Title: Breakfast at the Basses
Chapter Title: Lex In Real Life
Author: Shelby
Summary: Chuck turns towards his daughter, looking her over. Her brown curls that go past her shoulders are almost exact to Blair's. She's wearing a headband that matches her school uniform and on her face she has applied red lip gloss and mascara. He frowns, "You most certainly are a baby Charlotte Bass, now take off the make-up." A too familiar smirk forms on her face, "No".
A/N: Thank you to everyone who is reviewing. I fear this story has lost many readers, but that I am so appreciative of those who still enjoy it. I just wanted to say to check out http : / / thefabfoursite . livejournal . com / (remove the spaces) if you have not already. Oh and I also reviewed to anonymous reviews below.
Important Note: I have sent as many messages possible, but if you would like to be put on the email alert system for spoilers of Breakfast at the Basses then please send me your email with your fanfiction penname at my email: starfgirl3529 yahoo . com (remove the spaces). I will not longer be sending alerts on spoilers through private messaging because I have to do it one by one and that takes forever. So just let me know.
Oh and I RECOMMEND 'Remember Me', it gave me so much more respect for R-Patt and was such an amazing movie! DO NOT LET ANYONE TELL YOU THE ENDING THOUGH!
Sorry for double update. There were some mistakes that were bothering me to a point where I had to fix them.
--
Charlie frowned with her eyes closed as she felt the sun shine in from the window and hit her face. She turned her head into the pillow for a moment. Between her legs felt sore and then she remembered. She lost her virginity last night. She lost it to Lex and he said I love you. Her head turned back towards the window and she opened her eyes. It was then she realized his hands were no longer around her waist and panic overwhelmed her. She sat up frantically and looked around.
"Lex?" she called out, but he wasn't in the bed with her.
Had he left her again?
"Lex?!" Her voice rose in panic.
"I'm here."
She heard him and her head snapped towards a chair in the corner of the room. He sat in it, only now in his boxers. He had the chair turned so he looked right at the bed. Charlie sighed with relief. She then felt a chill and realized she was completely naked. She pulled the sheet up around her exposed breasts and looked back up at him.
"I thought you left," she uttered.
He shook his head and stared directly into her eyes.
"Are you still sore?" he asked.
Charlie nodded slowly and bit her bottom lip.
"Just a little…" Her voice trailed off into a very low volume. She didn't want him to be annoyed with how inexperienced she was or anything. She was sure plenty of other girls he was with got up right after they had sex and was ready for another go around.
"Sorry," Lex responded. His eyes fell from hers for a moment and he stared at his hands.
"Why are you over there? Did I do something wrong? Do you want me to leave?" Questions came from her lips uncontrollably. It was what she did when she was nervous, rambled like an idiot. Her nerves calmed just a bit when she looked to him again though. Their eyes connected.
Lex smiled and shook his head. Her thoughts were crazy. She was amazing and did nothing wrong. The last thing he wanted was for her to leave. He needed her. He loved her.
"No, you didn't and I want you to stay here. I was just watching you sleep, and listening. Did you know you talk in your sleep?" he asked with raised eyebrows. His voice turned playful.
Charlie blushed and looked down as Lex got up and walked over to her. A smile graced his lips and he turned her chin up towards him. He wanted her to look in his eyes, always.
"You said Mrs. Charlie Sparks." His tone showed how pleased that had made him. However, it couldn't stop her eyes as they widened. She got up from the bed and blushed all over, literally.
"Um, Charlie..." Lex looked over her fully exposed body. He fully appreciated the view, but did not want to gawk at her to a creepy level. Unfortunately, that was hard to control if she insisted on prancing about like that. He licked his lips, but then shook his head and cleared his throat. He needed to stay focused.
She turned around to question him and then saw herself in the mirror. She gasped and dove under the covers, back in the bed. He let out a chuckle and reached under them. His strong arms pulled her into his lap with ease. But to make her feel comfortable, he also took the blanket and wrapped it around them.
"It's okay, I've seen all there is to see," Lex mused with a heinous smirk. Then his lips delicately kissed the peak of her chest. She giggled and pushed his head back up.
He grinned, "So Mrs. Charlie Sparks?"
"I was delusional," she said quickly with a roll of her eyes. Okay, so yes she had a dream about marrying him, but that was only because she had just been at a wedding and last night was such a huge deal for them and their relationship. The two simply merged together, without her permission.
"And I'm in love." He smiled tenderly and lied his head down beside hers on the pillow. His hand took hers and intertwined them both together in unity.
"Was I..." her lips pursed, "Was I good at it?"
Lex glimpsed at her and couldn't help, but grin like an idiot. His head shook. In no way did he want her to ever think something like that. Teasing her a bit wasn't all that wrong either though.
"No," her face fell and he chuckled, "You were amazing."
She smiled and then buried her face in his chest.
"Since when did you become so shy?" he inquired with a warm chuckle.
She pulled her face from his chest and placed her hand there instead. Her eyes stared at it for a while, but then found his again.
"Since... I don't know," Charlie blushed, once again all over.
Lex pulled the covers up around her and locked his hips with hers. His leg then wedged in between hers to connect them together. She watched silently and allowed him to place his hand around her hip and use the other to bring her closer by touching her bare bottom. After that, he leaned in and kissed her neck.
"Did you enjoy it?" he whispered into her hair. She nodded as he kissed her bare breasts and let out a small moan. His hands then ran down to between her legs.
Alas, she had to hold up her own hand to stop him.
"Wait, it's... still sore," she admitted. Hopefully that wouldn't upset him. After all, he was Lex Sparks and sex was his... well thing.
"Alright," he nodded and removed his hands. He simply placed them in different locations, one back around her waist, and the other brought to trace his fingers over her breasts. It was so weird how comfortable she felt to watch him do something like that. It felt delicate and sweet, but sexy and pleasurable at the same time.
He looked up at her slowly and smiled.
"I really do love you, Charlie Bass. I didn't say it because I was drunk or high. I said it because I meant it," Lex asserted. Charlie felt the breath hitch in her throat and a small smile came to her lips.
"Lex Sparks, you were the first boy I ever kissed, the first boy I ever made love with, and you're the fist boy I've ever fell in love with," she clarified. Her hand then reached down and placed the locket that hung by her breasts in her hands. He watched it and smiled as he remembered when he gave it to her. She looked back up at him.
"Do you still have the key?"
"To your heart?" he asked and touched it, "Always."
Her body was brought closer to him and he kissed her. She dropped the locket and her hand reached up to tangle itself in his hair. A small groan escaped her lips and she pulled away for air. He let out a titter as he breathed in the oxygen he missed out on. Her smile then saddened some and she reached a hand up to his cheek.
"You're going to be okay then?" She was going to help him through all that bothered him. They couldn't do it in one day, but gradually. Her tone sounded so concerned.
He hated to think it, but knew she had a right to sound that way.
She knew it could upset him. That he could get up and leave and never look back if she brought up something he didn't like, but she had to try. Last night she had never seen him like that and it hurt her. She didn't want to see it again and she didn't want him to go through with it again.
Lex's smirk fell, as did his eyes.
"I really don't want to talk about last night. What happened before you gave yourself to me at least." Finally, he met her gaze again.
"How do I know you won't run from me again then?" She continued as her hand reached up to stroke his cheek. Part of her screamed not to sound so vulnerable, but she couldn't help it. She had admitted that she loved him, gave her virginity to him. If he ran now, she'd be utterly destroyed with rejection.
"I won't, if I have to run from anything it won't be you." Lex's voice was serious in a reassuring way as he shook his head.
Charlie nodded slowly to signify that she understood him. She wanted to press further, but also didn't want to scare him off or annoy him to the point where he wanted to get away from her. Her eyes fell to her locket again and she fiddled with it. It was placed right between her breasts, surprisingly not intended to tease him whatsoever.
He watched her slowly and titled his head forward. His lips kissed her chest delicately.
A great big grin grew on her lips as she felt electricity shoot through her veins. He kissed his way back up to her visage and hovered over her. A hand reached up, one of his, and tucked a curl behind her ear.
"Want to do it again?" A flash of his infamous smirk was present and he raised his eyebrows. Charlie couldn't help, but giggle at his expression. He looked like a small child begging his mother to buy him candy.
"I'm really raw," she stressed. It had been said earlier, but obviously he had not realized how tender she was. In fact, she thought now that perhaps she had not either. It felt as if she may never walk again... well at least without that pain between her legs.
"That's alright," he sighed.
That was why when his hand roamed down her stomach and swooped in her inner thigh, she became more confused.
"Lex," she warned. His lips silenced her when he kissed her softly.
"Shh, I know how to make it feel better," he vowed and let his fingertips brush over the top of her center.
Charlie threw him a hesitant look, but it faltered as he started to massage her inner thighs. It was as if his hands were magic. She realized how much she had missed those hands when he was gone. In no way were they better than his friend last night, but they were still pretty damn amazing. They soothed her legs which were pained from spreading and on occasion he would somehow find a way to relieve the pain from his thrusts.
"That feels so good," she complimented him with a moan.
Lex beamed at the compliment and kissed her neck. Her body started to twitch under him.
"There," he whispered into her ear and fell beside her. She frowned at his immediate stop, but when his arms pulled her to him she found her comfort again. His fingers stroked her cheek and then his lips kissed her nose.
"You do realize you're completely naked and pressed against me right?" he chuckled. Her modesty had completely gone with her leg wrapped around him and her breasts squished against his chest. She quickly blushed at his words and pulled away. He cradled her back and shook his head.
"Oh no, that was not an invitation for you to leave, Bass."
"I cannot believe I lost my virginity to you," Charlie stated with shock still present in her tone. It had been the last thing she planned to do when she got up the previous morning. She hadn't thought of it at all. Her eyes slowly lifted to meet his.
"Lex, do you think I'm easy now?" Her stomach twisted into nervous knots.
He couldn't find it more adorable.
"You are anything, but easy, Charlie. Not to mention you made me hard as fuck," Lex smirked.
Charlie rolled her eyes, but the grin on her own face gave away how much she enjoyed that fact.
"You are so heinous," she scoffed. One look into her eyes and he knew she was only teasing him.
"And you know that you missed it, lover."
She turned towards him and raised her eyebrows at his immediate cockiness.
"Same old Lex Sparks," Charlie commented, voice dry.
"I do hope that won't be a problem." His expression did not falter, but she saw him sweat. Was he actually worried that she did not want him after all that had happened?
"Keep it that way." Her tone was warm, her ruby lips tugged into a smile. She then pulled him in for a kiss. He gladly accepted.
