A/N: I just barely met my deadline to have this out today! I sincerly hope all of you enjoy this chapter and would be very encouraged if you left me a review! Anyway here we go...

Chapter 4: The Couple That Took Her Away

Several Weeks Later…

Winter in New York. Here's a Gossip Girl checklist to surviving the cold. Cashmere scarf for when skating at the rink, Jakoras hot chocolate for window shopping the holiday displays. And the perfect date to the senior charity snowflake ball. It's time to get to work kiddies before all the good ones are gone.

"B, I have other things to do today," Serena said scribbling notes onto her AP Economics homework. She wasn't in the mood to listen to Blair ramble on about the Snowflake Ball.

"Serena this is serious. This is the holiday event for high school seniors. The crème de la crème from all big private high schools will be there. The pictures dominate the society pages through the New Year. I need a ringer!" Blair declared, stabbing her pen onto her paper.

Chuck watched the two of them from the open door to of the courtyard. He pursed his lips while eavesdropping onto their conversation before deciding to saunter toward them.

"Have all these guys asked you already?" Serena asked, glancing down at Blair's clipboard. A list of boy's names with their skills and features were listed beside their name, like a job application.

"Of course! You think Angelina Jolie even considers a project without an offer on the table? I'm strictly a pair play dater."

Serena shook her head before Chuck came from behind them interrupting. "Just out of curiosity, who's willing to play 'guy with no future'?'"

He sat beside her with his usual smirk on his face.

"What makes you think I'm not looking for something long term?"

He shrugged his shoulders. Of course she wasn't looking for something long term. Hadn't that been their agreement? "Call it a hunch."

She smiled back at him bitchily before preparing the perfect response. "Keith Nelson-'

"Are you kidding? Have you ever seen him without gum? The oral fixation alone will drive you insane."

Blair pondered this thought before crossing off his name on the list. "Andy Clark," Blair said shakily trying to get the image of Keith Nelson's chomping with no gum out of her head. She shivered with disgust.

"He outscored you verbally on the SATs."

"I like an intelligent man," Blair countered, "He can whisper mellifluous nothings in my ear."

She smirked and Chuck seethed. "You only think you like an intelligent man. The moment he gave you a history of the word mellifluous, you will rip out his sweetly flowing tongue."

Blair furrowed her perfectly plucked eyebrows together, frowning. She looked at Serena for help, but she shrugged her shoulders clearly not paying attention.

"Okay," Blair agreed scratching out Andy's name angrily.

"Hey, I'll call you later." Serena said abruptly. She swooped up her books in her hand before walking off towards the school, and to her ex Brooklyn. Blair gaped at her, and to Chuck she looked angry for her best friend to ditch her in her time of need. Blair picked up her jaw from the floor before Chuck turned to her, his eyes gleaming, and smirking.

"So who's next?"

Blair, utterly repulsed, averted her eyes down to her list.

That afternoon, Chuck entered the Waldorf Penthouse. The elevator dinged, and Chuck walked forward, his shoes clicking against the freshly polished marble floors. After his afternoon shiatsu, Chuck had the perfect plan to resolved all of Blair's problems to find the "perfect" date.

"Hello?"

Dorota came rushing towards him, a filthy rag in one hand, a spray bottle in the other.

"Good afternoon Dorota. Is Blair in?"

"No. Ms. Blair out. You come back later?"

Chuck checked his watch. "I think I'll wait."

Dorota nodded and scurried away to do her chores. Chuck waited for a couple minutes, his eyes scanned through the open living area. Is that a new Tapestry? Chuck wondered. He walked toward it, about to get a closer look before taking in the grand piano. He learned to play the piano since the age of seven, when Bart was away. He stopped his lessons at twelve and barely played since.

Taking this opportunity, Chuck took a seat on the sleek black bench. He ran his fingers across the smooth and firm white and black keys. He let his fingers roam across the keys, playing the basic scales and chords before deciding to play a ballad. Chuck continued to play, absorbed by the music, not noticing Blair watching him.

