A/N: Happy New Year everyone! Let's hope for all the best in 2012 for CB! Without further ado, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 5: To Catch a Bass

"Hello? I'm home!" Evelyn Ainsley yelled, slamming the door behind her. She stomped her snow covered boots on the doormat and, unzipped her thick ski jacket. She pulled off her hand knitted scarf, tossing it on the storage bench in the front foyer of her home. Her cheeks were rosy from the biting wind she faced all weekend long.

Her aunt Kim appeared from the open family room. Evelyn bent down to hug her. "How was Vermont?" Her aunt asked.

Evelyn's heart clenched. Why did she have to ask? "It was… fine." Evelyn forced a grin before turning away. She knew her aunt would think something was wrong if she kept eye contact any longer. She dropped her carryon suitcase and backpack and then stormed into the kitchen.

"Fine? That's what you have to say after you begged us to go?" Her aunt kinked her eyebrow. "What happened?"

Evelyn opened the oak paneled pantry and grabbed an available Kit Kat chocolate bar. She tore the wrapper, chomped on a piece while attempting to avoid the question.

Her aunt sighed in surrender. "Well, while you were away we received a visit from someone. Something came for you."

Her aunt disappeared in the adjoining living room. Evelyn crinkled her brows, and trailed behind her, leaving the chocolate bar abandoned on the counter. "What is it?"

Her aunt sat of the cozy brown couch. She reached to the coffee table in front of her, the thick precious envelope in her hand. Evelyn sat down beside her. She drew her hand to the golden locket that hung from her graceful neck, fiddling with its texture and shape.

"We had some unexpected visitors while you were away." Her aunt pulled out a thick stack of documents.

"Okay…"

"And they brought a proposition. I know you just came home but I wanted to give you as much time as you need to make this decision."

Evelyn continued to thumb the locket nervously.

"Your father came to town. He-well- he has come to find you."

Evelyn froze; her body became a stiff as cement. It was just like playing football, when someone comes from your blindside and knocks you out from seemingly nowhere.

Evidently, Evelyn knew very little about her father, let alone her family. All the family she knew was her aunt Kim and Uncle Travis.

Of course she always wondered where her family was in world, what they were doing, and what adopted child didn't? But that didn't compare to the biggest burning question in her brain.

That question being why she was adopted. Why wasn't I wanted? Why didn't they care for me?

But after fifteen years, now they want me back? Evelyn thought.

"It was a bit unexpected yes, but he's presented an offer here. Are you okay?"

The rosiness of Evelyn's cheeks had disappeared, as she gazed out the window watching thick snowflakes drop to the snow laden ground.

Between what happened in Vermont and now this, how was she supposed to feel? "No I'm not- I mean- I'm not okay. Auntie, it's been fifteen years and now my dad wants me? Clearly he didn't care about me before so why does he now? I'm just," Evelyn let out a frustrated sigh, "Why Auntie? Why?"

She looked back at Evelyn, her expression blank. "Well I… don't know why Evie. Look," She wrapped her arm around her niece's narrow frame. Evelyn leaned her head against her meaty shoulder.

"He's requested for you to spend an entire semester with him and his family."

"How can he do that?" Evelyn asked, pulling away, looking at her aunt.

Her aunt looked straight ahead, avoiding her gaze. "That's not the point. The point is, it's your decision of what you want to do. You don't have to do this Evie," Her aunt brushed away a piece of her wavy brown hair behind her ear.

"Just think about it."

Evelyn nodded. "I'm gonna go put my stuff away."

"Okay," Her aunt patted her hand sympathetically.

Evelyn trudged to the staircase, before turning back around. "Wait, you said I had to tell you my answer by when?"

"By the New Year."

"What?" Evelyn gaped at her. New Years was so soon… how was she supposed to make a life altering decision in seven days? She could be leaving what she's known to be her friends, family and life behind.

"The next semester will start soon after."

Evelyn turned away, grabbed her suitcases, and stomped up the stairs. She dropped her suitcase on the floor beside her closet, and flopped back onto her soothing lilac duvet cover. Evelyn rolled onto her side, before jolting up. She padded to her white vanity, which matched her bedframe and nightstands. She pulled the chain of her locket and unclasped it from her neck. She opened it, and peered inside it.

