Blair froze at the sound of Dan's voice. Please, no more tonight! She thought.
'Daniel,' Chuck extended his hand, 'How's NYU treating you?'
'Um,' Dan shook Chuck's hand, suddenly struggling to find words, 'well. Thank-you. Much different to St Judes. You just got in?'
'Came straight from the airport to see my girl,' Chuck smiled as he pulled Blair towards him. Blair watched as Dan's jaw clenched. His eye's met hers and she looked away quickly.
'Taking her to dinner then?' Dan guessed.
'Yes, he is,' Blair spoke up, 'but I hear that you also have a date with Georgina. That's quite an interesting pick there cabbage patch.'
Dan looked as if Blair had slapped him. It suddenly felt like the last few weeks had been a dream, and Blair had just re-verted back to her old package of girly evil.
'Yes,' he began slowly, 'Georgina and I and Vanessa are seeing a movie tonight. We hadn't realised Chuck was back and planned to invite you.' He gave Blair a look that made her feel as if she should have known better. She felt horrible and looked away.
'Well,' Chuck intervened, 'Good to see you two are somewhat getting along. But if you'll excuse us Daniel, we do have a night to spend together.'
Dan stood and watched Blair and Chuck walk hand in hand together down the corridor as they turned the corner Blair looked back at Dan. He raised his eyebrows and shook his head before turning the other way.
