Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN THE GOSSIP GIRL OR GOSSIP GIRL PARTY CHARACTERS! ALL RIGHTFULLY TO THEIR OWNERS

Summary (extended): Maritza Voss is 16 years old and is wanting to declare emancipation along with her best friend, Yakov Hamilton, from the foster care system. The last thing she needs to collect in order to confront the judge is the signature of her biological father. Her mother has been declared deceased ever since leaving Maritza at the orphanage when she was 6 months old, never being found ever since. The problem? Nathaniel Archibald, CEO and sole owner of the successful magazine, The Spectator, is Maritza's biological father. How will Nate react when he finds out about Maritza's existence and the fact that Majida never told him about her pregnancy 16 years ago? How will his children, Ronald and Alexa, react about their half-sister's existence? How will the rest of the gang react to the news? What happened between Nate and Majida 16 years ago? How did it all start? Why did Majida keep her pregnancy a secret and never told Nate? Why did she abandoned her 6 month old daughter and disappeared? How will Maritza fit with the next generation of Gossip Girl?

Chapter 9: Burning Bridges

Narrator's POV

The bell rang at Constance/St. Jude's, signaling the end of the day.

Izaac was walking out of class with one of his best friends, Alex Hansen.

"So, what are the plans for right now?" Alex asks.

"For right now, I have to meet up with Archibald. Let's see how he reacts when I say we saw them. I can't wait!"

Alex chuckles at Izaac's response and rolls his eyes.

"Sadistic asshole. Heard anything from Lily?"

Izaac shakes his head and sighs.

"Don't remind me about her."

Alex stops Izaac, giving him a confused look.

"Mind telling me what happened between the two of you?"

Izaac sighs and scratches his head in frustration.

"I met up with her again." This made Alex roll his eyes in annoyance.

"Really? More like for sex or therapy?"

Izaac chuckles at Alex's response.

"Both. She claims to love Bass, but she fools around with me." This made Alex laugh and then click his tongue.

"I feel bad for Henry. She makes him feel bad for not spending more time with her, yet she's cheating on him with you. Do you realize how fucked up that sounds coming out of my mouth?" Izaac blinks at Alex's words as he gulps forcefully. He truly didn't want to be the other guy, but sex with Lily was a way to let out his frustration in life. He knew the rules of the game as well as she did also. Izaac sighs, nodding with Alex.

"I think I want to end the whole ordeal with Lily. I don't need any more complications in my personal life." Alex nods, agreeing with Izaac. Izaac takes his iPhone out, checking that he's running late on meeting Ronald.

"Hey man, I'm running late on meeting Archibald. Text you later?" Alex nods, waving goodbye to his best friend.

Alex sighs and smiles. He turns around to the next hall, where he spots Jenny Collins. She's taking her books out of her bag and putting them in her locker, but suddenly her book bag falls, with her books and papers scattering around. Jenny crouches and tries to grab her books and papers as Alex also crouches, helping Lily's cousin. He then gets up as Jenny also gets up.

"Here you go." Alex hands Jenny some of the papers and books that had fallen to the floor. Jenny nods and smiles back at Alex, mumbling a thank you.

"Hey, let me help you." Jenny raises her eyebrow at the sudden generosity Alex was giving her. She steps back as Alex puts the books and papers on her locker. Both finish and Jenny closes and locks her locker.

She faces him as she grabs her backpack.

"Thanks for the help Alex. You're a life savior." Alex chuckles and smiles at Jenny's words. He's never had the opportunity to talk much to Jenny Collins, but he did know that she was very different from her cousin.

Smart and quiet. She seems to isolate herself from everyone, and didn't attend to too many parties unlike Lily. No one would dare to bully the girl due to her family loss. It made Alex think how fortunate she is to have caring people around her life who would do anything to protect her from anything.

"Don't sweat it. Those advanced classes do take a toll, don't they?" Jenny chuckles, nodding at Alex's question.

