A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you so much for the consistent reviews, follows and favorites to this story over the past couple of months. It really motivated me to continue writing for this story. As a result, I have finished the next chapter in record time it seems. Here's hoping it was worth the wait!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gossip Girl or any of its characters. I only own the characters I've created in this story.
Chapter 22: The Graduates
Like everything on the Upper East Side, high school graduation is done a little differently. Small gatherings of celebration turn into spectacles, and pomp and circumstance is replaced with paparazzi. So smile big graduates. You know I'll be watching.
Final exams had come and gone, and the last ceremony that stood in the way for the seniors of Constance Billard and St. Jude's was graduation. They only had one more day to walk into the chapel and across the stage to shake the Headmaster's hand and receive their diplomas before leaving high school forever. Of course, the only thing Chuck could feel about this was relief. He was ready to start college, but more importantly attend a family trip to Tanzania. It was the first family trip he has ever been invited to, and he was excited for it.
It was also one of the few destinations that every member of their family had not travelled to. It was all thanks to Evelyn who came up with the idea in the first place. Now, all Chuck could think of were the hot summer days on safari. Usually he would much rather sip a drink on a nude beach, but he was willing to experience a change of scenery. The only thing that was holding him back from this dream was Blair Waldorf.
After prom had passed, he didn't speak with Blair that much. She threw herself into study mode, and worked incredibly hard to bump up her grades to ensure her acceptance to Columbia wouldn't be revoked. It comforted Chuck to know that she and Nate were going to Columbia with him. They were the only two people he liked from school that he wasn't related to.
The door clicked open to his room. Chuck kept his eyes shut, as if he were slumbering peacefully. He could hear feet shuffling against the carpet. Two voices whispered to each other.
"If this is my wake up call, then you're a bit late," Chuck said.
He opened his eyes, as he rolled onto his back. Eric and Evelyn stood on either side of the bed.
"Amazing. He even watches us in his sleep," Eric said.
"It was supposed to be a surprise," Evelyn huffed. "So, happy graduation day!" She held a breakfast tray with Chuck's favourite breakfast of an egg white omelette with spinach, prosciutto, and peppers with a cup of black coffee, slices of whole grain bread and sausages. An éclair was also plated on the tray.
Evelyn set down the tray. "The surprise method worked on Serena."
Chuck smirked. "And you expected it to work on me?"
"Kind of. Well we hoped our stealthiness would," Eric said. "I'm going to go check on Serena. When we surprised her, she jumped up and spilled the orange juice all over her sheets." Eric turned and shuffled out of the room.
Chuck turned to Evelyn and asked, "What did I do to deserve this?" He picked up his fork.
Evelyn shrugged. "Today's a special day. I just wanted to remind you of that."
"Thank you," Chuck said. "This is one of the nicest things anyone's done for me." He patted his bed. "Sit."
Evelyn sunk beside him. She stretched her legs out on the bed, and thumbed her locket while Chuck took a bite from his omelette.
"I have something I've been meaning to tell you," Evelyn said.
"So there was an ulterior motive," Chuck said rubbing his eye.
"This has nothing to do with breakfast," Evelyn said. She tucked the loose waves of hair behind her ears. "This is something really important. I know it's early, but I need to tell you now."
Chuck paused. "Is something wrong?"
"No, it's not bad. I think it's really good actually. It's just kinda scary too."
Chuck took another bite of egg. "Go on."
Evelyn sighed. "You know that I was only given permission by our Aunt Kim to stay here for the school term right?"
Chuck nodded, as he chewed.
"Well, the term is over and I had to make a decision if I wanted to stay here or move back to Connecticut."
"That must have been a simple decision."
Evelyn craned her neck to look at the locket. "It's not that simple."
Chuck's fork clattered on his dish. "Have you decided?"
"Well yes. I want to stay here. I know that. I weighed it out in my mind and have thought it over the past month."
"What's the problem then?"
Evelyn dropped the locket and twisted to face Chuck. "It's just, I feel really bad leaving Aunt Kim and Uncle Travis. They raised me, Chuck. I feel like I'm totally disrespecting them for leaving. If I were to stay here, I would have to divorce myself from them, and Bart and Lily would become my legal guardians. It's my choice. They love me, and I'm just leaving them. I feel awful about it."
Chuck rested his hand on her arm. "If they love you like you say they do, they'll let you go."
"Why would they do that?"
"If they love you, then they should want what's best for you. Sometimes what's best for people isn't something you can offer. They can't offer what you get here. You've outgrown them. You shouldn't feel bad about that."
Evelyn's shoulders sagged. "You make it sound so simple."
"It is simple. Or it should be. Bart's people will take care of most of the grunt work. If you feel bad, then you should make the effort to go see them this summer. Keep in touch the best that you can."
Evelyn nodded. "You're right. They want what's best for me. I think this is what's best for me. You are what's best for me."
"I wouldn't say that. Actually, I don't think anyone has said that to me," Chuck said.
Evelyn giggled. "Your bark is worse than your bite, Chuck. At least with me anyway."
He looked at her with confusion. "And just when I thought we were making progress."
"The middle class suburban girl comes out," Evelyn said. "It's a part of who I am. It won't just magically disappear." Evelyn shrugged.
Chuck took a sip of his coffee. "Usually I would have a problem with that, but I'll make an exception."
"Thanks, Chuck," Evelyn said.
"Anytime."
Evelyn took a bite from her croissant, as she stared at her phone. She stared at the phone, knowing she had an important phone call to make. She should have made the call weeks ago, but with welcome distractions of exams and prom, she found every way possible to procrastinate. Like now. Today was graduation day. She couldn't possibly have time to make this phone call. She kept staring at the phone, and tore another piece of croissant, and popped it in her mouth.
"It's not going to talk back to you," Eric said.
Evelyn smiled. "But it might bite me."
Eric picked up a banana from the fruit bowl. "Let me guess. You are avoiding making an important phone call to your aunt."
Evelyn swallowed another bit of croissant. "Perceptive as always, Eric."
"Just make the call. The longer you wait, the worse it's going to be."
"You're right," Evelyn said. She had purposely missed every phone call from her Aunt for the past couple days. "Will you dial for me?"
Eric took the phone from her hands. "Only if you don't run away."
Evelyn threw her head into her hands. "I guess I can agree to those terms."
Eric pressed the speed dial button, and handed her the phone. With each ring, Evelyn became more hopeful that her Aunt wouldn't pick up.
"Hello?"
"Aunt Kim? It's me, Evelyn."
"Evie! How are you? I've been trying to call you for the past week."
Evelyn drummed her fingers on the counter. "I know. It was just really busy the past couple days. I need to talk to you about something though."
Eric gave her a thumbs up before disappearing from the kitchen. Evelyn's eyes widened. He couldn't just leave her now. She needed some support once the inevitable yelling would ensue.
"What is it honey?"
"I…" She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She caught her Aunt in a good mood. This might not go over as horribly as she feared. "I've been thinking a lot about something….I've really enjoyed my time here, and I know I'm supposed to be coming back soon."
"Yes. You should be back by July first. That's in a week. Your Uncle Travis has been counting down the days. "
"Right. You see, I'm sorry I have to say this on the phone, but I-I think I want to stay here."
Frequency rang through the silent line. Evelyn gripped the edge of the counter. Her finger nails turned white.
"Aunt Kim? Did you hear me?"
She heard an audible sigh on the line. "Oh I heard that alright. I don't think that's a good idea, Evelyn."
Evelyn's shoulders sagged. "Why not?"
"I knew I shouldn't have let you go from the start. Those people are poison Evelyn," Aunt Kim spat.