Her aunt had told her the woman in the picture was her mother. Her aunt had gifted it to her when she was a baby, and told Evelyn that the locket was one of the remaining mementos left from her mother. She never took it off since.

Evelyn gazed forward into the long mirror and back to the picture in the locket. She could see a slight resemblance to her mother; elegant bone structure, eye shape, hair color. But her mother's eyes were a dark chestnut, while Evelyn's were a steely blue.

Evelyn turned on her heels, and began to pace back and forth at the foot of her bed. On one hand, she'd always wanted to know her real family. Not that her aunt and uncle weren't, but who her father was. On the other hand, Evelyn thought, he abandoned me, why should I even want to go back to him?

It would be a goodtime to go, Evelyn pondered. After Vermont the last thing she wanted to do was go back to school…maybe she didn't have to?

Evelyn sighed frustrated. She stormed to her nightstand and called her friend Katie. She was her closest and most reliable friend from school who Evelyn could rely on. She dialed the number automatically without thinking.

" 'Ello?" She squeaked from the other end.

"Katie! Thank god!" Evelyn sighed in relief. She collapsed on her bed. "I need to talk to you."

"I'll have a scotch please," Bart said handing the menu to the waiter.

"Make that two please. On the rocks."

It had been a couple days since breakfast with the Ainsley's. Unbeknownst to Chuck, Bart had other business ventures that needed to be taken care of before they returned back to New York City. Bart decided to take Chuck out for dinner before making the trip back to New York.

The lights were dimmed in the restaurant that evening, the warm copper colors complementing the wood furnishings.

The waiter returned with their drinks, setting them on the table. Chuck took a sip of his drink, the smell floated up his nostrils, the taste permeating his mouth. He pursed his lips as he swallowed.

"So how are things with Blair?"

Chuck furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

"Tuscany? You never told me about that," Bart swirled his drink before tipping it against his thin lips.

Chuck cleared his throat. How was he supposed to tell his father that he left Blair to go alone to Tuscany? Or, that their relationship was back to where it started; a game?

Easy. He wouldn't tell his father. Although, there was a good chance he knew already. Bart's eyes and ears were everywhere; he was always watching.

"We've decided to just stay friends."

Bart raised his eyebrows." hmm. It uh-didn't seem to be that way at the school dance."

Chuck took another sip of his drink. He felt extremely uncomfortable talking to Bart about this. He had no business to know about his relationship with Blair (or friendship for that matter). Chuck never talked to his father about anything of that sort-unless it was reminding him to not get any girl knocked up. Chuck was used to their formal relationship, he wasn't ready to change it anytime soon. Besides, there were other topics to talk about, one the involved both of them. Lily.

"Well it's true." Chuck took a gulp of his scotch. He cleared his throat before he continued, "So…are you and Lily going to get a divorce?"

"Well-uh- I can't be sure but we agreed on spending some time apart right now."

Uh oh. Chuck knew that phrase. That phrase meant kiss of death of a relationship. Space separated couples, not strengthened them. It eerily reminded him of Nate and Blair. Once Serena left, they barely saw each other; it led to their doom.

"Wait… are you coming home tomorrow? I mean, it's your house-penthouse- if you will," Chuck asked.

"I'll drop you off with our things. I have to go to the office first. I'll figure it out from there."

Chuck nodded, not saying anything further. He swallowed another gulp of scotch, slowly, pondering. Maybe if he could intervene… maybe he could get Lily back together with Bart? This was Chuck's first and only family he's ever had. Bart hasn't been this happy… ever. (Well since Chuck had remembered).

The question was which approach would best win Lily over. Guilt? Blackmail? Pity? There was so many options and approaches he could take.

"Do you think she's going to come?" Chuck asked as Bart put his phone away.

"It's really a fifty fifty chance at this point… I hope so, but it out of our control now. I do hope so son, I really do."

Chuck watched Bart's eyes fall down to the table. The waiter returned with their entrees silencing the conversation. If she's going to come, Chuck thought, she needs to come home to our family. The Van der Woodsen's included.

