Lily's Will
Previously on LW:
Chuck planned a first date for him and Blair, but Blair missed it because of Carter. Blair lied about why she missed the date, Chuck was mad, but got over it. During his planning he got a call from a mysterious Alex, who he promptly cut off and hung up on. Chuck remodeled the master bedroom and Blair loved it then if fast forwarded five days to William's 2nd birthday. Blair got him a kitten that she named Victrola or Vicky, Chuck got him a playroom then they went to the Hamptons for his birthday party. CB had both been suppressing the issues between them. During Will's birthday party they received an unexpected visit from the social worker then from someone else.
Chapter 29
Blair's face drained as she watched Carter walk up to them, "Hello," he said with a smile as he outstretched his hand towards the social worker, "I don't believe we've met, I—"
"Wasn't invited," Chuck interrupted with a sneer.
The social worker frowned as she looked skeptically between them, "Mr. Bass?"
Hearing the uncertainty in the social worker's tone made Blair suddenly find her voice as she drew in a quick breath through her parted lips, "Don't mind them, they're just old friends who had a falling-out," she said, trying her best to sound nonchalant. Chuck's hand squeezed hers tightly, making the diamonds on her wedding ring bite into her skin painfully, "Chuck," she whispered almost in a plead and he instantly released her, which did not make her feel any better.
"Friends, is stretching the actuality of our past association," said Chuck, dragging out his words with disdain.
"That was uncalled for," said Carter as if he'd been greatly aggrieved, "Chuck, I've shared things with you I don't believe I've shared with anyone else," said Carter with a cynical grin.
"Is there a problem here?" asked Nate walking up to them, his mouth set in a firm line as he glared at their unexpected guest.
"Well my mistake," Carter remarked with amusement as his eyes shot from Blair to Nate.
Chuck took a menacing step forward and Blair gripped his lapel tightly, "No," she looked up at him anxiously, "William," she simply said, trying to get through to him while wondering how in the world she would get herself out of all this.
Chuck relaxed, gaining his composure and Blair released him, "No, thank you, Nathaniel," said Chuck, straightening his suit jacket, his eyes never straying off of Carter, "Mr. Baizen was just leaving."
"So soon? But look, the gangs all here," Carter smiled as he motioned around, and then waved past them to Serena who stared back wide-eyed.
"Would you all excuse me? I believe I've walked into something I'd frankly much rather not attempt to unravel," said Ms. Geller stepping back, "I'm here to see about William's welfare and as long as you two stay married," said the social worker, pointing at her and Chuck, "And William is healthy and cared for, I could care less what this is all about," she said bluntly then turned and headed in William and Serena's direction.
"Baizen," said Chuck while grinding his teeth to the point of pain, "I'm going to give you ten generous seconds to turn around and vacate the premises. If you don't—"
"Relax, Bass," he soothed mockingly, "I only came to give William a birthday present."
"Take one step in my son's direction and you'll sorely regret it," Chuck promised austerely, the angered heat in his eyes only adding to the other man's satisfaction.
"Son?" he questioned, "Chuckles, I think you've gotten your DNA strands mixed up. Little Bill is your brother, and half one at that, not your son."
Instantly, Chuck lunged towards Carter but Blair stepped in the way, causing him to stumble into her with force. He silently cursed and steadied her, "Are you alright?" he asked, gently gripping her chin with his hand and tilting her head up so that their eyes met.
Blair swallowed hard and nodded. She didn't know for how much longer he'd spare a soft word or two for her, but at the moment she didn't want to think about that. Her eyes hardened and she turned in Chuck's arms, "Get the hell out of here Carter and don't come back."
Carter grinned and raised his hands in a fake surrender, "Alright, just for you and just because you asked so nicely, I'll comply."
Blair let out a relieved breath as she watched him turn towards the exit.
"But—" he said turning back and she shook her head, of course, she thought. She must have been stupid to think for even a second that he'd leave it at that.
"As I said, I have a little something," he started, going into his inside pocket, "For William," he concluded, producing an envelope and handing it to Chuck who snatched it up and ripped it in half, "I think you're done here."
Carter shrugged, "I'll be seeing you," he grinned at them then walked a few paces to the entrance and left.
XOXOXOXO
Blair glanced towards Chuck as she carried William back into the living room after the fireworks display. He had remained eerily silent after Carter had left more than two hours ago. She didn't know what was going through his head or what he believed. What Carter had said had implied—she worried her full bottom lip raw trying to banish her thoughts, but she couldn't.
She didn't know if he'd paid Carter's words any mind and if he had, her stomach flipped unpleasantly, she knew exactly what was to come. He'd argue and demand and she'd do likewise just as they always had, because there was no way she would admit out loud what had really happened to her. It was too awful and she was too disgusted with Carter and with herself. Saying it aloud again would be like reliving it all over and—she just couldn't, she couldn't do it. She wanted it to remain as buried as it had been for years.
"Mama," William said, pulling on the strap of her dress.
"What is it my birthday boy?" she asked with a smile, not wanting her mood to affect him in the least, "We're going to blow out your candles and you're going to get a big piece of cake," said Blair enthusiastically, though she wasn't sure how much of it he understood.
