A/N: Thank you for all of the wonderful reviews! I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

Serena looked at the screen of her phone. Is he really back? she thought. She had woken up a couple minutes ago and came into the kitchen to get some breakfast. Dan was still asleep. She had decided to see if she had any messages on her phone, and sure enough she did. Unfortunately it had been from Gossip Girl. Normally she would just open it to see what drama lay in the Upper East Side that she didn't know about. She had almost dropped her phone when she saw his name. She was still looking at the tiny screen when Dan walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning, honey."

Serena didn't reply. Dan walked up to her and put his arms around her waist. She didn't look up. He sighed.

"Serena."

She looked at him.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm just a little distracted."

"With what? Oh, is it about Jenny? I'm sure she's fine and probably crashed at Hazel's."

"No it's not Jenny."

"Well what is it then?"

Serena took a deep breath.

"It's C-C-C-C….Ugh, I can't say it!"

"Say what?"

Serena didn't reply. She simply showed Dan the screen. His eyes went wide.

"Carter's back."

"Yes, I know. God, why would they let him out."

"His sentence was up."

"Still, he almost raped Blair. I highly doubt they should be letting him out!"

"I know how you feel but there's nothing we can do. We just won't be near him."

"But it's Carter, he always finds a way."

"Then we'll have to stay clear out of that way."

Serena smiled.

"Yes we will."

Dan planted his lips on top of hers. She kissed him back. It was still as powerful as the night when he stopped her on the street and kissed her, after they had "rescued" his sister on the night of Blair's soiree. They separated. Serena smiled.

"I am so glad I found a guy like you, Dan."

He stroked her blonde locks.

"I love you too."

She smiled and kissed him again. Carter wasn't in their thoughts anymore but he was in Chuck's head. He had just read the message. What the fuck is going on? He shouldn't be out now for almost raping someone! What's wrong with the justice system! he thought. He sighed and sat down at his bar. It was eight in the morning, but he didn't feel like sleeping in. Every time he closed his eyes he would see Blair and his heart would continue breaking.

He poured himself some water. It had become addicting for some reason for him. His phone screen still showed Gossip Girl's message. Carter's back. He closed his phone and threw it onto his bed. He didn't need this right now, no body did. He drank his water and got up from his seat and went to grab his coat. He slipped it over him and looked out the window in his suite.

It was raining. Great, just what is needed to make this day more horrible, he thought. He grabbed an umbrella and walked out of the suite. He stepped into the elevator that would take him down to the ground floor. The elevator doors opened and he walked out. When outside, he opened his umbrella and kept it above his head. All he needed was a good walk. His feet started moving and he just kept going. He didn't look at anything or anyone. There weren't that many people out. Who would be when it was raining and Carter Baizen was on the loose. Before he knew it, he was walking along fifth.

He didn't like to come here that often, Blair living around here. He kept walking, occasionally seeing a person on the street. He held his head high. He was Bass of course, a Bass was never average. Suddenly, he saw those brunette locks under an umbrella. He blinked a couple times to see if it was real. He couldn't help but smirk. There was Blair Waldorf in a yellow trench coat and an umbrella in her hand. She was still far away enough that she didn't see him but he saw her clear enough.

He started walking her direction, but this time looking at the ground. He stopped when saw a pair of Chanel plaid flats in front of him paired with black tights under a Mint Jodi Arnold violet dress. He looked up and saw Blair looking at him. Her eyes were not angry but yet confused and longing for something. They held each other's gaze. Neither one looking away, fearing the other one would leave.

Out of the blue, Blair put her hand on Chuck's arm. She held on, fearing she would lose him. She spoke softly.

"I miss you."

"I miss you too."

"How can we love each other?"

"What?"

"How can we love each other when we each give each other so much pain."

"I think deep down inside we know the pain is worth it if we have each other."

Blair nodded her head.

"Could we go to your place and talk?"

"Yeah. Should I get us a cab?"

"No, I prefer walking."

Chuck nodded and turned around so he would be beside Blair. They walked in unison. Both of them were lost in their thoughts to notice the sound of the one camera flash.

Hello Upper EastSiders,

Seems everything's going a little bizarre ever since Carter Baizen was released from the dungeon we call New York State Prison. Spotted: C and B having a walk along fifth with umbrellas over their heads. Picture perfect as always, all we're missing is a mad King N, but we're sure he'll be coming along soon.

