A/N: Hey guys! Thanks to everyone who reviewed! You guys are amazing and as promised, here's the next chapter! Without further ado, here we go...

Chapter 7: A New Tomorrow

Evelyn stared with wide eyes at the two adults before her.

I can't believe I just said that, Evelyn thought. It has been what, thirty seconds since arriving and I've already made a fool of myself, she continued to think.

She gazed up at the two adults. One male, one female. So far, nothing had ended up at all like she'd fantasized about. The woman had a calm smile on her face, her blonde hair pulled back into a simple bun. Her dress seemed like it was fitted, like one of those dresses models wear when walking down the catwalk.

The man-she assumed her father- seemed to have a stiff smile on his face. He looked older; with a buzz cut. Only scruffs of grey hair patched his balding head. He seemed serious and stiff but his eyes… My eyes! Evelyn thought.

The woman took a step toward her. "It's so good to meet you at last."

Without warning, the woman's arms enveloped around Evelyn. Evelyn returned the hug to the stranger. Even though she didn't know who she was, she had a good feeling about her. The woman pulled back, smiling. "I'm Lily Van der Woodsen, you're stepmother."

Not surprising, Evelyn thought calmly. She'd been expecting this.

"Nice to meet you," Evelyn replied earnestly. She dropped her arms and faced the man. Her father.

She'd dreamed of this moment for so many years, in so many different ways. Now that it was here- now what? Stiffness plagued the open concept room. It was like the game chess, waiting to see who would make the first move.

This could be very awkward, or it could be very cooperative, Evelyn believed.

"Hi… dad." The words felt so foreign in her mouth, unused like a dusty VCR. Neglected and not used often- if ever.

She stepped forward-making the first move- and wrapped her arms around his slim frame. His arms squeezed tightly around her- but not enough so she couldn't breathe. Evelyn closed her eyes and took this moment in; drowned in his subtle and fresh smelling cologne, and felt his soft suit jacket against her cheek. She heard his heart thump distantly, a steady reassuring beat.

Reluctantly, Evelyn pulled away, and looked up at him. She wasn't that much shorter than him, but in such a close proximity, her head tilted up to meet his eyes. Blue met with blue.

"Welcome home," his voice is deep as a bass and smooth. Evelyn noticed emotion in his eyes but couldn't tell what they meant.

Home, Evelyn thought. This is my home. She gazed briefly around the apartment. She could only see the living room with expensive, perfectly cleaned and rarely sat in sofas. It felt so new and foreign to her that it didn't feel like home. Not yet.

She'd only been there for five minutes anyway.

"It's good to be home," Evelyn replied. She smiled, the words truthful. Yes, she had no idea where she was, of what she was doing, but being here with her family was enough to convince Evelyn that she was home.

"Where should I put this?" Evelyn asked, as she beckoned to her crimson suitcase.

"Just leave it there Evelyn. One of our maids will come put it in your room," Lily waved her arm lazily.

Maids? MAIDS? Evelyn clamped her jaw shut, as she resisted the urge to let it drop to the floor. Evelyn didn't come from a poor family. Not at all. Her Aunt and Uncle did well, slightly above the middle class, but weren't upper crust. She was used to seeing nice things, paying for expensive dinners but this-This was too much. Too much excess.

"Oh, okay," Evelyn responded. She tried to sound cool and not mystified at the suggestion of wealth. This'll take time to getting used to, Evelyn thought wryly.

"Come on inside. We had dinner prepared and there are some other people that have been waiting to meet you." Lily gestured for Evelyn to follow her inside. Evelyn followed behind her, her father by her side.

The living room expanded into an open kitchen and bar. The table was set with different shades of purple, like a formal sit down dinner. The place looked better than a model home. To Evelyn it was pristine, polished and perfect.

"I'll go call Serena, Chuck and Eric," Lily announced before she padded to the stairs.

Evelyn turned to her father snapping away from eyeing the place and its perfection. She knew better than to show her admiration for it.

"How was the train ride?" He asked. His question was simple; to the point. Evelyn couldn't help note the how his eyes-her eyes- seemed cold and emotionless. Except the first time she met them at the elevator.

"Oh well it was fine, you know," Evelyn fumbled for words. She cursed inwardly to herself. Well this is going well.

