A/N: Merry Christams everyone! I know its been ages, but life has been extremely busy for me this year. Like i said in last chapter's A/N, I haven't forgotten this story. This chapter was very lengthy and I wanted to take my time and write it the way I imagined. However, I reached my goal to complete this in time for Christmas, and as a Christmas present to all of you, here is the next chapter (almost 14k long to boot!).
For those that need a refresher either refer to the previous chapter or read the synopsis below:
Previously on TCCOMB: Evelyn and Jenny's 1920s sweet sixteen party is in full swing with Serena's planning help. While Bart and Lily are gone for the evening, Serena helps Evelyn get ready for her birthday party. When Chuck and Blair arrive at the party, they immediately talk to Serena about Miss Carr and Dan. Meanwhile, Evelyn has a run-in with a classmate named Dash, before being convinced to join Blair's scheme to take down Miss Carr. Evelyn reluctantly agrees and dodges Nate as much as she can throughout the evening. When Nate catches up with her, Chuck intercepts and tells Nate to stay away. Evelyn retreats to her room where Nate follows her against his best friend's wishes. He gives Evelyn her birthday gift, and kisses her. Jenny witnesses the kiss and promptly flees the party. Evelyn chases after her, but is reminded of her past. She realizes that what went wrong parallels what went wrong before she moved to the city and she finally faces her demons. Evelyn escapes to the rooftop where she breaks down. Chuck finds her and comforts her, as she tells him about her past. Chuck, now knowing Evelyn's story, makes it his mission to get revenge on Donny, who attempted to force himself on her, and has enlisted Blair for help.
Now in this chapter, an impending engagement party will introduce Evelyn to UES society, while Chuck and Blair execute their revenge on Donny.
Yup. That was a pretty big chapter. But so is this one. So read on and enjoy!
Chapter 19: The New Upper East Side Players
Engagements in New York: A Gossip Girl checklist for surviving her first Upper East Side engagement party. A haute couture dress straight off the runway from Bendels, a well connected date that will help you work the room, and most importantly an invitation to one of the most gossiped about engagements of the year.
"Do I have to wear heels?"
Evelyn sat crossed legged on Serena's unmade bed, her weight supported by her arms extended behind her. Serena tossed another dress onto her lap, and Evelyn sat up. She held the dress up in front of her, her fingers pinching the shoulders. She wrinkled her nose, and dropped the dress to the floor. Rumpled dresses surrounded her, costing hundreds and thousands of dollars.
Serena pushed a box of Valentinos into her lap. "Yes. It's not that bad. These shoes are beautiful and they need to be worn. Actually, they deserve to be worn."
Evelyn shoved the box to the side. "Yes, and that is why you should wear them. I'm going to wear something flat."
Preferably comfortable too, Evelyn thought. She could pull off a pair of sneakers under her floor length gown. No one would ever notice.
Serena folded her hands on her hips. "No you're not."
"See," Evelyn raised her hand, her index finger stretched. "I really should. You probably don't know this about me yet, but if I wear heels, I'm going to trip and die."
"Please." Serena waved her hand. "I've seen you play soccer. You're agile enough."
Evelyn sighed and fell backward. Beveled rhinestones stitched to one of the rumpled dresses dug into her spine. She yanked the dress and tossed it at Serena. "Soccer is different. I'm planted firmly on the ground, so my center of gravity is lowered. Besides, I'm wearing a long dress anyway, who's going to notice?"
"I am."
Evelyn propped herself up on her elbows. Lily stood in Serena's doorway already dressed in a crème gown with her hair pressed and makeup painted. She stepped into the room, her hands rooted on her hips.
"Evelyn, I'll forgive you since this is your first time to such an event, but shoes always matter."
Lily waggled her finger to Evelyn, and motioned her to get up. "Come over here," she said.
Evelyn hoisted herself up, and hopped off the bed. Lily directed her to stand in front of Serena's full-length mirror. She wore an old soccer jersey and cotton shorts.
With her back to Evelyn, Lily riffled through Serena's closet full of dresses. As each dress passed, her bottom lip curled and paled. She plucked two dresses and held them in front of Evelyn.
"Lets make this as simple as possible. Here are your options," Lily said. She held one crème dress in one hand, a blue dress in the other.
The blue dress clung to the hanger as a painful memory for Evelyn. All she could think about was Jenny. She gifted Evelyn a handmaid blue dress for her birthday. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts she'd ever received. That was before everything went wrong between them.
She hadn't spoken Jenny since that night. She tried calling and texting her, but her efforts were a distant echo without a reply. Even at school, she tried to intercept Jenny, but she'd always ignore her.
The truth was she felt terrible for what happened. Jenny was the only nice person (that she wasn't related to) at Constance. Her only friend. But it wasn't all her fault. She made it clear to Nate that she wasn't interested. She tried to stand by Jenny, but it wasn't enough.
Evelyn stared at the blue dress. Her stomach churned.
"I think I'll wear this one," Evelyn said. She took the crème dress from Lily's grasp.
"Good," Lily said. With her free hand, she weaved her hands through Evelyn's wavy hair. "Have Ina put your hair in an up-do. A bun perhaps…what do you think Serena?"
Serena finished layering her lipstick on her lips. "Yeah,sure. But maybe a braided one?"
Lily gasped. "Yes! That would be perfect."
Lily's phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and said, "I have to take this. When you're done, meet us in the living room."
Serena turned to Evelyn as soon as Lily was gone. "Hey, are you okay?"
Evelyn unzipped the dress on the hanger. "Yeah. Are you?"
Serena shrugged. "I'm okay. You know, it's just a bit rough knowing what Dan's been up to."
"Don't let it get to you. Next week, I'll be setting it all straight with Headmistress Queller," Evelyn said. "Can you zip me up?"
Serena, caught in a haze, snapped back to her attention. "Oh, sure."
After smoothing out her dress, Evelyn sat at Serena's makeup table. Ina got right to work on Evelyn's hair, pulling and knotting it to perfection. Ina was around so much that Evelyn often didn't notice her. She was always cleaning up and grooming her. She seemed invisible to Evelyn now.
"I've been meaning to tell you…" Serena paused, looking away from Evelyn in the mirror. She sighed before she continued. "That I'm sorry for what happened at your birthday party."
"Don't be sorry," Evelyn said, "it's not your fault."
"Gossip Girl is still theorizing on what happened."
Evelyn groaned. "I know. According to everyone, I'm either the crazy bitch or the innocent lamb. It's sick."
"Well, that is Gossip Girl for you. My advice is to ignore it as much as you can. If you let Gossip Girl in your head, you're only going to hurt yourself."
Evelyn shifted her gaze at her reflection in the mirror. "You're right. She'll probably move on at some point right? Someone else's scandal will hopefully overshadow mine."
"It will. Trust me. The more posts she writes about you, the more you'll come to accept her and become immune to it—well, for the most part. You'll come to accept that Gossip Girl just won't go away."
"Alright," Evelyn said absorbing Serena's words. "I'll move on to more pressing matters. Like tonight."
Serena nodded her head, and a crazed smile sprung on her face. She even bounced on her feet. "Yes! Tonight."
Evelyn restrained the chuckle bubbling at the back of her throat. "I didn't know you were this excited."
"Well, usually I'm not because it can be pretty boring, but you and Eric will be there with me. And this is your first society party, so I feel like I have a purpose to make it as fun as possible."
Ina began to push bobby pins to secure the finished braid into a bun. She scratched Evelyn's scalp along the way. "How about you tell me what makes it different from any other—OW— parties first? This is an engagement party. I mean, do you even know these people? I don't, and I feel like I'm intruding."
"No, no, no, you are not intruding. Most of the people at these kinds of parties don't really know each other, they know of each other. The key is your ability to work the room with your manners and charm. If you are uncomfortable, you don't have to talk to anyone on your own. We'll be introducing you to people that are important. I think mom wants to keep it low key."
"I appreciate it. It's not exactly the place to reveal that, hey I'm a Bass. Bow to me now."
Serena giggled. "Definitely not the place. It's the couple's night, not yours."