"What do you want Bass?"

Chuck stopped and gazed up, snapping out of his trance. "It occurred to me today during my afternoon shiatsu that I should choose your date."

He stood, and padded toward her. "You?" She practically laughed in disbelief. "Why?"

"Why not? And this'll let me prove that I know you better than anyone else."

Blair grinned, calculating her next move. "Fine… then I choose yours."

"I bring a date for you, you bring one for me. Let's see who's paying attention to the others desires."

"There has to be something to keep you honest…and to make things interesting."

Chuck nodded in agreement. "Name the stakes."

"If you actually like your date, I get your limo," Blair declared, "for a month."

Chuck smirked back at her wickedly, liking where this game was going. "Fine. And if you like yours, I get Dorota."

"What? Dorota?"

"Yes Miss Blair," Dorota appeared from the wooden circular table attentively. They both broke their gaze from one another, turning to the maid.

Blair turned back to face him. "Fine."

Chuck ran his fingers across her chin, stroking it delicately. Her smooth, soft porcelain skin, he missed so much. Blair closed her eyes, relishing his touch before he pulled away to the elevator.

"By the way," Chuck started as he passed Dorota, "I take my breakfast in bed."

Dorota's jaw dropped to the floor and eyes bulged at his request as he smirked towards the elevator. He could distantly hear Blair snap at Dorota, "What are you staring at? Go polish something."

I am so winning this, Chuck thought to himself as the doors glided shut.

It's on.

Bart slammed the limo door shut, storming towards Lily. Surprised, she waited for him to approach.

"I really don't appreciate you showing up unannounced at a school function."

"I'm sorry. But you haven't left me many options and we do need to talk," Bart said sternly.

"Fine. Talk."

Bart paused trying to find the right words. He'd already messed up and didn't want to screw this up any further. "It's uh, it's been awhile since I've been a husband Lily. And I just wanted to let you know that I fired Andrew Tyler, that private investigator that gathered the information for all those files. No more snooping. No more trying to control you or the kids, it's done. And I'm sorry. For everything."

Lily blinked back at him. "Thank you, but uh, I don't think that that's enough."

"Tell me what is and I'll do it," Bart insisted.

Lily shook her head.

"I can change Lily. You know I can. If you let me."

Lily crossed her arms, her face expressionless. Unmoved.

"I should be back from my Miami trip in time for the Ball so if you want to think about what I said, or give me a second chance, I'd be honored to accompany you." Bart continued, waiting for a response.

Lily nodded. "I have to go. I have a few more things I have to do inside."

Chuck returned home from the Waldorf Penthouse. It was almost dinner time, and as winter was upon the Upper East Side, darkness has cloaked the skies. Most lights were off as he gazed around the darkly lit living room and kitchen. Nobody seemed to be home.

Chuck climbed up the stairs and to his father's office, noting the light was on. He knocked before entering.

His father was perched at his desk, working as usual. Disappointment filled Chuck, who turned to leave.

"I know you're at the door Chuck." Bart finished his sentence he was writing down. Chuck spun back around, facing his father.

"I see that you're busy. I'll just come back later."

"What did you do this time?"

Chuck swallowed, feeling his words punch him in the stomach. Why did he always assume the worst? Why couldn't he for once have something nice to say, something to make him feel good… or even loved?

"Believe it or not, nothing."

Chuck's eyes flashed to his packed carryon suitcase, resting on the red cushioned chair. "Where are you going to this time?" He was timid with his question, and although Bart didn't notice, his eyes were filled with abandonment, dread even. It always seemed to happen whenever he left; which was often.

"Miami. I'll be back for the Snowflake Ball-well, if I snap this opportunity up quick enough. Chuck… have you -uh- seen Lily with Rufus Humphrey?"

Chuck furrowed his brows. "No... Why?"