Rocking around the Christmas Tree
at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Ev'ry couple tries to stop

"What the hell are you doing?" Chuck exited the elevator, bags in hand. It was late in the evening, on Christmas Eve, after a two hour car ride back into town. Traffic was surprisingly lighter, and the weather not as snowy.

Chuck watched the three Van der Woodsen's as they danced and twirled to the beat of the Christmas classic. All three stopped and turned to Chuck, becoming solemn. Serena turned the volume down, before returning to her mother's side. It was like an invisible battlefield was drawn between the joined families. Only the quiet music played in the background.

You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear

voices singing; Let's be jolly;

Deck the halls with boughs of holly"

Rocking around, the Christmas Tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone's dancing merrily
In a new old fashioned way

"Chuck!" Eric exclaimed happily.

"Charles!" Lily came up to him and greeted him, "Your back!"

"So is Bart. He had to take care of a few late minute things at the office. He'll be home soon."

"Oh well then. We were just finishing decorating the tree," Lily turned to the fresh scented pine tree. Brassy decorations hung from the branches with care as yellow Christmas lights were wrapped around, twinkling.

"Serena, Eric, can you take put these boxes away in the closet please?" Lily asked. Wearily, Serena followed by Eric lifted the boxes and left the area.

"Charles," Lily's voice began quietly, "I know things are rocky between your father and I-"

"I understand Lily."

Lily blinked back at him. "What?"

"He told me what's going on," Chuck clarified.

"Charles, you know that despite everything, I'm still your mother. I care about you and no matter what happens, I will always be here whenever you need me. "Lily paused and glanced at Chuck knowingly. " But…only when you make the effort to reach me. Right?"

Chuck nodded. "Right."

Chuck took this as his opportunity to make his move. "But It's Christmas Eve, and this is the first time I'll get to spend it with my family. Our family. My father included. Can't we just… set aside our differences and enjoy the holiday?"

Chuck gazed at Lily expectantly. Maybe he said a little too much, maybe he should have went for the blackmail approach? Chuck waited anxiously, anticipating a response.

Lily smiled wide. "I think that's a great idea Charles."

Chuck smiled back-half way between victory of his plan working- and actually happiness. Chuck accepted Lily's hug, squeezing her tight.

"I know that you both still aren't on good terms but I think that the two of you should talk it out. I'm no relationship expert, but well- from observing others, it helps. Anyway, I'm gonna go see Eric."

"You said he was at his office Chuck?"

Chuck pivoted to face her. "Yes he is. The one on the main floor."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Chuck strode away to his room, to not see his little brother, but his sister waiting patiently on his bed, arms crossed, brows furrowed.

"Now this is what I'm talking about," Chuck smirked. "Just lie down and-"

"Not funny Chuck." Serena interrupted in a clipped tone.

"Ah to you it isn't, but to me it's quite hilarious. It's called a sense of humor sister dearest." He smirked devilishly at her, infuriating her more.

"This is all your dad's fault."

"Playing the blame game sis? Last time I checked you Van der Woodsen's aren't as innocent as you think you are. "

She gasped haughtily. "I'm sorry, but my mom wasn't the one who kept files of our whereabouts!" Serena flared her arms.

Chuck sighed, annoyed. "He only does it to protect you."

"What are you talking about? It's creepy Chuck! I don't want someone watching my every move!"

"Well would you rather have conversations about what you do with Bart? It wouldn't be the most comforting conversation now would it sis."

"Of course it wouldn't. We both know Bart isn't one to talk to-"

"Exactly. That's why he does this. We can go wherever, whenever sis. He just wants to make sure you," Chuck pointed at her square in the chest,"don't get in trouble."

"What do you mean just me? What about you?"

"I don't count."

"Of course you don't" Serena rolled her eyes. She dropped her head into her hands and groaned before propping her head in her hands, leaning forward.

"I don't even understand why they got married in the first place," Serena brushed a few locks of hair away from her face.

"Why bother wondering? Would you rather have you mom married to Rufus Humphrey?"

"But Dan and I-"

Chuck smirked, "Ah, You'd two would make a lovely couple alongside BOTH of your parents."

"CHUCK!-"

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door opened revealing Eric who closed the door behind him.

"Just the people I was looking for," Eric exclaimed.

"We always are. Right sis?"

