A/N: Hello :)

Chapter 17: Oh Mother, Where Art Thou?

Spotted: E out for tea with Big Bart Bass. What could she possibly have to chat about with Bass senior? Perhaps E likes to keep it in the family - the Bass family that is - or is she trying to land a spot in the family?

They agreed on a time and place. Once a week, Bart and Evelyn found time in their busy schedules for what his daughter called "father-daughter time." Among all other Upper East Side parents, he had a fairly good idea that most do not do this. He was guilty himself, not knowing how to spend time with Chuck, who was so radically different, yet similar, that they couldn't find a common ground that would open the gates of communication. He wanted to correct that, eradicate all his past behaviour, but it was much easier to do with his determined daughter.

He always thought it'd be easier to raise a boy, which was true to an extent, but always had trouble with Chuck. Guilt from the lies he spun about Evelyn urged him to do something. The hockey game a few months ago was nice, but his son waltzed right back out of his life. And he let him, with little resistance.

With Evelyn, she was much easier to talk to. Straight forward. She didn't beat around the bush often, and was opinionated just like her mother. Some days she'd tell him about her friends from Hartford, and her life growing up there. Other days she'd talk about her experiences she's had thus far here in New York. And he'd listen. Her life in Hartford sounded peaceful. Innocent. Something he wished Chuck could have had. Instead, he insisted to grow up as soon as possible, and now was a child stuck in a young man's body.

It's not as though Chuck was excluded from these activities. Evelyn always intended for these small, but important times in the day as "Bass Family time." As always, there was a ridiculous excuse from his son, who most likely was getting high, or chasing after that Waldorf girl. Too bad he hasn't been successful. Bart thought she'd do him good, a near impossible task. He'd given up hope on Chuck years ago, and now, he's full-grown. There was not much more he could do. Evelyn, on the fringes of adulthood, had a bit more time to develop and mature. He didn't want to waste it.

Bart sipped his coffee, and ignored his vibrating phone in his coat pocket. Evelyn also made a strict no phone policy, and was adamant about it. He looked forward to this day each week, which usually came in between long, dull finance meetings.

Evelyn prattled on about her time on her old school's varsity team, and how different it was from Constance. "…I know I'm a new student, but bench warming because of age is completely unfair. It's varsity for crying out loud. It doesn't matter if you played in the Triple A rep league, or if you're a junior. It should be based on merit. Half those girls still can't kick a ball properly, or understand the word team." She shook her head and took a gulp from her hot chocolate.

"If this continues to be an issue, I could give the school a call," Bart suggested. A little Bass intimidation never did any harm for the Constance or St. Jude's administration.

"No, it's not needed. Its just favouritism. It's easy for me to spot, but very difficult to prove. I'll just have to work my way up like the rest of the team."

Another difference between his children. Bart worked very hard for Chuck to have a better life than he did, and instead, his son took complete advantage of it, and hasn't worked for anything in his life. He thought he'd turned a corner with the business proposal for Victrola, but he threw that opportunity away by selling it to save his Archibald friend. He's too soft for the business. Sadly, Bart knew he wouldn't last if he didn't toughen up and make difficult decisions.

Some people have asked whether he was training Chuck to take over, but he wasn't sure if his son could handle his dynasty. They had yet to finalize his plans for college, or even receive letters soon from the Ivy schools he applied to. Chuck didn't put much effort into school, and still passed with decent grades. He knew his son was smart and capable of running a business when he somewhat matured, but lacked the drive and discipline Bart lived off of when he was the same age.

His cold eyes softened when his gaze returned to his daughter's. He was proud to say she was his, and knew she had a bright future ahead of her. He was thrilled when she first told the family of her interest in the medical field. He had no idea where she got those skills from; neither Bart nor Misty had any affiliated science background.

"I have a question," Evelyn said, startling him back from his thoughts.

Not surprised by her inquisitiveness, he said, "Go ahead."

"Well it's more of a request. You see, I…I want to see mom. On my birthday."

Oh. He sucked in a sharp breath, not liking where this conversation had suddenly shifted. They were supposed to be moving forward, not back.