"And I am totally okay with that. Besides, Bart was telling me that the groom is a good friend and business partner of his?" Evelyn asked. She only heard of the man briefly, and she never got the chance to ask for further clarification from her dad.
"Yeah, mom was telling me that he and Bart have been doing business together since the beginning. He was married before, but divorced at least ten years ago. I've met him many times before. He's a nice man."
Ina began putting the finishing touches on her hair, sticking a few more bobby pins for extra support. Ina admired her work before disappearing into the hallway. "Here, let me help you with your makeup."
Serena set up all the brushes and pallets on the table. She picked up a fine pencil and closed Evelyn's right eye and traced the tips of her eyelids.
"Who's he marrying again?"
"He's marrying a Taylor," Serena said. She began to trace the other eye.
"And the significance behind that would be?"
"They're an old money family. The Taylors are one of if not the oldest families of New York. Some of them date back to be Nobles actually."
"Wow, prestigious," Evelyn smirked. "Will they be wearing crowns too?"
"Yes they will, as they sit atop their golden thrones," Serena said sarcastically.
She put her hands up in defeat. "Sorry, I couldn't help it. I won't say anything more—OW!" Serena's eyeliner pencil slipped, poking her in the eye.
"That's what you get for disrespecting them," Serena scolded.
Evelyn resisted the urge to rub her eye. "Please, they can't have that much power."
"Actually, they've had a lot of power and say in New York. They have helped us get to where New York is today, and have upheld all the traditions," Serena said. She began brushing and blending neutral colours on different parts of her eyelid.
"Hm you seem to know a lot about this. Did you like date a Taylor or something?"
Serena chuckled, and handed Evelyn a tube of lip-gloss. "No, but the option may have been available."
"Oh really?" Evelyn said waggling her eyebrows. She turned to the mirror and loosened the cap of her lip-gloss tube.
"Are we almost ready?"
Both girls turned to find Lily at the door, with a drink in her hand. "Almost. Give us five more minutes," Serena said.
"Are you preparing for a toast?" Evelyn asked while trying to remain as still as possible, lips parted.
Serena began to apply a final coat of mascara to her own eyelashes. "Yeah mom, what gives?"
"Well, since this will be Evelyn's first society event, we wanted to toast to it before we get there—if we get there."
"Mom!" Serena sighed. "We'll be there in five minutes. I just have to finish my makeup now."
Lily took a sip of her drink. "You said that five minutes ago."
"Mom!"
"Alright! We're still waiting outside." Lily frowned at her daughter, who refused to look at her. With her head hung low, she returned to the living area.
"Thank you for this," Evelyn said pointing to her face.
Serena's back faced her. She clumsily groped for her eye shadow shade and brush. ",anytime."
Serena dropped a few pencils and brushes. She sighed as she picked them up.
Evelyn bit her lip. "Are you sure you're okay Serena?"
Serena brushed a shimmering eye shadow to her eyes. "I'm great. It's just mom being a bit annoying, that's all."
"Okay. I'll just be waiting with Lily and everyone else," Evelyn said. She scurried out of the room.
Serena was clearly hurting from Dan cheating on her. But what was lost on Evelyn was why Dan would cheat on her? There had to be another reason that they were splintering apart. Something that was bigger than both of them.
But she wouldn't think about that anymore. She was done trying to understand people on the Upper East Side. It always led to more confusion and destruction.
"I can't believe I agreed to this."
Blair drummed her fingers along the armrest and sighed, as she stared out the window. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun. Her usual headband crown was at home, stashed away with her other headbands in her collection. She wore dark rinse jeans that Chuck noticed hugged every curve, and a golden yellow blouse. Chuck rarely recalled Blair ever wearing jeans, but he welcomed the change. She could wear anything and wear it well.
They'd been in the limo for an hour and hit traffic on the I-87 North. Granted, it wasn't the best time to travel on the freeway. They hit the echoes of the five o'clock rush. Dumpy bungalows lined along the opposite side of the sound barriers, and the closest exit was for a McDonalds.
The beaming sun radiated heat waves off the hoods of the cars around them. Windows were rolled down a rusted rim car travelling in the next lane. It was the first humid day of the year, and he couldn't help but regret his decision on wearing a full business suit. Unlike the car beside them, he was at least glad he never had to deal without air conditioning. The passenger in the back seat looked at the limo, but he couldn't see anything through the darkly tinted windows. Arthur sped up, and Chuck could only see the passenger look longingly at the limo's trunk.
Blair sighed again, and she unfolded her legs to find a comfortable position. Her head was tilted against the windowpane, and her eyelids began to droop. She stifled a deep yawn, as her eyelashes kept fluttering. She doesn't even bother covering her mouth with her hand.
Chuck has to look away to keep his cool. The last time he saw her mouth open like that was…
Never mind.
"How much longer do you think this is going to take? I can't believe I scarified a Saturday for this."
"I'll make it up to you," Chuck said.
"Really?" Blair sat up. Her eyes were still cloudy from impending sleep. "How?"
Chuck smirked. "With whatever you'd like. You name it, and I'll make it happen."
"How about getting me into Yale?" Blair suggested.
She was still bitter about not getting into her dream school. At least she got into Columbia. Nevertheless, Blair would never let that go. "I was implying something more realistic. There are plenty of other ways. He wrapped his arm around her farther shoulder, and pulled her to his side.
She turned to face him and whispered in his ear, "Tell me other ways Bass."
Her breath touched his cheek. He swallowed.
He cleared his throat and turns his head to face her. He grazes her nose with his. "I'd rather show you."
Suddenly, Blair was on her back, pinned against the limo seat. His lips hovered over hers, as he pushed a few locks of brown hair behind her ear.
Blair's eyes were full of life. "Chuck Bass. Always trying to find a way to get a girl on her back."
"Are you complaining?"
"I'm observing."
She was just too irresistible for him to resist. They would be stuck in traffic for a long time, and Chuck seized the moment to make it go by a little faster. So he kissed her. Right on the mouth.
Her ruby lips were begging him too.
Blair began to kiss him back. Her hands fist in his hair, as she pulls him closer to her. She faces him, never once letting up, and it felt so good that he didn't want it to stop. His hands gripped her hips, anchoring her to him. She inched her way closer and closer.
He finally pulled away because he knew they would both suffocate if they didn't.
"What…was...that…for?" Blair asked breathlessly.
He didn't know. He wanted to kiss her and he did? Is that an appropriate answer?
"It was a preview. Remember all the ways in which I will repay you for accompanying me on this business trip?"
"Who said that's what I want?"
"I'd gamble and say it is."
Blair smirked. "I thought we weren't playing the game anymore."
"This isn't a game," Chuck said without thinking. He immediately wanted to take it back before he foolishly let that slip.
Blair stared at him. He did his best to look at anything but her. She guided his chin to face her and asked in a small voice, "Is this real?"
Blair asked him the question so seriously that this was a presented opportunity. An opportunity that he didn't see coming and couldn't handle. Blair's hand brushed his hair behind his ear delicately. His hair was entirely too long anyway. He needed to get it cut. Besides, they agreed to wait. Chuck still didn't think he was ready. How was he ever going to figure out if he is ready? Will he ever be ready?
"It is what it is," he finally said.
The hope in Blair's fair face drains out. Her flushed cheeks faded, and she shoved him off of her.
Fuck. He fucked up another opportunity. Why did he have to make everything so much harder? Why couldn't he be capable of saying the right thing?
Blair sat up, and smoothed out her skirt. She turned her shoulder away from him and used the reflection of the glass window to fix her hair.
"Blair, I'm sorry. I didn't really mean-"
"Don't apologize Chuck. You meant exactly what you said. Lets just pretend what just happened didn't, and focus on the task at hand. Revenge."
"Right."
He didn't want to forget though. He wanted to create more of those moments with her. Yet, something always prevented him from explaining that to her. There are words for these situations, but he could never articulate them in the moments they were needed.
Blair checked her phone for messages, and an uncomfortable silence fell between them. The car inched forward, the unsaid words hung in the air, and these… feelings perplexed him.