--
"I'll wait in the limo. Do you want me to take Ephram and put his clothes back on?" Blair asked. Her eyes flickered to her son who smiled proudly. In the elevator while her and her husband were distracted, he had stripped down in all his naked glory. Before they reached the first floor, she only managed to put his diaper back on. Luckily it was summer and he wasn't going to catch a cold.
"No, mama, stay wit dada," Ephram protested. His mischievous little grin hinted why he really wanted to stay with his father. His bag of clothes happened to be in the limo, not with them.
"You go ahead," Chuck laughed with a nod. "He's a Bass. I believe it's self-explanatory and acceptable, considering his young age." He winked at his wife.
"Alright, be good, boys. Mother will be waiting in the limo. I have a few calls to make." She pecked Chuck on the lips and then Ephram insisted that he give her a kiss on the cheek. After that, she went out the front doors. Chuck watched and then walked up to the front desk. Before they returned home, he had a few things to sort out.
"Mr. Bass, I do hope the reception went well for your friends," the front desk man, his employee, greeted. The man wore a huge, suck-up worthy smile.
"Yes, it did. Can you please call the manager for me? Tell him Mr. Bass needs him to bring what he requested from him last night," Chuck told him. He was very discreet about it. The point was not to let the world know what he was doing.
"Of course, I'll be right back." The man nodded obediently and then went into the office door, located behind the desk. Chuck waited as he tapped his foot impatiently.
"Down, dada," Ephram whined. He pushed his small hands against his father as he tried to actually jump down. Because of that, Chuck almost dropped him. To save his son from falling to the floor, he had to bend down and stand him on his feet.
"Stay right here," Chuck ordered. His voice was not harsh, but stern. Lately, he had to be that way with Ephram. Nothing like Bart though, just sterner. It wasn't that Chuck had to be like his father, but that Ephram was too much like Chuck. His son seemed to dislike order to a hatred level more and more each day.
"Okay, dada," his son agreed. He had such an innocent tone; his father should have realized it was too good to be true. But the hotel manager returned and Chuck was distracted.
"Mr. Bass," the hotel manager smiled.
"Morning," Chuck nodded and leaned in closer, "I believe you have confiscated any cameras from the press outside the hotel last night." He spoke of when Lex had shown up to the reception and stormed in.
"Of course," the manager nodded.
"Destroy them," Chuck commanded. He then began to discuss other business in the hotel that needed to be taken care of. His son watched him from the ground with wide, curious eyes.
"Dada," Ephram whined. He tugged on his father's pants, but the older Bass did not notice. The younger one huffed and then dropped to his hands and knees. Something caught his eye and he crawled around the corner. He was focused on the pattern of the carpet when he bumped into something.
"Owe," he complained. Ephram pushed himself into a sitting position and looked up with a scowl. He was confused when he saw a man he did not know.
"You look lost," the older man stated with a dark chuckle.
"You na dada." Ephram pointed with a frown and shook his head.
The man nodded with a smirk, "I'm glad we agree on that, kid. Although, I must admit, I wouldn't mind being dada if I could have your mama."
"Mama," Ephram mimicked.
"Yes, your mama. Tell me, this is her, right?" The man bent down and held up a photograph. It was of Blair from the reception last night. She had Ephram on her lap.
"My mama," the baby grinned. He tried to snatch it.
"Mine!"
"No," the man pulled it away and stood up, "not yours. Mine."
"Bad," Ephram sounded. He pointed at the man again and glared.
"Just like your father," the man smirked.
"Now, if you'll excuse me little one I must be on my way." With that the man turned and left.
Ephram watched and then stood up. He stumbled back around the corner to see his father. Chuck was already freaking out. He came towards his child with crazed eyes.
"Ephram Bass, don't you ever do that again!" Chuck shouted. His face flashed with worry as he swept him up into his arms. Ephram squirmed while his father hugged him tightly and told him over and over again to never wander off. When he finally stopped, Chuck started out the door. Ephram watched behind his father's back and saw the man from before now watching them.
"Na dada, na dada," the baby urged.
"Daddy is right here," Chuck corrected. He didn't bother to look around or understand what his son really meant. Instead he proceeded to go out the door and tell his son again that he couldn't run off. Little did he know that was the least of his problems.
Jack Bass watched with a sinister smirk as they left.
--
Charlie and Lex lied side by side on his bed. He wanted to go somewhere familiar eventually, so they left the other hotel room and returned to suite 1812. She was scared to leave him; terrified when she came back he wasn't going to be there anymore. Plus, he seemed to want her to be there, he loved her being beside him.
"I love you," Lex told her again, voice just above a whisper.
Charlie turned her cheek on the pillow to look at him. A soft smile graced her ruby lips and she scooted closer to him.
"I really do, you know? I always have. Even when I didn't know what it was," he continued.
She stared at him. This entire thing still surprised her some. She knew how hard it was for him to open up, to say 'I love you', but when he said things like that too? It was one of the best dreams, too good for her to even, ever, actually have.
"I love you too," she replied, without any hesitation. It was the next part that required a deep breath. There was something she wanted to ask him, something she needed to ask him. Slowly, her almond-shaped brown eyes moved back up to connect with his blue ones.
"But… why couldn't you take me with you? I thought when we fell asleep things were good between us. I know we were both a little shaken up, but I would have gone with you. Why didn't you want to take me to Chicago?" She felt stupid with all the questions that sputtered from her lips. Hopefully, he wasn't going to take offense to it, think her selfish. Really she just wanted to know what she could have done to make him take her.
"Charlie," Lex breathed. His blue eyes saddened at her words and there was a pang in his heart. It was not that he wasn't aware of how much he leaving her hurt her, but what she said now, it hit him more. She sounded like a little girl. Did she honestly think he didn't want to take her to Chicago with him? That he wanted to leave her behind? That wasn't what he wanted. It was what he felt was the right thing to do, but now he knew he was too selfish and for some strange, amazing reason, she needed him too.
"I didn't want to leave you behind," he clarified and shook his head.
"I just saw how much I was hurting you. I thought I needed to go find out why I'm so screwed up and let you move on. I wanted you to be happy, be so much better, like you could be… which is sadly without me. But then I learned something, I'm not that benevolent. I've never been the knight in shining armor and I never will be. It's selfish to be with you because I love you so much, when I know you could be better, do better. But I'll continue to be a narcissistic being if it means having you. I love you so much, it consumes me. I can't be without you, Charlie. I just can't."
When his speech was finished she stared at him in awe. He was perfect and so was everything he said. It brought joy to her heart, but at the same time sadness. She needed to make him see he wasn't selfish for being with her. There was no one better than him for her. She refused to ever love anyone, especially the way her heart committed to him in their love.
Charlie sucked in a deep breath. Tears were in her eyes, but they weren't for mourning. They were a somewhat bittersweet mixture made for them.
"I don't want a knight in shining armor. I don't want someone who's perfect. And most of all Lex, I don't want or love anyone, but you. You're perfect for me. You love me despite all my faults, my weaknesses…"
"You don't have any of those things," he protested. Lex refused to let anyone put his Charlie down, even herself.
"I do, Lex," she laughed, partly on the sad side.
"A lot of people don't like me, girls especially. Even Andrea at times looks at the things I do and wonders how I could be such a heartless person, such a pretentious bitch. Most are afraid to say it to me, but I see it in their eyes or hear it in their whispers. There are so many better people, kinder hearted, than me. One of them being you…" Her hands reached up and brushed back some of his hair. He closed his eyes as they slid down his cheek, down his neck, and then linked around it.
"They're wrong," he muttered. His eyes then opened, not so kind looking for those she had spoken of.
"They don't know you like I do. None of them, not even Andrea, are allowed to see you like that. And if they do then they have to do it with respect. And if they still think that way? Who cares, they don't matter. You can't even consider their opinions worthy Charlie. Yes, we're both selfish people, I more than you I might add, but we're better than most when it comes down to it. How many people can honestly claim the help and love you've given to your friends, your family, and to people like me? They can't," he sighed with frustration and shook his head again.
"They just can't."
"Lex," she laughed half heartedly, "It was a point I made. They're not here attacking me, calm down baby."
"I will not. I mean was my absence really enough time for these insignificant subordinates to think they can just try and belittle my girlfriend? Who gave you those looks, who whispered?" He started to get worked up, his eyes livid almost. By the look on her face he knew she thought it overprotective, even for him. He also knew that she probably didn't understand all of his reasoning.
He had hurt her, badly. Although he tried to do it where others couldn't see the direct hurt, he failed. Gossip Girl of course got involved and made everything ten times worse. Everyone knew she wasn't at her strongest, which pissed him off even more. He didn't want people to see her weaknesses. He hated that him running like a coward could be seen as an advantage for people who wanted to get to her when she was wounded. But what killed him most? He realized that if something worse had happened, if a person like Ella wanted to destroy her with hurtful words or someone like Asher in… other ways, he wouldn't have been there. He was supposed to protect her; he felt the need to do so. And he failed.
"Lex…"
His eyes snapped back to hers when she spoke. He wondered what his face had been like during his whole thought process. But he put that thought aside and focused on her again.
"I don't mean this to hurt you, but to prove that you leaving was something I never want to go through again. No matter what anyone did to me, it wouldn't have mattered. Nothing mattered. It sounds pathetic, but you leaving, it was too much hurt to deem any from others attempts significant," Charlie concluded.
Slowly he nodded, but still didn't look too happy.
"Fine," he tucked a curl behind her ear, "I'll calm down as long as you promise me one more thing." A small smirk hit his lips and made her wonder.
"What?" she asked completely baffled.
Lex pressed his forehead against hers and looked her straight in the eye.
"Don't ever relate the word pathetic to yourself again."
A huge smile appeared on her lips.
"I promise," she nodded.
Pleased with her promise, they sealed it with a kiss.
--
Max puffed his cigarette as he walked back and forth outside his building. He stopped and took his phone out of his pocket. He needed to call her. Sure, he had done it a million times and she didn't answer, but if he stopped trying then she'd think he didn't care. And he did care. Damn it he cared about her more than he thought capable.
"Please pick-up," Max sighed. He hit her number, which was on his speed dial, and put the phone to his ear. It rang once and then twice.
The line picked up.
He practically jumped at his surprise. His stomach twisted into nervous knots. He checked to make sure it wasn't just the call being dropped, but no it was indeed connected.
"Andrea," Max breathed, "are you there?" He waited, but there was no response.
She breathed, but that was all he heard.
"Look, don't hang up. Just… would you please talk to me?" he asked. He was begging and that was something that Max Bass never did. But for her, he knew that he had to. He wanted to if it meant she'd forgive him or at least if she'd talk to him.
