A/N: Hello, everyone! Thank you for your patience in waiting for the chapter (or more accurately novel). Things happened to prevent me from posting this sooner, but I won't bore you with the details. I've finished school, I'll be travelling in a couple months, and I'm back to continue with this story! Happy reading!

Chapter 27: Evelyn Bass's Day Off

Winter was coming.

New Yorkers could feel it with the wind piercing through their thin trench coats when they crossed the streets. The wind penetrated even the most guarded pedestrians, whose umbrellas unravelled and hats danced away. November in New York could even knock the sturdiest of pedestrians if they didn't clamp their hand down on their hat, or look both ways. The trees, now almost bare, rustled or rather cracked and croaked, as the leaves were printed onto the muddy sidewalks.

Evelyn peeled a yellow leaf from the bottom of her new boot. She pinched the leaf at the tip of the stem, and threw it into her brother's overflowing trashcan stowed underneath his desk. Evelyn hopped onto his unmade bed, her feet dangling off the edge. She fluffed up the pillow and fell to her side and set her school's copy of Great Expectationsonto Chuck's desk. She held the pillow tightly, kicked her shoes off, and curled into a ball. She breathed in the scent of her brother's cologne. In the silence, all she could hear was the wind whistling, and the window cracking.

The past couple weeks had whizzed by in a complete blur. Since the masquerade, Evelyn kept a low profile and continued each day as if nothing had happened. She went to school, studied during lunch or went out with Eric, and in the rare case, she sat on the Met steps with Jenny and her minions in the morning. She avoided it for the first couple days because she feared she might clobber Catherine. It didn't get any better when she did show up to the Met steps and she felt the need to describe how happy she was with her new boyfriend, Ozzy.

Evelyn pushed the thought away. As far as she was concerned, they were both dead to her. They weren't even worth wasting a thought over.

The door swung open and a surprised Chuck looked at her. "Hey, sis."

"Hi, Chuck," she mumbled. "Nate let me in." She turned her head into his pillow and groaned.

He dropped his briefcase and sat on the edge of the bed. "As pleasantly surprised as I am to see you, I have to ask what are you doing here?"

She pulled his duvet cover over her body. "Finding a hovel."

"And why would you need a hovel? We're Basses. We don't find hideaways. We watch from above."

"Because..." She murmured through the pillow.

"Evelyn," Chuck said seriously. He pushed her tense shoulder back so her flushed face would mirror the ceiling. "What's wrong?"

"School sucks, I hate everyone, and my social life is pretty much over."

He chuckled. "That all?"

She crossed her arms. "Yes. And I mean every word of it."

"Ouch. You wound me. And here I thought you loved me."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, and pushed herself up on her elbows. "Well I don't hate everyonebecause that would mean I hate you too. Let me rephrase. I hate everyone except Eric and Jenny at school."

"School huh? This wouldn't have to do with a Gossip Girl blast from a masquerade party would it?" He raised his eyebrows.

Her eyes moved to Nate's desk that was lined with beer bottles. "Why would I be mad about that?"

Chuck gave her a knowing look. "What? I don't care. I hate everyone. That includes everyone at the party," she said.

"I never disagreed with you," Chuck said in his usual measured voice.

Evelyn's shoulder's slumped. "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bite your head off. I came to see you because I miss you, and it would be nice to talk to someone about my melodramatic woes than Eric because I always feel so stupid around him."

"He's by far the wisest of us all."

"Exactly." She sat, her back finding the wall. "So you saw the blast huh?"

"I've been keeping up. Does this have to do with the new power couple at Constance?"

She rolled her eyes.

"It's my fault really," Chuck said. "I should have told you Catherine's brother Carter is practically my mortal enemy."

She scoffed. "It runs in the family doesn't it? She's such a-a…psycho."

"Well, that is a family gene, but so is being smart. As much as I hateto admit it, Carter is too."

"I agree with you there. I was naive to think that she could be contained. Instead, she went after me," Evelyn said. "And she won. Sure she somehow convinced Ozzy to drop me, and she pushed me into the lake in the dark when I was drunk-"

"She what?"

"Allegedly," Evelyn said. "She allegedly pushed me into the water. I'm fine. It was in the summer."

"And you didn't think to tell me?"

"Look it was no big deal. Really Chuck, I'm fine. It was probably an accident."

"With Baizens it's never an accident," Chuck said.

"True, but in this case I didn't exactly capitalize on the moment. In usual Bass fashion, I ran at the sight. Now, here I am."

Chuck nodded. He understood why she would run. He'd done it so often before. "So what are you going to do?"

"Gossip Girl says I have two options. I could get revenge and destroy both of them, or I could move on."

"We both know which one I would pick," Chuck said.

"It would never be a choice for you, but I haven't been able to choose yet because I've been too angry. A part of me is tempted to be vengeful, but it would take so much time and energy to do that, and I'm not sure I want to play that game. I don't think it would make me feel better." Evelyn looked out the window and noticed it began to rain. "I think I need to move on," she said.

Evelyn looked up at him. "What do you think?"

Chuck guided his sister so her head leaned against his shoulder. "I think you're right. You know what's best for you." He kissed the top of her head. "But if you change your mind, you do have a professional schemer at your disposal. Lucky for you, I'll also throw in a discount."

"Thanks, Chuck." Evelyn hugged her brother and said, "With a brother like you, who needs a boyfriend anyway?"