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
Where are u?
-E
Taking care of something and will be late. Don't wait up.
-C
Gleaming marble pillars welcomed Evelyn, as she stepped out of the limo. The colonial inspired three-story building was a stark contrast from the skyscrapers surrounding it. Thick tree trunks anchored the front lawn, and a narrow cobblestone walkway lead to the black double doors. Hip length iron gates fenced in the property against the sidewalk. Luminous yellow light peaked through the windows and double doors.
What was she doing here? She wasn't ready for this. She would never fit into this. Did she really think she could just waltz into this new life? Evelyn was tempted to crawl back into the limo. This is crazy, Evelyn thought. Why, why am I here?
Bart and Lily lead the way arm-in-arm. Serena and Eric followed behind them casually and effortlessly. Evelyn stumbled behind them; her hand caught on the iron gate.
Eric turned his head back briefly. He was the only one to notice her blunder. Eric didn't smile or chuckle at her clumsiness like he usually would. He turned his head forward, and didn't give her another thought.
Her relationship with Eric changed since her birthday party. Eric was never one to take sides, so he's tried to remain neutral between the two girls. But Evelyn hadn't had the opportunity to explain herself to Eric, and tell him everything. At school, instead of choosing between hanging out with Jenny or her, he's spent his time with Jonathan. She rarely saw him in the penthouse except at family meals. Now at school, she spent her time with Chuck since he wasn't on the best of terms with Nate either. Even Chuck has been distant lately. It's as if he was preoccupied with something else that he wouldn't tell her.
A doorman guarded the front door with a clipboard in his hands. "Name?"
Bart cleared his throat. "Bart and Lily Bass. Serena and Eric Vander Woodsen. Evelyn Ainsley."
The doorman flipped the page, and checked off their names on the list. He and another doorman on the other side opened the double doors.
Well, at least she wasn't a plus one. A maid waited to take their coats, and she gave them a pin for their coat check. Evelyn handed the maid her coat. A cool draft floated behind her neck, over the elegant straps of her crème dress.
A tall balding man strode toward them, a drink in his hand. "Bart!"
"Phillip!"
Philip shook Lily's hand and kissed her on both cheeks. "Lily, you look as wonderful as ever."
"Oh please, Phillip you're too kind. These are my children Serena and Eric."
Evelyn tried to hide behind Serena. She willed herself to disappear behind her. Unfortunately, that wasn't working out so well. Phillip saw her and smiled. Evelyn's shoulders relaxed. His smile was kind, in a non-judgmental way.
"Hello there, I don't believe we've met?" Phillip extended his hand to greet her.
"I'm Evelyn," she said quietly.
"She's visiting from Hartford," Lily said.
"Hartford? Oh! What a wonderful city! My fiancée was living there for the past couple years. Ruby has taken me to the Firebox Restaurant. It was really quite marvelous and quaint."
Evelyn's shoulders swelled. "I've been there many times! I have a friend from school who works there actually."
Philip sipped from his glass. "Wonderful. I'm not sure if your children have met my son Dashiell? Bart was telling me that they attend school together. Dashiell!"
Dashiell Montgomery…
A boy carrying a bottle of beer in one hand and a six-pack in another waltzed to Philip's side. Evelyn's eyes were met with a familiar face. Although she did not notice his face in their prior encounter. His beady blue eyes scanned over her family and stopped when he locked eyes with her. He smirked and introduced himself to everyone. He paused at Evelyn, and she gave him a tight smile.
"We meet again," Evelyn said crossing her arms.
A throng of guests pushed past the Van der Basses. A man shoulder checked Dash, and he spilled his drink on the floor. Evelyn leapt out of the way just in time.
"Quick reflexes. It seems that we're used to meeting in closed spaces," Dash smirked. He stepped back and wipes his soiled suitjacket.
"Please excuse me while I go clean this up." He sauntered away, and Evelyn rolled her eyes after him. Eric eyed her curiously.
"Well," Lily exhaled heavily. "Bart and I have to go make our rounds to talk to a couple of the board members. If you need anything please come find either of us. In the meantime, I think the kids are all upstairs."
Lily and Bart disappeared into the drawing room. Evelyn looked around at the beautiful home she was in. It was much more traditional than the modern penthouse she grew accustomed to over the past few months. The home had history; like the previous homeowners were absorbed in the walls. Fractures of their souls displayed in the antiques around her.
"Are you ready to meet everyone?" Serena asked.
Evelyn nodded slowly. She was intimidated sure, but she knew she needed to push herself. It was incredible overwhelming. People chatted and laughed like old childhood friends. Would they judge her that she wasn't like them? How do you become one of them? Is that even possible?
Why did she suddenly care so much?
Before, she went along with her business and criticized those who did whatever it took to fit in. Evelyn was beginning to realize that she wasn't any different. Her stomach churned at the thought and desperately pushed it away.
"Evelyn? Are you still with me?"
"Sorry…I was just taking it all in."
"Good. Because there is plenty more to see!" Serena looped her arm around hers and dragged her down the hall and into maze of opportunity.
The freeways turned into highways, and highways into local roads. Twilight had set, as they neared Evelyn's hometown. Southington, west of Hartford, was nestled among the plethora of lakes and rivers in the area. Southington was an upper middle class suburb, a stark contrast from the ghettos in Northern Hartford. The gentle hills of Southington were huddled in the valley between mountains on the east and west side of town. Chuck felt a feeling of tranquility that he couldn't feel in New York City. Parents sat on their front porches with their neighbors, talking and drinking in the predays of summer. It was a town of thirty thousand people; an unfathomable number to Blair.
"Is this some sort of hicktown?" Blair scoffed.
The limo glided by the "Welcome to Southington" sign. "I'd equate this town to west Hampton."
"Well, it's a good thing Bart rescued her from this place."
Chuck smirked. "You make it seem like this is a ghetto. Last time I checked, the Hartford ghetto is in the North."
Evelyn had told him that she never really left the suburbs and other neighboring towns. She rarely went to downtown Hartford, as there were many ghettos. You'd never know she lived so close to such a poor place. It reminded him of the city. One minute you're on the Upper East Side, the next you're in the Bronx.
"Still, she was wallowing at a standstill here."
Chuck sighed. For all of Blair's wonderful qualities, she really lacked awareness of what's below her. He checked his phone and messaged the girls they were meeting up with.
"Looks like our friends are waiting," Chuck said.
Lush trees curled above the roads with branches that intertwined like a gate. Chuck and Blair sat in silence again, the awkwardness still hanging in the air from earlier in their trip.
They arrived at a sprawling public school, with a maintained track, baseball field, and three tennis courts. Chuck had agreed to meet the girls at school on a weekend because they would be performing at the school later that evening for their end of semester concert. Chuck got out of the car and held the door open for Blair. They knocked on the locked front doors, and two girls appeared on the other side. They looked about Evelyn's age, young and wide eyed.
"Hello there, I'm Chuck Bass and this is Blair Waldorf. Thanks for meeting us."
Both girls shook his hand limply and stepped aside to allow them in. They led them to an empty classroom. Unlike St. Judes and Constance, desks weren't lined up in rows. The desks were clustered in cubes of four. Blair looked around her; her mouth pursed, and she avoided contact with all the objects around her.
The girls and Chuck sat down at a cluster of four desks facing each other. Blair stood behind the chair, as if afraid it would begin to attack her.
Chuck pulled the chair out. "Waldorf," he said.
She sat with a huff before replacing it with her bitch smile.
The girls fidgeted in their chairs. "So, you wanted to talk to us about Donny?" The short blonde, Melanie, asked.
"Yes," Chuck said, "We know someone who was assaulted by him, and were wondering if you two had an incident with him."
"If you don't mind me asking, who do you know?" The taller brunette, Jackie asked.
"Evelyn Ainsley? She's a close relative of mine and she doesn't go here anymore."
The girls' shoulders relaxed and nodded their heads. "Yeah, we know her," Melanie said. "I worked with her on student council."
"We know that this is a sensitive subject matter, but we know he tried to force himself on Evelyn, and we were wondering if he made similar attempts with anyone else."