"I want us all to go together. I-I asked Chuck, and he agreed, so... um, it would be a family thing."

Bart picked up his yellow coffee cup, quashing any memories that threatened to surface. "Why do you want to go?"

"Uh... well, I want to meet her and pay my respects. I don't know when the last time you've been was, but I think we all should. I want to know. Not just where she rests dad. I also want you to tell me more about her."

He flinched at her last suggestion, like she opened an old wound, and all his emotions trickled out of it. He buried these emotions deep within himself, and not once had anyone come knocking to open them. He simply forgot what it was like to feel. But you can't escape feeling forever.

Evelyn knew she overstepped an invisible line, but stayed firm. When he looked back at his daughter, he saw so much of her that it hurt. Not physically, but the way she spoke.

Her blue eyes, which so closely mirrored his, stared intently back at him. "I know it's my birthday, and it's supposed to be special… so for it to be special, that's all I want. I just want us all to be together."

Evelyn looked at her watch and noticed their time together was over. The corners of her mouth curved into a frown. "It's four twenty. You have to get back for your meeting. Will you come? Because if you won't I'm still going."

Tenacious, an inherent Bass gene shone through her during their standstill. Bart cleared his throat, the words thick, and mouth dry, despite finishing his coffee. "We'll go," He said with finality.

A grateful smile stretched her lips from ear to ear. He stood, putting on his light trench coat. She followed, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

"Thank you." It's earnest and real, and no matter all the feelings she unearthed from him, his growing love for his daughter made him happy that he could give to her. What she asked for was something so simple, but so big. She didn't ask for things, she asked for her family. And it was one of the things he'd most obliged to give to her.

He opened the door for her, the limo waiting outside. A thought suddenly came to him.

"Yellow roses."

"What?"

"Her favorite flowers were yellow roses."

Evelyn's brows knitted together. "And her favorite color is yellow?"

He nodded; ready to say their usual farewell until they saw each other back home. "I'll bring a bouquet."

Thursday morning came entirely too fast for Evelyn's liking. Just yesterday she was up late with Serena, finalizing details for the party that Saturday. From Serena's experience and set up, this party was going to be huge. It did help that Serena would be there to monitor, and most people were probably going for her, but Evelyn didn't really care. This was the first time anyone had offered to help celebrate her birthday. Each birthday came and went, each as unmemorable as the last.

This time will be different. At least, she hoped it would be. Certainly, it will be much more exciting than all of her previous birthdays combined.

Dragging her limp body from her bed, she went through her normal routine, with heaviness weighing her down. The curtains were pulled back, and the bright sun shone through her windows. No matter how sunny it may be on her birthday, it never changed the way she felt on this day. Sorrow, guilt and sadness always took over her. A few occasions in Connecticut, Evelyn faked sickness so she didn't have to go to school. But she wouldn't do that today. That's something the old Evelyn would do; run away from the pain and ignore it as much as possible.

Breakfast is quick, as she is already running behind. Everyone wished her a sincere happy birthday. On Saturday morning, it was promised that the family would all go out for brunch to formally celebrate Evelyn and Chuck's birthday, before the party that night. Even Katie called, singing to her an excruciating off key rendition of 'Happy Birthday.'

Evelyn walked through the halls of Constance and St. Jude's in solitude. She just wanted to be alone. But that didn't stop everybody coming up to her, either asking about her party or actually waving off a happy birthday. Interesting how popular one gets when you're connected to Serena Van der Woodsen.

Evelyn shut her locker door and saw Jenny barrelling down the hallway, toward her. She carried a black coat bag over her shoulder, her fingers hooked around a metal hanger.

"Slow down Humphrey. You are going to wipe out in those shoes if you keep up that momentum."

Jenny smiled brightly. "Happy Birthday!"

"Thank you," Evelyn smiled politely as Jenny hugged her sincerely.

"What's in the bag?"

"It's for you." Jenny handed her the sealed coat bag.

Evelyn's mouth hung open. "Jenny! You…You didn't have to do this-"

"It's your birthday present. It's a gift, I insist."