William's response was a loud sneeze that had her quickening her steps and reaching for tissues at the side-table next to the couch then she wiped William's nose as he protested and complained.
"What is it?" asked Eleanor walking up to them.
"Nothing, just a sneeze," she said rubbing William's back to sooth him. At least she hoped that was all it was. She didn't want him getting sick and especially not on his birthday.
"Then come along," Eleanor prompted then caressed Will's cheek with a smile, "Charles has already lit the candles," her mother said then turned around and Blair followed her to the other side of the crowded room.
Chuck grinned as they walked up to him. It was the first sign of real emotion she'd seen from him since the incident and she smiled in relief. They'd be able to get past this, they just had to talk, both of them. She glanced down at William who was smiling toothily then her gaze returned to Chuck and just as quickly as her hopes rose, they plummeted. He wasn't looking at them, he was looking at William and as soon as his eyes darted her way, his smile faded.
She quickly glanced down at the flickering candles, not wanting him to read anything in her expression.
"Everyone, gather around," said Eleanor, making her lift her gaze to all the guests who were in attendance. Blair scanned the crowd then locked eyes with Serena who stood next to Nate, Eric, and the social worker, "S," Blair beckoned and Serena frowned but excused herself and walked up to them.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," she said with a smile, "Here," she said handing William to her, "I want you to help him blow out his candles."
"Blair," interrupted Chuck, but she ignored him, "You weren't with him when he blew out his candles the last time, but you're here now. It's only right," she said then stepped away from the table and went to stand next to Cyrus who hugged her reassuringly around her middle.
She looked over at Eric and motioned towards the table and he hesitantly complied, walking up to stand next to Chuck, there, she thought to herself with a nod, they should be together like this, they had blood ties, she didn't.
"You should go back up there with them," coaxed Cyrus.
"No, I belong here."
"On your last birthday I was front and center, you insisted and I was very grateful, Blair," said Cyrus with an animated smile, "Go back," he nudged.
She looked down at him and grinned sadly, "That's different, you're—"
"Your stepfather and you are William's—"
"Sister-in-law," she said with a shrug.
Cyrus frowned, "I thought Harold had talked some sense into you, but I guess you need more convincing."
"Now's not the time, the singing is going to start any second."
"Blair—"
"I know, okay?" she relented softly glancing down at him, "But right now, I need to be here and he needs to be there."
"Are you talking about William or Charles?"
"Happy birthday to you!" Blair sang, kick-starting the singing and everyone else quickly joined in, "Happy birthday to you!" Blair smiled seeing William's eyes as they widened happily at the lit candles, "Happy Birthday, dear William—" her gaze slid and collided with Chuck's, making her trip over her words as everyone else continued, "Happy birthday to you!"
There was loud applause and she automatically started clapping, but her eyes remained locked with Chuck's. She couldn't get a read on what he was thinking.
"Okay, Will, let's blow them out, like this—" Serena demonstrated but William refused, "Mama!" he called out, squirming in Serena's arms.
William's voice made her break their staring match as her eyes drifted to him.
"Go ahead, sweetheart, do as Serena says," Blair responded reassuringly, but William shook his head stubbornly, "Blow out your candles and you'll get cake," she tried coaxingly, but it didn't work, "Mama!" William shouted again and when Serena wouldn't lower him to the floor, he started crying, "Mama" he hiccupped as he stretched his arms out anxiously in her direction.
"Blair," Eleanor reproached, but she didn't stand around long enough to answer her. She went over to where they were and took William from Serena's arms, pulling him close, "It's okay," Blair said softly, kissing his tear stained cheeks, "Mama," he sniffled and she had to blink back tears that had unexpectedly formed. She took a calming breath then smiled nervously, looking around at all the spectators; she had almost forgotten she was in the middle of a crowded room.
"Okay," she said turning him in her arms, with some difficulty because he didn't want to let her go, "Let's blow these out," she said with a big smile towards the candles, wax had already started to drip down them. William looked hesitantly up at her and she grinned, "Go on," she smiled wide, "Do it for mommy."
William rubbed his eyes then gave a small smirk and drew in a big dramatic breath then blew noisily, clumsily, and wetly, until his candles were put out and everyone cheered.
"You did it!" said Blair bouncing him on her hip and William clapped with a smile, "Now you can have cake."
"Mama, cake," he said then leaned over and buried his hand in, taking a chunk of the cake and before she could stop him, he splattered it on her face. There was a collective gasp then silence that was only broken by William's small voice, "Yummy, Mama?" he questioned and everyone started laughing.
Blair sighed, but couldn't help but laugh too, "Yes, it's delicious, thank you," she said, licking her lips and wiping the side of her face with her free hand.
William turned his head and raised his brows then offered his cake smeared hand out, "Dadee, cake?" he asked and caused even more laughs, even from Chuck, "You know? I don't mind if I do," he said then unexpectedly leaned over and took her lips in a swift kiss.
His lips slid over hers heatedly as he teased, nibbled, and cajoled hers apart. She gasped into his mouth and he swallowed the plea with one last stroke then reluctantly retreated, leaving her with flamed cheeks, a racing heart, and trembling hands that she had to tighten to maintain her hold on Will.
"William," said Chuck pensively as he pulled back and swiped his tongue over his lips, savoring the flavor, "I do believe that's the best cake I've ever tasted," he concluded, amidst snickers, laughs, and more applause.
