CHAPTER 10
Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 !-- /* Style Definitions */ , , {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} 1 {page:Section1;} --
Dan and Blair were quiet inside the limo. The feeling was kinda awkward for both of them. Suddenly, Dan thought about the sketch that he was to give to Blair. "Oh my god!" Dan suddenly said. "What is it?" Blair said. Then, Dan realized that it was going to be a surprise for Blair. "Uh… nothing. I just… it's nothing," Dan said. Blair moved near Dan and laid her head on Dan's shoulder. "Thank you for today, Dan. Really, thank you," Blair said. "My pleasure, Blair Waldorf," Dan said and then kissed Blair's head. They were cuddling inside the limo.
Moments passed and Dan and Blair arrived at the penthouse. The elevator opened and they both stepped out. "So, this is me," Blair said. "Yeah. Uh… I hope you really enjoyed what I prepared for you today and I do hope you'll enjoy that pumpkin pie I made. I know it's not as good as the pie that your dad makes for thanksgiving. So there," Dan said as he was walking Blair to the staircase. "Dan, I really appreciate what you prepared. It was the best, really," Blair said as she held her hand against Dan's cheek and then after a few seconds she kissed Dan. Their kiss was very passionate. It was like they were all over each other. "Wow. I've never kissed like that since… I don't know," Dan said. "Yeah. Me too. You should head home, Dan. The driver's waiting. So, good night and I hope to see you soon," Blair said and kissed Dan on the cheek. "Goodbye Blair," Dan said and went towards the elevator.
That evening, Chuck, Annie and Blair arrived at JFK. They were still on the plane. Annie and Chuck sat next to each other on the plane and Nate was somewhere else. Chuck just woke up and Annie was still sleeping. "Annie? Annie. We're here. Wake up," Chuck was shaking Annie. "Huh? What? We're here already?" Annie said and then did a stretch. "We gotta find Nate." Chuck said as he was checking the plane out. "Where is he anyway? I don't see him anywhere near us," Annie asked. "I don't know. His seat is quite far way from here. Let's go," Chuck said and assisted Annie in standing up. Chuck and Annie sat at the business class section of the plane. It took them a long time looking for Nate because he was nowhere to be found. "Do you think he went down already?" Annie asked. "I don't know. Where's that bastard?" Chuck was frustrated. Then they looked for him again. "I've had it. Let's go down. Let's just leave that thing alone." Chuck said. As they were about to go down, "Hey Chuck! Wait up!" Nate called out. "Nathaniel! Where have you been? Annie and I have been looking for you for the last ten minutes," Chuck said. "I forgot to tell you. I was upgraded to first class! isn't that amazing?" Nate said. "I don't wanna ask how. I wanna go home and take some more rest. Let's go," Chuck said. "So Annie, what does it feel like now you're in New York?" Nate asked. "I don't know… but I hope that I do have fun here," Annie was feeling excited. "Oh you will have fun here," Chuck said. "Why don't you take her to Vitrola, Chuck?" Nate said. "I will, Nate. Don't worry," Chuck said. "Vitrola?" Annie wondered. "You haven't told her about Vitrola?" Nate said. "Vitrola, Annie, is the burlesque club that I own. Happy Nate?" Chuck said. "Oh. Wow. At a young age you own a burlesque club?" Annie said. "Why are you suddenly so cranky?" Nate wondered. "Jetlag. You know I hate jetlags Nate," Chuck said. "Oh yeah. I forgot," Nate said and scratched his head. "You look so cute when you get cranky," Annie told Chuck. As soon as the three of them got their bags, and we're out of the airport, they called a cab and left JFK.