But she didn't say anything.
"I'm so, so sorry. It was the biggest mistake of my life, I swear to God. I know that you have every right to be mad, but I need to make this up to you. I need you to talk to me, please," Max pleaded.
Still, no words came.
"Alright, let's do this in person then. I'll come over and talk to you then, okay? You can even hit me if you want. Hell, I'm risking getting my ass kicked by your dad and brother, but you're worth it. You do know that, don't you?" He waited anxiously. Surely, he'd get a response to that.
Andrea hung up the phone.
"Fuck," Max cursed. He shoved it back into his pocket and pinched the bridge of his nose. His eyes flickered to the parking garage.
"I'm still coming," he stated. He then nodded and headed towards the garage. He'd go to her house and if she wouldn't answer the door, then he'd wait outside until she did. Or her father called the owner of the building and had him escorted out. Okay, so if he got arrested… well as soon as he got out he'd still find a way to get to her. There just wasn't any other option.
--
Andrea shoved her phone back into her purse and wiped at her eyes. She wasn't crying. It was just because the Hamptons was hot and her eyes were… sweating or something. That was definitely probable. It had to be. She was fine. In fact, her father deciding to go to the Hampton's to avoid the press, was just what she needed. She didn't need to think about anything at her vacation home. Nothing was real. That was how she dealt.
"Andrew," she called. Her brother had disappeared a couple hours ago. She suspected he was on their boat. With a sigh, she climbed off the dock and got onto it. That was when she noticed that he had to be on the boat. The windows were completely fogged up and it smelled like pot.
"Shit," Andrea cursed. She opened up the door and coughed. Andrew was inside. He stared up at her with a blank expression. There were weed buds, bongs, and then beer bottles spread around him.
"What have you done to yourself?" She shook her head in disapproval, but her voice was laced with sympathy. Instantly, she went towards him and sat down. She brushed back some of his hair with gentle hands.
"Andrea… mom… dad… Sarah… nobody… nobody gives a-a fuck," Andrew mumbled. His voice was low and he continued to repeat it over and over again. She knew everything he spoke of, but didn't want to acknowledge it.
He looked so lost and broken. His eyes were red, but no only from his high state. He had been crying. That much was obvious. Andrew was a mess. And even worse, it reminded her of a certain boy she never wanted to think about again. She had found… Max in similar situations before.
"No," Andrea sighed. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. She had to get him out of her mind. He didn't matter to her. She had cried enough over him. He wasn't worth it. Her eyes opened when she heard her older brother start to speak louder.
"Everything… it is so-so fucked up, Drea. Mom and dad," his voice broke, "now Sarah and-and Max. I-I'm supposed to be setting this shining example for the Archibald family and now… now school's gonna start and I don't see the point. What's the point?" Andrew slurred. His eyes begged her for an answer.
"I don't know," Andrea admitted. A tear slid down her cheek as she listened to him.
"Drea," Andrew gasped. His hand reached up and wiped at the tear.
"I'm fine," she assured him. He shook his head and scowled.
"I-I… I'm gonna kick his ass." Andrew nodded with confidence. It seemed like the only logical thing for him to do in his current, blurred state of mind. He couldn't fix the other stuff, so he'd take out all his anger on Max. He had reason too after all.
"Don't," Andrea begged. More tears slid down her cheeks and she fell against him. She didn't know why she was telling him not to, but she just was.
Andrew did not respond, but just swallowed the rest of his last beer bottle. When he was finished, he threw it at the wall. Andrea watched as it shattered like her heart.
--
"Lex, I think you should eat something," Charlie told him. Her tone of voice was stern, but her eyes looked on him with sympathy. She had a feeling that he had either gotten a joint or shot of alcohol past her. Not that she'd guilt trip him for it. Even if it wasn't the best habit, it calmed him and was familiar. As long as he didn't go overboard like he had the night of the reception and most likely many before that.
"I'm not hungry," Lex refuted and shook his head. He sat up for a moment and fixed the pillows behind him. Then he lied back down and pulled her close to him. His nose nuzzled into her mahogany colored curls and he closed his eyes. He loved the smell of her shampoo. Not only was it heavenly, but also made him feel safe. She had the same shampoo since about birth, he knew it. And he had caught a whiff of a lot of other girl's hair, but it never had the same aroma Charlie's did.
"Please, let me send to the kitchen for lunch. I could call and get you a Roasted Turkey Club or something. Anything you want, they will send it up without question. No one is going to bother us," she stressed. When he still looked hesitant, she spoke up again quickly.
"Okay, so if you are not extremely hungry then we could just get an appetizer. I know how much you love the Artisanal Cheese Plate." She touched his arm and nodded her head eagerly. The little voice in the back of her mind continued to repeat, he needs to eat Charlie, you need to take care of him, over and over again.
"I don't love something as miniscule as a dish, Charlie. In fact, in the present moment I sort of hate everything and everyone, except for you. Look at you; you're the only one who is here even giving a shit that I didn't overdose last night. A simple phone call from anyone would have been nice," Lex scoffed. Finally, some of his inner emotions had leaked into words, even if they were presented in a sarcastic and bitter way.
"Lex, I just think everyone is trying to give you space. I mean all our friends, well they know you and that you don't want to be bothered. And…" she trailed off. She did not want to admit the rest. Now she felt as if he may be gravely upset with her if he learned of her discussion with Georgina.
"Yeah and my whore of a mother is probably off on her honeymoon by now, great excuse," he muttered. His blue eyes looked far more crest fallen then his scowl let on. She ran a nervous hand through her hair and bit her bottom lip. Lex noticed and furrowed his brow in confusion.
"What are you keeping from me?" His words were not harsh, but rather curious in an almost hurt way. He also seemed anxious, like he was expecting the worst. When their eyes connected, she was done. She wasn't going to lie to him. That wasn't how she wanted to start their relationship, well their new relationship.
"I'm the reason your mom is staying away. I-I went to see her when you were gone and I said some things, horrible things, but I did it to protect you. I told her that she was a cold hearted bitch for being more preoccupied with her stupid wedding than her own son. Then I blamed her for what happened with Johnny and taunted her about how this marriage was likely to fall apart too. But then she started to tell me that I," Charlie grew slightly angry as she remembered, "That I didn't know anything about her or her son."
"What did you do then, Charlie?" Lex prompted. She did not look at him, but down, lost in the memory. He however, kept his eyes on her. He studied her demeanor.
"I told her she didn't either, but that she was right about one thing. I told her that I didn't know her nor did I care too. Then I said that she was the reason you moved out and she was a horrible mother and person who wasn't capable of showing you love. Then when she tried to keep some pride, I shot her down again and said that she knew everything I was talking about and that was why she was such an unhappy person. But the last part is probably what kept her away, Lex. I told her that when you came back that I was going to love you and make you feel loved more than she ever did and keep you as far away from her as possible. Then I told her that she could rot in hell, and then I left." Once she was done, Charlie closed her eyes. She was prepared for him to yell and scream at her. He'd probably tell her to get the hell out.
"Charlie…" Lex started.
"I know, I'm sorry and it was none of my business to do that, but I was in bitch mode, Lex. I felt extremely determined and protective over you. I thought that what I was doing was keeping you safe, but now I sound so stupid. I-I…" She struggled with her words in stupid stutter.
"Thank you," Lex interjected.
"Excuse me?" Charlie looked up at him in shock. What did he mean, 'thank you'. Didn't he want to tell her to stay out of his life, his family, and stop hovering or something? She expected him to be defensive and pissed. But he wasn't.
Lex rubbed his temples and sighed. He then took her hands and looked directly into her eyes.
"You told her everything I have always wanted to, but never had the courage to. And you told her you loved me, you told someone other than me that you loved me and believed that I was capable of loving you back. You… fuck, how do you always do this?" Lex sighed in exasperation and shook his head.
"You know how to turn me into mush, to make me feel so-so-so worthy and relieved, and safe." He rested his forehead against hers.
"So you don't hate me?" She was still baffled.
He pulled back and frowned in confusion as well. Didn't she hear what he said?
"How could I hate you, Charlie? You're the only one who has gone against my mother about how she treats me; heck, do you remember the whole Johnny situation? You were ready to confront him if your dad and I wouldn't have stopped you," Lex stressed. He'd never be the way he was now with anyone, but her. But that was it, his point. She wasn't anyone. She was Charlie Bass and she loved him. She protected him, since they were little.
"Well people always protect the ones they love," Charlie told him with the softest of voices.
"And you love me," Lex nodded. It wasn't a question; he could see it in her eyes. His lips tugged up into a modest grin.
"I think we've established that, yes," she laughed lightly.
"Kiss me." His voice was sounded demanding, but he wanted to feel her lips against his. He wanted to thank her since his words always sounded so jumbled and messed up.
"Do not order me around, Sparks. If you want a kiss then you kiss me," Charlie countered. She sent him a playful look and gave a small push to his chest.
That was what he loved about her. Well one of the things he loved about her. She didn't take his orders like other girls did. She may have wanted the kiss, but she refused to give up the challenge she always provided him with. Luckily, he knew how to play along.
"If you kiss me I'll let you order me food. I know you want a healthy boyfriend." He winked at her.
"Well considering my father owns this establishment you really can't stop me from ordering anything I want to. In fact…" she started to say, but he cut her off.
"Charlie, shut-up and kiss me," Lex commanded. Her lips looked more and more tempting as she spoke. It just wasn't fair for her to tease him like that.
"Why must you be so difficult, Alexander?" Charlie rolled her eyes. She still made no move to kiss him.
"Less talking, more kissing." He leaned in and nodded.
"Fine, you win," she muttered.
"We both knew I would," he chuckled. She shot him a shocked look and dropped her mouth open.
"Why I never…"
Lex kissed her.
--
Max walked up to Andrea's house. He felt extremely uneasy, but didn't let that stop him. Whatever happened, if he at least saw her because of it, then it'd be worth it. His hand knocked on the door and he waited. He started to tap his foot and realized as the minutes passed, no one answered.
"Come on, Andrea, open up!" He started to bang on the door. Someone had to acknowledge him. He moved his hand back to hit it again, but then it opened. He jumped back.
"Maxwell Bass," William Vanderbilt greeted. It was Andrea's uptight grandfather. The man looked at him sternly, but kept a sense of politeness. He was indeed the perfect politician.
"Mr. Vanderbilt," Max forced a smile as he spoke, "I'm here to see Andrea. I really, really need to talk to her." He was sure that he could handle the old man in front of him. If Andrea was inside, then Max would get to her.