"Believe me, AP English is killing me. I can't be much interested at Pride and Prejudice. I'd rather read something far less romantic." Alex laughs.

"Wait, so are you having trouble with Pride and Prejudice? You do know we have to write a research report about a theme involving that book and all that mumbo jumbo, right?" Jenny groans as Alex laughs at her response.

"Don't remind me. Anyway, what does AP English have to do with my drawings?" Alex smiles and nods, agreeing with Jenny's response.

"I say the same thing about chemistry. What does it have to do with Architecture and World History." This statement gave Jenny an idea. She smiles at Alex, wondering if he was having trouble with chemistry.

"I do have a question, now that you mention chemistry, are you having trouble with the equations?" Alex nods and sighs. He wonders how he would survive the whole year revolving around atoms, neutrons, and the periodic table.

"I have an idea. How about you help me in English and I'll help you in Chemistry? I have an A in that class." Alex's eyes grow in astonishment at Jenny's suggestion. She's always been alone and rejected the idea to tutor other people in the past. It was either she had a secret crush on him or she desperately needed the help in her English paper. Jenny notices Alex's surprised face as she chuckles.

"Alex, I need the help. Badly. I don't want my GPA to suffer. And please, stop thinking I have a crush on you. I'm not every girl." This made Alex chuckle.

"Alright, I accept your offer. Tomorrow in the library after school?" Jenny nods at Alex's offer.

"Alright, it's settled then. Do you have my number?" Alex shakes his head. Both exchange phone numbers. Jenny starts to walk away, but Alex says something that takes Jenny off guard.

"By the way, who says your like every girl?" At this, Alex leaves and Jenny rolls her eyes and composes herself.

She walks outside, noticing Lily and Henry being all over each other. She sighs and walks straight to the limo, feeling ready to go back to her room and finish her latest drawing.

"What do you mean I have to go to Constance? Isn't that defeating the purpose of letting me have a voice in the process?"

At this, Janet and Nate sigh at a very pissed off Maritza.

"How dare you both transfer me to another school without my OPINION or CONSENT?! This is my life we are talking about! My friends, my education. Have you even stopped thinking about it for at least a second before making such a drastic decision? Huh? Answer me!" Maritza walks back and forth in the living room, ready to cry and punch the wall. She felt very angry and frustrated at the fact that she was being transferred to another high school without her consent.

Nate scratches his head and sighs in frustration. He knew the possibility of Maritza reacting violently with the news, but deep down he knew it was for her best in the long run. Her safety was his biggest concern right now.

"Maritza, you have to understand that your safety worries me in that high school. Do you not know how worried I was when I heard the news of your high school? What if it was you?"

Maritza rolls her eyes at her father's stupid excuse.

"But it wasn't. It didn't happen. I'm not involved in gang activity. I'm safe."

Janet shakes her head at Maritza's response. She knew Maritza's attitude may be hard to handle, but deep down, Janet knew that she's afraid of showing her fear. It's a way Maritza disguises her sadness and weakness. She channels anger to the point of not noticing how her attitude and harsh response or comments hurt others.

"Sweetie, please sit down. Your father was concerned. I understand him completely when it comes to your safety. Understand that this would have happened sooner or later. Your family isn't just any ordinary family. You have Archibald blood running through your veins."

Maritza sighs and sits down, looking out the window. She couldn't believe it. She was leaving her life behind and starting a new one at a new high school. It just wasn't any ordinary high school, it was one of the best high schools in New York. Many people might think she was crazy for getting angry, but they wouldn't understand the situation in the first place.

She just didn't like changes in her life. It made her feel uneasy and insecure of her future.

Nate gets up and sits next to her daughter.

"Maritza, look at me." Maritza turns around and looks at her father.

"I promise you, I will take care of you. You won't be alone. Ronald, Janet, and myself will be there with you every step of the way. We will just tell everyone you're a family friend who I just wanted to help out until I find a way to say the truth in front of the world. No one will try to harm you. I promise that."