Evelyn smiled. "Jenny, this is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me." Evelyn tugged on the zipper. "You made this yourself, didn't you?"

Jenny nodded. "But of course. Remember when I took your measurements before Nate's that one day in the props closet? Well, I wrote them down, and had the perfect design for you in my head."

Evelyn tugged the zipper all the way down. Not being one for fashion, she wasn't sure how to react to the dress initially. A dress was a dress. Simple as that.

When Evelyn glimpsed at the handmade dress before her, a gasp escaped her lips. Even she could see the beauty in this dress.

The dress was as blue as her eyes, simply tapered at the waist, and flowed downward. It had no elaborate neckline in the front. Instead, the dress was conservative, the neckline revolved completely around the neck, covering up the upper body. Sleeveless, the material was thick, with a sheer of lining under it. The dress seemed so simple in the front.

"Check the back of the dress."

Evelyn turned the hanger around, and an intricate design revealed an open back. Strings of blue crisscrossed diagonally along the upper back, gathering at a large band of elegant silver studs. Below that, the rest of the dress was open until it cinched back to the waist.

"Jenny…"

She smirked. "I think I outdid myself."

"This is… magnificent. Seriously Jenny, you're really good at this."

"Well, working at Waldorf Designs did help. I'm now a pro with any type of stitching. You name it, I can stich it."

Her icy blue eyes softened, as she forces herself to tear her eyes away. "Jenny, thank you. I don't know how I can ever give you something in return that is this beautiful."

Jenny waved her hand dismissively. "Stop. You already did. This whole party this Saturday? You've done most of the planning and well… spending. You don't have to give me anything. You're giving me a great night. That's way more memorable."

Evelyn continued to smile, the weight from this morning lifting up and away from her. Maybe, her birthday didn't have to be a day of mourning for something she can never change. Maybe instead of sorrow, she could find happiness and peace? Locking eyes with the blonde girl in front of her, Evelyn realized that Jenny was much more of a friend than all the girls at her old school combined. None of them ever made this effort. Just Katie. But things with her were changing. Like the seasons, change came with force and was unavoidable.

Maybe, her aunt was wrong. Change isn't a bad thing. It's inevitable.

Well, well, it looks like Cinderella has just received help from her fairy godmother. Looks like Little J has given the makeover for E, but will E get Prince Charming too?

All morning, Evelyn couldn't shake the gratitude of Jenny's gift that hung in her locker. She wanted to go see it again, make sure it didn't suddenly disappear. During Chemistry she kept envisioning herself trying on the dress when she got home. It was possibly too pretty to wear.

She'd never cared for a dress this much before. In the back of her mind, a voice called at her, who cares? It's fabric.

Evelyn shook the vapid thought away, and began her route to the courtyard. Jenny and Eric should be waiting for her, and they would spend their lunch period out. Apparently, this was Eric's surprise. All she knew was that they might be late for class. Whatever that meant.

Only a few steps away from the courtyard door, a voice called for her.

"Evelyn! Wait up!"

She turned all the happiness that buzzed within her stopped immediately. She forced a smile on her face. "Hi Nate."

He flashed his radiating smile that normally would make any girl swoon. It blinded Evelyn. "Hey! I wanted to catch you sometime today to say happy birthday."

Her stomach twisted uncomfortably. She wasn't sure where she stood with Nate. Their relationship consisted of many mixed signals, ones that Evelyn was unable to decipher and wasn't sure if she was giving the right ones.

"Thank you," she smiled back forcefully.

"It must be hard though." He shoved his hands into his pockets solemnly.

"What do you mean?"

"Chuck told me," Nate clarified, "About your mom."

"Oh." She frowned, her mood instantly dampened. "Well, it's been years…but I cope with it."

Nate steps forward, and said quietly, "Listen, if you need someone to talk to today, or any day, you can talk to me."

Guilt piled down on her once again after the words leave his mouth. Why was he doing this? She was no one special. She was ordinary. There were much prettier girls that went to the school, Jenny being one of them. The implications of his statement were not lost on Evelyn. Not this time.