"That's good. I trust Arthur gave you the best of service?"

Evelyn thought back to the kind driver and his two kids he needed to support. "Of course! It was the best limo ride I've ever had." Well my only limo ride I've ever had, Evelyn corrected but he didn't need to know that.

Her father smirked at her-wait, maybe smiled? Did he find this amusing? Evelyn tried to read his expression but in a second it went back to being stoic, and unfortunately unreadable.

Something about the way he asked the questions made it seem so… formal. Evelyn couldn't help but compare to her Aunt and Uncle's warmth and casual behavior. It just wasn't something Evelyn was used to.

Lily returned to her dad's side and the thunder of footsteps echoed off the ceiling. Three teens padded down the stairs, one blonde girl with beautiful wavy hair, and two brunettes. They soon approached her, looking like they've just stepped out of a Vogue magazine.

They looked older too. They seemed mature, in their early twenties. The girl was perfect. Her blue eyes sparkled and her golden blonde hair fell perfectly over her shoulders. No frizz, no kinks; perfect.

"These are my two children, Serena and Eric."

Serena and Eric smiled reassuringly at her. Evelyn greeted them back before her eyes fell on him. He was smirking. It startled Evelyn as she noticed how much he resembled her. He wore a black, perfectly fitted suit with a purple shirt and bowtie. Evelyn had never once seen a boy dress as perfectly and formally as the boy in front of her. Her brother. Flesh and blood.

Well at least he wasn't a nerd, jock or music kid, Evelyn thought. He stared intently at her, his eyes never leaving hers. He leaned to his right slightly with one hand in his pocket, casually. He reminded Evelyn of a mix between James Bond, Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart. He was attractive, and Evelyn thought lots of girls must probably be after him.

Evelyn noticed how severely dressed down she was compared to all the others standing before her. Everyone looked so formal, and Evelyn regretted not dressing a little more appropriately. Her scuffed boots must make her seem so non-sophisticated.

"Serena, Eric can you come help get the food out? We're going to start dinner soon."

The two siblings nodded and followed out. All three Basses stayed behind, as they shuffled through.

Her father interrupted her thoughts. "This is your brother Chuck."

"I kinda figured, resemblance and all," Evelyn quipped. She flushed bright pink, as she mentally scolded herself. She didn't dare glance at her father. She wasn't sure how he was going to adjust to her sass.

Her brother chuckled lightly, holding his hand out. "It's nice to finally meet you.. sis."

She grabbed his warm hand and shook it. What's with these people and handshakes? Evelyn wondered.

Suddenly, a bubble of excitement grew inside her. This is crazy, Evelyn thought. What in the hell did I do to get here?

Chuck opened his mouth about to say something but Evelyn's stomach grumbled loudly interrupting him.

She flushed once again. "Sorry, I didn't realize I was this hungry."

"Don't worry Evelyn," Lily called. Evelyn whipped her head around. "We don't want the food to get cold, so let's eat!"

Evelyn followed behind her brother and father. She ended up sitting beside Eric and Chuck at the oval table. Chuck pulled the chair out of her, offering to push her in.

"Oh you don't have to-"

"You're the new house guest. Please, I insist."

Evelyn giggled as she sat down. "I'm not used to this superstar treatment." She unfolded her crème coloured napkin and placed it on her lap. So she might have the nicest brother in the world. This was a good start.

"Trust me, neither are we," Serena added. Evelyn didn't understand what she meant but only saw her give an eye roll directed at Chuck. Evelyn made a note of the simple gesture, noting that they don't seem to get along.

A maid appeared by her side spooning vegetables, potatoes and a perfectly grilled steak on her plate She popped up behind her, almost startling Evelyn. She thanked the maid as she continued to make her rounds with everyone else's meal.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Her father asked.

"Oh that's not necessary. Water's fine for me."

"Are you sure? We have soda or juice?" He offered.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't really drink soda, but thanks for offering."

Everyone's plates were filled by the maid. Evelyn wasn't sure if they did anything before starting. So she waited. Her father raised his short glass, filled with a brown liquid (some type of alcohol she'd seen her Uncle Travis drink before). He cleared his throat, ready to make a toast.

"I think before we start we should have a toast," he began. "I think on behalf of all of us, I'd like to welcome you to our family. After all these years, we're glad to have you finally here." His blue eyes fill with what looked to be guilt to Evelyn.