Serena glared. "Chuck? Shut up!"

"You're sister is in quite the mood today."

Serena stood up exasperated. She stormed out of the room, and slammed the door behind her grumbling under her breath.

Eric paused, and pointed to the door before asking, "What did you do?"

"I think the appropriate question is what didn't I do," Chuck smirked. "I'm just kidding little brother. What's up?"

"Oh you know, the usual Serena Van der Woodsen drama from my sister. You know, deciding whether or not to go to Buenos Ares with Aaron, back and forth decisions but ultimately deciding to come back," Eric exhaled heavily. "Be glad you missed that."

"Oh I am." Chuck smirked.

"Oh wait," Eric brushed his hair away from his face. It was in need of a cut. "where did you go with Bart? You both just kind of left?"

"We went to Connecticut. It was a short trip. Lily knew about it," Chuck said quickly. " You know little brother, you desperately need a haircut. I have Gina on speed dial-"

"Oh. What for?"

"Your hair is starting to make you look like a mutt. It's unacceptable-"

"No, I meant the trip," Eric clarified.

"Ah you know, a business matter… How's your mom been?"

"You know, she just busies herself, so she doesn't have to think about it, but I don't know." Eric stood to check his hair with Chuck's floor length mirror. His tousled his hair around with his slender fingers. "I do not look like a mutt."

Eric turned toward him, disregarding his hair. His face became serious. "You don't think… you don't think they'll divorce do you?"

"I don't know. It's not for us to decide." Chuck replied.

"But I don't want our family to break up," Eric said quietly.

Chuck looked back at his little brother, a small smirk on played on his lips. "Me too," Chuck's voice was barely audible, above a whisper.

"Hmm?" Eric turned. "What did you say?"

"Don't worry about it Eric. It'll all work out."

Eric stared at him." How do you know?"

"I'm Chuck Bass. I always know."

Bart's office door swung open . No knock, no warning, it was sudden and made Bart jump. His steely blue eyes averted to the open door.

Lily.

"I've been told I would find you here," She said, and padded towards him.

"Indeed. I was going to come up, but I didn't think it would be the best idea considering…"

"Well it is your house after all. I can't banish you from it, no matter how hard I try." Lily placed her arms on her hips before opening her mouth. "I have been thinking, after a few days and maybe I was being a little too hasty. I know, I was quick to judge but I felt betrayed."

"Why's that?" Bart asked confused.

"For some reason, I couldn't feel like I could trust you. Doing this with my children without my consent-"

"Which I apologize for," Bart interrupted.

Lily sighed. "I know."

"Lily, we made a commitment to each other. I want to honor it. I think we both should."

Lily held his gaze. She dropped her arms and looked at her wedding band. "We can try. But, you have to tell me everything this time."

Bart's eyes washed with relief. "Of course."

"Good. Come upstairs when you're done working," Lily said.

Bart's shoulders relaxed. "Okay."

"So what's the deal?" Katie asked through the other end of the phone.

Evelyn shook her head, pacing back and forth across the short length of her bedroom. The soft lilac walls that used to sooth her felt as if they were closing in. Slowly and painfully. Evelyn suddenly stopped, and brushed her long slender fingers down her oval face.

"My dad… my dad wants to see me."

Silence. "Uh… what?"

"My dad, you know biological, sperm injecting father-"

"I so did not need that visual," Katie replied disgusted.

"Well, it's true! Have you thought about your parents? How do you think you came to be Katie?" Evelyn smirked. "Anyway the point is; he-he wants to meet me. He wants me to go live with him."

"Wow that's-that's out of nowhere."

"Thanks Sherlock," Evelyn snapped.

"Well do you want to see him?"

"Yes-No I-I don't know! Fuck!" She padded to her white desk, and plopped down on her stool, "I hate making decisions! It's just, well whatever I decide someone's going to be pissed off with me.'

"Calm down-"

"I'm not a calm person. We've established this."

"Okay, first off, you have to make the decision for yourself, not to please others," Katie reasoned.

"I know, but it's just I don't know what I want. Well I do, but do I really? When I make this decision, it's going to change my life."

"Maybe it's time for a change."

Evelyn groaned. Katie was not helping-at all.

"Well, where does he live?"

