Chapter 25: Sweet love

Serena and Dan were talking in between kisses. They were in Dan's bed and Serena was holding Cedric, Dan's Cabbage Patch kid.

"So," Dan said, "Remember the first time we met?"

"You mean, at the Palace?" Serena said, "Or when you saw me at Thanksgiving when I was fifteen and I was drunk and—"

Dan laughed and kissed her, "Well, you didn't remember me then!"

"I was drunk," She laughed, "I was a crazy kid, huh?"

"We all were," He said.

"But that's not the first time..."

"I know," Dan squuezed her hand, "10.08.05."

"Yes," Serena smiled.

"You mis-invited me to your birthday and...And when I saw you, I was like, She's...she's heaven,"

"Oh come on, Dan,"

"What? You know that. I'm serious," He smiled, "I was captivated. Floored. Just like that. I don't even know how or why, but I was. I am, still. And...I just realized from then on that you're the one I never would wanna give up. I know I faltered—"

"We both did,"

"Yeah, but still..." He took a deep breath, "It's been hard. But you know, at least now we can finally move on."

"Yeah," She said, "I'm really hoping it'll work this time."

"Of course it will."

She laughed, "I do hope so."

Just then someone knocked on the door.

"You expecting anyone?"

"No," Serena said, "You?"

"No," Dan said, "Anyway, I don't live here..."

They laughed.

"I'll get it," Dan said, stood up and went out to open the door. Serena followed suit. Dan opened the door and was surprised to see that it was Charlotte Rhodes outside.

"Whoa,' Dan said, "Charlie,"

"Hi," Charlie said, "Sorry I just came without notice, I just...I heard about what happened. With Ivy and all that...I just...I knew I had to come back. I had to stop running because even if I think this life isn't for me, I can't just...leave and not come back. I have to be here for you. And...and I guess I finally have to face Nate. I've ran away for far too long."

"Oh, Charlie," Serena said as she hugged her, "I'm glad you're back."

Charlie smiled, "I never thought I'd say this, but I am, too."

Serena smiled.

"One thing, though," Charlie said, "Can you help me with something?"

"Anything," Serena said.

"Can you help me to talk to Nate?"

"Of course," Serena said.

"I just feel like he wouldn't wanna see me after everything."

"Oh, believe me," Serena said, "Nate...he still loves you."

"I don't know about that,"

"Trust me," Serena said, "Anyway, come in, you have to eat, then we'll see Nate, okay?"

'Thank you," Charlie smiled.