"How would you know? You're not the one who's been living here for the past few months," Evelyn gritted her teeth.
"That's where you're wrong. I've been around those people long before you were born. They are manipulative, greedy, and are only out for themselves. Don't try to tell me I'm wrong about that."
"But not everyone's like that," Evelyn said. She combed her free hand through her hair.
"Why are you fighting me on this Evelyn? As far as legality goes, your Uncle Travis and I are still your legal guardians. Until you turn eighteen, we have the authority to make this decision you seem to think is yours. You're coming home."
"What? No!"
"You are coming home Evelyn. End of discussion."
"But that's not my home!"
"Really? You're telling me six months there mean more to you than the fifteen you've spent here?"
"No that's not what I mean. It's just… I was hoping you'd understand."
"All I understand is that you've developed a bit of an attitude problem since your term abroad."
Evelyn's eyes began to water. "But you're not listening to me. I want to stay here! Why does my choice mean so little?"
"What you seem to think you want is irrelevant. We will be picking you up. Start packing your things."
"I'm not leaving," Evelyn said in a low voice.
"Don't play games with me now Evelyn. We'll talk more tonight. I have to go."
Aunt Kim hung up. Evelyn slammed the phone on the counter. She leaned forward, and buried her head in the crook of her elbow. How could her Aunt say those things? She had no idea what it was like for her. She had no idea what it was like to walk through life confused, not knowing where you belonged. She didn't belong in Connecticut. She tried, but it was too small for her. She couldn't go back to the simplicity that life had to offer. Her life would always remain complicated, and she wasn't going to run away from it.
A hand gently rubbed her back in soothing circles. Evelyn lifted her head and sniffled.
"It didn't go well did it?" Eric said.
More tears streamed down Evelyn's cheeks. She shook her head.
Eric held a tissue in his hand. "Thanks," Evelyn said. She blew her nose noisily.
"What did she say?"
Evelyn took a shaky breath. "She said I had to go back. She won't let me stay. She's coming to pick me up in a week."
"Just let her think about what you told her. She must have been shocked, but more importantly scared."
"You don't understand Eric. She was angry, not scared. She was yelling at me."
"She may have seemed mad, but some people show fear differently. She's probably scared of losing you."
Evelyn wiped her eyes. "Well if she keeps pushing me, she will."
She took a shaky breath. "Eric, I don't know what to do. I didn't even get to tell her about the trip to Tanzania."
"You haven't told her?" Eric asked.
Her shoulders slumped. "I was getting to it, but she hung up."
"Evelyn, we leave for Tanzania in just over a week."
Evelyn buried her head in her hands. "I know, and I'm sorry!"
"You need to talk to Bart about this. This involves him as much as it's about you."
"I know. I will, Eric. But I can't bring this up on graduation day of all days."
"Well your timing may not be the best on this, but you need to deal with this as soon as possible."
Evelyn wiped another rogue tear. "Look. I promise you I'll work on this with Bart at some point today. At least after the grad ceremony, alright?"
"Okay," Eric said. "But you can't run away from your problems forever, Evelyn."
Poor E. Didn't you know that it's not only parents on the Upper East Side who make decisions for you? We hear your decision has been made for you to go back to Connecticut. What a shame. We will miss you.
After Chuck zipped up his blue graduation robe, he made his way to the courtyard. All the seniors gathered, and waited for the procession to start. Chuck looked around and only spotted Blair. She sat at her usual stone bench focused on the cue cards in her hand. A gold tassel of braided rope hung around her neck.
She walked up toward him holding back a big smile. "Hi. I haven't seen you around."
"Have you been looking?" He smirked.
Blair opened her mouth, but no words came. They locked eyes for a moment, and Chuck had to stop himself from getting lost in her eyes.
"How are you?" Chuck asked.
Blair's eyes darted around the courtyard. "I'm fine. No, I'm great. Um but I could be better…"
Chuck frowned. "Are you nervous about your speech?
Blair looked down as her fingers fumbled with her tassels. "Oh, yeah. No I mean not really."
"Good because I trust there won't be a dry eye in the house."
Blair threaded the tassel strings around her fingers. "Of course. You would know a thing or two about that wouldn't you Bass?"
"It was a moment of inspiration. I trust you found yours?"
Blair looked at him and her eyes clouded. "Yeah. I think I did." She smiled. "Congratulations on graduating by the way. I'm sure no one is as surprised as you are."
"Actually, Bart is the most surprised. But don't expect any tears from him during your rousing speech."
Headmistress Queller clapped her hands behind Chuck. "Everyone, let's line up so we can make our way down please."
The Headmaster of St. Jude's looked at the graduates through his tiny glasses. "Girls on one side, boys on the other. Just like we practiced."
"Right," Blair said. "Well good luck up there."
Chuck smiled. "You too, Waldorf."
Evelyn arrived at Constance with Eric and their parents later that morning. She pasted a smile on her face pretending everything was okay even though it wasn't. She was in a foul mood, and didn't want to talk to anybody. What started off as a celebratory day turned into a day where all Evelyn wanted to do is cuddle up in her bed and watch a movie and forget about all of her problems.
She walked through the school corridors she became so accustomed to, and wondered if this would be the last time she'd see them herself. She looked around at every classroom door she had a class this term. Evelyn looked into the courtyard where the seniors gathered before the procession. When she passed her locker, her fingers grazed the ebony wood, finding the creases that were carved from others before her.
Blair's minions strutted down the hallway, each of them wearing a pastel headband. Evelyn wrinkled her nose. She didn't understand the appeal of wearing the same thing as someone else. She never wore a headband ever. It wasn't even her go to accessory. She much preferred necklaces.
Jenny walked through the courtyard door, and said, "Hey, Eric!"
"Jenny, hey." Eric smiled.
Jenny approached him. Evelyn looked up, and the two girls locked eyes. Jenny's smile disappeared into a scowl. She turned her back on Evelyn and spoke with Eric like she wasn't there.
"I'll just wait over here I guess," Evelyn mumbled.
Evelyn stepped away and almost ran into Blair's minions.
"Excuse us," Penelope said. She waved her hand for Evelyn to move aside.
"No believe me, excuse me," Evelyn said and pushed through Penelope and Iz. She leaned up against the lockers waiting for Eric.
"Hey little J. Want to throw your hat in the ring?" Penelope said.
Jenny turned to face the minions, her brows knitted together. "What are you talking about?"
"Queen. What else is there to talk about?" Iz said.
Jenny scoffed. "That there's not going to be a queen next year?"
"What would high school be without hierarchy?" Nelly added. She pushed her heavy frames up the bridge of her nose.
"Bearable. A nice place to spend time?" Jenny said.
Blair appeared from the courtyard and shouldered her way through her minions, her chin up, shoulders back.
"Ladies." Blair said. "I thought we were matching our headbands under our caps?"
The minions looked at the floor. Blair sighed. "What's going on?"
Jenny cleared her throat. "Your minions were just telling me about the next search for queen."
"They don't get to choose the next queen. I do. And take off that hideous scarf Penelope you can see it from space."
Blair pushed through her minions and continued to strut down the hallway. Jenny chuckled, and turned to walk away.
"Not so fast J," Penelope's voice cut through her laughs. "Don't waste your time appealing to Blair. We don't listen to her anymore."
"The coronation happens at midnight at Nate Archibald's party," Iz said.
"Whoever tells us the biggest piece of Constance gossip wins. And you've got competition. The new girl. Catherine Baizen transferring in next year," Nelly said.
A girl with light brown hair strutted toward the minions. Her hair fell in loose curls, her skin luminescent. Her teeth glistened like new pearls found in oysters, her delicate frame filling out the curves of an emerald green dress.