"So, welcome home." His blue eyes became stony again.

They all leaned forward to clink their glasses before drinking. Everyone sat back down before beginning their meals.

Everybody grabbed their utensils and started carving into their meals. Knives and forks scratched and clattered against the china plates. The conversation had come to a loll, as Evelyn just wanted to eat. She sliced her beef to see the pink flesh oozing with juice. Medium rare, just how she liked it.

"Oh! If you want your steak a little more well done, I'll have Ina get that ready for you. I'm sorry I didn't think of that sooner!" Lily apologized.

"Oh no it's perfect! I like my steak medium rare anyway."

"Excellent, excellent. So tell us Evelyn, how was your life back in Connecticut?"

That was a loaded question.

Well I could lie and say it was amazing and how I'll miss it, or I can say how it sucked and I came here to escape it, Evelyn considered. However, both answers would not suffice.

Evelyn finished chewing her sliver of steak before clearing her throat. "It was nice. Not very eventful I guess," That's a lie, "but it was nice. I'm really used to the suburbs so this is completely different."

"Do you not like big cities?" Serena asked.

Evelyn took a sip of water, before shaking her head. "Are you kidding? This- well, New York- seems amazing. It just seems so full of life and all. I've never really been in a big city- well until now."

Serena smiled, and nodded.

"Well, what about you guys?

Evelyn popped a potato in her mouth, before Lily started, "You know Evelyn, Eric is in the same grade as you."

"Oh really?" Evelyn turned to face step brother.

Eric smiled. "I'll show you around where you need to go and everything at school on Monday."

Evelyn relaxed by his reassurance. "Thanks."

Evelyn bit into another piece of steak. She chewed and swallowed before asking, "So Chuck does that mean you and Serena are the same age then?" Evelyn noticed how the purple he was wearing complimented the tablecloth. Did he plan that or something? Evelyn wondered. Surly he must notice.

Chuck swallowed before answering, "Serena and I go way back, to preschool."

Serena scowled. "I remember that. When I first met you, you pushed me in the sandbox."

Chuck shrugged. "You were in my way and refused to move."

"So? That doesn't mean you should push someone to the ground for that-"

"Serena," she interrupted. Evelyn could tell she didn't want them to bicker the whole time in front of their house guest. It was understandable, but much less entertaining.

Evelyn decided to fill the potential awkward silence that could follow this tense moment.

"Have you always lived in New York?" Evelyn asked her brother.

He wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Mostly," He turned to her father. "We stayed in other countries for a few months at a time. Like Paris? Tokyo?"

Her father nodded. "Yeah, you were quite young. It was when I had to do the startup in those countries."

Startup? "Startup what?" Evelyn asked.

"I own a company- Bass Industries- which specializes in real estate and hotels," Her father explained.

That would explain why they were living in the Penthouse of a hotel, Evelyn pondered. She continued to carve her meat in front of her. It was defiantly the best steak she'd ever had. Ever. And that meant something considering she'd been to a few upscale steakhouses before. The tangy, peppery rub made her taste buds water. She popped another piece in her mouth.

The conversation came to another loll. Evelyn tried to think up of things to talk about, anything that didn't seem like a stupid question. Nothing came.

"So what kind of things did you do at school?" Serena asked, breaking the awkward silence.

"I was in the school's jazz band." Evelyn cursed inwardly, knowing that by the looks on their faces that this made her look like a weirdo.

"Uh… and I actually was on the girls' soccer team."

"Really?" Eric wondered. "Is that your favorite sport?"

Evelyn nodded eagerly. "Defiantly! But hockey comes in a close second. I never played, but I enjoy watching it."

Evelyn glanced around the table. She noticed her father's stare intently at her. Was something wrong?

"That's perfect! You don't know this yet Evelyn, but your father here is a huge hockey fan," Lily said.

"Really?" Evelyn asked amazed. She instantly felt her heart soar, having something in common with her dad. I knew this was the right decision, Evelyn bubbled.

"What's your team?" Evelyn asked.

"The New York Rangers."

Ugh. "Seriously?" Evelyn blurted. "Callahan can't shoot a slap shot to save his life!"

Bart chuckled. "Well who do you cheer for?"