Melanie and Jackie eyed Chuck warily. He got it. They didn't feel comfortable talking about this in front of a boy.
"If you want I can leave-" Chuck offered.
"No, no," Jackie said waving him to sit down. "It's okay. Are you planning to go to the police?"
"If we have evidence, then yes," Blair said.
The girls looked at each other, and communicated without words. "The thing about Donny is that when he sets his mind on something, he's incredibly…persistent," Melanie said.
"Yeah," Jackie agreed playing with the hem of her shirt.
"In the beginning, when we were in ninth grade, and he was in the eleventh grade…God this sounds so stupid now…"
"It's not stupid," Blair said leaning over her desk, her hands touching the wood.
Melanie's eyes glistened. "Well, he would text me all the time, how he wanted to be with me…and then he…h-he asked for a photo of me… I'm s-sorry" Melanie said. Jackie wrapped her arms around her friend, and Blair stretched her hand across the table, open for Melanie to hold.
"I did it, you know the kind of photo I'm talking about, and I thought it would make him want me…"
Blair reached out and massaged Melanie's trembling hands. "He sent them to all of his friends….I have never been so humiliated in my life," Melanie said.
"Did you tell anyone?" Blair asked.
"No… I was too ashamed, and I knew everyone else would be too. I don't think they'd believe me."
"It wasn't just her," Jackie mumbled. "There were others. He didn't try anything on me, but there were many others."
Chuck sat back, not knowing how to react in this situation. If he let himself start to think of himself, he could see many parallels between himself and Donny. His stomach churned.
"Do you have a recorded history of a conversation with Donny?" Chuck asked.
She shook her head. "I deleted it a month after. I was just so scared."
"You don't need to be scared anymore," Blair said squeezing her hands. "We're going to take care of this now, and make sure he doesn't do this again."
"How?"
"Well, with your testament that's a start. We can go to the police with your parent's consent of course, and we can send a warrant. If he still has those photos of you he can serve time for possession of child pornography."
"But he was a minor too," Blair said.
"He'd still get a punishment. Juvie if we're lucky."
"But my parents-"
"They would want to know," Blair said. "Trust me, I get why you got into this position. I've had my share of doing things that I thought would get a guy's attention."
This peaked Chuck's attention. He tried to think if this was related to him. He was always chasing after Blair, and he made sure she knew she fascinated him. If anything, she accused him of stalking her. Quite possibly, they gave each other so much attention at times; it seemed like no one else in the world mattered.
But it occurred to him that Blair wasn't talking about him. She was talking about Nate.
"I think the worst thing you could do is to stay silent," Blair said fiercely. "You know why? Because he'll continue to do this to other girls. Would you want that to happen?"
She shook her head, sniffling. "No."
"Well, then let's do something about this," Blair said.
Blair let go of her hands and fished out an embroidered handkerchief with a large W from her purse. Melanie blew her nose and let out a deep breath. "Okay."
They always say that the truth will set us free. But they never met the wrath of Chuck Bass. By setting one free, there is a cost to imprison another. Question is, is it worth it?
After an hour of attachment at Serena's side, Evelyn had come to understand one thing about high society. Their parties were boring. Besides the pianist in the drawing room, people mingled and chatted quietly. People were frozen like the pictures you'd find in your grandmother's attic. There was a certain regality and poise that everyone in this room had. Diamonds and pearls roped around each woman's delicate neck, and men sported tailored suits, buttoned to the collar.
No wonder everyone's always drinking. Evelyn already had a couple glasses of champagne herself. There really wasn't much else to do but drink and talk. Talk and talk and talk. For everyone else in the room this wasn't seen as a difficult issue. They were all established in the same community. Everyone knew everyone else. They partook in the same interests, went to the same events, and most grew up together. But for Evelyn, she struggled to fit in to the conversation. The only relevant pieces of information she could offer was her life plan that included medical school. She'd been directed to a couple different doctors in the room, but they were few and far between. Most didn't have to work so hard for money and were real estate moguls. Most owned some commodity that was worth way more than it should be.
In the process, Evelyn was introduced to too many people tonight. They were all pleasant enough with their tight smiles and firm handshakes, but she knew she wouldn't remember all of their names by morning. Serena assured her that she'd get to know them better once she attends more events.
"So this isn't as bad as you thought it would be," Serena said. She appeared elegant and sophisticated in a floor length black dress. She looked lost in time, as if she walked out of one of the portraits from the main floor hallway.
Evelyn's fingers tightened around her glass. "No it's been pretty good."
"You're taking it like a trooper. I remember Dan's first event—Cotillion— when we were in junior year. Besides a bunch other stuff that happened, I introduced him to so many people that night. He was so overwhelmed." Her face light up at the memory, one she could still keep despite the knowledge of his infidelity.
"I don't think I've processed who I've talked to yet. It'll probably hit me at breakfast tomorrow," Evelyn said. She took another swig of her drink. Her champagne had gone flat long ago, and so had the bubbly nerves she had when she got here. Now she was starting to feel fatigue. Trying to pay attention to everything around you was very exhausting.
Middle-aged couples crossed ahead of them and Evelyn stepped aside to avoid being pranced on. "This is a mature crowd. I thought you said there were people our age here too?"
"Well of course! They're usually camped out upstairs in the bedrooms. I'm sure that's where Dash went, and probably where everyone else is. Oh, have you met Ruby's son yet?"
"No. I haven't even met Ruby yet," Evelyn said. She hadn't even caught a glimpse of the bride-to-be. From what Lily had mentioned on the ride over, it was probably a good thing. Lily's impression of Ruby was negative to say the least. Although many people were here tonight to celebrate the union, Evelyn got the impression they were there for Philip's sake, not Ruby's.
Clink, clink, clink!
"May we have everyone's attention?"
Serena and Evelyn turned to see Mr. Montgomery lower his champagne flute. He extended his arm to welcome his bride-to-be in his arms. She turned, her long chocolate brown hair cascading down her shoulders. Her hair was long enough that she was trying to look younger and hip. Evelyn heard a thunder of footsteps from the staircase. Sure enough the kids Serena was talking about were probably coming downstairs, Dash leading the way.
Evelyn turned her attention back to the engaged couple before her. Mr. Montgomery's fiancé turned her face to the crowd of people. Evelyn's eyes widened. Her tanned beyond normal complexion, long curly hair, makeup plastered face. Her irritably opportunistic smile.
She smiled to the crowd and kissed Mr. Montgomery. To a stranger, they would seem like a loving and adoring couple.
But Evelyn knew better.
"Oh my god," Evelyn gasped.
"What's wrong?"
Evelyn knew the curve of her smile was not from loving happiness, but one basking in victory.
"Evelyn what is it?" Serena asked.
"I…I know her."
Don't you ever learn E? Your past will always come back to haunt you.
After stopping at the county station, Melanie had already confessed her side of the story. She was in the sheriff's custody with her parents while Chuck and Blair sat in the waiting area. Both sat in silence, miles apart from each other, even though they could feel the heat from each others hands rested on the paralleling armrests.
Chuck recounted the many times he lured girls like Melanie, as some would describe his "victims". It was a game to him. He liked being the cat, and each impressionable girl the mouse. He never gave a thought about the consequences, or pain he inflicted. He simply didn't care. Waiting forced his mind to wander while the minutes lagged. He couldn't look at his phone because it was almost dead, and he needed to save his battery, and Blair was off in her own world beside him.
He wondered how many girls cried over what he did to them like Melanie did. The only time someone called him out was Dan Humphrey. Jenny kept saying stop, but he kept going. He heard her, but persisted.
What the fuck was wrong with him?
In a raspy voice, Chuck asked, "Did I ever pressure you?"
Dazed, Blair looked at him in the eye. "Pressure me?"
He looked away as she spoke. He focused on the waxed tile floor. "Did you ever not want to have sex with me, but did anyway because I never stopped?"
Blair held his head in both of her hands, forcing him to look at her. "Never."
Her words didn't make him feel any better. There were still many others that he seduced.
Her hands dropped in her lap. "I wasn't talking about you earlier."