She looked at Chuck with confusion, but she quickly smiled, despite her embarrassment at their public display. He was looking at her as he had before Carter had come to ruin things, and it felt too good for her to even wonder why.
XOXOXOXO
Chuck walked into the study that night after all the guests had departed. It had been a long day, made even longer by the appearance of the pest he'd thought he'd seen the last of years ago, but from the looks of it, he had some more fumigating to do.
He sunk into the chair behind the desk and loosened his bow-tie apart with frustration. His anger was still brewing there beneath the surface of his seemingly cool composer. What that leech had insinuated had made him want to cause major damage. The kind you never recover from, the kind you carry with you for the rest of your life like a complex.
He couldn't fathom how he'd let himself believe Carter's words. Blair wouldn't have touched him and even if he'd been gone, he knew Nate would have warned her against—associating herself with Carter Baizen.
He halted his thoughts long enough to go into his inside pocket and produce the envelope he'd torn in half earlier that day. He should have tossed it out, but curiosity got the best of him and he'd held onto it. There were two pieces of paper inside. He pulled each half from the envelope and opened it onto the desk where he put the pieces that corresponded back together.
The first had his eyes darkening and he took the pieces and crumpled them in a tight fist then threw them in the wastebasket. It was a blue chip stock in William's name. Those kinds of unsentimental gifts were a mistake of the past. William would never spend a birthday alone with nothing to comfort him but the knowledge of an accruing bank account as he had for nearly every year of his life.
He shifted his gaze to the other paper, it was a note addressed to him.
Has your wife been mysteriously disappearing lately with no account of her whereabouts? If the answer is yes, and I know that it will be, meet me tonight at my Hampton house for an explanation. I'm sure you'll endeavor to find out where it is.
He crushed the pieces to him as his mind raced. Blair had been going off without telling him where since their failed first date.
There was a knock on the door that startled him out of his thoughts.
The door opened without him saying a word.
"I thought you'd be in here," said Blair leaning against the doorframe, "I'm about to put Will to bed. Do you want to help?"
He swallowed hard and licked his dry lips, "I can't. You go ahead, I have some things I need to do before I head up for the night."
She nodded hesitantly and looked down. He felt an ache watching her retreat. He wanted to follow her, but he couldn't. The uncertainty was eating away at him. He wouldn't be able to rest until he'd spoken to Carter and that was just what he was going to do, well among other things if what he'd implied turned out to be true.
XOXOXOXO
Blair walked into the nursery that had been quickly put together right before their arrival. It was completely different from his nursery back home, but not in a bad way. This nursery was adorable as well, airy, light, in all hues of blue.
"Okay, Will, time for bed," she said as she walked further into the room. William was asleep, curled up on a rug in a corner with his blanket clutched in one hand and a stuffed bear in the other.
She smiled, wanting Chuck to be there with her to see him, but that only made the smile fall from her lips. One moment he was all over her then the next, he—he looked as if he didn't want anything to do with her.
She sighed painfully as she bent to pick William up. Nothing was right. She was sick of this roller coaster and she wanted off.
She walked silently, trying not to wake Will, but he stirred anyway. He awoke coughing then he whimpered.
"Shh, it's okay," she said rubbing his back in soothing circles then she placed him in his crib. She ran her hand through his hair back and forth caressingly until he once again fell asleep. She covered him with a blanket and frowned. She touched her hand to his head, but he was fine and she tried to brush away her worries, but couldn't quite manage it.
A small smile lit her face, "I guess that comes with being a mom," she whispered, "And I am," she finally admitted aloud to herself, "Lily will always be a part of you, but so will I," she said then bent and placed a kiss on his head.
XOXOXOXO
Chuck sat in his limo, looking out at the dark night through the window. Any moment now he'd be arriving at Carter's. It'd only taken one phone call to get the address, but he'd wished it'd taken hundreds. Anything to stall and compose himself, but that wouldn't be possible. The scenes playing themselves in his head of Blair and Carter, together, had made any type of self-possession impossible.
The limo slowed then came to a stop in front of big house, no doubt belonging to his parents, thought Chuck wryly as he exited the limo and walked briskly up to the door.
It was swung immediately open by a maid, "Mr. Bass?" she questioned and he frowned and nodded, "You've been expected."
"Of course," he muttered tightly as he was shown into the sitting room where Carter sat, drink in hand, and a smug look on his face, "I knew you'd come," said Carter rising and motioning towards a sofa opposite his, "Please have a seat, what can I get for you?"
"Nothing," said Chuck stonily, not even taking the seat offered, "I don't know why I even came, perhaps for a laugh or two, because I know anything that escapes your lips are nothing but ridiculous lies that are so farfetched they are amusing, but what's most amusing, is that you've made yourself actually believe them."
Carter grinned, "Oh, I assure you, everything I say tonight will be the absolute truth, and not only according to me, but to Blair as well."
Chuck's eyes narrowed, "Don't even say her name," he said gratingly, his surly tone a warning, "Go ahead and spew your lies," he urged, "I'd like to get this over with, unlike you, I have a family waiting for me at home," he said looking around the room in a cursory manner, "Where, according to you, has Blair been when she's disappeared?"