"Pshh, the Boston Bruins, obviously. But I have to admit the Vancouver Canucks are strong this year."

Bart wrinkled his nose in disgust. "The Bruins? Really? The Rangers will win this year," he protested adamantly.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I doubt it. How many points do they have now? 75 so far?"

"It's still early," Her father countered.

"Well unless a miracle happens-which it won't- they're at least 10 points behind the Bruins."

He paused for a moment. "Well see," Her father grumbled. He knew she had a point.

Evelyn smirked. She forked her vegetables into her mouth. "What do you guys do?" She directed her question to the other teenagers at the table.

"For what?" Chuck spoke up.

"At school," Evelyn clarified.

He smirked. "As little as possible."

She nodded, understandingly. Her friends in Connecticut weren't really involved at their school either. "It's not for everyone," She shrugged. Serena and Eric explained all that they were involved with.

Evelyn chewed the last of her meat and potatoes on her plate. "I'm just wondering, does school start this Monday? As in not tomorrow, but the day after?"

Eric nodded. "Yeah. The next semester starts then with all new classes."

"Do I have to go in early to register or anything?"

"Nope. Uh…It's all taken care of. Whatever courses you were enrolled in at your old high school have been transferred here," Her father explained.

"Oh okay."

"What classes are you taking Eric?" Evelyn asked. They were in the same grade after all. She set her fork and knife in the five o'clock position. She was taught manners, even if she didn't live in such a lavish lifestyle.

"Uh since its semester, I have Pre-AP Calc., English, Computer Programming and Chemistry."

"We might have Chem together then! I'm taking it too."

"What else are you taking?" Lily asked. "Have you thought about what'll come after high school?"

Evelyn nodded enthusiastically. "Defiantly. I really want to go into science and research. I'm actually taking Chem, Physics, Music and I think some kind of math? I haven't really looked at my schedule to be sure."

"Saving lives huh?" She turned to her brother's smirking face. Did he always smirk like that? He seemed, devious.

"That's usually the goal." Evelyn rolled her eyes sarcastically. "But actually, I really enjoy science."

"Have you thought of any colleges?" Her father piped up.

"I'm still looking into it, but I'm sure I'll get in somewhere." Evelyn noticed the others finishing up.

Evelyn caught her eyes averting around the place. It seemed so big and luxurious. She wanted to know more, see all of it in the flesh.

"Well since everyone's just about finished, let's help get Evelyn settled in," Lily announced.

"I'll show her to her room," Chuck volunteered.

He stood and led her down the hallway. He passed two doors that faced each other before noting, "My room's on the left, Serena's on the right."

He continued down the hall a bit further. Another door hung from its hinges before her. He opened it and stepped inside. Evelyn waited as he moved to the side so she could take it all in.

A big queen bed was centered, with two light coffee colored nightstands. The walls were painted a neutral soothing crème color. A large sturdy desk and vanity also were lined up against the perpendicular walls.

"I know it's a little dull, but once you're settled, we can have it remodeled to however you want it."

Evelyn's eyes flashed to her brother. "Dull? This is more than fine! Perfect even."

He smirked. "Wait till you see your bathroom." Chuck sauntered to one of the three doors in her room.

Evelyn trailed behind him. "My bathroom?"

He looked back amused. "I didn't think you'd be used to this lifestyle."

Evelyn furrowed her brows. "My family was well off thank you very much."

He leaned against the doorway lazily. "I understand that, but here things are different. Here you get the best of the best."

Evelyn nodded. She slithered past her brother and into her bathroom. "What's so great about-wait, is that a steamer in my shower?"

She turned back to her brother. "It's got jets and everything. Top of the line. I would recommend the steamer. It feels like you're in a sauna."

"I'm impressed. I see what you mean about the bathroom." She motioned to the marble countertops and large mirror that stretched across the wall, a sink and toilette.

Evelyn padded to her bedroom and toward the window. She glanced up and down, being at level with other skyscrapers. She could see the specs of taxis, and people bustling on the streets. They were too far up to hear cars honk, swerve or any traffic. "This view is spectacular," Evelyn gaped in awe.

She felt Chuck's presence behind her. "You should see it from a rooftop, it's even better."

"Rooftop?" She could see her brother's reflection against the window pane.

"I have a thing for rooftops."