"Who were you talking about?"
"That's not important."
She definitely must have been talking about Nate. Up until last year, he was her boyfriend since kindergarten. There was no one else she could be referring to. Why she wouldn't admit it bemused him.
"Chuck…are you feeling remorseful?"
"No. I'm fine. I just want to get this guy arrested and get out of this place."
Blair kinked her eyebrow. "Chuck."
"What? There's nothing to talk about Waldorf."
Suddenly, the front doors of the station swung open. Two suited sheriffs dragged a handcuffed kid through the station.
The kid was build like an ox, tall, with sandy brown hair and a boyish face. His teeth were gritted, and he looked over and grimaced where Chuck and Blair were seated. One of the sheriffs ushered him past the front desk and into a back room, which Chuck was sure contained a holding cell. The other officer approached them. They both stood up.
"Donovan Tucker has been arrested on three accounts of possession of child pornography found on his cellular device and computer. He is now over the legal age of 18, and will be tried in court as a legal adult."
"Really?" Blair gaped.
"Yes. Thank you for your contributions to this case. On behalf of the Southington community, we thank you."
Chuck shook his hand and said, "Can I have a quick word with him before we leave?"
The officer agreed and ushered Chuck behind the desk and in front of the holding cell. Blair stayed back and embraced Melanie who was released with her parents.
Once he arrived in front of the cell, Donny looked up, confused. "Who the hell are you?"
"I'm Chuck Bass."
With arms crossed, Donny leaned back into the brick wall, his legs sprawled. "And that means?"
"It means that I'm Evelyn Ainsley's brother. I know what you tried to do to her a few months ago."
Donny stood up. "Seriously? This is all because of you? It was a party! Things happen!"
Chuck froze. He felt so disgusted with himself that he begun to shake, his teeth clenched. "That's not an excuse."
Before he could say anything more or try to break through the cell to strangle him, Chuck stomped away. Blair waited alone at the door, and he pushed past her, slamming the doors open, and into the awaiting limo.
Spotted: Chuck Bass finding out firsthand the guilt of past actions. Ain't karma a bitch?
One time in Evelyn's childhood, she thought she'd lost her favorite locket necklace. It was a humid day, where she played outside with the kids on her street at the neighborhood playground. They tagged and ran on the yellow grass until they were breathless.
Evelyn stood under the shade of a tree. She stopped to catch her breath, her hand over her chest. The familiar bevel of the chain was replaced with her smooth skin. She reached and clawed frantically, and realized she lost the necklace. She ran home crying to her Aunt Kim and they searched the home for her necklace, but they couldn't find it.
Months later, Evelyn found the necklace in the back pocket of her shorts she wore that day. She completely forgot she placed the necklace in her pocket so it wouldn't distract her from running. It was with her all along throughout her turmoil, as she tried to find it.
Now, she stood in a similar predicament, finding someone she thought she'd lost a long time ago. She thought she left behind.
Evelyn took a step back from Serena, her feet twitching. The stuffy room was suffocating her all evening, and she needed fresh air before she felt herself get out of control.
Philip raised his glass in a toast, and the crowd raised theirs back. Everyone except Evelyn.
Ruby's smiling eyes narrowed when she noticed the one person who didn't raise her glass in their toast. Her smile was still porcelain on her face and her cold eyes didn't leave Evelyn's face when everyone tipped their glasses back.
People resumed their chatter and Serena turned to face Evelyn, "Evelyn? What are you talking about?"
"Nothing…I'm just…." She looked past Serena and froze when Ruby began to approach her.
"Ladies, it's so nice of you to honor us on such a special day."
Serena smiled at the bride-to-be. "Congratulations Ms. Taylor. I'm Serena Van der Woodsen."
"Oh! Lily's daughter!" Ruby tossed her head back like she was reconnecting with an old friend. "I remember you when you were a baby. You look just like your mother," Ruby said sizing her up.
She then turned to Evelyn. "Evelyn, I have to say it's a surprise to see you…here." She motioned her hands around the grander of the room.
"I'm just as surprised as you are," Evelyn said her lips curling into a tight line.
Serena flickered her head from Ruby to Evelyn.
"My son hasn't mentioned you in months, which is a bit odd since he was always spending time with you before Christmas. He's here you know. Would you like to say hello?"
Evelyn blanched.
No.
Absolutely not.
This couldn't be happening.
She left him months ago. She left all of that behind. How was this happening?
Serena, growing more alarmed by the second, put her hand on Evelyn's shoulder.
"Don't worry Serena, I didn't mean to cause Evelyn a fright…Oh there he is now. Ozzy!" She gestured for him to come over.
No way.
This couldn't be happening.
All the suppressed air left her when he stood in front of her. He grew taller since she left, but his face was still the same. Handsome, dark brown eyes, brown skin. But no smile.
He was Oscar Taylor. The illegitimate son Ruby bore that was conceived on her bachelorette trip. She was banished from the Taylor's, one of the oldest New York families left. He was Evelyn's best friend. He was also a bit more than that. He was her Oz.
Now he was a stranger.
Neither of them spoke. No words raced through Evelyn's mind, no sharp retorts, no excuses. She didn't know what to do.
Serena introduced herself, but Ozzy didn't pay much attention to her. He kept his gaze on Evelyn. He was always so calm and laidback, but the sharpness in his eyes reminded Evelyn that he was angry. Hurt.
"Well, I'll let you two catch up," Ruby said before gallivanting off to ruin someone else's night.
"Bitch," Evelyn muttered under her breath.
Serena excused herself, but left a lingering look, telling Evelyn that if she needed her she was here. It was a nice gesture, but not comforting enough in her current situation.
It was just the two of them.
Her legs twitched again.
"Umm…I have to go use the restroom," Evelyn said in an attempt to excuse herself.
She tried to sprint past him, to avoid this unbelievable encounter. She needed time to think before she said something she didn't mean. If she could even find the words.
Ozzy hooked his hand on her forearm. "You're can't run away from me this time," he said.
He didn't let go of her arm.
Evelyn's eyes found the floor. "Then follow me."
He released her arm. "Where?"
Evelyn looked back into his eyes. She could remember all the good memories they had, but also all the bad. She didn't know how she felt.
"Outside."
"Chuck," Blair said for the sixth time since they left the station.
"What do you want Blair?" Chuck spat.
Blair remained composed. "Talk to me."
"I told you there was nothing to talk about!"
"Chuck, stop lying."
Blair unbuckled her seat belt and slid closer to Chuck. "Tell me what happened back there."
Chuck sighed. "I'm no better than him, Blair. I could be in his position, you know."
"Chuck, you're not like that-"
"Yes I am."
"Chuck, you're not like that anymore. Don't you see? You've shown your capabilities to be caring. I mean, why else did you insist on driving out here, but to protect your sister? Would Chuck Bass from two years ago do that if he knew someone he cared about was in need?"
He didn't know. He would do it for Nate. He was also good friends with Blair too, so maybe he would do it for her too. But he would ask for payment from Blair which would tarnish his generous act. But he didn't think he thought outside himself enough to do it for anyone else.
"The answer is yes, Chuck, yes you would."
The limo picked up speed, and switched lanes to surpass a slow Honda civic. "But I still did stuff that he did, and didn't get caught."
"And you've apologized for it. You've learned. You can't continue to blame yourself for that."
Chuck thought of Jenny. He didn't apologize to everyone. He never made apologies.
"Hey," Blair placed her hand over his forearm. "You're not a monster."
Yes he was. How could she not see that he was nothing better than that? "I was-"he began.
"No. You were a person too. You just made a few bad decisions."
Few was putting it lightly. He scoffed at the very thought. Chuck Bass himself was the product of a bad decision.
"Isn't that what you told me when I lost Yale? We all make mistakes. We're human."
She was so close to him, she was almost in his lap. But he wanted to push her away. She was too close to him. Too close to figuring him out. Why would she spend so much time on him, such a screw up, right now?
He shook his head.
"What?"
Chuck shook his head. "You deserve so much better."
"No-"
"I only bring out the worst parts of you, even though you bring out the best in me."