"Okay. This is Nate's. I hope to see you in the morning Nathaniel," Chuck said and waved goodbye. "Wow. This is Nate's house? Cool," Annie was astounded to see the Archibald residence. Just a few minutes away from Nate's house is The Palace. The place where Chuck lives. "We're here," Chuck said. "Wow. You live in a hotel?" Annie said. Chuck just smiled. As they were going out of the cab, there was a girl standing near the entrance of the hotel holding a camera phone. Chuck didn't notice the girl. The girl took a picture of Chuck and Annie going out of the cab. The cab driver helped Annie and Chuck take out their belongings inside the trunk. "Well. That's about it. Thanks sir," Chuck told the cab driver. Chuck grabbed his suitcase and Annie rolled her Louis Vuitton suitcase. Both of them arrived at the lobby and then at the reception. "Good evening Mr. Bass. How was your trip to California?" Dexter, the bald, black skinned receptionist said. "It was fine. Oh. This is Annie Wilson, our new guest. Where's the key to her suite?" Chuck said. "Here you go Mr. Bass." Dexter handed the key to Annie's suite. "Hey Dexter, do you know when father and Lily are coming home?" Chuck asked. "I'm sorry sir but I have no information about that," Dexter said. "Oh. Thank you. Let's go Annie. I'll show you your suite. Oh and just leave those bags. They'll just bring 'em up," Chuck led Annie to the elevator. When Chuck and Annie stepped inside the elevator, Chuck was greeted by the elevator guy. "Good evening Mr. Bass. Did you have a nice trip?" the elevator guy said. "Yes indeed. Oh can we go to the 20th floor first. I have to drop off my guest to her suite," Chuck said. "No problem Mr. Bass," the elevator guy obeyed. Chuck and Annie stepped out from the elevator when they were already on the 20th floor. "Wow Chuck. Seems like everyone here knows you. It's like you own this place," Annie said. "Yeah," Chuck said and just smiled. What Annie doesn't know is that The Palace belongs to Chuck's family. Well, he and his dad Bart. "Here we are," Chuck inserted the key on the door and opened it. "Wow Chuck. This is a nice suite. And it's purple. I love purple," Annie was happy to see her suite. "Yeah. This used to be mine you know," Chuck said. "Oh really? You know what, I do have a feeling that you own this place," Annie said. "Well… I guess I do," Chuck said. Annie's mouth opened wide. "Wow! You are filthy rich Chuck Bass. First I find out that you own a club and now a hotel?" Annie said in awe. Chuck just smiled. "So where are your step siblings?" Annie asked. "Serena and Erik, are at the Hamptons visiting grandma. They'll be home tomorrow and are looking forward to meet you," Chuck said. "What?" Annie was flabbergasted. "Yeah. They're looking forward to meet you. We're going to Bendel's tomorrow 'cause I'm gonna buy you a dress. You, me, Serena and Erik are going to dinner tomorrow night," Chuck said. "Wow. That's nice of you. Hey. I'm sure you're tired and I'm tired as well. Why don't you head to your place and sleep?" Annie insisted. "Okay. I'll see you in the morning Annie. Good night," Chuck said and then kissed Annie on the cheek. "Good night Mr. Bass," Annie said.
"Good morning!" Jenny said as Dan went out of his room. "Good morning," Dan replied. "So how was it when we were gone?" Jenny asked. "Good! Very good indeed," Dan said. "What's good? Hey, I've been missing a lot," Rufus said. "Well dad, your son, who is also my brother likes his ex's best friend," Jenny told her dad. "Dan is in love with Blair?! Am I hearing you right Jenny?! Dan? Blair? The Adidas tag line is right. Impossible is nothing. Does Serena know about it?" Rufus said. "Uh… not yet," Dan said. "When do you plan to tell her?" Jenny asked. "I don't know. Blair's party perhaps? Ugh… I'll just let her find out. by the way. I'm not gonna continue my novel now that I'm over her," Dan said. "Oh… okay. I hope you and Blair… work out…" Rufus said. "Why? What's wrong dad?" Dan wondered. "Nothing." Rufus replied. "Oh. Before I forget I have to go to her place," Dan said. "You can't stand not seeing her eh?" Jenny said with a smile. "No… well… See, I forgot to give her the sketch last night. So I'll drop it off her house," Dan said and went back to his room. "Ooh…" Jenny said.
There was a knock at Annie's door. "Come in!" Annie said. "Well. Good morning to you," Chuck greeted. "Oh hi, Chuck! Good morning to you too," Annie went to Chuck and placed her arms around Chuck and gave him a good morning kiss. "You do look hot in that Victoria's Secret sleep wear," Chuck said as he looked at Annie from head to toe. "Stop that," Annie said and then slightly slapped Chuck's cheek. "Did you have breakfast already?" Chuck asked. "Not yet. I just woke up actually," Annie said. "Oh. Did my knock wake you up?" Chuck said. "Oh no. I've been awake for five minutes," Annie said. "Oh. Uhm… ah… Get ready in an hour okay? We'll have breakfast and we'll go to Bendel's. See you later," Chuck said. "Yeah. Sure. I'll be ready in an hour," Annie replied.
"Miss Blair! Mister Dan is here!" Dorota shouted. Blair was still in bed sleeping soundly but as Dorota shouted. She suddenly woke up. "Mister Dan, I think Miss Blair is still dreaming. I think you should just come back later," Dorota suggested. "I'll just go to her room and check," Dan said. "Miss Blair doesn't like it when she's being disturbed," Dorota was worried. "Don't worry Dorota, I won't disturb her," Dan smiled at Dorota and went straight up to Blair's room. Dan knocked at Blair's bedroom door. "Blair? Are you awake? It's me, Dan," Dan said and stuck his ear against the door. There was no answer so what Dan did is he just opened the door and went inside. He found Blair still lying down. "Oops. Guess I'll just leave it here," Dan said softly and placed the canvass beside Blair's dresser. "GOOD MORNING DAN!" Blair shouted and surprised Dan. "Woah, Blair! You got me right there! The whole time I thought you were still sleeping," Dan said. "No. When you were knocking, I was already awake," Blair said. "Well. Oh. Here. I forgot to give this last night," Dan said and handed over the canvass to Blair. "What's this?" Blair wondered. "Turn it around," Dan said with a smile. Blair then, saw the caricature of her in an Audrey Hepburn pose. Blair laughed when she finally saw it. "Dan?! Oh my gosh! Did you sketch this?! Oh my fricking god. This is funny but thank you! no one has ever given me a… well… this. Really, thank you. I'll hang this on my wall," Blair can't stop laughing. "Well… uhm… Vanessa's friend did it. It was supposed to be a doctored photo but Vanessa thought that it was a bad idea so she thought that I give you a caricature instead. Hope you… like it… I guess?" Dan said. "I like it but I find it funny though. Hey, uhm, can you go with me to Bendel's today?" Blair said while twirling her hair. "Bendel's? That's the last place that you would expect me to go," Dan said. "So… you won't come with me?" Blair was kinda sad. "Yeah. As long as I'm with you today. I'm cool with that," Dan said and placed his arm on Blair's shoulder. "That's sweet of you. Wait for me downstairs and I'll go freshen up," Blair said. "Okay. By the way, you look sexy in those," Dan said. Blair was wearing a short, spaghetti strapped sleep wear. "Stop that," Blair said and Dan went out of Blair's room.