Carter was silent for a moment, his arrogant self-assurance slipping slightly then he put his drink down and the mocking cynicism was back in his eyes, "Different places," he shrugged, "The café on fifth, Central Park…my hotel room."
Chuck's jaw clenched and his fists tightened in anticipation, "Baizen, you know who I am and you know what I'm capable of, so it'd be in your best interest to start telling me the truth. If not, I'll give in to my baser emotions and then you'll only have yourself to blame for what transpires."
Carter ignored him and held his chin thoughtfully, "Did you know? Well, you must, she has this curious little birthmark at the base of her spine, right before the curve of her—"
He lunged, his anger and heated possessiveness no longer contained. He swung a fist striking Carter in the mouth, making him stumble backward, but Chuck couldn't stop there, he bunched Carter's shirt in his hand and pulled him back towards him only to swing again, not even the sight of blood was enough to stop him.
It was all a slow motioned haze of raged jealousy. The only thought that processed was that once again another man had had, had seen, had taken what was his, what would always be solely and completely and entirely his.
He must have distracted himself with his thoughts because before he knew it, Carter had swung back, jabbing him in the eye. He stumbled, momentarily blinded, but he quickly righted himself and used the abhorrent picture he had in his head of Blair and Carter tangled together between the sheets to throw his next blow.
He felt a searing pain, he wasn't sure, but he suspected he'd fractured his hand, but that wasn't enough to take away from the satisfaction he felt in seeing Carter Baizen sprawled on the floor clutching his bloodied face in his hands.
"Stay the hell away from my wife," he spat incensed, "If I even have the inkling that you're thinking about disregarding the only warning you'll ever receive, it'll already be too late for you," he promised then turned around and past the wide-eyed maid, walking out to his limo, and to what was to come when he returned to his picturesque Hampton home… and Blair.
XOXOXOXO
Blair sat on the couch in the living room, feet curled under her. Everything was so quiet. All she could hear was Will's soft intake and exhale through the monitor on the side-table next to her. She was alone in this huge house, well except for a couple of maids who had already retired for the night.
Cyrus and her mother had returned to the city. Serena had left to stay in Lily's old house, just a few houses down in the gated community and Eric had left with Sam. He would probably not be back until the morning and Nate…she frowned, she wasn't sure where he'd gone to, but the point was, she was alone when she shouldn't have been.
She had no idea where Chuck was. It was nearing two A.M. He hadn't told her where he was going or when he'd be back. A cool breeze came in through the open French doors leading to the huge backyard, if you could call that many acres a backyard, she shivered slightly and rubbed her bare arms. During the day, the outside space was beautiful, past the pool was a garden you could get lost in, but in the night all that could be seen was black. It was ominous, like every scene from almost every horror movie she'd ever watched and it made another tremble go through her.
She kept looking around nervously, almost waiting for something to happen. She felt absurd, but couldn't help it. She got up quickly and closed the doors, putting the lock in place. She exhaled deeply, calming her fears.
Bang!
She gasped and her heart leapt into her throat at the sudden slamming of a door. She turned and saw Chuck stalk past the foyer, heading straight in her direction.
Her stomach clenched, then her eyes grew huge. He had a black eye and a small gash below it, and his hands, they had blood on them.
"What happened? Where were you?" she asked, rushing up to him. She put her hands out to touch his face, but he gripped her wrists tightly and pushed them away.
Her lips parted and her face crumpled into a look of pure misery as everything clicked into place, "You went to see Carter, didn't you?"
He looked at her devoid of any emotion, empty, cold, "So you're not even going to bother to deny it? Smart on your part, Blair," he remarked condescendingly as he walked up to the bar and clumsily poured a drink into a glass with his left hand, his right was covered with a bloodied handkerchief.
"Whatever Carter told you, it wasn't true."
"Really?" he scoffed, as he took a stinging sip of scotch, "So when you missed our first date you weren't with him? Having dinner, taking a stroll in Central Park, or perhaps in his hotel room?"
She looked down, searching for a place to start, "Let me explain."
His eyes darkened another degree, "Don't bother, you just did."
His name rushed from her lips in a despondent sigh, "Chuck," she said as she reached out. He caught sight of her wedding ring and he snapped, peeling her hand off of his arm roughly, not caring that in doing so he caused himself pain and not just physically.
She winced and rubbed her fingers, but he didn't give himself a chance to absorb it. He dropped his glass back onto the bar and turned, gripping her arm with his good hand and pulling her to him, until they were barely inches between them, until he could hear the small catches in her breath and see the tears that were gathered on her lashes, "Why?" he demanded, the sharp, wired tone creating a nervous frisson that shot right up her spine.
"Was it to get back at me? For leaving? For Lily?" he ranted, "Is that why you slept with that piece of filth?"
She shrank back, "Chuck—"
"God damn it, tell me!" he shouted as his grip tightened.
Her eyes hardened and she pushed out of his grasp, "Carter Baizen shared my bed years ago while you were gone, once, and once was once too much. I did go to see him the night of our date and a few times after," she admitted coolly, "But nothing happened, and I only went because he said he'd tell you about that one time and I didn't want that. I didn't want this," she motioned between them.
"You're lying," he bit out callously.