"Chuck, that's not true," Blair said.
"There's no point avoiding the truth. We care about each other, but we don't work with each other. I just bring you down. You should be with someone of the Archibald caliber."
Blair turned his head to face her. Her hands hold his face. "You bring me to the ground. That's important. I don't want someone like Nate. I-I want you."
His eyes softened. "Why?"
"Because…because I love you."
The barrier between them dissolved with those three little words. The open spaces in their hearts shone a bright light connecting them together where a butterfly took flight from one and landed on the other. The hollow space was involuntarily filled with unbridled happiness yet soured with regret.
There was no where to hide anymore. He was trapped in the limo with her. He couldn't just open the door and leave. He couldn't run away from his feelings. They were here, in the now. Real and not fabricated to win a game. He could feel them growing like the butterfly they share.
They stared at each other. Blair waited patiently for a response, and Chuck was shocked. She waited to finally hear the words that will never come out of his mouth.
"I don't expect you answer that. I just thought you should finally know and hear it from me."
"I-I-"
"Don't say it if their not true, really it's okay." Blair recoiled away from him, and he doesn't let her go.
"Please don't."
He was selfish. After all his talk about her deserving better, he couldn't resist his temptation to pull her closer. He wanted to hold her again, like he did the night after the school play.
"Has this been a game Chuck? This whole time? Or is this real? That's all I need to know."
His first instinct of lying started to form at the back of his throat.
He held out his hand to her, offering her the choice to embrace him, as he said, "This is real."
Spotted: E fleeing the engagement party with the bride-to-Be's outlawed son in tow. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Didn't you already learn to stay away from the bottom feeders of the Upper East Side?
Evelyn pushed through the front gates quickly and passed the men smoking cigars and the elderly couples waiting for their private cars. Once outside the iron gate, she exhaled heavily.
She didn't wait for him to catch up until she turned to face him. Ozzy was standing behind her. She was surprised that he followed her so quickly. Many people couldn't keep up with her brisk pace. His warm brown eyes didn't waver. Her eyes found the cracked sidewalk. "Let's go for a walk," Evelyn suggested. The walking would help her figure out her thoughts. It always helped.
The warm evening air included a calm breeze. It was calming, lulling her from the shock she felt inside. Evelyn's thoughts were all over the place. How did this happen? Why did this happen? How did she not see this coming and prepare herself?
Evelyn realized that now was not the time to ask those questions. He was beside her now. She couldn't run from him anymore. They turned at the end of the block in silence.
He matched her stride like he always did, and they continue to walk beside each other. From an outsider's perspective, they'd appear as two apparent strangers dressed in oddly formal attire walking on the side street. They'd never know the history between the two of them, built from fractured foundations. What now? What was she supposed to say to make everything better?
She didn't know.
"Out of all the places I thought I might see you again…I didn't ever think it would be here tonight," he said. He kicked a pebble ahead, and it landed in front of Evelyn's striding foot.
He'd been thinking about her. It should come as no surprise to her, but the thought made her feel guilty because she did everything in her power to completely cut him out of her mind and succeeded. She didn't want to imagine how many hours he could have spent in an angry silence. Without a second chance.
"Likewise," Evelyn said. She kicked the pebble back in front of his feet.
Evelyn began to replay the events that happened before the New Year, and remembered the pain, the loss and hurt she felt. But this time, the pain wasn't as immediate, or severe. Time may not have healed the wounds completely, but it gave her perspective.
The nights after her birthday she couldn't help but compare what happened with Jenny and Nate, and what happened with Ozzy and Donny. The scenarios weren't all that different. With her first go around, she was in Jenny's position, getting screwed over by her friend. She did what Ozzy did to her. Now, she couldn't help but realize she was a total hypocrite.
She hated hypocrites. It made her hate herself a little.
But with this revelation, she began to understand why he did it. Or at least, why she did it to Jenny. Maybe she wasn't as good of a friend as she thought she was.
She gave a side glance to Ozzy who looked troubled himself, trying to think of a way to talk to her.
She abandoned him. She knew that Ruby was a total bitch and just left him behind to deal with it. But she always thought she was a better person than Ruby. She thought she supported her friends, not deserted them. She was a terrible friend.
Ozzy stopped abruptly and sighed. "Why'd you leave?"
Evelyn stopped too and finally let her garbled words go. "M-My biological father contacted me and wanted to meet me. He offered for me to live with him in New York for the term… so I-I went."
"Your father?"
Evelyn nodded. If they didn't get into a fight, she would have told him. He would have been happy for her. Ozzy was the only person she talked to about her father. He was the only one who completely understood.
"Yes. So I left after the new year."
He stuffed his hands in his pockets. She looked at him, all cleaned up and wearing a pressed suit. It suddenly looked very strange on him. Evelyn looked down at her couture dress, and realized how ridiculous they looked.
And then she laughed.
He cocked his right eyebrow. "What's so funny?"
Evelyn leaned back on the black base of a street light. "Its just…look at us!"
He looked down at what he was wearing a cracked a grin. "What are you talking about? I wear suits all the time."
Evelyn continued to laugh and gasped, "How…did…we get…here?"
His smile fell.
Her curved lips lapped into a straight line. She always felt so warm when he smiled at her. Like nothing heavy could ever drop on her shoulders.
"Evelyn I'm-"
"Sorry," she finished. "I know. And so am I."
Ozzy clenched his hands in his coat pockets. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes faded.
"I'm sorry I completely cut you out of my life. I was very angry with you and wanted space, and also knew if I left without telling you, it would hurt you. I just…I was really hurt by what you did to me, and I jumped to the conclusion that you were using me, so I wanted to make you feel like I didn't care…which" she rolled her eyes, "you know isn't true. I understand now that what happened that night wasn't your intention."
She thought of how history repeated with Jenny and Nate. She didn't mean to use Jenny to get to Nate, she wanted to be liked by her peer, but you can't control someone else's feelings. Especially one's own.
Ozzy stepped closer to her. He held her hands in his. "I regret everything I did that night. I should have been looking out for you more, I should have never gotten involved with Donny in the first place…you were just so liked by everyone that if I wanted to be your friend, I thought I had to be their friend too…"
She felt like she was being brought to life again. The stone cold exterior (Akin to Bass senior) was melting, hands first. The resentment and bitterness washed away, and was replaced with a calm forgiveness that made her feel lighter than how she'd felt in months. For once, she didn't feel like she was carrying the pain on her shoulders wherever she went. She felt freed from her pain.
"I understand. Believe me I do. I tried doing the same thing at my school here, and I've had little success." Her eyes began to sting, and she blinked rapidly.
"Since when did you start caring about what everyone thought of you?"
Evelyn scoffed, her blurry eyes looking anywhere but at him. "Probably around the same time I moved here and started going to this totally elitist and pretentious school."
"Oh, aren't those the worst?" Ozzy said.
Evelyn chuckled although her tears began to fall down her face. Dammit. She swore she wouldn't cry about this again. Ever.
She felt something familiar wrap around her, enveloping her into a faint memory she thought she forgot. Ozzy held her, in the way that only she allowed him to, and she felt all the pieces of her break apart. He smelled different. Like he was wearing cologne. The stiffness of his suit didn't restrain him from the warmth and care that only his lean arms could provide. She rested her head on his shoulder.
Who was she?
What was she doing here?
She started to cry, and he didn't say anything. All she felt was his warm arms holding her up, and that she was okay with that. Because as strong as everyone pretends to be, everyone falls apart.
"I'm…s-sor-ry," Evelyn sputtered.
And suddenly she was spilling her guts to him. She explained everything she went through after she left like no time passed between them. And he listened. God, he was always good at listening.
She was tucked into his side, as they sat on the stoop of someone's town home.
"I'm a terrible friend," Evelyn said.
"No you're not."
"Oz, I made a promise that I knew I couldn't keep, and lied constantly to Jenny because of it. I mean, she was so nice to me. Oh! And she hand made me a dress for my birthday! Oh and my birthday… let me tell you…it was horrible which isn't out of the ordinary really…"
She explained the party, and how she met Dash while dodging the situation with Nate and Jenny.