"Just a minute!" Annie said as she was putting on make-up. Chuck was waiting for her outside because they were going to breakfast and Bendel's. After putting on lightweight make-up, Annie grabbed a pair of Gucci pumps in her suitcase. She wasn't done fixing her stuff since she arrived. Annie opened the door and saw Chuck. "Well. Not bad." Chuck said in awe. Annie was wearing a short white dress, her Gucci pumps and carried a clutch, and her curly brunette hair dressed properly as always. "Let's go?" Annie said. "Never been ready," Chuck said. Annie and Chuck were waiting for the elevator to open. "So, how was your sleep?" Chuck asked. "Your former bed was good. I had a good night sleep indeed. How 'bout you?" Annie replied. "Lonely," Chuck said. "Really?" Annie wondered. "You know, I'm not used to sleeping without anyone beside me," Chuck said as his lips touched Annie's neck. "Chuck, not here," Annie said. Finally, the elevator opened and both of them stepped inside. Serena and Erik were inside. "Serena? Erik?" Chuck was surprised. "I thought you'll be home tonight?" Chuck said. "Well, grandma said that we can leave early. It's kinda boring there," Erik said. "What are you doing here anyway? Our house is at the 31st floor," Chuck said. "Apparently some demon kid was playing with the elevator buttons a while ago. Hey, is that Annie?" Serena said and then looked at Annie. "Oh yeah! Serena, Erik, this is Annie Wilson. My friend from Beverly Hills, California. And Annie, my step siblings, Serena and Erik van der Woodsen," Chuck introduced. "Friend eh?" Serena whispered to Chuck. "Well, it's so nice to finally meet you, Annie. Chuck's been telling me stories about you when he was still in Beverly Hills. Hey Chuck, can you come with me upstairs first? I have to say something," Serena said. "Annie, do you mind?" Chuck turned to Annie. "Of course not." Annie said.
The four of them arrived at the Bass residence. Serena and Erik went to their rooms to unpack. Annie and Chuck were at the living room. "Nice place you got Chuck," Annie said. "Thank you. Wait here, I'll just talk to Serena for a while. It won't take long," Chuck said. "Just take your time," Annie said. Chuck went up to see Serena. He was wondering what Serena wanted to talk about. "Serena?" Chuck said as he stepped in Serena's room. "Are you sure with… Annie? You and Blair broke up a week ago. I'm just concerned with Annie. Well, she seems nice and all but… Are you really sure?" Serena said. "Sis, I told you from the moment I saw this girl, my attention was on to her," Chuck said. "Well, I hope you stick with your words. Anyway, are you still coming to Blair's party on Friday?" Serena asked. "Friday? I thought that was next month?" Chuck wondered. "Well she moved it," Serena said. "I don't know. I'm not sure. I bet she knows about me and Annie because our Laguna Beach date was published on Gossip Girl. So maybe… I don't know. I'm not yet ready to show myself to her just yet," Chuck said. "Oh. Okay. Where are you going anyway?" Serena asked. "First we'll head downstairs to have breakfast and then I'll take her to Bendel's to buy her a dress for our dinner tonight," Chuck said. "You are serious about her. Okay. Well, go ahead she's waiting," Serena said. "Thanks sis. I just wish that you get to know her more. She's a great girl," Chuck said. "Yeah, I will," Serena assured.
At Bendel's, Dan and Blair were strolling. "What are we doing here anyway?" Dan said. "Well, I'm going to buy a new piece of jewelry," Blair said. "For what?" Dan wondered. "Nothing. I just want to add some pieces in my jewelry collection," Blair said. "Oh. I knew that," Dan said sarcastically. "Dan, I'm Blair Waldorf. This is what I do. if you don't want that then you can go back to Brooklyn and do your own stuff," Blair was kinda frustrated because she thinks that Dan doesn't really know who she is. "I was just kidding Blair," Dan said. "Okay. Hey. Let's go here first. I wanna check out their latest dresses," Blair said. "Okay. I'll wait right here," Dan and Blair went inside a large store full of dresses. Dan sat on one spot of the store. As Dan was waiting for Blair to be done looking at some clothes, he saw a familiar face that stepped inside the store. "Is that Chuck?" he said to himself. He stood up from his spot but he didn't follow Chuck. He just sat down again.