"Hi, Nate? Look, I've thought it over, and, I really would like to start over." Blair was up in her room getting ready for school. It was a brisk Tuesday morning, and B couldn't wait to start the day.

"Really? I mean, that's great, Blair. I'll see you at school."

Blair smiled as she hung up. Nate really seemed to be willing to start over fresh, and that could work for her. It would save her the trouble of worrying about her complicated feelings.

Blair got up from her vanity desk and walked over to her jewellery box. She felt like wearing something special today.

She opened the box, but then hesitated. Sitting patiently in front of her was the Archibald ring; but next to it was Chuck's necklace.

Blair didn't know what to do.

Shaking her head, she pushed the necklace aside and reached for the diamond ring. Slipping it on her finger, she smiled. That felt good. Obviously, the ring, and Nate, was the right choice.

Serena was hurrying down the hall of Constance Billiard when she ran into someone. Apologizing and picking up her fallen books, she faced the person she had rushed into.

"Vanessa?" Serena said in disbelief.

"Oh, hey Serena. I'm sorry, I didn't notice you there." Vanessa gave her a strained smile as she picked up her textbook.

"Oh, um, that's okay. But, what are you doing here?"

"Didn't Dan tell you? I transferred to Constance Billiard. I was hoping it would be good change for me, considering this is the sister school to Dan's and all."

"Oh, well, I guess Dan forgot to mention it to me."

"Well, I wouldn't be surprised. You two really aren't that close anyway." Vanessa smiled sweetly at Serena as she started down the hall, but S stopped her.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, nothing," Vanessa beamed. "It's just, well, remember when Dan's mom came back? He came to me, not you. But I guess that's understandable, considering I am his best friend and all. But don't feel bad, Serena. I'm sure you can find some other guy to be with. I mean, with your reputation, it'll be hard not to." Vanessa gave her one last wicked smile before briskly continuing down the hall. Serena just stared as she walked away, jaw dropped open.

During lunch, Vanessa caught up with Dan.

"Hey," she said cheerfully, stopping in front of him.

"Hey," Dan replied distractedly, looking over V's shoulder. "Have you seen Serena?"

"Actually, no. But this morning I ran into her and she said she didn't want to see you at lunch today."

"Huh? Why not?" Dan looked at his best friend.

"I don't know, she said something about getting sick of you always being so clingy." Vanessa shrugged and led Dan over to a bench. She sat down with him. "But don't worry; I'll hang out with you."

"Um, okay." Dan looked a little disappointed. Vanessa frowned.

"What's wrong? Aren't you glad we basically go to the same school now?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. No, it's great. I'm just upset about Serena, I guess. Are you sure that's what she said?"

"Definitely. I wouldn't lie to you, Dan." Vanessa gave him her sweetest smile and leaned over to him a little closer.

"I don't know… I mean, maybe I should go talk to her…" Dan started to stand up, but Vanessa quickly pulled him back down.

"No! I mean, I don't think that's a good idea. She seemed pretty annoyed. I'd let her cool off a bit."

"Okay…" Dan said, but he still looked rather disappointed.

Spotted: S searching for her Not-So-Lonely Boy at lunch. I guess no one told her V had whisked him away. Better watch out, Serena. Looks like V's venom is a little more poisonous than you expected. And if you aren't careful, you might just get bit.

Jenny wandered around outside the school, looking for someone she knew. She could see Blair on the other side of the campus, chatting with Is and Kati, but knew that she could never go over there. Not after Blair found out what Jenny had done.

Of course, J didn't blame B for never wanting to see her again. Jenny had turned her in to Gossip Girl, and basically betrayed her. Even after she had been given so many second chances. Jenny was pretty sure her Upper East Sider lifestyle was gone forever. After all, it wasn't her world anyway. She belonged with the Dans and Vanessas of the city; the normal Brooklyn kids who usually loathed the filthy rich elite. Jenny knew that part of hating the Manhattan crowd was somewhat out of jealousy, but it was also because of the way those kids were. They seemed superficial and not at all sensitive, and always took everything in life for granted. But J knew that there was more to Blair's circle.

Blair herself had many problems on her hands; more than an outsider could have guessed. Yes, as hard as it was to believe, Blair Waldorf had dilemmas other than not finding the right pair of shoes to match her newest Louis Vuitton bag. And Serena van der Woodsen; that girl had got so caught up in the fast-paced New York life that she had needed an escape. And of course, Jenny thought of Nate. His family was as messed up as anyone's.

It didn't matter how rich they were, or how perfect they seemed. In the end, all the Upper East Siders were just people. People like Jenny.

Jenny glanced back at Blair. She tried to keep in mind what she had just told herself, but it was hard to believe. Blair was so tough; sometimes it was extremely difficult to remember her sensitive side. I guess, Jenny thought, when you live in a world like that, you need to stay tough so you won't get hurt.

Suddenly, Serena was at Jenny's side.

"Hey," she said smiling. "Wanna have lunch?"

"Sure," Jenny replied. "But what about Blair?"

Serena glanced in the direction of her friend. "Well, Blair's busy right now."

"Um, okay. But, won't Blair be mad to see you hanging out with me? I mean, she did tell you…"

"Yeah, she told me about everything. But don't worry, because I'm the only other person who knows."

"But, aren't you mad at me? I mean, for doing that to Blair?"

Serena almost seemed to laugh. "Jenny, I know you got caught up in it all. And I understand. Sometimes, you don't mean to do it, but you end up trying so hard to get what you want that eventually you lose yourself. Everyone goes through that. All I have to say is that, you'll regret going through yours with Blair. She can be pretty ruthless. After all, she does trail drama in her wake."

They both laughed. "Come on," Serena said. "You can't each lunch alone, and B will have such a spazz if you go over there. Believe me, I've tried."

S and Little J: taking a lunch break to learn more about each other. But from what I've heard, there's no reason to butter Jenny up, S; it's not like you'll be sisters in law anytime soon with V on the prowl.

All I can say is, no one better tell B about her best friend mingling with the enemy. S should be alright; she has valid permission because of her relations with Lonely Boy, but Waldorf has claws; and she's never afraid of slashing a little freshman reputation.

xoxo, GOSSIP GIRL