"Do you like it here Evelyn?"
She thought about it for a moment and realized her answer wasn't clear-cut. "I do. I guess. I mean, it's not perfect, but that would be unrealistic to think it would be. I have no friends at school, but they're all super pretentious. I wish I could spend time with my family but they're always busy. But I think considering how long I've been here, I can't say they haven't been welcoming."
Ozzy watched a person walk by with their dog. "Well, no one has it all. You have to give something up, to get something in return. At least, in my experience from moving to eleven different states and another country in my life so far."
"That I can't imagine," Evelyn said. "It was hard enough moving once."
"And you're going to have to move back when school's finished," Ozzy said.
That would mean she would have to move back to Conneciticut. The idea of moving back was becoming more and more unappealing. What else was left for her in Hartford? After tonight, she acknowledged that all of her opportunity was here on the Upper East Side.
"What's your dad like?" Ozzy asked.
"Depends on who you ask. The first word that comes to mind for most is intimidating, cold, calculating. But he's more than that. He's protective, smart…maybe a bit ruthless, but just a little, and he's determined. Whatever he's set his mind to something, he's achieved."
"Well, I think I've met someone like that before…"
Evelyn knocked his shoulder. "Shut up. He's a real estate mogul, and has a ridiculous amount of money, but works hard for it. It's been…nice having a relationship with him."
"Yeah, it must be," he said wistfully.
Evelyn frowned. She knew he would never know who his biological father was. Apparently Ruby didn't even know herself—or so she told him.
"Hey, at least you are getting Philip. He is a nice man," Evelyn said.
"He's okay." Ozzy shrugged. "Better than most others who've passed through."
"And Dash? You're going to be stepbrothers with him."
Ozzy slouched his shoulders and said, "unfortunately."
Evelyn chuckled. "He can't be all bad."
"I haven't met any redeeming qualities from him yet. Seriously, he's such a dick. I can't stand him."
"Well, I've met him once, and I got the same reaction. I think that's most people's first impression of him."
Silence overtook the two of them. This would happen occasionally. But it was always a comfortable silence. It was never a silence that resulted from nothing more to talk about. It was a pensive silence, one that required a certain level of friendship to be deemed okay. Sometimes Ozzy would stare off into space, and in those times he always felt so far away. It was like he would retract within himself, in his own thoughts. It was a dangerous place in Evelyn's experience.
"Wait, does this mean you're moving to New York City?" Evelyn thought suddenly.
Ozzy grinned. "Thirteenth time's the charm. I'll be living in that house we were just in."
Evelyn's eyes widened. "Wow, your mom must be thrilled."
He shook his head. "Yeah, but we'll see how long it lasts."
True. Things never seemed to work out for Ruby for that long. Her long list of suitors was evidence of it.
"Well, I'm supposed to go back to Connecticut after the school year's over, but I don't know if I want to go back."
"I get that…but how do your aunt and uncle feel about this?"
"Well, they just had to deal with it since it was my decision. I think they're worried that they're going to lose me." Evelyn cocked her head to see the tips of the old oak trees on the lot. "I think they did."
"But you said you didn't like it here?"
"Well, I didn't say that. There are select parts I don't like, but my family's here, and that's where I intend to stay."
Ozzy showed his childlike smile. "That's good because I'll be moving here after I'm finished exams in four weeks. "
Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. She was unforeseeably happy about this. She held back a smile.
"And you'll be going to St. Judes?"
He nodded. "And you at Constance?"
"Yup. Welcome to elitist hell!"
"Please. As if Hartford wasn't elitist enough?"
"It wasn't that bad," Evelyn said.
"Evelyn, I've lived in eleven other states throughout my life aside from another country, and through my experience I can confidently say that it was by far the most pretentious…so far."
"But you bought into it," Evelyn said.
"Yeah, well I was young and stupid then."
"And now?"
"Still stupid. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
"I'm glad you finally acknowledge this," Evelyn teased.
An idea struck Evelyn and forced her to stand up. "Let's start over. Clean slate and all."
"Clean slate?"
"Yes, whatever happened before can ceremoniously be removed from our consciousness."
Ozzy stood up and smiled with relief. "I have never heard anything more fair."
He held out his hand like they were conducting a business handshake. Evelyn smiled, feeling lighter than she had in four months. She felt free. She put her hand in his, and he pulled her gently to him. She threw her arms around him this time, and they embraced.
She was so high on emotions that she almost kissed him. On the cheek, of course. But she remembered one thing he said moments ago.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
They still needed to learn from each other how to be a friend. How to be a lover was a completely other beast neither was equipped for nor even mature enough to consider.
"What time is it?" Evelyn asked when they parted.
"Almost eleven thirty."
They'd been outside and alone for almost three hours of the night. It was not surprising to either of them as they had so much to catch up on.
"Let's go back to the party."
They retraced their steps to Ozzy's new home. A limo had just pulled up to the curb and Evelyn saw Chuck emerge from the limo.
"Chuck? What took you so long?"
The limo door slammed, and Blair appeared behind Chuck. "And you brought Blair."
"Bass," Blair said.
"Waldorf," Evelyn returned.
"We just returned from Connecticut." Chuck said. He stopped, looking at the stranger standing closely behind Evelyn.
"And why is there a leech trying to listen in?" Chuck asked.
Evelyn realized Ozzy was still behind her said, "Oh, Chuck this is Oscar Taylor, Ruby's son. We, uh, went to school together in Connecticut. Ozzy, this is Chuck and Blair."
Chuck nodded his head at Ozzy and immediately sized him up.
"Anyway, you'll be happy to know that imbecile Donny," Blair wrinkled her nose as if someone just passed gas, "who you went to school with is in police custody right now," Blair said.
"What?" Evelyn gasped.
"Donovan Tucker?" Ozzy said eyes wide.
Chuck gave him a dirty look before explaining, "He is facing criminal charges for possession of child pornography."
"Now, Donny won't be touching anyone but his prison mate," Blair added.
Evelyn's mouth hung agape. "How?"
Blair sighed. "This is why you leave the scheming to the professionals. Don't worry about it. Just know that now, we're even."
"Even?"
Blair sighed. "Blair Waldorf does not like to be in debt with anyone, as much as I appreciated what you did for me. I've repaid my debt to you, even if it was terrible having to go to your Connecticut public high school. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go make my rounds with whoever is still here. My mom will be furious when she sees me. "
Blair parted and marched toward the home.
"Hey, Blair? Evelyn called out to her.
Blair turned expectantly.
"Thank you."
Blair didn't show a smile, but turned away and walked confidently to the house entrance.
"I should go back inside. I'll talk to you later," Ozzy said to Evelyn. He waved to Chuck and followed behind Blair.
Evelyn stomped her foot. "I can't believe you!"
"I believe you should be saying thank you, sis."
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Chuck."
"Is that your friend that you told me about? The one who used you?"
Evelyn took a deep breath. "Yes, that was him, and no he didn't use me. After talking it out, we've worked it out. We're moving on from it."
Chuck nodded. "Good, but that doesn't mean your going to forget it."
Evelyn threw her arm around Chuck's collar and they walked to the house. "Chuck, I may have forgiven him, but I won't forget that happened."
"So this means you're going to be talking to him now?"
"Yes, Chuck."
"Well then, I might as well tell you this now," Chuck said seriously.
"Tell me what?"
He looked at his sister in the eye and said, "I don't like him."
When Bart first began his career, he didn't care much for social gatherings. It came as a surprise to many that he preferred solitude to a roomful of strangers. He knew, however, that these events were essential for social survival on the Upper East Side. He found that they were often overwrought and dull, but learned to cope and make the most of it.
Lily was as gracious as ever to all of their mutual friends at the party. He would talk business with his esteemed colleagues, and their wives respectively. It was routine. Sometimes, he'd meet new colleagues who were new to the society like he once was.
Bart spotted his children entering the front doors, Evelyn's arm flung over Chuck's shoulder. He couldn't avoid the memories he had with Misty at this party. She was infectious and adored by everyone. But there was this unstated quiet pull she had in a room. She didn't receive her attention by behaving raucously, no that would never do. She was an elegant magnet, and everyone gravitated toward her.