Maritza looks out the window again. Kids were playing in the playground, just like that same day.

"Well, Mr. Rodriguez was offered a promotion, but he'd have to leave for the UK. That means that our whole family would have to relocate to another country due to this." Mrs. Rodriguez looks at a young Maritza Voss playing with her dolls. She was only 10 when The Rodriguez's wanted to adopt her.

She would be an only child since Mrs. Rodriguez was sterile and couldn't have children. It caused her sadness, to which it broke her husband's heart, but sought comfort once their eyes laid on little Maritza Voss.

Maritza's social worker, Cecile, nods at the Rodriguez's statement.

"There shouldn't be a problem taking her out of the country. With the job, money, and lifestyle your husband has, it'll be approved in no time."

At that, Mrs. Rodriguez smiled. Mr. Rodriguez nods and asks,

"So, when can we start the adoption process?"

Cecily smiles politely,

"We can start right away if you'd like. I just need to notify my director about the situation immediately after. But, are you sure of adopting Maritza Voss?"

Both adults nod and look at the little girl playing with her dolls. She looks up, smiling happily and shows the Rodriguez's the dolls she was currently playing with. Mrs. Rodriguez stands up from the couch and crouches down, smiling and playing with Maritza's hair.

"Maritza Voss won't be anymore. You'll be known as Maritza Rodriguez. My daughter. I'll promise to protect you with my life just like your father here. We'll be there with you every step of the way. We both promise."

"Maritza?"

Maritza blinks, leaving the past.

She turns around, facing Janet and Nate.

She responds with clear venom and ager in her eyes,

"Hm? Is there any more surprises I need to know?"

Nate looks at his daughter with worry and sadness in his eyes. Janet just shakes her head in shame and sighs in frustration. Both stand up with resignation.

"Mr. Archibald, the adoption process is close to being finalized. Just letting you know. I need to talk to you privately about something too." Nate nods at Janet's response. Maritza looks at the wall, analyzing the situation at hand. She knew what she had to do if she didn't want a repeat from the Rodriguez's.

She'd have to live and breathe and analyze the new territory she'd be in. She needed to articulate a plan that would work on her favor.

Maybe, just maybe, if she could start living with the Archibald's and they knew the type of person she is just like the other families, they would bring her back to the orphanage and give up on her easily. Best outcome would be her father signing the papers for her independence. She smiles smugly as she starts calculating and throwing variables to her plan. It's something she would need help with, which is why she would explain it to Yakov and set the plan in motion.

Maritza lays down and crosses her legs, looking up at the celling, wondering if what she was doing was the right decision. The families after the Rodriguez's were crappy and horrible human beings. They would depict the perfect family structure, but once stepping inside their households, a different reality emerges. They would be ignored, beaten, and treated as babysitters for the children they had. It was a point that they were treated more as servants than family.

Maritza turns her eyes towards her father.

Would he try to become the 'perfect' father for her or would it all be just words being thrown to the air? She knew what she had to do. Yakov would think that she was crazy and an 'idiot' for proposing what she was going to say to both Janet and Nate, but she needed to analyze the enemy. Anyway, she was quick to find a solution when things wouldn't go her way.

She sits up, crossing her legs. She ties her hair into a ponytail. She closes her eyes and sighs. She always had a plan in mind, but this time, it was different. She needed to do this.

"Janet, Nate?"

Both adults turn around. Maritza stands up with confidence.

"I'll go to Constance without any needed force or persuasion, but Mr. Archibald has to agree to something."

Nate raises one of his eye brows, wondering what he would need to agree to. Janet was scared and tense as to what Maritza wanted to propose. Nate crosses his arms while Maritza makes direct eye contact with her father.

"I'll agree on attending Constance, but starting today, I want to live under your roof as your daughter. I agree that everyone else knows, just for now, that I'm just a family friend's daughter you adopted. Later, I want the truth to come out. That I'm an Archibald like Ronald and Alexa. Even if it means I'm just their half-blooded sister."