"Carter Baizen's sister?" Jenny asked.
"The one and only. Nice to meet you little J. See you at midnight? Unless you want to concede right now?"
"Don't count on it," Jenny replied.
Catherine stepped forward, eye-to-eye with Jenny. "Fine. Then may the best gossip win."
The minions giggled as they watched the scene unfold before them. Catherine turned and followed the minions down the corridor.
"Well so much for peace and freedom in the kingdom. On the bright side, we'll have all summer to prepare for hell next year," Eric said.
"No. This cycle of abuse must be broken. The monarchy ends tonight," Jenny said with a firm voice.
Evelyn pushed herself away from the locker she was leaning on. "I think I can help you with that."
Jenny turned to her. "And why should I need your help?"
"Because I might have the best piece of gossip that'll end the monarchy forever."
Jenny crossed her arms. "How can I trust you? You've had no problem humiliating me in the past."
Evelyn pushed her hair behind her ears. "And I felt horrible about that. I'm so sorry, Jenny. I truly am."
Jenny turned to Eric. She looked for some sort of reassurance. She needed some sort of confirmation that she could trust Evelyn. She looked back at Evelyn with guarded eyes.
"Fine. We'll have a meeting at the Van der Woodsen and Bass brunch. Don't be late."
"Wait how did you get invited to that?" Evelyn asked.
"Why would you care?" Jenny said.
"I just thought that since Serena and Dan aren't speaking after what happened that your family wasn't welcome."
"Well we might be crashing. Dan will be going too."
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Eric interjected.
"It is if he wants to ask for forgiveness and move on."
"I think it's going to take a little more than that with Serena," Eric said.
Jenny walked away leaving Eric and Evelyn.
Eric looked at her stunned. "What piece of gossip do you possibly have that could exonerate your deeds with Jenny?"
"You know, Eric."
Eric's eyes widened. "You're going to let the whole world know about that? But Evelyn…surely there's something else."
"There isn't Eric, and you know it. Besides. This will hopefully mend fences with Jenny, and potentially destroy the one I have trailing back to Connecticut."
"You do realize, the moment the world knows who you are will change your life forever right? Any sense of anonymity will be gone. There's no going back."
Evelyn crossed her arms. "I know."
"It's just—Are you sure you're ready for that?"
"Is anyone ever ready Eric? This was going to come to light sooner or later. It's better that I have control over it."
Evelyn turns to walk away. Eric jogged to catch up. "But Lily and Bart—"
"They'll find out in the morning and will know what to do. If I'm going to stay here, I'm going to make sure it's worth it."
Chuck walked down the same aisle of the chapel he walked in every morning for the last time. He wasn't going to miss the wooden pews that sadly lacked cushions, or the podium where the Headmaster and Headmistress gave the morning announcements.
He followed behind Nate, whose name came just before his. It was always convenient every morning how they were supposed to sit in alphabetical order; Chuck always thought he lucked out by getting to sit beside his best friend. Nate took his usual seat, and Chuck beside him for the last time. It was odd. He didn't feel any nostalgia sitting in the same place he sat in on his first day at St. Jude's. This wasn't what high school was about for Chuck. There was nothing to miss for him.
"Please welcome our graduating class of 2009. Students, please stand," Headmistress Queller recited.
They all stood, and looked around at each other.
"Now I would like to welcome our valedictorian for Constance, Miss Blair Waldorf to give her valedictory address."
Blair, in the final pew stood, and strutted down the aisle with her shoulders back, her chin tilted up. She walked with purpose to the podium. She took a deep breath, and surveyed the room.
"Headmaster Mathers, Headmistress Queller, ladies and gentlemen. Graduates. Today we sit in this chapel where we began our journey as eager freshmen and now find ourselves as adolescents on the fringes of adulthood. We've survived late night cramming for surprise tests, SAT prep, college acceptances and failures… the list goes on. We entered this chapel as teenagers, and will now leave it as adults…."
Her eyes found Chuck, and she paused for a moment.
"As we write our final sentence of this chapter of our lives today, we can't forget the importance of perseverance. There will be times when things in our lives won't go as we intended them to, and we must remind ourselves that we can't give up. In the face of adversity, we can't give up, even if it seems like the world is begging you too. We'll look back on our high school years wondering why we wore certain things, and reminisce on the memories we've made, but there are more of those memories and regrets to come. The world is waiting for us to do good. We can't beat ourselves up for failing, but we can only feel regret for not trying at all. In this time of economic adversity, we must never give up, and always hope and dream of better days to come. I present to you Constance Billard and St. Jude's Academy graduating class of 2009."
Chuck smiled at Blair and clapped with the rest of the audience. Blair stepped down from the podium and brushed his shoulder on her way back to her seat. She winked at him.
He was certain she addressed part of her speech to him. Not giving up? If it seems like the world is begging you too? Chuck couldn't wipe the smile of his face. His Blair was back, and ready to move on.
And so was he. All this time, he told her to wait until they were older, wiser and at a point where he wouldn't screw things up. But in this moment he realized that if he didn't try now, if he didn't tell her how he felt, he would have already failed her. He would have already screwed everything up. He loved Blair Waldorf, and accepted the fact that he would do anything for her. Now more than ever he needed her to see that. And there was only one way to do that. It started this way, and it was going to end the same way.
With three words and eight letters.
After taking many pictures in the school's courtyard, the Bass family returned to the penthouse for their celebratory brunch. Tables were assembled and dressed with clean white linens with yellow rose arrangements as centrepieces.
Chuck held a glass of scotch in one hand, and surveyed the buffet. Only all of his and Serena's favourite foods were on the table. He looked ahead and saw Evelyn studying a plate of éclairs.
"Hey, Chuck? What's it like having a plate of éclairs reserved for you?"
Chuck picked up the sign and smirked. "How nice of Lily to remember." He picked up an éclair and took a bite. "You have my permission to eat one of my éclairs."
"How generous of you Chuck." Evelyn rolled her eyes. She picked one up. "Congratulations for making it across the stage by the way," Evelyn said. She took a bite into the chocolate and creamy dessert.
"Thank you. Sorry you had to stand in the back to watch it happen though."
Evelyn waved her hand. "It's okay. It would have sparked suspicions on Gossip Girl as to why I was there with your family and all. It was your day to graduate, not my publicity stunt."
"That day will come eventually," Chuck said. He took another bite.
Evelyn looked at the yellow flowers that were behind Chuck's reserved éclairs. She reached out and touched a yellow petal. "Yeah. That might be sooner than you think."
Chuck's brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
Evelyn looked back at her brother. "Oh well, there is this competition for who will be Queen next year. They want the best piece of gossip—"
"So the only way to win is to tell everyone who you are."
She shrugged. "More or less."
"Evelyn—"
"Chuck, I don't want to be Queen, we both know I'm the least qualified person, but I can find someone who can be. Someone who wants it, who wants to do good, and someone I'm friends with too wouldn't hurt. I don't want to be subjected to tormenting next year, so this is what I can do about it. I want to be in control of my life whenever it's possible."
Chuck threaded his fingers through his hair. "You have to be careful—"
Evelyn sighed. "Chuck—"
"I'm serious. If you out yourself, you're making yourself vulnerable. These girls prey on weakness."
"I'm not weak—"
"Of course you're not. But if you give this piece of gossip to one of them, then you become disposable. You need to be the one to send the tip to Gossip Girl, and no one else."
Evelyn sighed. "Why does this have to be so complicated?"
Before Chuck could prod her further, Bart called their names as he approached them. "Charles, Evelyn."