Here she was, at a crossroad. She could betray her friend to get the boy and popularity in this school. Nate was nice enough, and way out of her league. He was three years older, the lacrosse captain, and the most wanted guy in school.

But she didn't want Nate. Not this way.

Buried memories from her past trickle into her thoughts. She senses him in her mind. He always creeps back through the hollows, and she had become increasingly affected by it. Why couldn't she let it go? Why couldn't she see that her best friend never wanted her, but to trade her for something better, willing to do anything to get it?

"Evelyn?"

She flushed, and scolded herself for letting him have power in her mind. She regained her composure, like she always does, and finally answers Nate's suggestion. "Thanks for the offer Nate, but not today. There is a lot on my mind, you know…"

"It's okay, I understand. Well I don't…but I want to."

It couldn't get any clearer than that. "That's nice of you Nate, but I already have plans. Maybe some other time?" Her legs twitched, ready to sprint. She forced herself to stay put.

Nate looked a bit hurt at her rejection, but said, "Yeah, of course."

Evelyn smiled with relief. "Thank you."

"Just let me know when, okay?"

"I will." She turned her head to the courtyard and back at Nate. "I have to go for lunch. Apparently, Eric has a surprise. I'm not sure if that's a good thing yet."

"With Eric? It'll be harmless."

Evelyn shook her head. "See, that's what he wants you to think."

Nate chuckled. "You don't need to be paranoid. It's a surprise, just enjoy it."

If only he knew her track record with surprises. "I don't like surprises."

"Just give it a chance," Nate reasoned. "At least you know you're in for the surprise."

He did have a point. The surprises she hated were the kind where people gave no warning and did something out of the blue. It always led to terrible, terrible things for her.

Evelyn stepped backward toward the door. "I actually have to go; they're waiting for me in the courtyard."

"Yeah, have a good time. I'll see you on Saturday."

Right. The party. Something she was excited for diminished when he reminded her of this fact. Before, she thought asking him to their birthday party would help for Jenny. Maybe she shouldn't have done that? Knowing Nate's presence will be unavoidable made Evelyn nervous. Jenny didn't know any of this either, and telling her would destroy her relationship with the only friend she'd made in New York.

Nate smiled. "I'm bringing you a present."

Evelyn stopped in the frame of the door. "Nate, you don't have to do that."

"Well, I found the perfect gift for you, and couldn't resist. You'll love it."

Evelyn looked at him skeptically. "Perfect?"

"Absolutely," he said confidently.

Evelyn turned into the courtyard, and saw Jenny and Eric waiting. Jonathan was also seated beside Eric, who jumped up when he saw her coming.

"Where have you been?"

"Sorry, I just ran into someone…" Evelyn's throat tightened. "From Chem class. I had to check my answers to write a lab report."

"Still worrying about school on her birthday," Jenny said sarcastically.

Evelyn greeted Jonathan as the four of them rushed outside the front gates. Evelyn pushed away every thought of Nate and his gift's implications to the back of her mind. She didn't want to deal with that now. Ignoring the inevitable was always an easier option.

"So, Eric, I know this is supposed to be a surprise, but can you please tell me what we are doing?"

Eric shared a glance between Jenny and Jonathan as they all piled into the Van der Bass limo. "Just tell her Eric. She won't turn back now."

Evelyn's eyes darted to Eric. "Turn back? Eric," she scolded in a low voice.

"Okay, okay," Eric conceded. "We're going to take you to a restaurant called Dans Le Noir."

Evelyn felt slightly disappointed. That was his surprise? She already knew they were going out for lunch, but that was just another restaurant. What was so special about this place?

"I'm sorry, but why keep that a secret? It's a just another restaurant," Evelyn asked baffled.

"It's not just a restaurant," Jenny stated seriously.

"It's an experience." Eric finished dramatically.

Evelyn looked to Jonathan, hoping at least he could give her a clue as to what her friends meant. Instead, he smiled along with them.

"How do you feel about dining in the dark Evelyn?"