Both Janet and Nate were thrown off for a moment. Janet couldn't stop blinking at Maritza's words as Nate's eyes grew with surprise. Maritza smiled confidently, nodding at her own words.

Janet was the first to scramble and give Maritza an incredulous look.

"Are you sure about this? We can wait- "

Maritza cuts her social worker off.

"I am. I want to live under my father's household starting today. It was bound to happen sooner or later right? Just like my transfer to Constance. Why not just move in while we're at it?"

Janet didn't have words as Nate chuckles at his daughter's proposal. Maritza raised her eye brows and looked at her father confused with his reaction.

Wouldn't he be objecting this and differ from her proposal? This action from her father didn't sit well with Maritza, but contrary to her thinking, Nate was a step further. He was amused at the fact that his own daughter proposed this and not him. Nate learned as the years passed not to be the beggar, but the one to beg to.

He wanted to have control of a situation and not being taken advantage of.

Nate smiles, looking at his daughter.

"Agreed. You're right. Sooner or later I'd have to take you with me. Go pack all your things. I'll be waiting."

Maritza nods, walking past Janet and Nate.

Janet just couldn't believe what just happened.

"Mr. Archibald, I don't – "

Nate cuts Janet off.

"It's a great idea. Janet, I've gone through a lot. I think I can handle a rebellious Maritza. The decision has been made. I'll be waiting for her. She is my daughter after all."

Janet sighs and rolls her eyes. She just couldn't understand them. She felt doubt at first that they were related, but this clears all doubts out of her mind.

Both are crazy and extreme with their thoughts and actions.

Like father, like daughter.

Ronald has his hands inside his sweater pockets, waiting for Izaac in the front gate. He wondered if Izaac saw something suspicious that could point to Maritza being his sister. He takes his iPhone, checking the time and if there were any missed texts or calls from the devil himself.

Ronald knew when encountering Izaac, it was encountering hell. It's worse when the Martins and Archibalds have a rivalry in business, money, and power to the point of wanting to rip each other's throats to pieces. As for right now, Archibalds have the upper hand in the magazine business, but the Martins have the upper hand in the jewelry/conglomerate business. They're very known for their quality and infamous family history, originating from Germany.

Ronald notices Izaac walking up to the front gate and sighs. He stands up straight, looking right at Izaac. Izaac chuckles, leaning against the gate.

"Nice to see you again, Archibald."

Ronald nods, not leaving his eyes from the young Martin.

"Nice to see you again, Martin. So, what did you want to tell me that you saw."

Izaac laughs, shaking his head. He clicks his tongue.

"Slow down Ronny boy. Let's talk calmly like the mature young adults we are."

This annoys Ronald, even more so when being called "Ronny boy." It boils his blood, but he knew if he wanted to find out what Izaac saw that day, he had to tolerate it.

"I don't have the time to fool around unlike you Izaac. I have a college essay to finish at home. Something I do take seriously, unlike you."

Izaac crosses his arms, smiling tauntingly at Ronald. He was getting a kick out of every response his enemy was giving him. He chuckles and sighs lowly.

"I do take things seriously, but unlike you, I don't have a stick up my ass, Archibald. I enjoy life. Not the way many deem great, but it's enjoyable for me. Don't you remember that type of life, Ronny boy? You used to be one us back in the day. Or are we going to play the 'I'm a saint game'?"

Izaac tilts his head, looking at Ronald. He notices how Ronald had his hands balled into fists, which amused him.

"What. Did. You. See."

Izaac looks up the sky, smiling.

"Marc and I know who the mystery girl is and how she looks like. We saw when she climbed into your limo. Alex and Kyle also saw the scene unfold. Never thought you'd shoot that low, man. You should have called me, or shoot me a quick text message. I could have shown you real women." This made Ronald feel tense, but relieved at the same time. If they knew the reality and the situation his family is in, they would have gotten a kick out of it. He scratches his head and laughs at Izaac.