Bart approached his two children. "I see you found your éclairs?"
"I'll have to give Lily my thanks," Chuck said.
"No need. I told her there must be a plate for you."
"What? How'd you know?" Chuck stuttered.
"You've liked them since you were six. It was the only thing we could get you to eat when we stayed in Paris for a month when I closed the deal to build hotels in Paris and Cannes."
"Thank you," Chuck said.
Bart smiled and patted his son on the shoulder. "You're welcome." He looked over at his daughter whose brows were furrowed, arms crossed. She rubbed her temple. "Is something wrong Evelyn?"
"What? No. I just…I just need some water. Excuse me."
Both Bass men watch her disappear into the kitchen. Bart turned to Chuck. His lips disappeared into a thin line. "Is there something going on I should know about?"
Chuck thought back to the morning. Evelyn still hadn't told him of her plans to stay. She hadn't told him anything.
"There is," Chuck began. "But Evelyn will tell you when she's ready."
Chuck popped the last bit of éclair into his mouth and walked away.
When Chuck parted, all Bart could think about was what his daughter was hiding from him. He itched to call Andrew Tyler, to gather Intel on what's going on, but he remembered his promise to Lily. He wasn't going to keep any tabs on the family any more. The best thing he could do was confront his daughter.
Bart excused himself from the Bradfords he'd been talking with and searched the room for Evelyn. Nowhere to be found, he wandered to her bedroom where the door was closed. He knocked twice.
"May I come in?"
Evelyn looked up to see her father standing at the doorway. Evelyn sat on her bed swirling a glass of water. She had been swirling the same glass of water for what appeared to be a long time.
Bart stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Evelyn's eyes dropped to the glass in her lap. "Yeah, sure."
Bart tucked his hands into his pockets, his lips pursed. "Is something going on that you need to tell me? I get the feeling you're upset about something." Bart perched himself on the edge of her desk.
"There is."
"What is it?" Bart said.
Evelyn set the glass on her nightstand. She smoothed the pleats of her dress. "I called Aunt Kim to tell her I want stay here. It didn't go over very well, and she says I can't stay, and that she'll come pick me up next week."
Bart's eyebrows raised. "I'm…very pleased you want to stay, but when were you going to tell me this?"
"I know. I'm sorry, dad. I put off calling her until this morning. I mean, I just knew Aunt Kim wasn't going to take it well at all. Now she's going to come here." Evelyn's eyes watered. "I think she's going to sue you."
Bart reached for his phone in his breast pocket. He'd been sued so many times he had his corporate lawyer on speed dial. "Like hell she is."
Evelyn played with the locket around her neck. "I don't know what to do about this."
Bart clicked speed dial number three. "You won't have to do anything, Evelyn. Leave this to me."
Evelyn lifted her head. "Really?"
Bart nodded curtly. He held up the phone to his ear, and stood. "Matthew? Hey there. Listen, we're going to need to setup an appointment as soon as possible. It's very urgent and time sensitive… Tomorrow morning? Great. See you then."
Evelyn wiped the remaining teas from her cheeks. She stood up. "So what now?"
"You enjoy your brother's graduation. I'll be meeting with our family lawyer tomorrow morning, and I'll take it from there."
Evelyn threw her arms around her father. She rested her head on his shoulder. Bart, at first startled, tightened his grip around her. Bart stroked his daughter's hair and held on tight. Last time, he had to let go of her. This time was different. Her daughter wanted to be him, and he would do whatever he could in his power to make it happen.
He wasn't going to let go this time. He was going to fight until he won.
Evelyn walked out of her room with Bart. The party had been dwindling down when Bart and Evelyn remerged from her bedroom. Only a few clusters of people remained, and Evelyn found Jenny at the bottom of the staircase. Ina was handing Jenny her coat.
"Excuse me," Evelyn said to her dad, and jogged to the staircase. She had totally spaced about meeting with Jenny to discuss their plan to win Queen and abolish the monarchy forever.
"Hey Jenny," Evelyn said. "Aren't we going to talk about that plan of ours?"
Ina slipped Jenny's coat over her shoulders. "We were supposed to. Where were you?"
"Oh I was just in a meeting—"
"With me," Eric said sneaking up behind her.
"What do you guys have to talk about?" Jenny's eyes looked at them sceptically.
"School," Evelyn said.
"Work," Eric said simultaneously.
Evelyn and Eric shared a look. "Work and school," Eric said. "It's really nothing important."
"Honestly it's not."
Jenny looked at them sceptically. "Can you please tell me what's going on?"
"Nothing is going on," Evelyn said. "What should be going on is us planning. We don't have much time."
"Alright." Jenny folded her arms across her chest. "You said you had a piece of gossip. What is it?"
Evelyn looked over her shoulder. "I can't tell you here."
"Why?"
"It's personal, so I would prefer to tell you privately. I can't tell you with all these people around."
"Evelyn, is this piece of gossip about you?" Jenny asked.
"Well if it isn't the dynamic duo."
Jenny and Evelyn turned. Catherine Baizen smiled, and held a martini. "Catherine," Jenny said through gritted teeth.
"Got your gossip yet?" Catherine took a sip of her drink.
"N—" Jenny began.
"Yes. Yes we do," Evelyn said.
"We?" Catherine scoffed. "You're working as a team? How cute."
"And effective," Evelyn said.
"For who? Only one of you can be queen."
"We do know how to add, but its good to see you know too," Evelyn said. She crossed her arms.
Catherine drained her drink. "Well, I just came to tell you Little J that I have my piece of gossip and I doubt you can come up with anything even close to it."
"Well good for you," Jenny said. "But we'll see whose gossip is better tonight."
Catherine set her martini drink onto a waiter's tray. "We'll see about that. I think we all know that the only legacy standing here is me."
Jenny's eyes narrowed. "And what makes you think that you're the legacy? You just started here."
"I'm sorry, but last time I checked little J, your dad was a washed up one hit wonder rock star, and you…" She turned to Evelyn. "I'm sorry who are you again?"
Evelyn smiled. "Evelyn Ainsley. Just started this term."
"Exactly. You're from Brooklyn, and you're a nobody. Being Queen at Constance is like the nobility. You have to have some sort of blood connection, and lets face it neither of you have that."
"We may not have any incestuous connections like you, but we've got skill. What good is your blood if you don't have the skill to run the kingdom?" Jenny said.
"Who says I don't have both?" Catherine said.
"Call it a hunch," Jenny replied.
"I'll see you both tonight at the coronation then." Catherine turned and took the waiting elevator.
"Well that was fun," Eric said.
"It'll only get better tonight," Evelyn sighed.
Jenny's dad started calling her. "Look, I have to go. Find me at the graduation party tonight as soon as possible."
"I will," Evelyn said.
Jenny walked toward her father, and Evelyn waved at Mr. Humphrey. He waved back smiling. Then Evelyn saw Dan approach his family and she turned away.
"So you're really going through with this?" Eric said.
Evelyn wasn't so sure. At first she thought she should do it because it would sever her ties with going back to Connecticut forever, but now that her father was involved and said he'd take care of it, was it necessary? Or would it make matters worse? Could she trust Jenny with her secret? Or would she use it and dump Evelyn?
Without answering Eric's question, Evelyn turned and walked away.
Spotted: Catherine Baizen challenging Little J and E for the crown. Get ready kiddies. I think we're in for a Battle Royale.
Nate hosted his first ever party that night. It surprised Chuck that Nate had coasted all throughout high school without planning a party, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized his best friend didn't really do much of anything. Either Blair would plan all of the elaborate classy parties, and Chuck planned every lost weekend for the past four years. It was about time his best friend did something to commemorate his time at St. Judes.