"No reason."

"Are you having problems with Lily?" Chuck had once looked into her file and knew about his stepmother's romantic history with Rufus from memories past. It didn't come to a surprise that she's been in contact with him.

"No." Bart said as he looked back down to his work.

Chuck inched forward. "What hotel are you planning to purchase this time?"

"It's not a hotel Chuck. I'm finalizing some legal documents."

"For Evelyn?"

"Yes."

"Are you just going to send it to them?"

Bart gathered a cluster of papers together, smoothing them out. "Yes but, personally. I plan to meet with them after the Snowflake Ball."

He was leaving again. To meet with his family he'd purposely been distanced from. Chuck realized it wasn't fair. "Are you going alone?"

"Well I was planning to, I mean it'll only be for a day. Why?"

"Well, seeing as they are my family…" the words died on his mouth. I'm not going to let this opportunity go, Cuck thought to himself. He took a deep breath. "I'd like to meet them."

Bart chuckled, "these people aren't your family Chuck."

Chuck's eyes hardened. Why did his father have to always shoot everything he said down? "I want to meet them," he repeated.

"You really want to meet these people?"

"Yes. I mean isn't she going to be there too?" When Chuck mentioned her, he meant his sister.

I'm not sure. It most likely will be just the parents," Bart replied.

"I want to come," Chuck stated firmly. He was tired of always feeling left out whenever Nate, Blair or Serena talked about their extensive family. They always had stories to tell about times when they'd get together and act as a real family. All Chuck wanted was to at least know their existence. What they look like even. Otherwise, he'd live the rest of his life never knowing.

Bart paused mulling a decision in his mind. "Fine. We'll leave after the Snowflake Ball and by the time we drive there we'll check into a hotel room for the night. I said I'd meet them over breakfast."

Chuck's heart leaped, a grin spreading across his face. This wasn't the first time he'd taken a trip with his father. In fact, they'd been on many together.

However, this time would be the first time they'd spend it together. Bart wouldn't be busy with meeting after meeting dealing with client after client. This would be a day that Chuck would get a chance to spend time with his father. He'd be the client. He'd get back a little bit of the time he never seemed to have gotten when he was younger.

Fitted in a sparking sequined suit, Chuck slouched in his usual posture. A hand in his pocket, leaning his weight on his right side, he waited for Blair and his supposed date. The music blared from the large speakers as couples swung their arms and hips side to side, laughing and smiling.

"Are you Chuck Bass?"

Chuck turned to see a blonde standing in front of him. She smiled up at him and he eyed her up and down.

"Are you Blair's girl?" He asked, "Not bad… You know the buildings roof has a spectacular view of the city."

"Oh." The blonde girl's voice drops. She eyed Chuck seductively, intrigued by the idea before Blair came between them.

"Excuse me, he's taken. Shoo!" Blair squeezed her small frame in front of the girl, not even looking back at her. The girl grimaced before walking away. She lost her chance with the devil.

Chuck's eyes raked over Blair's appearance, taking her in. Her Chanel No. 5 fragrance floated around them. "You look lovely."

He noticed the diamond necklace he gave for her birthday last year hung around her neck. The pendants glittered against the white lighting.

"Not as lovely as I'll look in my limo," she taunted. She trailed her hand down his bedazzled suit jacket.

She dropped her hand, her smirk turned into a grimace. "So where's my price charming?"

"Sandbox rules. I'll show you mine, if you show me yours."

"Fine. Here she comes. Justine, this is Chuck Bass."

A girl that looked almost identical to Blair smiled meekly in front of him. Chuck opened his mouth to close it stunned. She was a few inches taller, but her eyes were too small, her frame as straight as pencil with no curve. It was wrong, just wrong.

"Very nice to meet you." She shook hands with him weakly. She defiantly didn't have the spark or personality. Wrong again.

Chuck smiled at Blair before waving his hand to his date.