Chuck expected his Thursday to be more eventful than it had been thus far. So far, he'd only seen his sister once, in the morning for breakfast, before dragging himself to school. Classes were dull, and Gossip Girl was quiet today. Scandal wasn't constant, and Gossip Girl had nothing to report.

But that didn't make today any less special. Today being her birthday meant that he had to visit his mother. Evelyn requested that they all go as a family, and he stupidly said yes.

He didn't want to go. He'd only been once, and it was something he didn't want to remember.

Chuck dragged his feet through the hallway at the end of the day to his locker. As soon as he swung the door open, he heard the click clacking of high heels stop at his locker.

He looked up, and met eyes with a rejuvenated Queen B. She stood tall and fearless, her beautiful brown eyes focused. A smirk he knew all too well shaped her ruby lips.

Chuck gave her a once over and said, "Someone's feeling better."

Blair brushed a stray curl behind her ear. "That's very observant of you, Bass. I'll admit, I haven't been up to my usual standards, but yes, I am better. Much better."

Chuck smiled the first time that day. "It's about time Waldorf. Things were getting a bit out of hand here."

She groaned. "Tell me about it. I leave this place for five minutes, and everything is out of order. I mean, just because Nelly Yuki got Yale doesn't make her better than me."

"Nelly's got nothing on you Waldorf. I'm sure you've already reminded her of that? It says so on Gossip Girl."

"Nothing like a little revenge to start the morning. Unluckily for Nelly, I came with an agenda."

Chuck shook his head. "Girl stood no chance."

"None at all," Blair sighed happily. "I like to think I'm not just punishing her, but helping her build a sense of character. She needed it."

He smirked at the visual of Blair in his mind, scheme falling into place. He could imagine the tears that ran down Nelly's cheeks, as Blair regained control, smiling angelically, but an edge of bitchiness. She plays both sides so well, Chuck mused. It's one of the many things he respected about Blair Waldorf. She had an ability to command others to do what she wanted, without getting caught.

Blair reached forward and straightened out his tie, and tugged his collar to be straight. Her backs of her fingers grazed his neck, and she smirked devilishly.

How he missed the fierce side of Blair Waldorf. Her fingers lingered as she drawled his name excruciatingly slow.

"Bass…"

He knew that use of his name far too well. She wanted something. Something only he could provide. Being scheming partners meant she could want one of two things. Help for a scheme, or sex. He'd happily take either or both options now. He restrained himself, keeping his distance. If he got any closer to her, he might do something that would cross their friendship line.

But he said he'd wait, and wait he would.

Blair continued to run her delicate fingers along the material of his clothing, and battered her eyelashes innocently. She was in good form today. Very good form.

"Let me guess, you want me to do something for you that involves a takedown?"

Blair smiled, taking her hand away from him, and straightening up. "You know me so well."

He did. If anything, Chuck was confident that he knew her better than he knew himself sometimes. He knew this side of her, as if it were himself. He liked seeing her confidant, ready to attack those that have hurt her. He liked seeing her bitchy, and unashamed of it.

He's even gladder that he got to know Blair even better when she wasn't any of those things. Chuck had never seen Blair so broken in the past few weeks, and now he knows what she is capable of when she hits rock bottom, and how he wanted to just be there for her, and somehow learned how to. The more and more he learned about Blair Waldorf; the more he began to feel things. Foreign things.

"Although Yale is a lost cause, and I've been accepted into Columbia, I need to satisfy my revenge on a certain new teacher in this school and I'd like the devil on my side to do it."

"You got into Columbia?"

She nodded confidently. "Unlike Yale, Columbia actually has taste."

"Congratulations Waldorf. I told you, you could do it." He sincerely meant it. Chuck would have been surprised if no Ivy leagues would take her. He remembered himself applying to Columbia, but hadn't checked to see if he'd gotten any letters yet.

"Yes well, now that my future is finally in order, I need to make sure a certain new teacher's future is too. You know the one person that can help me do it."

Chuck furrowed his brows. "You lost me Waldorf. Who are you talking about?"