He was not so gifted. He knew this about himself. She was the only person that could get him to loosen up, smile, and have fun (without the aid of alcohol). He's certain he moved on, he had to, but it were these creeping moments that snuck up on him, as simple as watching his children, walk among his peers integrated, that they reminded him of fractured remnants of her.
His children stopped at the refreshment table, and he excused himself to go refill his drink.
Chuck noticed him first and said, "Father. My condolences to Philip."
Evelyn chuckled and discretely high fived her brother.
Bart sighed. "Please tell me you didn't tell him that."
Chuck's smirk faded and he sipped his drink.
"D-dad, Chuck was just kidding. He just got here," Evelyn said.
"Where were you all this time? Did you get into trouble?"
Chuck scowled. "All of my own making."
Evelyn glared at her brother. "It was actually mine." Evelyn turned to her father and continued, "Don't listen to him, please. He was busy taking care of something for me."
Bart tensed a bit. He considered calling Andrew Tyler on the spot. But he made a promise to Lily…
"What kind of trouble are we talking about?" Bart asked sternly.
"It's nothing big really-"
"Child Pornography," Chuck said. He sipped his punch.
Bart's eyes bugged out of his skull, "Excuse me?"
"CHUCK!" Evelyn hissed.
Bart turned his shocked eyes to his daughter for an explanation.
"I-It's not as bad as it sounds! Well, Chuck visited Hartford today and –uh- he-he had this… guy…who…who kinda gave me a hard time from my old school…well…arrested for possession of child pornography—and no, theywerenotpicturesofmeoranyoneIknow," Evelyn said, her chest heaving.
Bart took a deep breath. "Okay. All that matters is that everyone is okay, alright?" Bart bored his cold eyes into Chuck's and said, "We'll talk about this in the morning."
Chuck took another long gulp of his punch. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go make my rounds," Chuck said. He swayed down the hall and greeted one of Bass Industries' shareholders Mr. Grespin.
Bart sighed. Sometimes he didn't know what to do with Chuck. Some days they'd get along just fine. Others like today, he'd hear about a mess that he'd have to clean up after him. His son was completely unpredictable and volatile. With the company and now Evelyn, he didn't have the time nor patience for Chuck's antics.
"So, how's your evening been so far?"
Evelyn cocked her head in deep thought, as she searched for the right word to articulate her experience. "Unbelievable."
"Really?" Bart said.
She nodded enthusiastically. "How was your first society party?"
"Terribly dull for the most part. That is, until I met your mother that night."
"You met her at your first society party?"
"I did. That was back when I had a full head of brown hair."
Evelyn giggled. "So how did you meet her?"
"Well, it was a summer charity event. I met her at the refreshments table. Turns out, she ran the event. I can't say it was any more romantic than that. She didn't think much of me at the time, as I was fairly unknown."
"What charity was it for?"
"AIDS. It was in the eighties when everyone thought it was a pandemic. She was just breaking into the modeling industry while I was in real estate. Her best friend died from it."
"Really?" Evelyn asked hanging onto every word.
"Yes. You mother may have been a model, but she was very smart. She went to school."
"Why didn't you tell me this before? Where?"
"Well, you didn't ask yet. I can't tell you every detail of your mother. That'll take years. She went to NYU."
Bart felt an arm loop around the crook of his elbow. He turned to see Lily at his side. "I'm ready to call it a night. How about you?"
He looked at his current wife and said, "If everyone else is ready, by all means."
"I'll go find Serena and Eric. I'm not sure if Chuck wants to stay longer, but I'll find him too," Evelyn said.
On her way, she stopped and pointed her finger in Bart's face, "this conversation isn't over."
Her determination reminded him so much of his late wife he chuckled. Lily looked at him questioningly, as he pulled her to the waning crowds of people to bid their goodbyes.
Evelyn spotted Ruby on her way to find Serena and Eric. She was alone for the first time in the evening, and she made a beeline right to her.
"Miss Taylor?" Evelyn said tapping her on the shoulder. Ruby looked over her shoulder irritated.
"Excuse me for interrupting, but could I please borrow you for a moment? It'll only take a minute." Evelyn's permasmile grew.
"Of course," Ruby said cheerily although the wrinkles of her eyes were relaxed.
Evelyn lead her near the kitchen and spun around. "For the sake of us most likely seeing each other a lot in the distant future, lets clear the air about a few things. I know you don't like me, and I don't like you. "
Ruby looked over her shoulder, and dropped her smile since no one was close to surrounding them. "How are you here? Are you chasing after my son again?"
Evelyn crinkled her brows. "No. I'm here with my family actually."
Ruby chuckled. "You? Family? What family could you possibly be talking about?"
"The van der Woodsen Bass clan."
"You're Lily's?"
Evelyn scoffed. "No. But that's none of your business. Let's stay focused here."
Ruby looked at her with pity. "Please stay away from my family."
"Oh really? I can't avoid you all forever, you know."
"Please dear, just do yourself a favor and go back to Hartford," Ruby waved her hand lazily.
"Don't tell me what to do." Evelyn stood up straight and was at least a head taller than Ruby. "Besides, you've been horrible to me since I met you. What do you have against me?"
"You're just not one of us, dear. Don't take it personally." Ruby tapped Evelyn's shoulder sympathetically.
Evelyn shrugged her hand away. "I am. By blood."
"But not by tradition dear."
"Well, then you're no more 'like them' than I am."
Ruby's eyes narrowed. "You couldn't be more wrong."
"Let me explain this once more. I can talk to whoever I want to talk to. I can live wherever I want to live. But when we're in the same room, I'll do the best to stay out of your way if you stay out of mine."
Evelyn noticed an elderly couple she met earlier approaching Ruby over her shoulder. "Thank you for the lovely evening Miss Taylor," Evelyn said in a sweet voice. As she passed Ruby, she muttered loud enough for only Ruby to hear, "My condolences for your upcoming nuptials."
A comfortable silence envelops them all in the car. They were each lost in their own thoughts, simply attempting to process what happened tonight. Chuck looks between the two closest women in his life, and was torn by the day's events.
Blair's fingers rest against his, as the limo glided along the deserted streets. Evelyn stared intently out the window, her body turned away from him.
He looked at Blair, the same Blair who unfathomably confessed her love for him tonight, and never saw her so beautiful. But her looks were just the surface. She was smart, clever, loyal, loving, protective, determined, slightly twisted…he could go on. But what bemused him the most was that she could love someone like him. Someone who didn't deserve that kind of love.
As much as they chased one another, they both knew yet ignored that this would eventually happen. They would both fall for one another, but only one of them would first confess outside the framework of their games. And he knew it would always be her. She loved fiercely, and passionately. But if he could finally admit it, they could move forward into the unknown. It scared him.
In that moment, Chuck realized that he had nothing to lose anymore. There was no game to their relationship. If there was, Blair would have won already. She gathered the courage to say those three little words first. He could fight against the rules all he wanted, but he had to be honest with himself.
He couldn't avoid it anymore. He couldn't ignore it. And he certainly couldn't wait any longer. Fact was fact, truth was truth. In that moment, Chuck Bass admitted something he fought so hard against for so long.
He was in love with her.
Some people claim they know the precise moment they have fallen in love with their significant other. But for those other people, it's the moment that one realizes they've fallen in love with someone that will always be remembered.
You Know You Love Me,
XOXO Gossip Girl
A/N: Well, there you go folks! Again, judging by the length of this chapter, I put a ton of work into it, so please leave a review to let me know how you felt about the chapter overall.
Next chapter preview: The next chapter will be titled "A Streetcarr Named Conspire," and will focus on the ending to the Miss Carr take down. Also, the seniors will be preparing for Prom, while Evelyn begins to question her future plans after she finishes her term at Constance, and Chuck and Bart discuss plans for college.
So, there is lots more to come. Thank you so much for those who are still reading this story and Merry Christmas!
Till next time!
XOXO EZ11