Blair scoffed as the dark featured man approached the group, looking identical to Chuck, only taller and slimmer with longer Grandpa hair. "You can't be serious."

Blair eyed Chuck. "I need to talk to you. Excuse us." She yanked Chuck with her, as he smirked at the hilarity of the situation.

"Where are they?" Blair demanded after having her talk with Chuck.

"Relax. They'll be here somewhere."

They walked out of the ballroom and into the hallway. Blair looked both ways before seeing a couple secluded in the corner. Blair's mouth formed an o before she muttered, "This is the worst out of body experience ever."

The two look-a-likes broke apart and Blair clapped her hands together. "HEY! Explain this!"

"After you and Chuck walked off, Justine and I got to talking," Mini Chuck explained.

"He took me up to the roof," Justine cut in, "and we looked over the city-"

"Of course he did," Chuck smirked.

"We just knew we were meant for each other," Mini Chuck finished.

"But she's me-only less. I gave her that headband!" Blair replied furiously.

"We're as surprised as you are," Mini Chuck grinned before turning back to Justine.

Blair turned to face him. "Everyone, even our doppelgängers can work it out. And we can't?"

Chuck avoided her question and Blair stormed away.

Bart Bass was in the back of his limo, beside his lawyer Matthew Hicks. They were just discussing the trip to Connecticut before Bart's cell phone rang.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

"This isn't a good time Chuck."

"She's here."

Bart paused. "What are you talking about?"

"Lily is at the Ball with Rufus Humphrey. From what I'm seeing, you should figure something out and get down here now."

Chuck pocketed his phone before walking toward her.

"Charles."

Chuck threw a look of disgust. "You've been good for him. Good for us. I always liked you regardless of how I acted. He's on his way here."

Lily nodded.

"You owe him a conversation." Chuck glared at Rufus, sitting on the white sofa behind Lily before walking away.

Chuck rounded the dance floor a couple of times in search of Blair. He found her near the edge of it, looking onto the dance floor full of couples who swayed to the music. A slow song had started playing as it was almost the end of the dance. He stood beside her, alerting her of his presence.

They both look at each other, transfixed.

"Dance with me."

"What's the point Chuck? We're never going to be them." Blair looked to her side where Justine and mini-Chuck were locking lips. "You said so, remember?"

"It's not for us," Blair concluded sadly.

"Maybe. But I wouldn't change us. Not if it meant losing what we have."

Blair eyed him accusingly, "What do we have Chuck? You tell me."

"Tonight." He took hold of her delicately smooth hand. "So shut up, and dance with me."

Chuck didn't bother to listen for her answer and lead her down the steps and onto the dance floor. He clasped their hands together and they looked deeply into each other's eyes as they swayed to the beat, mesmerized.

Bart Bass still dressed in his casual business suit shut the limo door before storming quickly into the dance hall. He pushed himself through the throng of teenagers, looking for his wife's long flowing blonde hair. He climbed up the stairs to the second floor filled with white couches and tables. Bart walked down a long path of tables and couches before turning the corner.

There she was. In a toga style dress that touched the floor. Her crisp white dress hung from only one shoulder, sweeping across her neckline and chest.

He was there.

Rufus. Humphrey.

Bart couldn't comprehend what Lily saw in him. He was a washed up failed rock star, that couldn't let go of his youth. Yet, he was Bart's competition. He was just like another company trying to buy the same building as Bart. A building Bart already had signed a contract and closed the deal for. He shouldn't be allowed to try to take his building away, but with under the table deals, it's always a possibility.

Bart took a couple steps closer to them making his presence known. They were sitting awfully close. Too close even.

Lily stared up at Bart, as did Rufus. He looked up at Bart like the sad and pitiful man that he was.

"I think I'll be going," Rufus announced. He looked at Bart nodded, and smiled at Lily before leaving.

"You actually came," Lily said, surprised.