"I'm sorry Maxwell, but Andrea, Andrew, and their father are unavailable for the rest of the summer," William replied.
"What is that supposed to mean?" the younger man questioned. He furrowed his brow and leaned against the doorframe. It was a rude move, but he didn't give a shit.
"Well if you'd come in and join me for a drink, I'd be happy to explain a few things." William then stepped back and opened up the door. The teenage boy stayed where he was for a few moments, but then sighed and came inside. He followed the older man to the bar.
"I take it you're a Scotch man, like your father," William chuckled.
"Yeah, now cut the small talk, Gramps. Tell me why Andrea is, as you put it, unavailable for the rest of the summer," Max scoffed. He got straight to the point and spared all pleasantries.
"And I had so hoped to keep this civil," William sighed. He then handed Max his drink. His expression suddenly changed. It was much sterner, even harsh in a way.
"Here it is, Maxwell. When I say that my granddaughter is unavailable for the rest of the summer, I mean she is somewhere where I am not going to tell you. She doesn't want to see you and she won't. I am now going to ask you respect her wishes. In fact, I think it would do us all a lot more good, if you kept away from her even when she does come back," William asserted. His eyes lowered as he looked down on Max.
"You're not honestly telling me that I'm not good enough are you? Do you have any idea who my father is?" Max scoffed. He set down his drink and tried his best to contain his anger. Who the hell did Andrea's grandfather think he was?
"Although your father is a respectable man son, Andrea is part of the Vanderbilt family. And because of that, she does not need someone with your history. Do not think that I lack the well awareness of your delinquent worthy behavior." William lowered his voice and crossed his arms.
Max stared at him, completely silent. Someone was actually saying it, that he didn't deserve Andrea. Sure he had always felt it, but never before had someone said it. He suddenly felt unworthy and angry at the world for it. He didn't know why the hell the old man's words affected him so much, but they did.
"Now, I have some business to take care of, but I believe we do have an understanding. I'm sure you can see yourself out," William concluded. He then went off in a casual manner, like they conversation they had was so normal. Max just stood there, but not for long. He suddenly felt a burning yearn for alcohol, a lot of it.
--
Chuck walked into the kitchen. He saw his wife and his youngest son. Ephram was in his highchair and Blair was in front of him with a bottle. She held it out to him in a pleading manner.
"Ephram, just try the bottle for mommy, alright?" Blair asked sweetly. She put her hand forward again to offer it to him.
"No, mama," Ephram refused. He knocked the bottle out of her hands and shook his head. Then he tried to grab at her top.
"Yum, yums." He pointed towards her breasts.
"What are you two doing?" Chuck inquired, eyebrows raised. He spared a light chuckle as he picked up the bottle and watched his wife sigh tiredly.
"It's time," she took the bottle from him, "that Ephram goes to bottles. Now, drink from this, baby." Blair set down the bottle with force on the tray of his highchair.
"No!" her son screamed. He picked up the bottle and threw it at the wall with full force. Thankfully, it didn't spill, but just fell to the ground and rolled away. Both adults looked back to their son. A definite pout formed on his lips and he leaned back in his highchair, arms crossed.
"I'll get it," Chuck offered. He smiled lightly and then got up. Blair gave him a thankful look as he picked up the bottle and brought it back to them. He pulled up a chair and sat down.
"Let's try this again," she said. Blair stood up and reached down to pick up Ephram.
"No! No! No!" Ephram carried on. He refused to let her even touch him and proceeded to throw the biggest of fits. His little hands even started to hit her.
"Ephram, stop it," her husband ordered. The little baby dropped his hands and started to cry. His father sighed and stood up. He picked Ephram up without notice and rubbed his back to try and soothe him.
"I sowwy, dada," he cried.
"I know," Chuck nodded.
Blair watched as her husband walked around until their son stopped crying completely. Chuck then gently shifted him to his hip and held up the bottle. Ephram shook his head at first, but when his father whispered sweetly to him, the baby opened his mouth. Chuck beamed and gave him the bottle. Ephram started to suck on it. Soon he took complete control of the bottle.
"Here you are, love," Chuck smiled. He walked back over and handed the baby to his wife.
"Thank you," Blair mouthed. Ephram smiled at his mother, but continued to drink. She carefully put him back in his highchair and turned to her husband.
"Now allow me to thank you properly," she smirked. Her eyebrows kinked playfully.
"I think that is just a little too dirty to do in front of Ephram, Blair," Chuck mused.
"Stop being heinous, Bass, I was talking about a kiss," Blair scoffed and rolled her eyes. He chuckled and grabbed her by the waist. She squealed in delight, but wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I do believe it's time to put Ephram down for a nap, don't you?" he smirked.
"No more talking," she giggled. She then pulled him by the lapels of his jacket down into a kiss. He responded eagerly, but of course wanted more. His hands started to grope her bottom.
"Dada…" Ephram called.
"Chuck!" Blair gasped. She pushed a hand to his chest and turned to see Ephram.
"No, no," the baby giggled. He shook his finger and sent them a mischievous, but knowing smile.
--
Lex twisted in his seat nervously as his nails dug into his legs. He bit his bottom lip and felt like he couldn't breathe. It must have been at least one-hundred degrees in the Bass's living room. Either that or he was having a heart attack. Okay maybe not a heart attack, but definitely an anxiety attack. Yes, that seemed about right. At least it wouldn't last long though, seeing how Mr. Bass was sure to murder him as soon as he arrived.
"Baby, you need to calm down. Nothing bad is going to happen. My parents understand," Charlie assured him. He turned towards her and she smiled lightly, chestnut eyes looking sympathetic.
"But-but I can't face them, especially after last night. Charlie, what if they know? Oh my God, I'm going to throw up." He grabbed hold of his stomach and his face twisted with fear. She immediately put her hand on his back and rubbed it, holding him from the side as if he were a child.
"They don't know about that and they aren't going to. All they are aware of is your… the incident at the reception. I have a feeling my father understands these types of things; at least that's what my mother said. So please take a deep breath for me," she soothed. Her lips kissed his cheek and then her hand reached up to caress it. He squeezed his eyes shut and clearly savored the affectionate skin to skin contact.
"If they murder me, you can put love of Charlie Bass on my tombstone. I'd be perfectly fine with that," Lex nodded. She cracked a smile and then a light giggle came from her lips. Her laughter always helped him. There was a sense of warm, happiness that he felt every time he heard it.
"Alright, but just know I'm not exactly willing to stick around if you're destined for the grave," she joked. He opened his eyes and looked down to smirk at her. In response, she kinked her eyebrows at him. Then her hands fisted the material of his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. They both knew that perhaps it was not the wisest thing to do in their current location, but it had too much passion in it to stop now.
"Alexander, I don't think it wise for someone in your current predicament to be sucking faces with my daughter in the living of her father's home. After all, while we're glad to have you back, you must not expect my daughter to be giving you anything so soon," Chuck said tersely as he entered the room.
The two teens pulled apart and blushed crimson. Charlie then pushed a hand to Lex's chest that seemed to put him behind her in a protective manner. Her eyes narrowed and she glared at her father.
"Dad, he doesn't need this. You're worse than Max," Charlie seethed. Her teeth were clenched and her alert system was activated. She felt Lex shiver beside her and then she moved to hold him completely.
"Ignore your father, sweetheart," Blair chimed as she entered the room. She wore a polite smile and looked more elegant than ever. When she stopped in front of them, she stood beside Chuck and put a hand to his chest. Only, her eyes kept with Lex's.
"I do hope you're feeling better than you were last night. I was rather worried," her mother sympathized. She then forced her husband to sit down with her, across from Lex and Charlie. She crossed her legs and placed her hands on them while her father leaned back, his legs crossed too, but in a much more defensive way.
"Yes, Mrs. Bass and Mr. Bass, I'm very sorry about what happened. I didn't mean to hurt Charlie so much, but it's just that I was confused and… well I love her more than anyone in the world and…" Lex started to stutter as his voice grew dry.
"Oh great," Chuck scoffed. He shook his head. Lex had used the word love for his daughter. Obviously, he had told Charlie and now had her hooked.
"Chuck…" Blair warned. But there was no sense in stopping him. Her husband leaned forward and narrowed his eyes.
"First off, you don't know what love is. Someone who loves somebody doesn't run off and leave them completely heartbroken. Do you have any idea what she went through?" he pressed. His hand pointed towards the younger man across from him.
"Partly, she sent me emails and…" Lex cleared his throat. He tried to seem strong and confident.
"You read them?" Charlie interrupted. She looked towards him in shock. The whole time she thought that he saw that one and then ignored the rest.
He turned towards her and nodded.
"Yes, over and over again, I wrote back to all of them too. I was just too much of a coward to send them. It's all saved in my drafts if you want to read them," Lex told her. He smiled softly and took her hand in his. Too bad, they weren't exactly alone.
"Thanks, but I think she's good. It's a place I doubt my daughter wants to venture to again," Chuck retorted. Lex dropped her hand and looked down in shame.
"Dad, stop it or we're leaving!" Charlie voiced. She moved forward as if she would stand up. Her father leaned forward in response, about to say something that would probably make the situation worse.
"Charlotte, do not raise your voice at your father. Chuck, come with me into the other room, now!" Luckily, Blair cut in. She stood up and held her hand out to Chuck's. He let out a low noise to let her know he was unhappy. It sounded somewhat like a growl.
"Now," his wife snapped. Finally, he stood up and sighed. She dragged him from the room and into the kitchen. Her hands pushed him against the wall. She whispered in hushed tones.
"What do you think you're doing?" Blair questioned.
"Me?" Chuck scoffed, "What do you think you're doing? Sure, I feel bad for the kid, but don't you remember how much he hurt our daughter? She was crying in my arms like a child when he left her. He-he…"
"Chuck, you know that you see yourself in that boy, especially now. Don't try and deny it. You admitted it to me after the reception that Lex's freak out was… close to yours on the rooftop." She shook her head. Her eyes begged for him to understand. She didn't want to upset him or bring up the dark parts of his past, but needed him to understand.
"Fine, maybe I do, but that is all the more reason to keep him away from Charlie. I won't let her go through what you went through with me," he shook his head.
"Are you saying that what we have now isn't worth it?" Her eyebrows rose in question. She refused to let it go.
"Of course, it's worth it. Don't do that, Blair. You know that I love my life, that I would do everything over and over again to have it, but… I don't want all the hurt you went through to happen to our daughter. Maybe she can find this happiness with a nice boy who doesn't have daddy and mommy issues like I did. Maybe…" He trailed off and rubbed his temples. His eyes squeezed shut and he searched for the right words in his head. He knew that what he was saying made no sense, but he didn't want to admit it.