She flinched, her fears being realized hurting more than she thought possible, "So you would believe him instead of me, your wife?" she said, letting that sink in. She swallowed with difficulty, refusing to let tears form, "You know, you knew me once, do you remember?" she asked as her heart and throat ached with the effort to keep talking as she recalled the moment, "You told me, you're lying, your eyes are doing that thing where they don't match your mouth," she said as her bottom lip trembled and she caught it between her teeth until she tasted blood, "So," she said, drawing in a painfully measured breath, "If there's anything left of that boy, and the way he seemed to know that girl," she said with a broken smile, "Take a second look, then say it again…tell me I'm lying."
Chuck took in a deep, shuddering breath, knowing it was the truth and hating it anyway. He'd known it from the moment she'd said it, but he couldn't come to terms with her and Carter, even if it had only happened once. The fact twisted his stomach in pain and jealousy…and guilt, because he feared it too was somehow his fault, "You—you're not, I—I need to go."
Her eyes widened then flashed with anger as he tried to walk past her, "You're just going to leave, just like that?"
"I can't be around you right now, Blair."
"The hell you can't, you don't want to, which is something else entirely," she spat, "Stop!" she shouted and turned him to face her, "You've ranted and raved and accused, now it's my turn and you're going to stand there and listen."
He didn't make another move towards the door, but he also didn't retrace the few steps he'd taken, "I've reluctantly told you something about my past, now you're going to tell me something about yours," her eyes bore into his, expectantly, insistently, "Where did you go?"
"Blair," he said, trying to clear his thoughts long enough to speak rationally, "I can't play this game of show and tell with you right now."
Her fists tightened, "This isn't a game, damn you!" she cursed as she banged them against his chest, and this time it was her turn to yell, "Tell me!"
"I can't!" he countered back furiously, just as the baby monitor reverberated with William's cries.
She shook her head in angered disbelief, "This was just an excuse. I get it now. It was all an excuse," she said as the crying continued.
"What are you talking about?"
"You're never going to open up to me. You've gotten scared again and you've realized you don't want this after all. All Carter did was give you the out you were looking for."
"What? That's not true," he demanded, reaching for her but she pulled away and picked up the monitor, filled with the sound of Will's whimpers.
"I'm not going to try to stop you this time. If you want to leave, leave, you have my blessing," she gritted out and when he didn't move, it infuriated her, "Go, run get the hell out!" she yelled, raising the blaring monitor, "William and I don't need you!" she shouted then banged the monitor back down onto the side-table and pushed past him to get to the stairs.
XOXOXOXO
Blair rushed into the nursery, putting everything she felt and all her problems aside, "It's okay my angel, I'm here," she said softly as she reached him and lifted him out of the crib.
"Mama," he cried, then he started coughing. His face was flushed red and wet with tears.
She adjusted him in her arms and patted his back, it was damp. She walked quickly and flipped on the light then sat down with him on the cushioned window seat. She put her hand up to his forehead, it was hot and clammy, she panicked, he was burning up.
XOXOXOXO
Chuck stood, staring at the stairs she had run up. What had he done? He went back to the bar where his drink still sat. He picked it up and drank the remnants in one gulp. He had just screwed everything up.
He cursed silently; he didn't know how he was going to fix this, or if he could. He should have answered her about his past and when she'd assumed, he should have just told her the truth, told her he loved her, so much, that the thought of Carter all over her infuriated him. All he'd wanted was an hour or two to clear his head, but from the looks of it, he'd have way more than that. If Blair decided to—to—, if she did, he thought, not being able to form the words, then he'd be alone and he didn't think he could take again.
It's okay my angel, I'm here
He heard her gentle voice through the monitor and his breath caught. He walked over to it and picked it up.
Mama
He heard William cry then he heard him cough. His eyes lowered. He should have thought of William before and he hadn't, he deserved whatever he got.
Oh, God
His eyes shot up at Blair's anxious tone and his left hand tightened around the monitor.
Oh, God, Will, Chuck!
His feet were already taking the stairs two at a time before he'd even realized he was doing it.
XOXOXOXO
William sobbed in her arms as Chuck's name escaped her lips. She shook her head, he was probably gone by now, but she didn't have time to dwell on that, "It's going to be okay," she said as she rose onto her feet, rocking William in her arms.
Will continued to cry and she had the urge to cry with him, but she couldn't, she needed to compose herself, she needed to think, she needed…
"Chuck," she said in surprise as he burst through the door, "How…?"
He waved the monitor then placed it on the dresser and walked up to them, "What's wrong?"
"Dadee," William sobbed as he noticed him.
Chuck gently took him from her, ignoring the ache in his hand, and immediately, he knew what was wrong, "Go down to the study and on my desk is a small black book. Look inside and find the number for a Dr. Andrews, Peter Andrews. Call him and tell him Chuck Bass needs him now."
She nodded uneasily, gave William one last look then fled the room.
XOXOXOXO
"It's just the flu. I've given him medicine, his fever should break soon," said the aging doctor, looking slightly haggard. Understandably, since he'd been dragged out of bed in the middle of the night.
Blair frowned, "But he had his flu shot. I took him myself."