Evelyn turned, her steely blue eyes questioning. "Why rooftops?"

He shrugged, looking back at her intently. "I like looking down at everything around me, you know, observing. No one can see me, but I can see them. I find it's a good place to think."

"I never thought of it that way," Evelyn replied thoughtfully. "Have you been on this building's rooftop?"

"A couple times. It's too high up to see anything really."

"Is there a place that's better? Your favorite rooftop?"

"There are plenty that are used for bars and restaurants but there's one," he trailed off. His face illuminated, relieving a memory.

Evelyn continued to observe him quizzically. "Which is?"

"It's called Victrola," He drawled. "That's my favorite rooftop."

"We'll I'd like to see it one day. Maybe during a sunset? Isn't that when it's best?"

Her brother nodded. "That and also sunrise. I've seen that a couple times. I'll take you," He grins at the last part.

Evelyn smiled, the distant sound of her suitcase was being rolled into her room. The two siblings turned to see Eric pulling in her suitcase.

"Hey. I thought you'd want your things so you can settle in for the night."

"Thanks Eric. I'll take it from here."

Eric grinned and left the room.

"Well, I let you unpack your things," Chuck said.

Evelyn crossed her arms, looking at the suitcase, before she remembered. "Hey Chuck!" The words felt so weird rolling off her tongue. "Can I use the phone?" She felt the need to explain herself. "I said I'd call my- I mean our- aunt and uncle saying I got here okay."

"Sure." He returned with a cordless phone. "You know it's nice that they care about you." She gazed up at him, sadness in his eyes. She didn't understand why.

"Well yeah, I guess. They did raise me-so far," She took the phone out of his hand.

She turned and shut the door behind her. She dialed the familiar phone number, which she'd known off by heart. Evelyn waited, as the phone dialed.

"Hello?" Her aunt's voice rang on the other end.

"Hey Auntie. It's me Evie."

"Evelyn!" She gasped with excitement. "How are you doing honey? Did you get there okay?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine! It's amazing here! Seriously, you should see this place! I didn't know my dad was this wealthy!"

Her aunt sighed heavily. "Wealth isn't everything Evelyn."

"I know that," She snapped. Why couldn't her Aunt be happy for her?

"Relax Evelyn. How's your father?"

Evelyn's body relaxed. "He's really nice. I kind of look like him which is kind of weird to get used to but Auntie, he's a Rangers fan. A Rangers fan!"

Her aunt chuckled on the other end. "But don't worry. I don't hold it against him. I mean, he hasn't seen how amazing the Bruins are anyway so he won't know until we go see a game. Anyway," Evelyn cleared her throat, "I have to go start unpacking. I just wanted to tell you that I'm here safe and sound okay?"

"We appreciate it. Oh, by the way, your Uncle Travis says hi and to stay out of trouble!"

Evelyn rolled her eyes, "I'll be fine alright? Love you guys and goodnight!"

Evelyn hung up, and fell back onto her new, plush bed. The sheets were silky, unlike her cotton ones at home. It felt slippery yet smooth. Evelyn stared up at the white ceiling. There was so much to absorb; so many changes.

Rolled onto her side, Evelyn thought of what lied ahead of her. A new school, new friends (hopefully) and a new family. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness of all the friends she left behind back in Connecticut. And him. She did what she always did, not even think about him. It was his fault anyway. Not hers.

One thing was certain. Whatever was to come, whatever was going to happen, Evelyn was ready. She was ready for tomorrow. And the day after that. She knew this was a pivotal time where she could change, reinvent herself in any way. It would be harmless, considering nobody here really knew her. But what Evelyn failed to realize is that no matter how much you want to change, you can't change who you are. Or forget it either.

But in that moment, just one moment it didn't matter. She was ready. Ready for a new tomorrow.

A/N: Now the REAL fun begins. Strap yourselves into your seats, it's going to be a CRAZY ride!

I'm sorry for the lack of Chair interaction, but it's coming up in the next chapters I PROMISE! I also am aware that this was all in Evelyn's P.O.V. I was going to split it between the three Basses but thought that I could describe what was going on best from Evelyn's perspective. That, and I thought it would be interesting to hear her first reactions and impression of the UES. It's only for this chapter so I hope it didn't bother you. If it did let me know!