"Did you think I wouldn't?" Bart asked, mystified by her surprised.

"Well, business seems to always take a priority with you."

Bart's mouth went dry. "I said I was going to come. I kept my promise."

"I thought you let him go," Bart continued. His cold eyes stared at his wife.

Lily shook her head, "Don't you trust me?"

Bart exhaled heavily. "I'm trying."

"Well that's not enough," Lily shook her head, her arms crossed firmly.

"What's enough then Lily? What can I do to fix this?"

"You can't. I just," Lily paused, massaging her temples, "need some space right now. Maybe it's best for both of us right now."

Bart displeased with answer nodded. What else could he do?

"Well in that case, Chuck and I will be leaving tonight for a trip. I was hoping you would accompany me, because I didn't want to do this alone but… well, it's fine. I'm going to find Chuck. Our things are packed and we'll be back in a couple days, just before Christmas."

Bart nodded before turning from his wife in his pursuit to find Chuck. She wanted space, he'd give her space. If that was what she really wanted.

"Oh well if you need anything just call!" Lily called after him. Bart turned the corner, his hands balled up in fists as he turned the corner, toward the dance floor.

Chuck stared into Blair's eyes seeing his reflection. He saw a smile on his face, his eyes smiling with content. He was intoxicated with her scent, her touch, and her pools of brown eyes staring up at him sweetly yet seductively. Neither of them said anything. The truth was there wasn't anything to say.

The song came to a slow end before it was replaced by an upbeat song. Chuck looked away from Blair to see his father at the edge of the dance floor. His cold blue eyes were like lasers, staring through Chuck's head. Bart raised his arm and motioned with his two fingers to come over.

"This is my favourite song!" Blair exclaimed enthusiastically. She began to bob on the spot to the beat.

"Bass," She drawled. She kinked her eyebrow and grabbed his hand, pulling him closer toward her. Chuck relished her touch, her hot breath against his skin when she whispered in his ear over the loud speakers, "Want to dance some more?"

Chuck gazed at his father and looked to be getting impatient. " I'd love to Waldorf but I have to go."

Her smile dropped. She stepped away from him. "Why?"

"I have to leave with my father to go on a trip. Family matter."

"For how long?"

"Only for a couple days. I'll be back before Christmas. I have to give you your present don't I?" He smirked towards her.

She slapped his arm. "It better be a good present then. I expect nothing less than Tiffany."

"Where do you think I got that necklace from?" Chuck smirked. S he looked down at it and brushed her fingers against the diamond pendants.

"But I have to go. My dad's waiting." Blair looked over her shoulder to Bart.

She turned back towards Chuck, "Oh. Well good night I guess."

Chuck smirked and leaned down to Blair, kissing her cheek. He knew kissing her on the mouth would be detrimental to the whole waiting period he proposed. As difficult as it was to wait, Chuck knew it was for the best; For now.

Chuck pulled back as Blair's eyes fluttered open.

"'Night Waldorf."

He finally walked off the dance floor to Bart.

"The limo's waiting." His father said sternly.

Chuck nodded and followed his father out toward the limo. They both sat in silence on the way to the airport.

"So Lily isn't coming?" Chuck inquired.

"No. She needs space right now."

"Space with Rufus Humphrey?" Chuck blurted out. His father glared at him.

"Don't even get me started."

"Come on, Lily would be stupid to choose him over you. I mean the guy is a washed up failed rock star, without a defined future or money," Chuck reasoned. It was an attempt to make his dad feel better.

"Sometimes it's not about the money Chuck," Bart sighed. He glanced out the window; watching blurs of cars pass by.

"What are you talking about? You always told me money solves everything."

"It won't solve this," Bart replied. Bart's cellphone rang disrupting the silence. The bright screen illuminated the limo, the ID MATTHEW HICKS appeared.

"Who is it?" Chuck looked over.