"Chuck," she took his face in her hands. His eyes opened and he bit his bottom lip. She was so close. Her touch was soft and she was in her element. She was going to make him see what he didn't want to. That much was obvious.
"You know that even if you go in there, yell and scream, forbid her to see him, she's still going to. But it's going to be worse because she'll do it behind your back. And she'll resent you. Do you want to know why? Because even though you're her father and are doing this to protect her, she wants to protect him. She loves him and he loves her. We've known this long before either of them did. We have been through this, seen it firsthand. Sure, at times it was rough, but there are so many more good times. You can't take that away from them," Blair stressed. She then leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Her arms enveloped around him. He softened immediately, just like she planned.
"I don't want to see it again, Blair. I know it's going to hurt more. Last time, I could ignore it when it was just you going through the pain, you were so good at hiding it, but now I'm going to have to watch it. I-I don't want to," Chuck's voice broke and he shook his head.
"And you think I do?" Blair asked. She pulled back to look at him and caressed his cheek.
"The point is, we're going to have to watch it, whether we want to or not. Maybe we deserve it in a way and maybe we don't. But Charlie's our daughter and just like with everything else, I'm sticking by her with this. And if she fails then I'll hold her when she cries, but in the meantime I'll do everything within my power to make it so that she doesn't. And I know… I know that you will too, because you're Chuck Bass." She smiled at him as her eyes glistened with tears. No one else, outside the situation, would understand why the moment and her words meant so much to them, but it wasn't meant for other. It was just Chuck and Blair, Blair and Chuck.
"I can do that. I will stand by her," he agreed. His voice grew with confidence as he spoke.
"I know you can," she smiled. Her hands then brought his face towards her. She kissed away any doubts he had and made him feel safe, even after all the years that had passed. When they pulled apart, she got herself together, took hold of his hand, and led him back into the room.
Chuck eyed his daughter and her boyfriend on the couch. Lex looked lost and scared. His stomach was clearly upset and he was almost shivering. But his daughter, she looked strong and confident. Charlie Bass was ready for a fight, even if it was against her father.
Chuck grinned with pride.
"Dad, wh-what…" Charlie trailed off with a frown. She was confused at why he seemed so happy all of the sudden. The smile he wore reminded her of whenever she brought home her report cards or when she learned how to ride her bike.
"Not that you were asking for it, but you have my support and your mothers. You can see each other… you can love each other," Chuck told them. His eyes looked down for a moment. It was silent and then he was met with someone attacking him with a hug.
"Thank you, daddy!" Charlie giggled. He looked up and realized she was the one hugging him. She kissed his cheek and then squeezed him tighter.
"Alright, now go ahead and get dressed for bed though, Charlotte. You are staying here tonight. Lex is in his suite I presume," he sighed. His daughter pulled back and nodded.
"I have to go call Andrea." She pulled apart, hugged her mother, pecked Lex on the cheek, and then ran up the staircase. She had no idea yet what the call would entail.
Blair looked between the two men.
"I need to go check on Ephram," she said with a smile. Blair rose to her feet and left the room. Once, she was gone all bets were off.
"Thank you, Mr. Bass. I have no intention of hurting her again," Lex told him. The kid had guts; Chuck would give him that, maybe even more than that.
"Just take care of her," he sighed.
"I will," the younger man promised.
Chuck nodded and then lowered his voice to speak more quietly, "And uh… if you ever need anyone to talk to, then I'm here for… for you." It was hard to get out, but he did it.
Lex smiled, "Thank you."
They shook hands and that was all that needed to be said.
--
Blair walked into her bedroom and saw her husband sprawled out on the bed. He still seemed some solemn from the Charlie and Lex situation. She knew he was not completely convinced, but that was normal. He simply didn't want to see his daughter hurt. What father did?
"Hey there, handsome man," Mrs. Bass greeted. She walked towards him with a light smile. He looked up for a moment and forced a small smile.
"I'm fine, honestly," Chuck assured her. Damn, why couldn't he sound anymore convincing?
"I know and you handled the situation extremely well, Bass," Blair said honestly. She sat down next to him and fell on her back. Her body turned into his and her hand reached out to stroke his chest.
I just-you're right. I do see so much of myself in Lex, but when I was mean to him it's because I didn't want to see myself in him. I felt like if I did and I showed a certain sense of humanity, then when he hurt Charlie, it would make it my fault," he explained. His body turned into hers and he looked her straight in the eyes.
"Give your daughter more credit, Chuck Bass. She's strong, just like her father," his wife replied. He looked up to her and formed the smallest of smiles, but it was there.
"I love you," Chuck whispered. And he really, really meant it.
"I love you too," Blair said back. It was a peaceful and serious moment until…
Madison Humphrey ran into their room screaming and jumped on the bed. Both adults shot up and watched as their son followed behind, in all his naked glory.
"Nakie time, Mad-ee! Nakie time!" Ephram screamed.
"Young man," his mother gasped. She giggled as she picked him up in her arms and wrapped a blanket around him. He squirmed and reached out to hug the little blond who jumped into Chuck's lap.
"No, Ephram! Bad!" Madison screamed. She looked so distressed at his butt naked state.
"No, good, Mad-ee. Good," Ephram returned with his father's smirk.
"See, this is all your doing," Blair chuckled.
"I know, my DNA is just downright amazing," Chuck smirked.
"Boys, eh Madison?" she huffed. The little blond giggled and nodded her head. She didn't understand, but it was fun to pretend like she did.
--
Charlie changed into her pajamas and pulled over a sheer, white robe. She led down her chestnut curls and picked up her phone. There were several texts, one from Gossip Girl, but that didn't seem important. She exited out of the notifications and went to her contacts. Her fingers hit Andrea Archibald and she brought the phone to hear ear. She couldn't wait to tell Andrea what happened. Now everything was going to be perfect between 'The Fab Four'.
"Hello," Andrea answered. But Charlie knew immediately that something was off. Her best friend sounded like she had been crying and her voice was dry from doing so. She furrowed her brow and shifted her cell phone to the other ear.
"Andrea, it's me, Charlie. I called to talk, but what's wrong? Don't lie," she said. Her tone was sympathetic, but firm. She knew since they were on the phone that would be Andrea's first attempt. So she got the option out of the way before it could be taken.
"Charlie, haven't you checked the Gossip Girl blast?" Andrea laughed bitterly.
"No, I just got it. I left it at home last night. It was dead," Charlie explained.
"Well then I suggest you read it before this conversation continues. I don't exactly feel like reliving it in words," her friend returned. She sighed in exasperation.
"What do you… okay, I'll look at it. Just give me a second." She sighed. Charlie took down the phone away from her ear and clicked the menu button. She found the text messages, which seemed so miniscule in importance moments ago, and went to the last Gossip Girl blast. She opened it up and her eyes read over it.
While one set of lovers make amends, another is soon to fall apart. King L has returned faithfully to Queen C, but I can't say the same for our Dark Knight. It's seems M has been fooling around with another princess in the kingdom. I'd watch out if I were you S, you've been marked with the Scarlett letter. Here's hoping A will cast the first stone...
You know you love me.
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl
"Oh my God," Charlie gasped. She felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach. There was no way the Gossip bitch was right. She felt sick and confused. She felt everything she hated.
"Oh Andrea, she can't be right." She put the phone back to her ear and shook her head. It wasn't just that she didn't want to think her brother and Sarah did it, but she didn't want her best friend hurt like that.
"But she is," Andrea's voice broke, "he admitted it last night and then we broke up. How-how could they do this to me, Charlie? I trusted him, I trusted her. I don't care if we were broken up it still hurts like hell. How… I just, I don't understand."
"I-I don't know. I can't believe this is happening. Look, you're at home right? I'm coming over to take care of you. I don't care if my dad wants me home or not you need me." She went into instant protective mode.
"No," her best friend refused, "just stay where you are. Look, I don't want to talk about this anymore. I'm in the Hampton's with my grandmother and there is no point in you coming out here. We're having a family weekend. I don't even think I'm allowed to have people over." Andrea sighed.
"I don't care. Lack of invitation has never stopped me before," Charlie countered.
"Charlie, I'm fine really. If you don't want to believe me, then just give me some time, please. We can talk all you want when I get back. I just want to forget right now, sulk. You understand that, right?" Her voice sounded as if she was begging. In a way, Andrea supposed she was.
Charlie stood there for a moment. She felt conflicted. She wanted to be there for Andrea, but Lex needed her to. Only, Andrea wanted time alone and Lex didn't want to be alone. What was she supposed to do? She loved them both and they were both her best friends.
"Don't think you have to choose between me and Lex, Charlie. I know what you're thinking in that silence and it's stupid. I may be messed up right now, but I am surrounded by family. He doesn't have anyone. You-you're all he's got," Andrea stressed. She wouldn't say it, but Charlie was also a reminder of Max. They looked alike, they were twins after all. She made it too real.
"But I know you need me too," Charlie stressed. She hated feeling so helpless. She hated not being able to take control of the situation and fix everything with a snap of her fingers.
"Then call me all the time, always answer my phone calls, and vow that when I get back you'll be my personal slave," Andrea teased. Her voice still sounded solemn though. There was no way to hide it.
"Of course," Charlie agreed with a smile.
"Alright, C, I love you and I'll talk to you later. Family matters are calling," Andrea told her.
"I love you too, A. Call me really soon," Charlie sighed. She then waited and let her friend hang up. She decided that it was best not to tell Andrea her 'big news'. The least thing her friend needed was to hear that Charlie got an 'I love you' and lost her virginity. It would be like rubbing dirt in the already painful wound.
--
Blair got out of the limo and looked around. It was dark and the bar she stood in front of looked sketchy. Then again, since she knew why she was there, it was never going to have a great feeling to it. She had gotten a call, right after she put Ephram down for his afternoon nap.
"Mrs. Bass, I'm calling in regards to your son, Max. I'm afraid someone needs to come and pick him up. He is in no state to find his way home alone, cab or not," the man told her.
As soon as she learned of his whereabouts, Blair was in the limo and on her way there. She didn't even have time to think or tell anyone. Not that she planned on telling anyone other than Chuck. Something was obviously up with her son. To find out what, she just went to him.
"Max," Blair breathed. He was slouched over at the bar. His hand gripped an empty glass and he looked lifeless. She hurried over to him and put her hand on his back.
"Honey, wake-up. Mommy's here to take you home." She spoke sweetly to him, despite his drunken state. Slowly, he lifted his head and turned around. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked confused.