XOXO Gossip Girl

Vanessa stared at the message and couldn't help but smile. If Blair goes back to Chuck then Nate will be helpless again. This is perfect! she thought. She was at a local thrift store when she had gotten the message. It was raining, so she quickly put her hood over her hair and ran out. Luckily her apartment was nearby, so she didn't get that wet. She walked into her small but comfortable apartment and plopped down on the couch. She grabbed the remote and turned on TV. As much as she tried to pay attention, she couldn't. She could only think of Nate.

Meanwhile, Jenny and Hazel were at Hazel and Penny's apartment. Penny was over at her mother's for breakfast. It was their monthly "family" time. Jenny had crashed over at the apartment, fearing to go back to the loft where two people who cared for her so much, were disappointed in her. She put a spoonful of Honey nut Cheerio's in her mouth. Hazel watched her.

"Did you get some sleep last night?"

"Yeah. I think I'm just going to turn my phone off today. That way I won't read any of Gossip Girl's latest messages."

Hazel smiled.

"Go ahead."

Jenny smiled and got up from the table and to her purse, which was on the kitchen counter. She pulled out her phone.

"She sent me two messages."

"Read them, just so we know what's going on. You can start your phone off thing after."

Jenny giggled and opened one of the messages. Her jaw dropped and the phone fell from her grasp. Hazel looked at her with worried eyes.

"Jenny's what the matter?"

Jenny slowly turned around.

"H-H-H-He's back!"

Hazel raised an eyebrow.

"Who?"

Jenny looked her straight in the eyes.

"Carter!"

Hazel's eyes widened. No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No!, she thought. She got up from the table and went to stand beside Jenny.

"What are we going to do?"

Jenny sighed and picked up her phone from the ground before replying.

"I don't know, but whatever he decides to do, we'll be ready."

"Are you sure?"

"I don't know."

Meanwhile at the Palace hotel, Sharon and Eric sat on the couch in the living room. Eric had dropped Evan off a school half an hour ago. Now, his arm was around Sharon's shoulders and they were sipping their coffee.

Beep. Beep.

Eric got up and grabbed his phone. He had a message from his sister. He opened it.

Eric! Be careful, Carter Baizen's back! Just don't talk to him, okay? -S

Eric looked at the message and re-read it a few times. Had he read it correctly? Was Carter Baizen really back? His face grew concerned as he message his sister back.

Are you kidding me? Don't worry I won't talk to him. Call me, now!

He sent it and waited for his sister to call. He always liked talking on the phone with her than texting. They could say more and it was just good to know that she was alright. A couple seconds later his phone rang. He excused himself from Sharon and stepped into the hallway. He put the phone up to his ear.

"Is her seriously here?"

"Yes, they released him yesterday."

"Why would they do that? Don't they know what he has done?"

"I guess not if their realising him."

Eric let out an aggravated sigh.

"What's going to happen?"

"I don't know. Let's just stay clear of him. Who knows what he'll do. He may seem nice but he's horrible. He's like Georgina."

Eric shuddered at the thought of Georgina. She had been Serena's "best friend" during Serena's partying days, but luckily she had been kicked to the curb. Last Eric had heard of her, she was in San Francisco married to an artist. He turned his attention to his sister again.

"Don't worry, he'll be gone in no time. There's nothing for him here."

"What if he's physco?"

Eric rolled his eyes.

"Serena, I highly doubt he's a physco."

"But he's been in jail for eight years, that really can do some mental damage."

"Then we'll deal with the male Britney Spears, just ignore him for now."

"I know, but I have a question."

"Shoot."

"How is Sharon taking this?"

Eric froze. Crap! he thought. He was too worried to even ask her. How would he tell her that this monster was coming back? He gulped and spoke into the phone.

"I don't know, I haven't told her."

"Well you should tell her soon. Something could happen!"

"I know, I know. Listen, I better get going."

"Okay, Bye."

He hung up and put the phone in his pocket. He didn't go to the living room right away. He knew he needed to tell her. He finally took a deep breath and entered the living room. Sharon smiled at him.

"Hey."

He smiled back and sat next to her. She gave him a kiss. He looked off into space. Sharon noticed him.