In his typical style, Chuck arrived late. He was never one of the first to arrive even though his best friend was hosting. It was poor taste, and Chuck had learned to always arrive (or in his case crash) a party in full swing. There were no decorations set up or much of anything really. Nate supplied the alcohol and the surround sound blared music. It was pretty easy going and indecisive of what kind of event it was supposed to be. Kinda like Nate.
Chuck looped around the main room seeing who was around. Blair and Serena hadn't arrived yet, and Nate was nowhere to be found. Chuck took the limo with Eric and Evelyn, but they quickly scurried off. He assumed it had to do with the battle for Queen.
Jenny Humphrey was standing by the refreshment table, her head bent over her phone. She typed away furiously.
"What do you want Chuck?" She asked when he approached.
"A drink if you'll excuse me." He reached past her.
"Have you seen Evelyn?"
"Yes. She's here somewhere," Chuck said as he poured his drink. "Is this about Queen?"
Jenny sighed and looked away. "Look," Chuck said. "You and Evelyn were friends right?"
"Were."
"Well you shouldn't let Nate break up your friendship."
"That's not what this is about," Jenny said.
"That may be, but he was the wedge that drove you two apart. You can't deny that."
"And why do you care so much?"
"Because Evelyn is…my friend, and I know she didn't mean to hurt you. Even if you become Queen, you'll regret pushing her away. That's all."
"Thanks for pleading her case, Chuck, but why would I listen to your judgement of character after what you did to me last year?"
"What I did?"
"Please Chuck. The Kiss on the Lips party? You know you're lucky I didn't tell my dad what happened. He would have lost it."
Chuck's jaw clenched. He thought about Donny. He thought of his strong hands bruising Evelyn's wrists, his crazed eyes when he pushed her down. That was him too.
Was. Past tense.
Chuck swallowed thickly. "I deeply regret what I did that night. Honestly. It was wrong, and I'm truly sorry."
Jenny stared at him.
"You didn't ask to be treated that way. I regretted it as soon as it happened."
Jenny didn't say anything.
"I'll make sure that when you're spending time with Eric at the penthouse, I won't be around." He tipped her drink to her. "Good luck, Jenny."
Chuck wandered away with his drink in his hand. He stood up taller, feeling the guilt of what he did to Jenny lift. He wasn't sure she forgave him, or if she ever would. But he deeply regretted his actions from that night and now she knew. Coming face to face with Donny proved what a monster he was. He didn't want to be like that anymore.
Chuck leaned against a nearby wall and took another sip of his drink. He thought of the trip to Connecticut he took with Blair. She told him he wasn't a monster. She also told him she loved him.
Blair. She was still noticeably absent. She was the only one that believed in him. Maybe, it was time he believed in himself.
When Evelyn arrived at Nate's graduation party, she knew there was little chance she could avoid him. It wasn't the fact that Evelyn didn't want to see him exactly, but there was so much going on that she didn't need any drama that involved him tonight. She needed to put Jenny first, and make sure that Jenny understood that.
Evelyn had champagne with Eric and Chuck on the limo ride over, but the fizzy drink only made her jumpier. She went back and forth in her mind wondering if she should just come out with the truth to Jenny. Evelyn worked out that there were pros and cons to both options. If she didn't say anything, she would lose Jenny forever. If she did, she would unleash a new world that she couldn't control. Evelyn would be the subject of Gossip Girl. Evelyn had no desire to be that person, but if she wanted to stay in New York, tonight would be the perfect opportunity to make her case, and let the world know the truth.
Evelyn and Eric quickly separated from Chuck at the party. They went one way with a specific goal, and Chuck another. "We need to find Jenny."
"I'll call her," Eric said.
"Good. I'll make a loop and see if she's around. Meet back here in five?"
Evelyn looped around the spacious room. She looped through stumbling seniors who clinked their red solo cups, their liquor splashing, and heads bowing. Nelly Yuki backed into Evelyn when she was looking another way, and almost spilled her drink on her.
Evelyn made her way down a hallway and started peaking through closed doors. She braced herself, not wanting to see another couple having sex like she'd seen with Chuck and later Dan. She got more of an eyeful on both those occasions than she wished to have for a lifetime.
Evelyn checked the last door at the end of the hallway. Her tense shoulders sagged when she discovered the room to be empty. She walked back down the hallway when she saw Nate walking toward her.
"Hey! You made it!"
"Hey Nate! Great party."
"Thanks. I figured it was about time I did something to commemorate my time at St. Jude's. Can I get you a drink?"
"How about later? I'm actually looking for Jenny right now." Evelyn looked past his shoulder. "Have you seen her?"
"Uh yeah, she came with Dan and Vanessa a few minutes ago."
"Great," Evelyn said. She looked through the crowds and saw Jenny's platinum blonde hair gazing at them across the room.
Nate grabbed her arm. "Hey, is everything okay?"
Evelyn put her hand on top of his. "Yes. I've just got something really important to do right now. I'll explain it all later, but this can't wait, okay?"
"Just let me know if you need anything."
"I will. Now drink up! This is your party. Enjoy it!"
Evelyn removed Nate's hand from her arm gently. She walked away from him without looking back. Evelyn thought back to Eric's advice. Whatever it was that Evelyn felt for Nate had to be put on hold. Jenny had to come first. Nate would wait. If he didn't, then he wasn't worth waiting for.
During exams, Evelyn did think about the kiss she shared with Nate at Prom. She wondered what it meant. How it made her feel. No matter how much she thought about it, she still couldn't figure out what it meant. She still didn't know how she felt. All Evelyn knew was that Nate was starting college in the fall, and she was still at Constance. Whatever it is that she felt for him would have to wait.
Evelyn weaved through the dancing seniors, and noticed that Jenny watched her approach. Had she been watching the whole time?
"Hey Jenny?" Evelyn said. "Let's talk."
Jenny stared at Evelyn for a moment, as if trying to figure out if she was trustworthy before following her without a word.
Spotted: E and J commiserating at N's party. Have these two made amends? Anything is possible with the crown on the line.
An hour into the party, Chuck found Nate at the bar with a glass of beer in hand. "Nathaniel!"
Nate looked around for the voice that called his name. Chuck pushed through the throng of graduates and slapped Nate's shoulder. "Nathaniel!"
Nate turned and smiled wide. "Chuck! Where's your drink?" Nate turned to the barman. "Can we get a bottle of scotch please?"
Chuck smiled as Nate poured him a glass. "Thanks, man." He drained the glass. Nate chuckled and refilled the glass.
"Do you want to go for a smoke? For old time's sake?"
"Absolutely." Nate drained his bottle of beer, and they headed outside. They round the corner where Chuck pulled out two already rolled up blunts. He handed one to Nate and lit his own.
Nate lit up and inhaled deeply. "Remember the first time we smoked?"
"How could I forget," Chuck smirked. "It was at your house, and we were in seventh grade."
"Didn't I—"
"Throw up? Yes. I had to explain to your mom that you succumbed to severe food poisoning from Demuchio."
Nate chuckled. "That's how you explained it? I didn't know that."
"And now you know why your dear mother Anne refuses to step foot into Demuchios."
Nate took another puff and rubbed his eyes. "Oh my God, didn't we smoke up in my bathroom and thought the window open would make the smell go away?"
"Yes," Chuck puffed. "It was one of our less researched ideas. Thank God the cleaning staff carried around air fresheners."
"And now we're here," Nate said. He looked around. "In an alley smoking up at my party. Some things never change."
Chuck took another hit. "No they don't."