"Mom-mommy?" Max stuttered. His voice was rough and uneven. He sounded as if at any moment the confusion would clear and he'd burst into tears.
"Yes, Max, it's me. Come on. You shouldn't be here," Blair sighed. She then reached to help him off the stool. He looked around for a moment, the place was empty. So he let her help him up.
"I-I'm fine, really," he slurred. His body fell forward, but she caught him. She held him there for a moment and then took cash from her purse. It was more than enough.
"Breathe a word of this to anyone, especially the press, and you'll regret it for the rest of your life," Blair threatened. She sent the man a death glare. Max snorted a giggle in his drunken stupor.
"You-you're so protective, mother dear," Max grinned. He tried his best to sound like an un-caring ass as they walked out towards the limo.
"There's no use, Maxwell. Your father has burned out that routine with me long ago. I see right through the façade so there is no point in even putting it up," Blair told him. She then watched as Arthur hurried to the door and opened it up for them.
"How are you doing there, Mr. Max?" the limo driver asked. He forced a light smile.
"Just fucking dandy," Max smirked with a sarcastic tone. He then fell inside.
"Please just take us home, Arthur. Thank you by the way," Blair sighed. Arthur was one of their longest employees and almost a part of the family, like Dorota. He had driven Chuck as a teenager and now their own teens as well.
"Of course, Mrs. Bass," Arthur smiled. She got in and he closed the door for her. Her body scooted towards her son who had chosen to lie on the floor.
"Max, get up here with your mother," Blair soothed. She rubbed his back.
"I-I'm fine," Max muttered against the limo's carpet.
She didn't leave him be though. Instead, Blair moved to the floor and sat there beside him. They were far from the same size; her son had passed her in height a long time ago. She was about 5'4 where Max towered over her around 5'9. But she did her best to pull him up as if he were still a baby. Max fell against her chest and groaned.
"Tell me what's wrong," his mother pleaded. Her eyes looked into his. He stared at her like a lost little boy. She wanted to make everything better. She used to be able to do that for him, so easily too.
"Mom-mom, I know what I did was wrong, but I-I just need a second chance," Max started to cry in all his drunken foolishness.
"What do you mean? Honey, what's wrong?" Blair questioned. She searched his eyes for the answers, but was only met with sadness. His tears streaked down his cheeks. She wiped at them quickly.
"Please-please just help me, mommy. Make it better. Make it stop hurting. I know I hurt Andrea by sleeping with Sarah, but… I-I didn't mean to. I was drunk, we were broken up, I was stupid… so fucking stupid. Fuck, why am I such a worthless dumbass?" he shouted.
Blair heard every word and they hit her with a great force, but his last sentence hit the most. She grabbed his shoulders and looked into his eyes. Her head shook.
"Don't you ever say that about yourself again. Nobody thinks that, no matter what you do," Blair stressed. She wiped at his tears again. She felt so helpless with what was happening and she hated that. She needed to be in control, especially of a situation that was tearing her son apart the way it was.
"But-but they do, mom. Will-Andrea's grandfather he-he told me. I-I'm not good enough for Andrea. I'm not good enough for anyone. I-I…" Max sobbed.
"Hush," Blair snapped. She grew angry and ready to kill. Her son may have messed up, but she was his mother. And if someone spoke to him like that, then they better be ready to deal with her.
"No, I-I…" He buried his face into her chest and cried. Only they were silent tears now.
"Shh, it's okay," she soothed. The anger had to be pushed down, but it was still there. In that moment though, she just held him. It reminded her of how she held Chuck, the night after his father's funeral. It was the same position, only now it was her son. She didn't like that. She didn't like it one bit.
--
Chuck watched as Blair put Max in his room. She was so caring and patient with him, ever since they came through the door. He thought about all the times she did that with him, but now it was different. It felt worse because it wasn't only him hurting, but it was him hurting because he was watching his son go through the same thing. Only difference, Blair wasn't Blair to Max, she was his mother.
"Mommy, help. Make it stop hurting," Max whimpered. He looked up at her in drunken confusion as she laid him out on the bed. Blair took off his shoes and then pulled the blanket up to his chin. She tucked him in as if he were still a small child.
Chuck walked into the room and his son's eyes focused on his father. He blinked and then looked back to his mom. He reached a hand up to touch her cheek.
"I'm not all that drunk, mom," Max nodded. It was no use though. He was past the point of hiding it. The only reason he tried, was that she was clearly on the verge of tears. She then turned to look at Chuck. Her strong front went up.
"He's fine, everything is fine. Max is just fine, Chuck," Blair assured him. Her voice sounded so weak though, unbelievable. Chuck sat down on the bed next to her and kissed her shoulder.
"No," their son shook his head, "I-I'm a bad person, guys."
"No, you're not," his mother asserted. Max looked past her though and straight into the eyes of his father.
"Yes," he nodded, "you-you deserve a better son."
"No, we don't," Chuck said before Max even finished his sentence. He took his sons face in his hands and shook his head. He never wanted Max to think that, ever. Chuck had thought it for most of his life and it almost destroyed him.
"You're what we want, all we want. No matter what you do, we love you and we believe in you," he promised. His wife nodded as she stroked her son's cheek.
"Al-alright," Max sighed. After a few more minutes, he passed out cold.
Blair turned towards Chuck and shook her head.
"I'm happy he won't remember any of this. But… I-I'm never going to forget this broken image of our son." Her eyes fell in shame. There was so much inner conflict inside of her.
"I know," Chuck whispered. His hands wrapped around her waist and he did all he could to comfort her.
"But, you're a really good mom, Blair. You're so sweet and gentle with him. And you learned how to do that all on your own. He knows that you love him, that you'll take care of him. That is what is important." His lips kissed her cheek and then he turned it to look into her eyes.
"It's not enough. If I was better than I would have known about this sooner. I would have stopped it before he ever indeed up in that detestable and disgusting bar. I would have never let Wi… never mind," Blair sighed. She shook her head and looked down in shame. She knew not to tell Chuck about Nate's grandfather. He would fly off the handle and she could take care of it herself.
"Baby, don't do that to yourself. We both know that isn't true. You can't know everything, especially with Max being so similar to me. We Bass men are good at hiding things. And you care about so many people to be up to date with all of them, every second of the day, is impossible. You were concerned about Lex, your daughter, and then getting me to give them a chance. In the meantime, you're also taking care of Ephram and still making sure that we're doing everything the doctor told you to, regarding me. I know how much you have on your plate, Blair. So don't-don't beat yourself up. I'm here too. I could have figured it out, but I didn't," Chuck stressed.
"Chuck," she sighed and shook her head. Her eyes looked up into his and he wrapped his arms around her.
"You love me, I know," he whispered.
"I do," Blair agreed. Her eyes closed and she melted against him.
--
Lex moaned in his sleep at the shift in the bed. He was just getting to sleep. It had been a terrible night. First he had to go to the empty suite, another night without Charlie. She would be there in the morning and probably want to give him what they both wanted too, but right now it was torture. He missed having her with him. The whole time he was gone he woke-up wanting her, and he meant that as in just wanting her beside him. That was why it had been so hard to fall asleep, but now a shift in the bed had awoken him. Wait, a shift in the bed?
"Who's there?" His eyes snapped open and he looked beside him. However, any nerves that came vanished.
Charlie stood there, looking rather sleepy, as she eased her way onto his bed.
"Baby, what's wrong?" Concern was evident in his voice. Quickly, he moved over a bit and made room for her.
"I missed you," she pouted and climbed in. Her petite body went to scoot towards him even more, but he beat her to it and pulled her in. He knew she wasn't supposed to be there and it was risky, but right now he didn't care. And since she was the one who showed up, without him calling her, there was no way he'd be able to turn her away.
"You could have called me. I don't want you walking all the way down here by yourself at this time of night, even if it is your fathers building," he told her. She snuggled against him, and looked up with big brown eyes.
"I didn't want to wait that long. I wanted to see you now. I need to be near you," Charlie shook her head with a slight shameful look, "I'm scared that I'll wake-up and you won't be here again. This way I can watch you."
"I'm not going anywhere, Charlie," Lex sighed.
She had tried to hide her sorrow about the subject, but it was hard for her to keep anything from him.
"But what if…"
"I'm not leaving you again like that. No matter what happens, I won't just up and leave. I know how much it hurt you. I hate myself for doing that, for hurting you like that," he spoke with complete honesty.
She knew he was telling the truth. To be honest, it was her insecurities that were the problem. But when she was with him at night, it put them at ease some.
"Can I still stay here with you tonight? I believe you, but I just want you to hold me," she admitted, just above a whisper.
He smiled softly and brushed a stray curl out of her face.
"Do you really think I'd turn away Charlie Bass?" he chuckled, eyebrows raised playfully.
"I don't know…" she smirked, "You are Lex Sparks. If anyone can, you'd be the one to achieve the impossible." He felt his heart lift. She had given both of them a compliment, but of course one he needed to correct.
"Not even I can withstand such a power, love. In fact, you're the primary factor in my survival. There wouldn't be a Lex Sparks without Charlie Bass. Remember that." He kissed her nose and winked at her.
How she loved his blue eyes, even more so when they twinkled like they did now.
"I really love you," she smiled. Her whole face, despite being sleepy, had brightened. Everything was perfect with them right now. She loved it, but of course she loved him more.
"I love you too," he returned. She then slowly reached up to his lips, hers pressed against his softly. They were too exhausted for a long make-out session, but the passion it usually held still remained. That was completely unbreakable. No matter what condition they were in or what happened.
Then, she lowered her head and placed it in the crook of his neck. Her lips kissed his pale skin affectionately. He lied on his back and smiled at the ceiling. He had never figured he'd be like he was with her, but once he got a taste of… well love (sure he ran from it some at first), he didn't want to let it go. He wanted nothing more than to emerge himself in it as much as possible.
"Goodnight, Sparks."
"Goodnight, Bass."
--
Charlie waited downstairs as she heard her brother approach. She needed to talk to him about the whole Andrea and Sarah situation. Something had to have not been revealed. She just couldn't grasp that the whole ordeal was even possible to happen. She knew he loved Andrea, even if he wouldn't admit it. And she knew that it would take a hell of a lot of alcohol and hurt to ever get him to betray her like he did, to hurt her like he did. She sighed and rubbed her eyes.
"Hello, sister, I suppose you're here to kill me," Max smirked. He walked over to the refrigerator. The fake persona was up, but she saw through it. He looked like crap.
"No, not kill, just badly beat," Charlie sighed. She was going to be careful going into the conversation. Max snorted a sarcastic laugh and shook his head. He then came in front of her and knocked back a glass of Scotch.