"Something wrong?"

He sighed and looked at her.

"I don't know how to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

He sighed.

"Just tell me, I won't get upset."

Eric took another deep breath and turned to look at Sharon.

"Um, Carter's been released from prison."

Sharon's eyes widened. The only thought that came to her mind was Evan. What if he tries to do something to him? What if he finds me? What if he thinks that we still have something? Please don't tell me this is real! she thought.

"Carter's been released!"

Suddenly, tears started to come from her eyes. Eric immediately pulled her into an embrace.

"Don't worry, I'm here. And as long as I'm here he won't dream of coming near you."

And he meant every word.

Meanwhile elsewhere in the Palace, Blair was sitting on the couch in Chuck's suite. Chuck sat beside her. Their trench coats were on the other couch and so were their umbrellas. Blair was clutching the hem of her dress. Chuck knew what she was thinking. It was what everyone was thinking, him included: What is Carter Baizen going to do next? Blair tuned to look at Chuck.

"He couldn't have been released at a worse time."

"Tell me about it."

"Why do they have to release him? Don't they know what he almost did to me!"

Chuck stiffened at the memory. He had been so angry at Carter for almost raping Blair. He could still see Blair's tears falling as she pleaded Carter to let her go. Serena had also been there trying to get Carter off, but he was just too strong. But Chuck would hurt him again any day knowing what he had almost done to the girl he loved. He looked back at Blair.

"He won't come near you."

"How do you know?"

"Because I'll protect you."

Blair smiled.

"You were always one of my closet friends, Bass."

"And I hope to be for always."

"Don't worry, that'll never change."

Chuck smiled back. Blair bit her lip.

"Yesterday, I went over to Nate's. He asked me to marry him."

"Really? What did you say?"

He tried to hide his anger. How dare Nate ask his soul mate to marry him? Blair looked Chuck in the eyes.

"I said I'd have to think about it."

Her tone implied she didn't want to talk about it, so Chuck dropped the subject. He looked over at his bar.

"Want anything to drink?"

"A martini would be great."

Chuck smiled.

"Coming right up."

Meanwhile, Carter Baizen stepped through the doors of Victrola. Man it's been a long time, he thought. There were some burlesque dancers on stage. They were being cheered on by some men. Carter decided to get a drink first. He walked over to the bar. He sat next to a blonde haired guy who was asleep on the counter. Carter laughed and ordered himself a martini. As he waited, he looked over at the guy. He tapped him on the shoulder.

"You really shouldn't be sleeping at burlesque clubs. The owner might sue you."

The guy looked up. Carter smiled.

"Nate, my man."

Nate squinted to see him.

"Carter?"

"Yup, one and only."

"I thought you were in jail."

"I got released. I thought everyone was talking about it?"

"Well not me."

Carter noticed Nate's empty glass.

"Want another scotch?"

"Yeah sure. I loooove scotch."

Carter laughed. Nate was so wasted.

"So how long have you been here?"

"I came here last night."

"You slept here?"

"Yeah, wouldn't you?"

"No."

"And why not?"

"Because it's loud and only good for a good time not somewhere to sleep."

"And this is coming from a guy who just got out of jail. I'm sorry but I don't think you have a say on what is an acceptable place to sleep."

Carter laughed.

"Fine, fine. So what's up with you."

"I asked Blair to marry me. But she said no. Cause she's a hoe. She was wearing a headband with a bow. Crap, too many drinks make you want to go. See I should be a rapper. I'm amazing."

He stood up and turned toward the rest of the club and spoke at the top of his lungs.

"I am amazing!"

People looked at him like he was a freak. Carter quickly turned him around and sat him down. Nate glared at him.

"Hey don't touch me."

"Well do you want to end up dead, I'd say I just saved you."

"No, I just saved you."

"From what?"

"You know what."

"What?"

"Ants!"

Carter rolled his eyes. Nate just laughed.

"See I got you. I'm like Ashton Kutcher. You just got punk'd."

Carter heard the bartender laugh. He sent him a deathly glare. He immediacy stopped. Carter turned back to Nate. He had an idea.

"How about we get out of here? There's a few stops I need to make. Care to join me?"

"Uh, sure."

Carter smiled.

"Perfect."