"Well, it's more of who isn't talking. You see, during the play I had a chat with your dear sister, and she was about to tell me something when Humpty Dumpty worriedly interrupted. She knows something and isn't talking. If you won't find out what it is, I will," Blair said confidently before continuing, "Besides, she is a Bass after all. She can't be living on the Upper East Side without getting her hands dirty. She's been here for a few months. She's overdue."

Chuck was a bit unsettled about this. As much as he enjoyed a good scheme, he didn't want to get Evelyn involved. And why get back at Ms. Carr? Yale was gone, and Blair just said she got into Columbia. She should be celebrating; not making a pointless scheme that gives her no advantage. Humiliating Nelly Yuki restored fear for anyone to not cross the Queen. That was an advantage. But this…

"Not that I am to refuse a good scheme, but are you sure this is necessary Waldorf?"

Blair's eyes narrowed. "Are you going soft on me Bass?"

"Don't insult me. I just don't see why you'd go to such lengths for this teacher. You're beating a dead horse Waldorf. Just let it go."

"If I want to let go of Yale for once and for all, I need to bury Ms. Carr with it!"

Chuck put his hand up to calm her down. "I know I can't stop you from doing this, but I don't want to get Evelyn involved. She's off limits Blair."

He could never picture his sister spearheading a scheme that would destroy a teacher's career, especially a teacher she didn't know. Evelyn was far too nice for that. She was innocent. Chuck wanted it to stay that way.

Blair, clearly unsatisfied that he didn't cooperate, prepared to leave. "Fine. I'll just do this myself. It's the only way I'll get this done right anyway."

She turned on her heels, and stomped out of the school. Chuck shook his head and shut his locker door before exiting the school, dreading what was to come that very evening.

They went out for dinner, just the three of them. It's the first time since Evelyn had moved to New York that the small Bass clan sat across each other at a dinner table, with no Van der Woodsens between them. This type of dinner was long overdue, and the dread of trudging to the cemetery hung in the air all throughout their meal, making it difficult for Chuck to find his spectacular meal appetizing. It was supposed to be a happy day. It's his sister's birthday. Birth, like a new dawn, was supposed to bring joy, but it felt like a dark and dreary night. Of course, it isn't fair to her. He would know. For his soon to be eighteen years of his life, he believed her fate to be his. He, and he alone, was the only reason for their mother's death. Not she. He.

To make matters worse, Evelyn asked about her. All day she spouted off questions from her personality, to really superficial things such as her favorite color. It was obvious to Chuck that Bart was uncomfortable talking about something that was forbidden to bring up, as he gave her quick, short responses. Chuck stopped bothering to ask questions when he was a preteen. Any question then resulted in a scolding.

But she didn't notice, or ignored it, and kept asking to no avail. Determined just like their father, she demanded the questions, and refuted any half answers. She was curious, no more than he was, but she had the gall to ask each and every question until she was satisfied – as much as one can be when asking about their dead parent.

Now they were in the Bass limo, a bouquet of yellow roses, her favorite rose and color, which rested in his father's lap. He held onto the plastic vase tightly with knuckles white, and his lips pressed in the same thin line Chuck envisioned in each of his memories. Evelyn sat in between the two Bass men, equally as stoic. The resemblance was striking between father and daughter, with their similar expressions, he couldn't help but stare.

Evelyn caught him and grinned meekly, resemblance to Bart completely gone. Her wavy hair was pulled back high into a tight ponytail. A glimmer of gold catches his eye, and he noticed her playing with her necklace. A locket, always worn around her neck was usually concealed from the world, but close to her heart.

The limo gradually glided to a stop, so she stuffed the locket away from view. The door opened for their father first, and Evelyn shuffled out, followed by Chuck. It's surprisingly cool for a May night, a forceful wind brushed against him as he walked behind his father and sister.

Evelyn rubs her hands vigorously along her arms, wearing nothing but a short-sleeved shirt and pants.

"Are you cold?" He asked, falling into step with her.

"A bit."

Chuck unbuttons his suit jacket. "Here. Put this on."