"Hey, did you end up deciding where you going to school in the fall? You never told me since we weren't speaking for awhile," Nate said.
"I accepted the offer to Columbia."
"No way!" Nate raised his beer in one hand as if he were giving a toast. "That's great man! I'm going to Columbia too!"
Chuck smirked. "And so is Blair. What a coincidence."
Nate exhaled. "Or not."
"Way to keep up Nathaniel," Chuck said.
"Did you choose Columbia to stay close to Blair?"
Chuck shrugged. "You know better than anyone that it doesn't matter what school I go to. I'm going to take over Bass Industries, so why move so far away from my future?"
"That's bull. It doesn't matter where you go, so you chose to stay close to Blair."
"Please Nathaniel. Could you see me in Providence? Or New Haven? Those places are too small for me."
"Uh huh. Those are reasons for sure, but you're telling me that Blair doesn't play a factor at all?"
"Christ Nathaniel, of course she does. And so do you."
"Me?"
"Remember the three things I care about? Money, the pleasures money brings me, and you."
"I think that list has changed. You also want to be close to family too."
Chuck growled.
"It's okay to admit these things."
"Fine. I'm…" Chuck sighed. "I also chose Columbia because Blair's going there, you're going there, and I do want to stay in town to be close to Evelyn too. Happy?"
Nate dropped his blunt, and crushed it under his foot. "Delighted."
Chuck took one last draft and dropped his blunt to the ground too. "We should go back to the party."
Nate nodded slowly with bloodshot eyes. "Yeah."
They started walking back to party when Nate threw his arm around his shoulder. "So this means we're going to be roommates right?"
Chuck looked down at the pavement and smiled. "Nathaniel, do you really need to ask?"
Evelyn chose the first vacant room she could find. It was a bedroom that was clean, almost untouched. The only thing out of place was a St. Jude's blazer tossed atop the sofa in the corner of the room. Across from the giant king bed was a desk. Evelyn dropped her phone face down, and noticed a couple pictures beside the desk lamp. She looked more closely at the photo and realized something. She was in Nate's room.
Out of all the rooms she could have picked, she picked the worst place possible. Evelyn turned to suggest they move to another room until she saw that Jenny already had her coat off, and sat on the bed ready to listen.
Evelyn pulled the wooden desk chair and turned it to face Jenny. Evelyn sat down and pushed her loose hair back. She felt her phone vibrate in her hand. She looked at the caller ID. "AUNT KIM" popped up on the screen. Evelyn pressed the "CALL IGNORED" button. She didn't have time to deal with that disaster right now. She took a deep breath, and sat up straight.
"I'm so sorry," Evelyn said. "I know you hate me, but you have to understand that I didn't want Nate. I didn't set out to screw you over."
"Let's just focus on what's important tonight. You telling me the best gossip to win Queen."
Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "So we're never going to talk about this? We can't just avoid this forever, Jenny."
"It's over. I don't want to talk about it." Jenny said.
"So are you ever going to forgive me?"
Jenny folds her arms. "I forgive you."
"Please don't spare any enthusiasm."
"Well what do you want me to say Evelyn? That's everything is okay? Because it's not. I really opened myself up to you. I trusted you, and you…you sold me out. You lied, went behind my back with Nate, and then lied about it again and again to my face. Our birthday party was humiliating. It was worse than last year's birthday. At least last year my face was on the cake. This year it was just about you screwing me over."
"I didn't want any of that to happen," Evelyn said. "At first I didn't even want a party, but I didn't want to let you down. I figured it was better that my birthday be celebrated with someone else. I didn't want to make it a spectacle. I actually hate my birthday."
"Well that doesn't explain the whole situation with Nate."
"I didn't like him if that's what you're asking. I don't know why or how, but we hung out a bit, and all of a sudden he was unavoidable. I tried to shut him down."
"I could see you really put up quite the fight."
"Can you stop judging me for five seconds? You don't know anything. You haven't so much as looked at me for the past two months. A lot has happened."
"Look, I'm sorry. I didn't really mean that. I just…I thought you were different than all the girls at school. Somebody normal."
"I'm sorry I disappointed you. I should've been honest from the beginning."
"Honest about what?"
Evelyn took a deep breath. "Whatever I say doesn't leave this room, and you can't be mad at me for it."
"Okay. Go on."
"You know how your brother got suspended for sleeping with Miss Carr?"
"Yes."
"I caught them having sex in the props closet before the play. Dan got me to swear not to tell anyone. I didn't for awhile, until I finally fessed up."
"That was you?"
"Well, I saw them, but Blair thought up a plan to fire Miss Carr. So it was me and Blair technically."
Jenny scoffed."You do know my brother's acceptance to Yale got revoked because of that right?"
"It did? Jenny I'm so so—"
"It's fine. I'm not judging. That wasn't right. He did it while he was still going out with Serena right?"
"Yes. That's one of the reasons why I did it. I just thought you should know. I'm pretty sure your brother hates me."
"Probably. What else?"
"I crashed prom with Eric," Evelyn said.
"That was already on Gossip Girl along with something else that we don't need to digress to."
"Right. Well that leaves one thing. I'm certain it'll win Queen."
"What is it?"
"I've wanted to tell you for ages. I wasn't allowed to tell anyone, but if I tell you this, it'll change my life forever. I just want you to understand what's at stake for me."
"Evelyn, is everything okay?"
"I hope it will be."
Jenny waited.
"Remember how I said I was coming to live with family, and that's why I started at Constance?"
"Yeah."
"I was living with my aunt and uncle in Connecticut since I was a baby. I never knew my parents. Well, I knew of my mom because my aunt was her older sister. Anyway, my father came to visit me for the first time when I was in Vermont for winter break. He wanted to meet me, and have me move in. I wasn't there when he came though, but he left me an offer to meet him and move in with his family. That's how I got to New York."
"Okay, but I don't understand what that has to do with Queen?"
"Didn't you think it was strange how I hung around Chuck, and became friends with Eric? Or how Serena helped plan our birthday party voluntarily?"
"I guess, but I don't get it…"
"I'm so close with them because I've been living with them for the past five months."
"So that would mean—"
"Bart Bass is my father."
Jenny looked at her shell-shocked. "Oh my God."
"Yeah. Still think that gossip bomb won't win Queen?"
Jenny shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'm just processing still."
"Take your time. This means that Chuck is my brother, and Eric and Serena are my step siblings."
"B-but what about your mom?" Jenny stuttered.
"She died giving birth to me."
Jenny's eyes popped.
"That's why I don't celebrate my birthday."
"And Nate knew?"
"Yeah. Chuck told him."
"Okay."
"You can do what you need to with that information."
"Are you sure? This is huge…"
"I know, but I trust you know what to do with it. You've got that killer instinct to beat Catherine."
Jenny contemplated. "I don't think I do."
"What are you talking about? You've challenged Blair Waldorf as a freshman; you staged a gorilla fashion show after you quit Eleanor Waldorf Designs. There's nothing you can't do Jenny. Once you have your mind set on something you just do it."
Jenny smiled. "Thanks, but you worked with Blair Waldorf yourself, and held your own."
"You overestimate me. She walked me through my first time. I was morally conflicted."
"Still. That's better than most," Jenny reasoned.
"I guess. I dunno. I just hope I won't have to do it again for a while."
Both girls were silent for a moment. Evelyn spoke up again."If all goes well tonight, neither of us will. So when it turns to midnight, you'll send it to Gossip Girl? You can pick which one you want to use,"
"Yes. We'll make sure Catherine goes first. Then we'll gage what material we'll need to one up her. Who knows? Maybe we won't even have to tell the world who you are," Jenny said.