"My lawyer for this case. I've been expecting a call from him." Bart pressed the green call button before holding his Blackberry to his ear, "This is Bart Bass…"

Sunlight seeped through the curtains of Chuck's hotel room. After a late night flight, Bart had already booked two hotel rooms. Chuck rolled onto his side, squinting at the alarm clock glaring back at him in bright red letters. Chuck groaned and forced himself to sit up. He rubbed his eyes, before throwing off the cotton sheets. He'd much prefer silk, but of course it wasn't offered at this hotel.

Chuck thumped to the bathroom and took a quick shower and shave. Just as he padded out of the bathroom, the phone on his nightstand rang.

"Hello?"

"We're going for breakfast. I'm waiting in the lobby now. Are you almost ready?" His father's strained voice reverberated from the other end.

"Good morning to you too," Chuck replied sarcastically.

"Charles," Bart warned, "Come down to the lobby. We're going out for breakfast."

Chuck hung up from his phone as Bart did the same from the other end. Chuck adjusted his red bowtie and suit jacket before heading out of the room. He descended down twelve floors to see Bart waiting for him in the lobby. The New Yorker was outstretched in his weathered hands, his eyes moved like lasers, scanning the inked words on the page.

Bart looked up as soon as Chuck stood in front of him. He rumpled his newspaper back on the newsstand before ushering Chuck to the waiting limo.

"Do you mind if I ask what you have planned?" Chuck asked before ducking into the black stretch limo. He slid across the buttery leather seat, before his father shut the door behind them, a gust of cold wind pushedthrough the limo with Bart.

"We're going for breakfast."

"Where?"

"A café a few blocks from here. It's called Le Croquet. Apparently it's world renowned."

Chuck nodded. "And, we will be meeting with you aunt and uncle. They'll be meeting with us there."

"Who are they again?"

"Kimberly and Travis. Kimberly was your mother's sister."

"And the one who took Evelyn away." Well this will be awkward Chuck concluded. Chuck remembered Bart telling him he never got along with Kim. From what he told Chuck, she was a vile woman who wore grandmother sweaters. She probably thought he was shrewd business man; which wasn't exactly a lie. After all these years, time would defiantly not heal that relationship.

The limo glided to a halt. Chuck opened the limo door and held it open for his father, before shutting it. He looked up at the quaint café sign. LE CROQUET was scrawled in a fancy calligraphy like style. A large bay window displayed the narrow store, with honey wooden tables and chairs.

Chuck followed Bart inside. Pictures lined the walls of the store with pictures of food, articles from the paper and awards given to the restaurant. In the corner, a stone fireplace stocked with wood flickered orange flames. The burning wood reminded Chuck of a time he went skiing in Aspen. The times he spent close to fires with well other woman. The warm bitter smell filled his nostrils.

Servers sashayed around the small bustling store, carrying small circular trays.

"Order up!" A chef slammed the bell from the opening of the kitchen.

"Good morning. Table for two?" A smiling hostess, dressed in black appeared.

Bart looked over the crowds of people. "Actually, we're going to be meeting somebody. They are sitting at that table over there." Bart pointed to the table for four closest to the fireplace. The server nodded before helping the next few customers waiting behind them.

The couple stood as Chuck and Bart approached. The man nodded his head while his wife- his aunt- remained firm.

"Bart, good to see you," She held her hand outstretched. Her beady grey eyes sagged, and her hair combed back into a low ponytail.

Bart shook her hand firmly. "Kim, let me introduce my son Charles."

Chuck griped her leathery hand. "Pleasure to meet you." Chuck refrained from calling her aunt. He's barely seen her all his life, and for that reason she wasn't considered family.

Kim wore a thick emerald green sweater. It reminded Chuck of his ancient grade one teacher. She couldn't control Chuck's behavior and had awful fashion sense. Her husband stood beside her, and wasn't dressed any better.

"This is my husband Travis."

Bart and Chuck shook his hands before sitting down. A waiter approached to take their orders. Bart ordered only coffee, much to Chuck's protest.