"But as you can see that's not a total guarantee, Mrs. Bass," he said as he handed her a bottle of Children's Motrin, "Give him another dose in eight hours. If the fever persists, bring him into my office."
She nodded and leaned over the crib to cover William with his favorite blue blanket, "Thank you for coming," she said as she straightened then shook his hand gratefully.
Dr. Andrews nodded with a smile, "Try not to worry so much. Children get sick all the time. William will be fine."
She thanked him again then walked with him out of the nursery, "Chuck is probably downstairs," she said as she took a few steps then motioned towards the stairs.
"It's alright, you must be exhausted. It's past three in the morning, I know the way," he said and waved her off.
She watched him walked down the first few steps then she stopped him, "Dr. Andrews?"
"Was there something else you needed?" he questioned as he turned and held onto the banister.
"Before you leave, could you—," she broke off with uncertainty. She shouldn't care. She was still furious with him and she wasn't sure what she planned to do next, but regardless, she couldn't help it, "Chuck hurt his hand and…" she trailed off.
"I'll have a look it at it," he assured her smiling.
"Please, don't forget."
"I won't."
"He'll probably argue with you, but—"
"Oh, I'm well aware, not to worry, Mrs. Bass, I can handle it, you have a good night."
"Goodnight."
XOXOXOXO
Chuck rose as he saw his father's old doctor come down the stairs, "What's wrong with him?" he asked without preamble.
"Nothing but a text book case of the flu, he'll be fine in no time," he said then frowned, "But I can't say the same for you," said Dr. Andrews then walked up to him and put his doctor's bag down, "You did a number on yourself," he said, going into his bag.
"I'm fine, just a few cuts and bruises," said Chuck dismissingly. He thought it fitting that he should physically feel the way he felt inside.
"I wasn't aware that you were qualified to make that diagnosis," said the doctor wryly.
Chuck smirked and allowed the doctor to clean the small cut under his left eye, "Now, then Chuck, this makes it visit number…?"
"Hell if I know," Chuck shrugged. He'd been his father's and by extension his personal physician since he'd been about William's age.
The old man chuckled, "You never did mince your words, even as a boy. I still remember you trying to argue your way out of an injection. You were about nine. What is it you told me?"
Chuck smiled without enthusiasm, "I'm Chuck Bass, I don't get sick. That's reserved for the outer-boroughs and middle class professionals like you."
"That's right," the doctor laughed, "And when that didn't work, you tried to pay me off."
"And that didn't work either," said Chuck as he recalled the moment. Andrews had had to call his father, who'd had to be pulled out of a board meeting, needless to say, he'd gotten that shot.
"There," said the doctor pulling back, "It's just a small gash. I've disinfected it. It should heal on its own without leaving a scar."
Chuck nodded then saw him reach for his hand, "No, I—"
"Don't argue with me," he said firmly, "If I don't, what am I to tell your lovely wife the next time I see her?"
Chuck frowned, "What does Blair have to do with this?"
The doctor removed the handkerchief and pressed his fingers into Chuck's right hand, feeling the bones and Chuck winced, "She was quite adamant about me taking a look at it. I had to reassure her several times that I would, and…" said the doctor reaching into his bag for a compression wrap, "I have a professional reputation to uphold, I wouldn't want the name Andrews to be synonymous with dishonesty."
Chuck suddenly felt better, but then that only made him feel worse. Blair was still worrying about him when he hadn't done the same for her. He just hoped her concern meant he could still fix what he'd broken.
"From the looks of it, you've got yourself a sprain, but I can't know for sure unless you come in and have X-rays done."
"I'll be fine," Chuck assured as he surveyed his bandaged hand, "Thanks for coming so quickly and at this hour."
The doctor shrugged, "When a Bass calls, it's best to answer," he smiled then it faded, "I—I never got to apologize for not being able to be present at the hospital when your—"
"It's alright," said Chuck looking down, "There wasn't anything anyone could've done."
"I hope you believe those words, Chuck," he said then put a wrinkled hand on his shoulder.
"I think I'm finally starting to."
XOXOXOXO
Chuck walked quietly into the nursery and up to the crib. He smiled sadly down at William and ran his left hand gently through his golden locks. He was relieved to see he no longer had a fever.
He bent and dropped a kiss on his head then straightened and turned, catching sight of Blair asleep on the window seat. Her head was resting against the glass and her dark curls were in disarray, the silk mass tumbling over her shoulders and down to her waist.
His stomach twisted in guilt as he watched her. She looked so pale against the visible night sky behind her and there were dark smudges under her eyes.
"Blair," he whispered as he closed the distance between them, "Blair," he attempted again and when she still didn't respond he bent and put an arm under her legs and another around her waist then lifted her, cradling her to him. He ignored his protesting hand then started making his way out of the nursery. He got just past the door before she stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open and her arm encircled his neck instinctively. Her brows furrowed in confusion and she looked around disoriented. Her gaze travelled up and met his eyes and he could see the precise moment it all came back to her.
She tensed then pushed against his chest, "Put me down," she said steely and he did, lowering her slowly to the floor.
"You fell asleep, I was only—"
"I don't care," she retorted, then turned back towards the nursery, but Chuck gripped her arm and stopped her, "You should go to bed, I'll—I'll take one of the guest rooms."