"That's doubtful. Catherine seemed far too confident to not have something good."
Somebody knocked on the door. Eric's head poked through the frame. "There you two are. Blair's minions are looking for you two. They are getting ready for the coronation."
Evelyn exchanged a look with Jenny. "Are you ready?"
"I think I should be asking you that," Jenny said.
Evelyn nodded. "I am. It's time the world was introduced to another Bass."
When Chuck returned to the party with Nate, he found Blair nursing a drink at the bar. He approached her with is usual swagger. Blair turned to Chuck and grinned wickedly at him.
"I've been looking for you, Bass."
"You found me," he said. She wore a black trench coat that was wrapped tightly around her waist.
"I wanna talk."
"I prefer to talk after," Chuck said.
"Come on," Blair tugged his arm to the closest available room. Chuck unbuttoned his suit jacket, and sat on the sofa. Blair stood in front of him, her fingers loosening her jacket belt.
She looked at him with her pools of chocolate eyes. "What do you think about my coat?"
"I like it. Why?"
Blair slid the coat off her shoulders. "And now?"
Chuck's voice dropped. "Even better."
"And what about my headband?" She tugged her headband off her head.
"I…" Chuck swallowed thickly, "admire it."
Blair propped her foot up onto the couch. "And my stocking?"
Chuck ran his hand on her inner thigh. "Oh I adore them."
She pinched the two straps of her dress and shimmied out of it. "And my dress?"
"I worship it," he whispered.
Blair leaned forward and stroked his hair. "How do you feel about me?"
Chuck looked into her doe brown eyes and was at a loss for words. He knew what they were. Three words. Eight letters.
But did he want to say them this way? Say them because she asked him too? Blair deserved better than that. She deserved the best.
"Say it," she says. She strokes his hair back some more.
Both of their phones rang. Chuck looks away and reaches into his pocket.
"What the…" Blair said looking at her phone as well. She pulled her dress up from the floor, and put on her coat.
She picked up her headband and walked out. Chuck's phone went off again. It kept going off again and again until it finally went silent. Chuck read the last blast and knew this was the end. He and Blair looked at one another, shocked at the text on their screens.
"I…" Chuck said. He was speechless at the blast he saw. "I'm sorry."
He then walked to the door and turned back to Blair. "This talk isn't over Blair."
She began walking toward him. "It's not, but this needs to be dealt with first. I need to go save my Kingdom."
Catherine Baizen was already giggling with Blair's minions in the middle of the makeshift dance floor. She raised her glass to Jenny and Evelyn from across the room. Her auburn hair was knotted and pushed back with a sparkling headband. It was like she already assumed her role as the next Queen. She smiled with relaxed shoulders. For anyone who knew her brother Carter would recognize the family resemblance in the eyes. All Evelyn noticed was that she was much shorter than herself and Jenny, and had to look up at them as they approached.
"Alright ladies. It's time." Penelope said.
"Who wants to go first?" Hazel asked.
"I will," Catherine said. "I already have gossip ready to send." She whipped out her phone and made a grand show of pushing the send button.
A moment later everyone's phones started going off. Evelyn opened the message.
It turns out S's run from Santorini had less to do with sneaking around with Carter Baizen, and more to do with finding her father. It's a dad, dad, dad, dad world S, and it looks like yours didn't want you.
"Is that all you got?" Jenny said crossing her arms.
"There's plenty more where that came from," Catherine smirked.
Jenny turned to Evelyn. "Which one should we use?"
Evelyn cocked her head to the side. "I have a feeling this one will go into rounds. Start with the play."
"Done and done," Jenny said, as she fired the text to Gossip Girl.
Ever wonder why Miss Carr left town? It's because Dan Humphrey had sex with her during the school play. I guess Lonely Boy was giving her the D after all.
The minions looked at one another. They clearly couldn't decide which piece of gossip was superior.
"I've got something better," Catherine said as she typed. They all waited for another blast to go off.
Are there sparks between Humphrey's sis and Nate? Little J was caught during a hot photo session. Thank God it stopped at PG-13 or someone could have ended up in jail.
"Is this true?" Dan Humphrey said pushing his way to his sister.
"Dan, stay out of this," Jenny said. She didn't even flinch or question how Catherine knew that story about her. Her stony face just starred at Catherine with concentration.
"Yeah Dan, it's not how it sounds." Nate approached with his hands up in surrender.
Dan turned at him, his nostrils flailing. "Hey man stay out of this."
Catherine smirked at the bickering boys. "And here is some insurance." She hit the send button. She waited, looking around the room for everyone's reactions.
Ever wonder why we saw no fireworks between S and N this summer? Turns out N was getting to know one of the ladies from book club. Metaphorically speaking. And did I mention she was married and hooking up with B's lord? And B knew about it.
"This is getting out of hand, Jenny. Let's just end it," Evelyn said.
"Are you sure?" Jenny said.
"Yes, we need to do it now, so we can end this circus."
Jenny turned to Evelyn. "Okay, but on one condition."
"What's that?"
Jenny looked at her seriously. "We rule together next year."
"What?"
"You heard me. It's not fair that you don't get any credit for helping me win this. I wouldn't win Queen without you being honest with me."
"Well, I mean…sure, I guess. I'm not like qualified or anything."
"It's a good thing I am," Jenny smiled.
"Is this some sort of joke to you?" Catherine said. "You don't get to choose Queen, Gossip Girl does!"
Evelyn smiled back. "Send it."
Jenny typed the blast and they waited for the bomb to drop. Jenny placed her arm around Evelyn's shoulder and squeezed.
It looks like E isn't all that she pretended to be. From the suburbs to the city, this new Upper East Sider is more of a long lost Princess than a pauper. Come down you're your tower E, and give a warm welcome to your new family. Or should I say Bass family?
"Oh," Penelope started.
"My," Hazel continued.
"God," Iz finished.
Evelyn looked around the room and welcomed the slacken jaws that surrounded her. Before she blinked, Eric and Chuck were at her side confirming the rumour to be true.
"That's impossible," Penelope said. She stared between the two of them, looking for a family resemblance.
Catherine looked at them. "It can't be true," she sputtered.
"It is," Evelyn said stepping forward. She looked down at Catherine. "Unless you have something else you'd like to share that could top this?"
Catherine's arms holding her phone dropped to her side with defeat. Evelyn turned to the other girls. "I think this means that we won?"
"That's impossible. Only one person can be queen," Nelly said.
"Well Jenny, I don't know about you, but I think our first decision as winners of Queen is to abolish that rule. What do you say?"
"I'd say I second the motion." She knocked her shoulder against Evelyn's.
"Then the motion is passed," Evelyn said.
"Who do you think you are to do this? You can't just make your own rule for this," Hazel said.
Evelyn winked at Chuck, and then turned to Hazel. She wore the quintessential Bass smirk on her face while she said, "Didn't you just hear? I can do this because I'm Evelyn Bass."
"What is the meaning of this?" Blair's voice shrilled over the snickering seniors. She pushed people out of the way with her phone in hand.
"Jenny and Evelyn just won Queen," Nelly said.
"Says who?"
"Says Gossip Girl," Penelope said.
"Gossip Girl doesn't get to choose the next Queen. I do. You two," Blair pointed at Jenny and Evelyn. "Come with me."
Evelyn and Jenny followed Blair through the cluster of seniors who gathered to watch the showdown. Blair walked with purpose, stomping her way to the bathroom. She slammed the door behind Jenny.
"What the hell did you two think you were doing?"
"Wining the crown," Evelyn said.
"Yeah, your minions summoned us," Jenny said.