"Pfft. Is that all?" His response make Izaac raise his eyebrows, looking at him suspiciously.

"What do you mean, 'is that all?' You should be shaking by now. I could reveal the girl's name. I can ask Marc right away. Did I tell you they spoke briefly that day? I could leak all the information to Gossip Girl. They would appreciate it very much."

Izaac smirks triumphantly as Ronald looks at him annoyed.

"How do I know that what you are saying is true? All you've done is talk, but where's the evidence? I don't see it anywhere. Mark, Alex, nor Kyle are here to back you up. I mean, what is your intention, Martin? Damage my reputation? I mean, yours is pretty damn destroyed. Who would believe a womanizing asshole anyway?"

Izaac straightens himself and looks directly at Ronald.

"It's sad how much you've changed, Archibald. You used to be the craziest from the bunch. Partied with us every weekend. Now you act like your better than everyone."

Ronald looks away and up at the sky.

"I'm not better than you or everyone. Anyway, why are we talking about the past, when you've done shittier things. I'm going to say this for the last time, she's just a family friend. Nothing more. Nothing less. It's been like that for years. What more explanation do you want Martin. I'm leaving."

Ronald starts to walk when Izaac starts talking.

"Well, I've got bad news for you, Archibald. I don't believe you. Not one bit. You're hiding something. I'm going to find the actual truth and expose you. Whatever your hiding, it must be something big. I don't believe she's just your family friend. None of us do. When I find out about the truth, I will make sure to show everyone your family isn't the 'example' to follow."

Izaac walks away, leaving a quiet Ronald. He sighs and checks the time on his phone.

4:30pm.

It was time to leave and go home. Something Ronald had wanted to do since leaving his last class. He walks through the streets of New York, hoping Izaac never knows the actual truth about the meet up he had with his sister.

Gossip Girl:

Gossip Girl here with the latest gossip you wouldn't want to miss. Call it everyone's guilty pleasure.

Seems a war is brewing between two well-known families. Get your cameras ready, it's a fight no one wouldn't want to miss. Like they say, like father, like son.

The 'IT' couple can't keep their hands off each other. Wonder how long their happiness lasts. Wouldn't want to see their fairy tale relationship fall into pieces.

Sources have spotted the queen bee's cousin flirting with one of the most wanted bachelors' in the hallways after school. Rumor has it both have exchanged numbers and are to meet up sometime tomorrow after school. Careful with this bachelor mini J, he's notorious for leaving broken hearts and crazed up girls and women after him.

I rarely do this, but welcome to the world of Gossip Girl mini J. I can't wait what the future brings for you!

Lastly, more information about new girl. I heard she's a fighter. Wonder what chaos she might bring to Constance.

Things are about to get exciting.

xoxo Gossip Girl

Author's note: I must apologize for the long wait. This past month has been truly hectic, especially with Hurricane Harvey and the rain event. Fortunately, my home was spared. Unfortunately, this pushed much of my schoolwork behind (Last year of college), creating my schedule to go crazy along with work being hectic these past few weeks, but I assure you, the next chapter will be up sometime next month. I'm just trying to organize myself a little bit better. I apologize if there are misspellings or if it was rushed.

As always, please leave a comment, especially on how to improve the story and ideas that I might even consider mixing up in the story.

Recap:

1) Alex and Jenny help each other out. Couple alert or no?

2) Seems Izaac is starting to get tired of their games.

3) It's set in stone. Maritza will not only be transferring to Constance, but start living under thesame roof as her father and siblings. She did this intentionally to test the territory and get her plan together. What's this plan of hers consist of? Is Yakov actually a bad influence or no?

4) Flashback about the Rodriguez's. What happened?

5) Rivalry between Ronald and Izaac. Forced or nah?

Thanks!

AskEliz