"Don't bother," came her short reply as she pulled out of his hold, "I'm staying with William."
"Blair," he said, trying to level with her, "He's asleep, you have the monitor—"
"I want to be there if he wakes."
"Look, you go to bed, and I'll stay with him."
She folded her arms in front of her, "Weren't you leaving?"
There was a tense silent moment with him trying to keep his temper in check, "Just go to bed," he said tightly, his nerves back on edge, "You look exhausted."
Her chin tilted defiantly, "Well thank you, Charles, for finally taking an interest in my wellbeing," she said with a sarcastic bite, "But it's both overdue and unnecessary," she said then walked into the nursery and turned around as she reached for the door, "I'll see you tomorrow…or not," she shrugged indifferently then shut the door firmly into place.
XOXOXOXO
Chuck sat in the living room glancing through the French doors to glaring sun filtering through. It was six or seven in the morning, he wasn't quite sure. He'd been sitting there for hours. He glanced down at the empty glass in his hand then set it on the table next to the nearly empty decanter.
Maybe he should leave, he thought, rubbing his bloodshot eyes and winced slightly when he applied too much pressure on his tender bruised left eye. Since he'd been back, he'd caused nothing but pain.
The front door opened, startling him out of his thoughts. He rose on surprisingly steady feet and walked over to the foyer to see Dorota bustling in with her suitcases in tow.
"Mr. Chuck," she exclaimed, startled herself at his sudden appearance, "What—" she started then got a good look at him and her eyes narrowed, "What you did?" she demanded, dropping her bags uncaringly at her feet, "Where Ms. Blair? Mr. William?"
"Upstairs, asleep, so don't make a racket," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
She looked at him and raised her noise in the air with distaste, "You stink of—"
"I know," he shrugged, "Scotch, whiskey, just name the vice and fill in the blank."
"What you did?" she asked again, but this time with more force as she entered the house completely and closed the door behind her.
"Why don't we talk about you? Did you and Vanya enjoy your trip?"
She blushed then fingered the Hawaiian flower lei around her neck, "Yes, dziękuję," she nodded with a smile then caught herself and straightened, adopting a firm look, "Now that that is out of way, we talk of you."
"You know, people do that too often as it is," he said in no hurry to hear the ravings of an angry Polish woman, "I could very well develop a bad case of narcissism," he said with a fabricated grin.
"Too late," Dorota muttered dryly, "If not tell me, I go ask Ms. Blair," she said, in all seriousness motioning towards the stairs.
"Do not disturb her," he said, and the irritation shone in his eyes, "She's barely gotten a few hours sleep."
"And you not any," she said as she watched him try to straighten his crumpled suit, "Now tell me why."
Chuck sighed, she would find out anyway. The woman could draw a confession out of a priest, "I may need another drink for this," he said, turning around.
"No," she said in a sharp tone that rang in his ears and stopped him in mid-step. His head was starting to pound, "Fine," he gave in and turned to face her again, "First off, to catch you up, William is sick, he has the flu, but he's fine now," he assured her when he saw her take a few hasty steps towards the stairs, "As I said, he's asleep."
"What about hand and face?" she asked reassessing his appearance.
"Oh, I had a few words with Carter Baizen," he said, looking down, "Then I had a few words with Blair."
Dorota's eyes filled with anger and she looked around quickly, then reached for the day old newspaper on the entrance table and wacked Chuck over the head with it, hard.
"Jesteś palcem robiony!" she cursed and wacked him again.
"Ow!" he exclaimed then let out an expletive and ripped the newspaper out of her hand.
"What he say is lies," said Dorota with a frown, looking at him unapologetically.
"I know," said Chuck, tossing the newspaper back onto the table, "She told me the truth, but it was too late. I'd already stepped in it."
"She tell you everything?"
"Yes, everything," said Chuck, absently rubbing his head.
"I not have words for Carter Baizen, neither Polish nor English," said the maid, with disgust, "To force self on woman when she unaware," Dorota trailed off angrily.
Chuck's hand stilled on his head and his eyes glazed over with an anger unlike any other, "What…did you…just say?" he asked slowly.
Dorota immediately saw her mistake and panicked, "I—"
He took an ominous step in her direction, "What did you…just say?" he repeated with a half-crazed look in his eyes.
"Nie wiem," said Dorota as she took an anxious step back.
Chuck took in a shallow breath as he glared unseeingly at the maid, "Did he…" he paused, taking in another ragged breath, "Did he rape her?"
"Mr. Chuck, I—"
"Yes or no."
Dorota sighed miserably, then gave a slow nod, "Yes."
He was past her and out the door before Dorota could even manage a protest.
XOXOXOXO
The maid stood there, eyes darting in every direction, unsure of what to do. She took a few hasty steps towards the stairs, then stopped, "Not Ms. Blair," she told herself, knowing she could worsen the situation. She watched a maid she did not know walk into the living room from the direction of the kitchen and rushed up to her, "Ms. Serena, Mr. Nate?"
"Excuse me?" the woman asked with a frown.
"Ms. Serena van der Woodsen, Mr. Nathaniel Archibald," she demanded, "Where they are?"
"I'm not sure about Mr. Archibald, but when I went to air out a guestroom for Ms. van der Woodsen yesterday, Mrs. Bass told me not to bother that she'd be staying at her mother's old place. It's three houses down the street."