"They don't have any say on who succeeds me as the next Queen," Blair said. "And how dare you make a fool out of my authority? This isn't the ending of Mean Girls. I will not allow my crown to be broken."
"Blair? Wake up. You're not Queen anymore. You haven't been for a very long time," Jenny said.
Blair's hard eyes softened. She had been so preoccupied with Yale, Miss Carr and Chuck that she didn't realize that she left her subjects to do as they pleased. "And neither will either of you as far as I can help it."
"What are you going to do Blair?" Evelyn interjected. "Make Catherine Queen?"
"Clearly my options aren't that good now are they? Look at the two of you. You're just out of a Jane Austen book."
"Wait, what?" Jenny said.
Evelyn blinked. "Some of us haven't read Jane Austen."
Blair scrunched her nose. "Well that explains a lot."
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "What's your point Blair?"
Blair sighed and said, "You have too much sensibility. You care too much. It'll get you far to win people over, but it's also going to get you hurt. It makes you vulnerable and people prey on that."
Blair turned to Jenny. "And you have too much sense. You are too ruthless, and will self-destruct your own empire."
Evelyn and Jenny were silent. "I think that it's incredibly naive to think that you two can rule together. What happens when you disagree? Remember what happened when Nate got between you two? Imagine an empire instead. That would lead to anarchy. That's why there can only be one Queen."
"If we're so opposite, then we balance each other out. Besides, if both leaders have shared goals and values, I think we can rule together," Jenny said.
"You say that now, but just you wait. These girls will wait for any opportunity to watch you fall. Having two leaders creates a loophole. They'll tell you one thing and Evelyn another. They'll try to turn you two against each other. I think you're fooling yourselves into thinking that having two Queens work."
"It's done though. Jenny sent the last blast," Evelyn said.
"That means nothing! Being Queen isn't about who can dish the best Gossip. Being Queen is being someone who others can look up to. It calls for a strong leader who can make tough decisions even when there is no time to make them. It's a huge responsibility and most people can't handle it. Publically outing yourself to win the crown was the worst decision you could have made tonight. When you're Queen, you sacrifice other people to get what you want. You never compromise yourself. I'm sorry I wasted my time on either of you. Neither of you have what it takes," Blair said.
"If we don't, then who does?" Evelyn said.
"No one is going to rule exactly like you, Blair. If you don't pick us, then you leave the school in chaos," Jenny said.
"If I pick you two, my whole legacy will go up in flames. You have no interest to carry on the traditions that I've carefully cultivated."
"We never said we wouldn't continue your traditions. We just have a different approach," Jenny said.
"You can have whatever New Age method you want, but you can't change Constance," Blair said. "I've pruned and hoed every bush there is. The girls know what to expect when they go to Constance. Everyone has their place and there is order. Don't expect that to change with your hippy dippy ideas."
"Neither of us want to be Queen Blair," Jenny said. "We just wanted to have chance to have a life at school." Jenny looked at the phone in her hand. "Look what it made us do."
"That's the thing. You need to be cool to be Queen. Anne Boleyn thought only with her heart and got her head chopped off, so her daughter Elizabeth made a vow to never marry a man. She married a country. Forget boys and keep your eye on the prize. You can't make people love you, but you can make people fear you. For what it's worth Jenny," Blair turned to Jenny. "You're my Queen. I choose you."
Jenny let out a little laugh. "Thank you. The freshman in me dreamed of you saying that to me in so many ways. I never thought it would happen at graduation in a bathroom."
"And you," Blair to turned to Evelyn. "Be careful. When I came back from Connecticut to the Montgomery engagement party, I saw the way that Taylor boy looked at you."
Evelyn's cheeks flushed. "What way?"
"Don't play dumb Evelyn. You're telling me after leading on Nate for the past couple months you don't know the effect you can have on a boy? Don't be afraid of it, but you also have to be careful or you'll get burned."
Blair took one last look between the former friends and turned to open the door. She looked over her shoulder and said, "Boys come and go, but friendship can be forever. Don't let Nate or anybody else take that away from you."
Blair turned back around and marched out of the bathroom. Evelyn looked at the toilet paper strewn on the tile floors. Jenny stared at the door.
"I forgive you," Jenny said quietly.
Evelyn looked up. "Really?"
Jenny nodded.
"Thank you," Evelyn said.
Jenny let out a small smile. "I think Blair was right about one thing."
Evelyn stood up. "What's that?"
"I think our friendship could be forever."
Evelyn smiled. "I think so too. So from now on, we will not interfere with each other's love lives. We will provide emotional support, and that's it."
"Agreed. And our friendship comes first, and if a guy can't respect that, then he has no business occupying our time."
Evelyn chuckled. "In other words, chicks before dicks."
"Now it makes so much sense where your vulgar tendencies come from."
Evelyn wrapped her arms around Jenny. The both held on for a few moments. "I'm so sorry. You have no idea how shitty these past couple months have been without you. I mean, Eric's amazing and all, but sometimes you need a girlfriend to talk to."
"Speaking of girl talk, who is this Taylor boy?"
Evelyn groaned. "It's a long story."
Jenny smiled. "I've got time."
"Pizza?" Both girls said simultaneously.
The both giggled. "Oh my God I missed you," Evelyn said.
"Me too. Let's get our stuff and grab a pizza. We can go to the loft."
"That sounds perfect," Evelyn said bowing her head. "Let's go."
They walked through the main room, arms linked. They grabbed their coats, and purses and waited for the elevator.
"Hey, are you guys leaving?" Nate said.
Jenny moved her arm off Evelyn's shoulder. "Yeah," Evelyn said. "We launched a Gossip bomb, and we want to make a quick getaway before we're forced to clean up the damage."
"That's a shame because I never did get you that drink."
Evelyn looked over at Jenny. Jenny looked at the two of them and there was no hurt and anger in her eyes. Instead, she mouthed the word 'go' to Evelyn.
"I'm sorry. I told you I was busy. Rain check?" Evelyn said.
The elevator chimed and both girls walked in.
"Where are you guys even going?"
"As the saying goes, if I tell you, then I'd have to kill you. I don't need that lawsuit right now," Evelyn said. She pressed the ground floor button.
The elevator doors closed and Evelyn and Jenny collapsed into fits of laughter. They ran out of the elevator and down the streets in their dresses. Evelyn whistled for a taxi, hailing one for the first time. She pumped her firsts in the air from her victory.
"I did it!" She exclaimed.
"Congratulations. You are now one step closer to becoming a real New Yorker," Jenny said.
"If all goes well, I should be one very soon." Evelyn opened the taxi door, and said, "After you my future Queen."
"Oh why thank you," Jenny said. She slid to the very end of the seat. Evelyn got in after her.
"Where to?" The taxi driver asked.
"Brooklyn," Jenny said. She reached over and held out her hand. Evelyn took it and vowed to hold onto this friendship forever.
They say high school friendships don't last forever. Old friends can out grow each other while some friends find they are the perfect fit. No matter what time or place you find each other, always remember to never let go.
You Know You Love Me,
Xoxo Gossip Girl
A/N: Well, there you have it! Chuck and Blair have successfully graduated, Evelyn takes her Bass name, another Baizen enters the picture, Jenny is named Queen...It was quite the night for our UESers!
Next chapter preview: The next chapter will be titled "A Bass is Born". It'll be the last chapter for this school year, and that's all I'll reveal about it. I've written 2/3's of the chapter already, so stay tuned!
Thanks again to all the people who have continued to support this fic. I am happy to write it if you all enjoy it! Let me know what you thought about it by leaving a review!
Till next time,
XOXO EZ11