"A little early, don't you think?" his sister pressed. Her eyes looked at him critically. She didn't want him to turn to alcohol. Clearly, Lex had displayed at the reception it didn't help. She saw the aftermath, it only left you depressed and alone. Luckily, Lex had Charlie. She doubted Andrea wanted to come to Max's aid though.
"Cut the crap, Charlie. We both know you're here to yell at me, so get on with it. I know you're so concerned to return to your pathetic little boyfriend," Max sneered. He knew Lex was a sore spot for her, but a part of him wanted her to get really angry. He wanted someone to scream at him and tell him what the little voice in the back of his mind continued to mutter.
But when he looked up, he realized she didn't plan on doing that. Instead, her eyes looked at him in solemn confusion. She shook her head.
"Max, why did you do it? Why would you sleep with Sarah when we both know you're in love with Andrea?" Charlie asked. Her voice sounded truly bewildered and her eyes looked at him seriously. She wasn't harsh, but she didn't sound sweet either.
He looked at her for a few moments and then shook his head.
"Let me make one thing clear, Charlie. I'm not, nor will I ever be in love with Andrea or any other girl. It's not for me, alright?" Max retorted. His voice sounded agitated and it was because he was, but not at his sister. He was pissed at himself for screwing everything up. However, that only further proved his point that he wasn't good enough for Andrea, he wasn't good enough for anyone.
"You're lying," his sister remarked and stood her ground. Her chestnut eyes bore into his own, both identical in color, but different in sincerity.
"How the hell would you know anything?" he spat.
"Because I know you, just like you know me. We're brother and sister, you and I are twins, Max. There is no one who has been closer to you than me, it's physically impossible. And I know deep down inside your heart that you love Andrea, you miss her, and you hate yourself for saying otherwise. So just be honest with me, please. Tell me why you slept with Sarah. Just tell me," she told him. He stared at her, mouth agape, and found it very hard to break eye contact. She made it impossible. So he just stared.
And when he snapped out of the silence, he did the one thing he knew how too. He took the pain he felt and chose to try and give it to her. It was a huge mistake, but the words left his lips before he realized that.
"What do you care?" he mocked, "We may be blood related Charlie, but let's be honest. It's been a long time since you've even thought about giving a damn about me. Not that I can criticize. See, you're right; we're so close that we're practically the same. I was confused about love, but now I know it's something I'm incapable of. One day you're going to wake-up and realize you are too. You're just a selfish, little stuck-up bitch. You don't have heart. You're just strong enough to make people like you. As for when you realize Lex doesn't give a shit either…."
He was silenced when Charlie slapped him straight across the face. He looked to her in shock, but saw that tears had come to her eyes. She shook her head as her lips curled in disgust.
"I tried, but now I'm done. You can do whatever you want, but guess what, Max? You don't have anyone left to push away, but mom and dad. I don't want anything to do with you anymore. And you better stay away from Lex," her voice broke, "I don't like who you are right now." With that she quickly stood and practically ran up to her room. Max stared at the staircase and then turned away from it. It was then his eyes connected with his fathers.
Chuck slowly walked into the room.
"Dad, I…"
"We need to talk, now," his father asserted.
Max nodded and swallowed a large lump in his throat.
--
Chuck and Max walked into his home office. His son went to sit down in the chair across from his father's desk right away, but then halted when Chuck did not move to sit behind his desk. He shot him a curious look. His father shook his head and motioned towards the couch. Oh, so he was after a personal conversation. They sat down.
"Look, dad," Max sighed and crossed his arms, "I know you're upset with what I said to Charlie, but I just can't deal with her right now. She's like mom. She pushes and pushes until you have to let her help, but I don't want her help. I just want to be alone and do what I want to do. What's wrong with that?" He looked to him for the answer to his question.
"You know very well what's wrong with that," Chuck returned with pursed lips. He shook his head and looked his son in the eye.
"After the condition your mother found you in last night, the whole family is worried about you, Max. You know we want to help, so let us. Trust me, I've done the whole screw the world I don't need anybody thing, it doesn't work. If you don't believe me, then ask Lex. He's starting to get that the whole persona us men love to put on, only screws us further in the end."
"Great," his son scoffed and rolled his eyes, "you've jumped on team Charlie and Lex too now? I honestly thought you'd see through his bullshit, dad. After we hid that letter from her…"
"We didn't hide the letter from her because I thought Lex was bullshit, Max. I did it because I didn't think Charlie needed it all to be brought up again when she was just getting over it. But life now told me, that I can't avoid that. Regardless, that's not what this is about though. It's about you and what happened with Sarah and Andrea," the older Bass man stressed.
"Dad, I…" Max immediately went to shun away from the idea. Only, his father refused to let him do that. Chuck cut him off.
"I know that you're mad at yourself, son. I know that you're hurting, but hurting others, like your sister, Lex, or anyone else, isn't going to make the pain go away. It will make it hurt more because you'll realize that you're hurting the people you love in time," Chuck told him.
"Oh and what would you know about that? You don't have any siblings," Max pointed out. He rolled his eyes again and slumped back in his seat. His father was silent, too silent. Slowly, he leaned back up and looked. Chuck looked at him solemnly.
He shook his head and cleared his throat.
"When-when my dad died, I hurt. I hurt like hell, Max. And since Blair, I mean, your mother, was closest to me, trying to help me, I did whatever was in my power to hurt her. I thought it would make her go away and it would, but not for long. But now when I look back at it and even in those moments, the look on her face when I treated her like shit, hurt her till she cried, there's not a day that goes by that I don't regret it," Chuck spoke with the most serious of tones.
"Dad, I'm sorry, I didn't think…" Max started to apologize.
"No, it's okay. I know you didn't, but you do understand what the point of me saying this is, don't you?" His eyebrows rose in question.
"I think so," his son nodded, "you don't want me to hurt Charlie or anyone else like you did."
"Because you're already regretting what you did, aren't you?" Chuck furthered.
"Yes," Max agreed with another nod.
"I-I spent all that time protecting her, dad. And now I just tried to destroy her with words. I don't think she's going to forgive me," he sighed. His hands rubbed his eyes as he tried to think.
"I'm betting Charlie Bass will stick by you if you go and apologize, admit you're in over your head, explain what happened, and ask for forgiveness," Chuck smiled.
"I'll think about it," Max shrugged.
"Alright," his father nodded. He then got up and went out the door. Only, he waited for something to happen. In a few minutes, he saw what he wanted to see. Max walked out of the office doors with his phone to his ear.
"Lex, I'm coming down to your suite. I need to talk to Charlie. Don't tell her until I get there though. Alright, yeah bye," Max said. He then went out the door.
Chuck smiled softly with a sense of pride for his son. Perhaps, they could learn and teach from their mistakes.
--
Blair walked inside the basically empty building. She looked ahead and saw William Vanderbilt as he sat alone. He looked so prim and proper. Well little did he know that he was about to face the wrath of Blair Bass, angry mother edition. She stomped towards him with a determined look on her face.
"Ahem," she cleared her throat. Soon enough, her presence was known. The older man turned towards her and spared a light smile. She did not return it, but sat down and turned towards him.
"Allow me to be brief," Blair told him. Her left eyebrow rose and she pursed her lips. She was ready to attack, but in a subtle and graceful way. There was not going to be yelling or freaking out, but more of an almost silent threat.
"Blair, please do not be so formal. Now what was it you wanted to meet me about?" William Vanderbilt asked with a warm laugh. He had obviously not caught on that she was not being formal, but cold.
"I wanted to meet with you for one and one reason only. And that reason is that if you ever speak to my son like you did, and I mean ever again, you won't have to worry about what my husband is capable of, but I will rip you to pieces. There is a time for keeping up the family image, William, and then another for just being there for the people you love, despite their faults." She spoke tersely with clenched teeth.
"Blair, please…" William cleared his throat nervously. She did not stop, but rose to her feet and then literally looked down on him.
"No, William. I now am going to go and tend to my family. Perhaps, you should go and see how your own grandson is doing instead of making him hideaway in the Hamptons. Excuse me," Blair concluded. She then left without another word, despite his protests. She had come and done what she needed to. Now she would not look back, but be satisfied with what she did.
"Take me home, Arthur, and make it fast."
--
Max knocked on the door of Suite 1812. He waited for a few moments and started to wonder if Lex was actually going to let him in. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, his best friend was ultra protective of Max's sister. If he hurt her too much with what he said, then there was a chance that Lex wouldn't let him in. And if she started to beg him to keep Max out, well then he was just really screwed.
But then all thoughts went away and the door opened.
"Hey," Max said quietly.
"Hey," Lex returned. He leaned against the door and then nodded back.
Max looked in to see Charlie on the couch with red, puffy eyes. Yes, he had definitely hurt her feelings. It was a low blow where he hit her, he knew that. He took the one thing that she loved more than anything and told her it meant nothing. He was a huge, huge ass for doing that.
"Hey, sis," he breathed. His lips attempted to tug into a light smile, but it just looked awkward.
Charlie simply nodded and pulled her knees to her chest. Max waited for Lex to move out of the way, but he didn't. Instead, he waited for him to say something that would convince him to let him in.
"Charlie, do you want to go up to the roof and talk with me? I could really use some… some company," Max sighed. He bit his bottom lip and waited anxiously. She shifted in her seat and stared at her legs. And then, Charlie got up from the couch.
"Okay," she agreed with a small nod. She walked towards them and pecked Lex on the lips.
"I'll be back soon," Charlie promised him.
"Take my jacket," Lex smiled.
"It's summer," she giggled and rolled her eyes.
Max watched the exchange with an uncomfortable sense of longing and happiness. Despite what he said, he could see in such a small conversation that they were both happier than they had been in awhile.
"Still take it," his best friend urged. She finally gave in and took it from him. Her lips pecked against his one last time and then she turned to Max.
"Alright, start talking," Charlie demanded. They both walked towards the stairs. Max didn't start to speak until they were on the roof though and even then it took him some time to get his thoughts together and form the words that went with them.
But when he got it together, it all just flowed out. Max explained everything that their father told him and how he was starting to understand it. Then he apologized for what he told her about Lex. He didn't mean it and he made her see that. Then he waited for her response.
Charlie stopped and turned to face him. The wind blew her hair out of her face. The rooftop was always a favorite place for both of them. They felt clear headed when they were on it and that they could accomplish anything. Perhaps on top of the world was a nice way to put it.