"It's been so long," Kim said. She tried to fill the awkward silence that filled the busy store. The fire crackled in the fireplace beside the table. His stomach growled as he wondered why he couldn't have food.

"I trust you've received the letters from my lawyer." Bart cut right to the point.

"Yes we did," Travis replied. Chuck noticed his thick bushy eyebrows moved whenever he blinked.

"And?"

"Well Bart, we don't feel comfortable with her leaving us. She's had a stable, healthy upbringing and you can't take her away from us."

Ironic, Chuck thought, isn't that what they did to my dad?

"Well I understand your good intentions, however she is my daughter and I am capable of raising her myself. She deserves to be with her real family," Bart retorted. He emphasized the word family.

Kim didn't back down. She may have had the same hair colour and nose as Chuck's mother, but they looked entirely different. It seemed Chuck's mother received the model looks of the family and Chuck couldn't help but think his aunt resented her for that. It's not that she was ugly, she wasn't. It was just that Chuck's mother was an irreplaceable beauty.

"Kim, I know we don't see eye to eye on most things; however you don't get to make the decision this time. In this package," Bart pulled out a yellow package from his briefcase, "my daughter gets to decide. It's up to her on what she'd like to do. I've only proposed her stay for a semester and she can then decide whether she'd like to stay, or return home."

"My sister may have married you for whatever reason and you could control everything with her, but you can't control me. You can't force her daughter who I have legal custody of, to choose what she'd like to do," Kim waved her flabby arms, explaining her point.

The waiter returned with four filled coffee cups. He distributed them to each of the four of them before disappearing.

"Well I can actually. Check the documents and it stipulates what the terms and conditions are. "

"What if I don't show this to her?"

"You should considering I'll sue you for in and around one million dollars which, I know you don't have. " Chuck watched in awe as his dad was in business mode, acting like a shark trailing small fish in a pond, ready to feast.

Kim and Travis glared at the Basses, taking the documents. "What if we take you to court?" Travis asked.

"Well that won't be necessary due to the fact that you can't. We agreed to settle this through mediation, which means it's dealt privately. "Bart sipped his coffee without adding any crème, milk or sugar.

"Speaking of which," Bart set the standardized white coffee cup on the table, "Where is my daughter?"

Kim sighed. "She's on a ski trip in Vermont."

Bart nodded and Chuck wondered what a fun time she'd probably be having. It seemed that his sister has had a normal upbringing. Little did she know, her life was about to change.

"I'll tell her about this when she gets back," Kim snatched the papers away. She pushed them into her large purse, zipping it shut.

"Well, thank you for meeting with us and I expect those papers back soon," Bart stood buttoning up his thick car length coat. Chuck mirrored his father and said goodbye. He followed his father down the street and to the parking lot where the limo awaited.

Chuck's stomach growled once again. "Can you tell me why we didn't eat while we were there?"

"Rule number one. Whenever out for a short meeting, and you know you might leave at any time, unless it's a dinner meeting, only get a drink. That way you can leave and not have to be in charge of the bill. I used to do that when I just started out. I didn't want to have to eat in an uncomfortable silence for the rest of the time being, or be around those people any longer ," Bart explained.

"And you didn't even pay when we clearly should have."

"Kim owes me," Bart shrugged.

"For what?" Chuck asked.

"Well, she did live with us for a while when she couldn't get a decent job. Hated every minute of it."

Chuck chuckled at the thought of Bart having to put up with two women, one he loved, and one he couldn't stand.

"Thankfully those days are behind me," Bart continued, a relieved expression washing over his hard features.

"Why did you let her stay with you?"

"For one reason only; you're mother."

A/N: Phew! You didn't honestly think I'd kill Bart off did you? His story is FAR from over so that wasn't even an option.

I put a lot of effort into this chapter so I'd really appreciate it if you'd all leave me a review!