"Dziękuję," she thanked her then turned around and rushed, very nearly running to the doorway then exited the house.
XOXOXOXO
Blair awoke with parts of her hurting she didn't think possible. She moved her head from left to right then stretched, trying to relieve some of the aches. But the biggest ache, she didn't think she'd ever be able to alleviate.
She pulled the blanket off of her then rose from the window seat. She'd only intended to sit there for a while longer, but she'd fallen asleep again and with her never resting thoughts, it'd been a surprise. It was a wonder she could sleep at all, but she had, and not enough, she thought groggily as she walked over to the crib to check on William.
He was still asleep, chest rising peacefully, she put a hand on his forehead. She smiled, he didn't have a fever.
She walked quietly and grabbed the monitor then exited the nursery and stilled. Everything was quiet. She glanced towards the grandfather clock at the end of the hall. It was half-past seven.
She looked left and right, but there were no signs of activity and her heart constricted painfully. She forced herself to walk towards the master bedroom and peeked inside, it was empty and the bed hadn't been slept in.
She closed the door as her heart started racing in fear. She hastily walked towards the guestrooms, but each one was empty too and hadn't been disturbed.
Her eyes flooded with tears as she closed the last door, he'd left. He'd really left them.
She heard the front door open and her breath hitched, mobilizing her into action. She went down the stairs quickly, but she stopped short as she came to the landing, "Ms. Geller," said Blair swallowing hard and closing her robe tightly, "What a surprise, a visit this early?" she asked as she watched the maid who'd shown the social worker in retreat and she fought to control her emotions from going haywire.
The social worker frowned, "Are you alright, Mrs. Bass?"
She nodded quickly and swiped under her eyes, "It's just allergies," she lied, clearing her throat.
Ms. Geller nodded then brushed it off, "I apologize for arriving this early, but I'm on my way back into the city and I wanted to speak with you and your husband before I left."
Her stomach clenched, "Chuck," she took in a quick breath, "Chuck is not here at the moment, he went to have an early breakfast with his step-sister, Serena."
"Well, that's a shame, I think he would have finally liked what I had to say," said the social worker dryly.
"And that is?" Blair asked quickly.
"That in the next month, if everything continues as it has been, I'm going to advise Judge Donohue to give you and Mr. Bass permanent custody of William."
Blair smiled wide and she exhaled soundly, "What—what changed your mind?" she asked, stumbling over her words.
"You did and your husband and William," she replied, with a ghost of a smile she quickly covered, "I watched you closely yesterday when you helped William blow out his candles and what happened after, it's what I was waiting for."
Blair frowned, "For William to smear me with cake and for Chuck to—"
"No," said the social worker shaking her head, "And yes," she said pensively, "It was everything, the way you interacted, the way the you comforted William, how close you all seemed and…that's what I was waiting for," she reiterated, "For you to look like a family, for it to feel like a family, and it did."
Blair swallowed hard and fought against the tears that sprang to her eyes. Her chest shuddered as she tried to keep a sob from escaping and the social worker smiled quickly as if she understood everything, but she didn't.
"Well, I should be going now, I'll be seeing you soon."
Blair could just nod and stand there while Ms. Geller turned then headed towards the door and exited.
Once the door was firmly closed, she let the sob escape. Her tears were streaming down her face faster than she could wipe them.
The maid reentered the room then grabbed a tissue and rushed up, handing it to her, "Are you alright, Mrs. Bass?"
She nodded with a tremble as she wiped her face dry and the doorbell sounded.
"Again, at this hour?" questioned the maid in disbelief, but Blair stopped her, "I'll get it," she said dully, "Ms. Geller, probably forgot something," she said then dismissed the maid and walked up to the door, pulling it open.
It wasn't the social worker.
Blair frowned looking at the immaculately dressed woman in front of her. She had on an Yves Saint Laurent print dress in beige and black and Roger Vivier pumps. Her dark hair was pulled back in an elegant chignon and her brown eyes looked expectantly at her, assessing her head to toe.
"Sorry, have I come at a bad time?" she asked.
Blair's frown deepened and she pulled the door open wider, allowing her entrance, "No, I just—" but the lie died on her lips as she turned to face the young woman again, "It doesn't matter," she said, self-consciously feeling very inadequate and underdressed next to her, Blair flustered, "I'm sorry, do I know you?"
The woman hesitated then put out a hand, "I'm Alex," she said and Blair shook her hand stiffly. "Well," the woman corrected as her tone suddenly laced with ice, "Alexandra…Bass, you must be the sequel."
A/N: Do not kill me *hides away* I will fix everything. I promise lol. I'm sorry for my late update. I've had family problems to deal with, but enough about that. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. What do you think will happen next? I want to warn everyone, the next chapter will likely be the last. I'm still debating, but that's the way it's looking. I will be back with an epilogue though, so don't get too disappointed. Before I forget, if you want to see what Alex looks like, go to my photobucket account. I spent literally all night finishing this and it came out to twenty two pages, so could you all do me a tiny little favor and review? :o)
P.S. When Dorota hit Chuck over the head with the newspaper, she said, "You're an asshole" hehe.
XoXo Chrys