"I-I forgive you for what you said to me and I don't hate you, Max," she told him. Her words stopped, but he knew there was more. Even if he didn't know how she acted before there was more, given the situation there had to be. His sister crossed her arms and sighed.
"I'm just… God, I hate this word, I'm just disappointed, but NOT with you. I know it sounds cliché, but it's your actions that disappoint me," Charlie stressed. She had to get the point across that it wasn't him she was disappointed with, but his actions. That continued to repeat itself over and over again in her mind.
"I understand. I also know that Andrea and Lex need more of your famous Charlie Bass caring than I do. They probably deserve it more too. So just promise me something," Max requested.
"Sure," Charlie agreed. She didn't quite understand what he wanted her to promise, but felt the need to do it. Her eyes looked up into his and he took a step closer.
"I-I want you to promise me that you're going to take care of Andrea, especially when school starts. Those other girls are going to be bitches, so just protect her. And don't tell anyone I asked you to do this." He gave his appeal and then awaited her response.
"I promise," she vowed without the slightest hesitation. She then smiled and hugged him from the side. Max hugged back and closed his eyes. In that small moment, a lot felt right, but still so much was wrong. At least he now knew he had to face his problems. Hopefully that mind frame would stick.
--
Blair climbed out of the limo before Arthur could even open the door. She felt both a sense of self-confidence and annoyance at the same time. All of that went away when she saw her husband on the steps to their building though. Chuck looked up and smiled at her.
"Hello, husband," Blair greeted with a small giggle. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a nice, long kiss on the lips. When they pulled apart, he smiled with satisfaction.
"Well you certainly know how to greet me, wife," Chuck smirked. She released her hands from around his neck and moved to stand beside him.
"Where did you go off to?" he asked. He didn't sound worried or nervous, but just curious. She had left without warning after all. It wasn't like her to disappear and not tell someone before she did so.
"I just had a few things to take care of," she shrugged. Her eyes flickered to him and met his.
"What have you been doing while I'm gone? I suppose there is a reason as to why you're standing here other than waiting for your gorgeous wife to arrive." She grinned.
He parted his lips to respond, but was interrupted.
"Beep, beep, mama!" Beep, beep!" Ephram called. Blair turned to see her son come towards her in his play car on the sidewalk. She wondered how she had not seen him before. He giggled and honked the horn as he sent her the largest of grins.
"Why hello, my angel," Blair greeted. She bent down and blew him a kiss. He giggled again in delight and kicked his feet inside his toy car. She thought to herself that he was the happiest image she had seen in a while. Ephram was so young, unknown to the drama of adults and teenagers. She prayed it would stay like that for a long time.
"Mama, beep, beep!" her son repeated. He beat his toy horn, which did not work, over and over again.
"I had the doorman strip it of the battery. That noise is one that I'm not too fond of," Chuck admitted. His son looked up at him with a frown. He did not understand what his father said, but seemed to realize it was about something that concerned him.
"Mother is just pleased that your father finally learned that this toy is not for inside," Blair cooed.
"Out," Ephram told her with a nod.
"Yes, outside indeed," she agreed. Blair then stood up fully next to Chuck again. Ephram moved his little feet and made the car turnaround, to go back down the sidewalk, and then back again. It was obvious his father had worked out appropriate boundaries with him and his son had it down.
"He wanted to take it on the street," Chuck sighed. His wife turned towards him with wide eyes. He put a hand on her back to calm her.
"As you can see, I did not let him. Have more faith in me, Mrs. Bass," he chuckled.
"Well excuse me for worrying about my almost one year old son having his father's prone to danger tendencies," she returned. Blair then bit her bottom lip for a moment as if she was in thought.
"What's on your mind?" Chuck inquired.
"I was just thinking…" Blair started.
"Obviously," he smirked.
"Bass," she sighed and rolled her eyes. When it looked like he was not going to interrupt again she turned towards him.
"Well I was just curious as to if his toy car would fit down the hallway on one of the lower floors of the building," she explained.
"I think it's too big. If there weren't guests I wouldn't mind, but I can't have him scraping up the paintjob on the hallways," Chuck replied.
"I don't think it's too big. It's only about," Blair held out her hands to guess the size, "this wide." She turned towards him for his response.
"We could try it," he shrugged. His eyes flickered back to watch Ephram. Their child came towards them again and swooped around his mother's feet.
"Careful, baby," Blair jumped. He almost ran over her toes.
"Sowee, mama," Ephram sighed. He then stopped abruptly and held out his arms to signify that he wanted to get out of the car and be held.
"Are you ready to go inside?" Chuck asked him.
"Yum, dada, yum," the little one complained. He pouted his lips and rubbed his tummy.
"Time for a bottle and some peaches," his mother giggled. She bent down to get him out. Chuck strategically moved in front of her. She was wearing a dress. Excuse him if he didn't want his wife's bottom being checked out by anyone who passed them on the street.
"No baba," Ephram refused. He shook his head, but put on the puppy dog eyes.
"Yes, bottle," Blair countered. She hoisted him up on her hip. Chuck signaled for the doorman to get the toy car and handed him a tip. They both started inside and towards the elevators.
"The twins start back school as soon as September hits," Chuck noted. He hadn't thought of it in a while, but the summer was nearly complete.
"Correct," his wife nodded. She then smiled at Ephram.
"And after September is October, where Ephram will have his first Halloween and then in November, his first Thanksgiving and in December…"
"His first Christmas," Chuck laughed. She turned towards him and playfully glared as they stepped into the elevator. Ephram clapped his hands and squealed in delight at his parent's behavior.
"Well hopefully Ephram will have a better experience with seeing Santa at the mall then his sister did," Blair said. The memory came back to her and her husband. When Charlie first met Santa, something about him sent her into panic attack mode. It didn't help that Max and Andrew teased her about it afterwards, but then again she did get back at them.
"That was terrible. I had never before seen out daughter in such distress." He shook his head and sighed.
"That's because you're her father and unlike your daughter and everyone else who looks back and laughs at the situation, you still want to go back and do even more to make her feel better," Blair told him with a knowing smile.
"It was years ago," Chuck pointed out and rolled his eyes.
"Don't try to play it off, Charles. We both know how true it is. You went through bank-accounts to try and have Santa make amends with Charlie," she giggled.
"Well it worked," he stated with pride.
"Indeed it did," Blair agreed. The elevator stopped at their floor and they both got out.
"Do you want to try and feed Ephram or should I?" Chuck asked.
"Either way he's going to throw a fit. You Bass men just hate trying anything new," she sighed.
"No baba," Ephram smirked.
"Yes, baba," his parents said in union. Their little one glared at them in response. He was definitely prepared to put up a fight.
--
Max entered suite 1812 for the second time, but his sister did not return with him. She went to call Andrea; she had done that a lot lately. He walked over to the bedroom area and found Lex on the bed. His best friend put a cigarette in his mouth. His eyes flickered up and connected with Lex's.
"Charlie went to call Andrea again," Max explained. He shoved his hands in his pockets and pretended to look around. But then he shifted his gaze back to the boy on the bed. His best friend nodded.
"So how are you holding up, man?" Lex asked. He pulled out his carton of cigarettes and held it up for Max. The Bass boy took it with appreciation and lit up. He then handed the lighter to Lex again. His best friend lit it and puffed as he waited for a response.
"You know?" Max's eyebrows rose in curiosity. It took Charlie awhile to find out; he figured that it would take Lex even longer.
"I know like I know that you saved my ass from those drug dealers," Lex smirked. He tossed the lighter to the side and nodded his head. Max laughed and sat down at the end of the bed.
"Yeah, well you better cut down on the hard stuff now that you're with my sister," he warned. There was a sense of playfulness and sternness in his voice. It wasn't just about Charlie either; he didn't want to see Lex go down the path of no return.
"Come on, man. Can't you tell that I'm not? I mean look at me, this detox makes me look like shit," he commented. His hands brushed back some of his hair to reveal that he was indeed sweating and looking a bit clammy.
"Your pale skin hides it well. To me you just always look sickly," Max smirked.
"You're one to talk, Bass," Lex scoffed. He started to chuckle and kicked his feet at his friend. Max smacked them away in response and then fell on the bed beside him. They both stared up at the ceiling.
"So… what happened with your dad?" He almost didn't ask it, but then deemed in necessary. Lex was his best friend. If anything, he needed to prove that he cared what happened. It was something Lex had been dealing with for a long time, since he was little.
"Take a look at this letter he sent me," Lex shrugged. He then went to his nightstand and took it out. He hadn't shown it to Charlie and he didn't plan on it. But Max, Max could see it. So he handed it to him.
Max read over it carefully. When he was done, he closed his eyes and handed him back the letter. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"That's rough, man," Max told him. He shook his head and puffed his cigarette.
"Tell me about it," Lex nodded.
"Well," the Bass boy sat up and looked down at him, "you have all the family you need here."
"We're friends again?" Lex asked as he sat up.
"No," Max shook his head and smiled, "we're brothers, family. Good to have you back, brother." He chuckled and held out his hand.
"Good to be back, brother," Lex laughed. They smacked hands. Yes, Max Bass and Lex Sparks were back.
--
A/N: I so hope you enjoyed the story and if you are reading please review just so I can have your thoughts on how everything is going. It is so much appreciated!
Important Note (Repeated): I have sent as many messages possible, but if you would like to be put on the email alert system for spoilers of Breakfast at the Basses then please send me your email with your fanfiction penname at my email: starfgirl3529 yahoo . com (remove the spaces). I will not longer be sending alerts on spoilers through private messaging because I have to do it one by one and that takes forever. So just let me know.
Anonymous Review Replies:
Reply to: poptart :)
Sorry about Max/Andrea, but just think the sun will come out tomorrow or eventually at least.
Reply to: xoburntofferings
I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the chapter so much and you are excited for the next one. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review.
Reply to: rose
Are the photographer and the note related to Blair? Well did you try looking up the meaning of what the note said or what it's associated with? That may convince you one way or another. Yes, Charlie and Lex are indeed back together. As for Max and Andrea and the "I love you's" well you'll have to wait and see. Sarah is another one that once she comes back more will be revealed. Thanks so much for the review.
Reply to: g
Hold out hope for Max/Andrea. Thanks so much for the review and I'm so glad that you are enjoying the story.
Reply to: chelsi
So you liked Charlie's, "Because I'm Charlie Bass" line. Well I know daddy Bass would have been proud. As for Lex, he knew that she was a virgin when he left, but after hearing she was going on that date with Cameron and such, he wasn't so sure. I'm glad you liked Baby E & M, ;) … I did my best to update soon. Thanks so much for the review, it was very sweet.
Reply to: :)
Thank you!