"New York City," Evelyn answered.

"Oh my god! Evelyn, this is huge! Why not go? It's fricken New York City!" Katie exclaimed, "I thought you were going to say some place like-like Indiana or something. Haven't you always wanted to go to New York?"

"And leave everything behind?" More like everyone, Evelyn thought.

"It's not permanent right?"

"It's only for a semester."

"Then there you go! Problem solved! Oh my god, we can have a going away party! I'll plan it for you and everthing."

She has a point, Evelyn thought to herself. "And who would I invite to this… hypothetical party? I'm not exactly the most well liked person at school right now."

"It can just be us girls. Like girls night! Maybe we can talk about what happened-"

"No. We will not talk about that. It's off limits."

"Chill out Evelyn. We won't then."

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"Hold on a sec…I'm coming mom!" Katie brushed her phone back to her ear, "I have to go. I need to take my sister to ballet. Tell me what you plan on doing ok?"

"Of course. "

"Great! See ya."

Evelyn hung up the phone. She opened the locket that hung from around her neck. No matter what anyone said, she knew what she had to do. All her life she'd wanted to know. Now, it was time to find out.

Bart Bass entered his penthouse apartment briefcase in hand. It was past ten o'clock, and he figured if he arrived later, the better chances he won't have to talk with Lily, and that hopefully everyone has gone to bed.

He was trying to be optimistic. It was his new year's resolution.

Bart turned the corner to see his family all seated around the round table. The table was set elegantly, with dishes and cutlery placed before everyone. A beautiful cake remained in the middle of the table and each family member had a champagne flute in front of them.

Bart looked at them momentarily confused. "What the… uh, what's the meaning of all this?"

"We've been waiting for you," Eric spoke up. "Chuck said you were on your way and we, well decided that we'd have some Christmas dessert since neither of you were here for Christmas Eve dinner."

"Thank you. I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Lily spoke up. She stood and hugged Bart. Still confused as to what was happening, Bart wrapped his arms around his wife. She leaned forward into his ear and whispered, "I forgive you."

She pulled back content before continuing, "But I won't forget."

Bart nodded. "Neither will I."

"Good. Now have a seat," Lily motioned to the seat beside her.

"Let's have a toast," Serena announced.

"Merry Christmas everybody," Serena started.

"And all the best in the New Year," Bart finished. They all clicked their glasses together. Bart looked across the table to his son who raised his glass to him. They shared a knowing look as to what might come in the New Year before sipping their glasses.

They say home is where the heart is.

But if we haven't been home, where's the heart?

It was Christmas Day at the Ainsleys household. Wrapping paper was torn off of presents, food was eaten, and all was merry. The three Ainsley's sat around their circular kitchen table. They had just finished eating their Christmas dinner. Silence had overcome them. It was like the calmness, serenity before the storm erupted.

"Mom, Dad," Evelyn spoke up. She looked between the two people that had raised her as their own, taught her right from wrong and gave her everything a kid could ever ask for.

"I've made my decision." It pained her to say it but she knew this was the right thing to do. Subconsciously she always knew she never belonged, maybe this would help guide her in the right direction, a direction that she belonged in.

"I want to spend the next semester in New York. With my dad." Evelyn swallowed hard, exhaled heavily. The pain and pressure in her chest had shrunken. This was a new start, a new beginning. Was it… destiny? Now I'm overthinking it, Evelyn thought to herself. She turned her attention back to her-well, what she believed to be her parents- grim faces.

Her aunt was the first to break the silence. "Is this what you want?"

Evelyn looked from her aunt to her uncle, her confidence surging. "It always has been."

Finding its way back home.

You know you love me, xoxo Gossip Girl

A/N: And there you go folks! You got to see a shade of Evelyn. Remember many things are to be revealed soon or way later in the story that I have set up now, so if some things in this chapter are a little cryptic- there's a reason to be explained later!

Did anyone else notice that Bart never addressed Chuck about what happened to Tuscany? After all, he did "See him off". Had to tie up that loose end. I'm not sure if I went a little too fast with putting the VDB family back together, but I still have alot to get to in this story and I want to keep the momentum going, and not slow down too much.

Sorry for my long rant, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter so don't hesitate to review!