She smiles gratefully and immediately threaded her arms through the sleeves. Bart was only a couple feet ahead, leading them through the maze of gravestones. Wilted flowers decorate some of the graves, while most others remain bare and cold.

He hadn't been to this cemetery in years, but it felt eerily familiar. It's well light paths, immaculate upkeep; you couldn't ask for a better place for a final rest. He remembered coming at night, the only time his father was able to after his fully scheduled day of meetings, and crying in front of the tombstone. Not tears of sorrow for the loss, but tears of guilt. A burden he had since carried through each mountain and valley in his life. It was one of the two occasions Chuck had ever cried in his life. One, when he was told how his mother died and two, his first and only visit to the cemetery shortly after. Two separate occasion, but occasions Chuck had never forgotten.

Chuck's shoes crunched with every step on the gravel path that cut past the main paved pathway. They were getting close. His stomach twisted with anticipation. Oddly, he'd only walked this path once, but remembered it so vividly. He remembered the dewy smell of the perfectly trimmed grass. The hooting owls, which looked down on him from the top branches of a massive oak tree. The almost full moon. His father's impatience. He remembered these details far too well.

Their father stopped abruptly. They arrived. Chuck reluctantly looks at the stone, bare and forgotten like the ones beside hers that run on for days. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He was never ready for this. He was young, and visiting death was never something he dreamed about, nor dared to. Death is consuming, and if you let it control you, it can sink its claws into you, drawing blood and scraping bone, always leaving scars. He never wanted to be controlled by it; he knew its claws held him tightly enough, so he focused on forgetting his pain by any means necessary. Ignoring only works for so long.

Chuck opened his eyes to see his father crouched by the stone. He places the flowers with care on the right side of the stone, the sturdy vase holding up against the wind. Luckily the wind flew in the opposite direction, and would only hit against the backside of the tombstone.

"Her name wasn't originally Misty, you know," he said, still crouched beside the tombstone, his hand supporting himself on the side of it.

"It wasn't?" Evelyn gaped.

"That was her modeling name. Her real name was Evelyn, just like yours."

Evelyn frowned, her fingers absently finding her neck, for the necklace. She twirls it around her lithe fingers.

"So, I'm named after her? Evelyn Misty Bass?"

Bart stood straight, and faced his children. "I didn't want her to ever be forgotten."

"She won't be," Chuck spoke up. "Not if we let it happen."

"I thought of naming a charity in her honor years ago, but it didn't seem to be enough. There must be something more I can do – more than what I've done – because all I've done is try to forget the pain. I forget the pain, I forget her."

Evelyn and Chuck were silent, unsure what to say. Such a confession from Bart Bass was extraordinary.

"Would you each like a few moments by yourself with her?"

Evelyn nodded eagerly, and Chuck said, "A few."

Bart walked back to the path, and Evelyn turned to him. "You go first. I need a bit of time to think."

She walked away, along a row of tombstones, each cross, one by one, her arms crossed in his large suit jacket, hugging herself close. The sky is clear, the moon bright. He stepped forward sluggishly. Then another, and another until he was in front of the tombstone. The stone shone silver in the moonlight and he crouched in front of it.

Misty Bass

A name that plagued most of his life, which he knew nothing about. A name, an identity that meant far more than he'll ever know. He brushed his fingers along the gouges of her engraved name. The date. In memory of.

He pondered any memories that included her. But he had none. He was maybe three? He vaguely remembered being told, "mommy was going to a better place." Is she though? It must be better than where he was in that moment.

"I know it's been awhile," the words tumbled from his lips before he could stop them. "I'm sorry I haven't come sooner. I really am you know… I don't say that often."

What more could he possibly say? Sorry for being a lousy son? Sorry for never being good enough? Apologize for how he turned out? What good what that do, she wasn't here.

This was stupid. He said it all last time. What would talking to a stone do for him? It wasn't her. It wasn't warm and gentle, like he always envisioned in his best dreams. It wasn't beautiful and kind, like she must have been like. The stone was cold, hard and deceivingly smooth on the front, and bevelled along the sides.

Chuck ran his hand through his hair, exhaling heavily. Now what? What else is there left to say to her? Blame her for her fate? For leaving them? He did a lot of that last time; blame her for things that were out of her control. It was justified then, he didn't think clearly, but now was so wrong.

"Sorry for blaming you for everything you couldn't control."

It's not his fault anymore. The burden should have lifted from his shoulders, finally freeing him from guilt, but that doesn't change the lies that were told. His guilt had shifted to a new form, one that stood a few yards away from him, wearing his jacket.

He's not being fair. Learning he had a younger sister was a blessing. At times, it was a mixed one. But a blessing nonetheless. His gratefulness outweighed all the guilt that suffocated him for years.

"I know I never got to know you, but I do love you, and now that Evelyn is in my life, I will protect her as much as I can."

There was so much pain in this cruel world. The brotherly protectiveness he experienced earlier this week was new to him. He welcomed it, and now held himself to be responsible for her. No one was there for him as he grew up on the Upper East Side, and he can't help but think things could have been different.

He wouldn't take that chance with her. Chuck has the opportunity he's always wanted, and didn't plan to waste it.

"I'll be back. Sooner." Chuck stood and stepped away from the tombstone. Evelyn turned and approached, her expression filled with a mixture of longing and pain.

Chuck doesn't say anything but retreated back to his father's side. They don't talk, but watch Evelyn massage her neck, almost nervously, before crouching in front of the stone. She crossed her legs and opened the locket, her gaze flitting back from the picture in the locket to the gravestone.

He observes her like he does with everyone in his life. A nosy part of him wishes he could hear what she's saying. What she thinks about all of this. Maybe they should talk about it, because who else would he share this with? Who else would understand?

No one.

Her fingers brush the stone, trying to penetrate it, reach for her, but the stone is solid. Her hands drop to the ground, feeling the grass that cushion the casket, separated by layers of dirt. She talks for a while, steadily until I see her shoulders shake. Evelyn brushes tears away before they trickle down her face. Suddenly she's rising to a crouching position. She covers her hand over her mouth, which at first, appeared to be holding back tears, but instead, she kissed her fingers and pressed them flush on the stone. On top of her name.

Evelyn's gaze finds Chuck and Bart, and walked towards them. She looked over her shoulder, one last time before she reached them.

"Sorry about that," She said, eyes puffy and nose runny. "I just…"

She doesn't finish her sentence but opened her arms, and ran into Bart's. Chuck is surprised that Bart reacted by immediately wrapping his arms around his little girl, a hesitant hand rubbing her upper back soothingly. A flash of jealously overcame Chuck, but evaporated when she pulled away and threw herself into his arms.

"Thank you." Her words are muffled into his shirt, but they hold on tightly to each other. The warmth that filled the gaping void in his heart made this dark day lighter. At the edge of darkness, there comes blinding light.

"Ready to go?" Bart asked as Chuck finally released her.

"Yes," They both say in unison.

"Alright. Let's go home."

Together, they trudge back the long path to the limo, silent and contemplative. Chuck put his arm around Evelyn's shoulders, and she smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"I'm glad we did this," Evelyn said with the limo in sight.

Bart turns to his two children, and Chuck notices his sharp blue eyes soften, a genuine smile escaping his lips.

"I am too sis, I am too."

They say the tree of life can flourish in any circumstances. We all grow in the same pot together, where some plants grow together, intertwining along the way, while others wilt or sever. But family starts at the roots, and those roots will always lead you back home, where we all belong.

You Know You Love Me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

A/N: I have no excuses why this wasn't posted earlier. My sincerest apologies. But now that I'm back here's the rundown:

Some character progression, some character regression, all is necessary in good time. The next chapter will be a big one kiddies. A UES party=inevitable drama. The one to follow will then be a game changer for a few characters so get ready!

I'll leave you off with a teaser for the next chapter. The chapter title will be called Bass Appeal. What do you think that could possibly imply? I'm almost half down writing it, and already am at 6K. These chapters keep getting longer and longer!

Let me know if you're still reading this story with a review! Till next time!