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Chuck said. He truly hoped it stayed that way.

Evelyn hopped to her feet and put her shoes on. "Are you finished with your classes today?"

"I am, and I'm hungry." He looked at his watch. "Want to go out for dinner? I refuse to eat what they claim is food in the cafeteria."

She giggled. "I'm not surprised. Pad thai?"

"You are seriously hooked on that stuff."

"But it's so good Chuck!"

"I know. I'm the one who introduced it to you." He opened the door, and they both walked down the stairs and outside in the rain. Evelyn held onto her brother's arm and hopped over all the puddles. They talked and talked, and for the first time since the school year started, things were beginning to feel normal again.

Fall was Ozzy's least favourite season. It was the prelude to winter, and he hated the impending snow. Most of his life he lived in the southern states where it was generally warm all year long. That all changed for the past two years, as he endured the brutal North Eastern winters. He liked snowboarding and all, but the long winters were never worth it.

Since the masquerade, Ozzy found himself in a 'relationship' with Catherine Baizen. He never asked her to be his girlfriend. He never made a move on her. She made a move on him. She kissed him at the Masquerade. It didn't last long or anything, but everyone made a big deal out of it. Suddenly they were this 'couple' that Ozzy had no interest in being. He thought about telling Catherine that this was probably a misunderstanding, but he wasn't sure how she'd take that. He wasn't exactly tactful in these situations.

So he texted Catherine back every now and then when she'd try talking to him. He didn't want to be rude or anything, and he didn't think she was a bad person. The night at Victrola when he walked out of the club to get some fresh air, he saw Dash and Evelyn nearly having sex against the wall…on a dare. That was enough to turn his stomach, and he almost went over to break it up. Catherine was there for him in that moment, and stopped him from doing something he would have regretted. He talked about it with her once, and he did feel better afterward.

As for a girlfriend? Sure she was pretty and charming and all, but he didn't feel anything when he was with her. There was no shock, no chemistry, just business. Since he most certainly ended any possible reconciliation with Evelyn, he was just going along with it. It was better than being alone.

He let Evelyn go. Ozzy knew he had to do it because it was the right thing to do. It was the only thing to do because he didn't think he could be a friend with her anymore. He wasn't a friend with her for a long time now. Before they hooked up in Vermont, before they got to know each other, he hated her. When he first met her, he instantly resented what she stood for; stability, family, values. He didn't want her help; he didn't want to even help himself.

Evelyn may think they were friends, but Ozzy knew he fell for her hard and fast.

Ozzy sat at the kitchen table, his Calc textbook open. He began learning about optimization, which his teacher claimed was the most difficult topic of the course. The equations weren't the difficult part for Ozzy, it was working through the word problem that was tough. What information was important? What information wasn't what it appeared? What variable corresponded to what value? Once that was sorted, the problem was easy to solve. Ozzy knew he wasn't grasping what each variable stood for. It was the first time this school year that he struggled with a calc concept.

Who would always help him in these situations? Evelyn. That's where it all started really. They met because he needed Math help. Although he knew he didn't need help, he went through the motions at the time. Everyone had given up for him. Until she came along.

Five minutes. Evelyn Ainsley had been waiting five minutes after school and the kid she was assigned to meet with still hadn't showed. She only agreed to do this for the money. Her math teacher, Mr. Issac, had persuaded her to help tutor incoming students in her school program to earn extra money.

He saw her walk into the empty library. Her hair was pulled back into a thick ponytail. A backpack was slung over one shoulder, her face fresh. Her eyes scanned over him like he wasn't even there. He sunk in his chair. This was just what he needed; another prep to tell him what to do.

Her eyes kept moving around the room as she wandered toward him. He silently approached her. "Are you waiting for someone?"

Startled, she turned toward him. Her eyes immediately scanned over him. His jeans were ripped, sneakers dirty and oversized moss green sweater hung from his narrow frame. His curly hair was as long as his chin, and covered half of his face. He made no attempt to push it away.

She shifted from foot to foot. "Um… yeah. I'm here for a tutoring session. I don't know if you may know him, but I'm waiting for Oscar-"

"That's me," He interrupted, his eyes downcast – not that she could see them anyway.

"Oh, well, hi. I'm Evelyn."

He nodded, and looked at the clock. Fifty minutes to go. Evelyn cleared her throat and motioned to the cleared desk beside her. "Why don't we get started?"

}i{ }i{ }i{

Okay, so he knew he judged her a bit harshly, but what was he supposed to do? There were so many people that came and went out of his life that they all became the same to him. By that point of his life, he was so jaded that he pretty much hated everyone and everything. It wasn't right, but it's what he felt.

Another memory came to him followed by another. He dropped his pencil and slouched back into the booth, as the scene he almost forgot played again.

"Uh hello? Are you even listening to me?" she said, waving her hands in front of his face.

"Sorry, what did you say?" He was too distracted with

"I said to get the factors of x, you need to isolate x," Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Are you even listening to me?"

He's silent and chewed on his thumbnail.

Evelyn slammed her pencil on the table. "Excuse me, I'm talking to you!"

"What?"

"Here I am trying to help you, and you won't even try."

"Why should I? School's pointless."

"No it's not-"

"Well it is for me okay? Not everybody comes from a perfect family Evelyn where that's even financially an option."

"My family isn't perfect," she said quietly.

He scoffed. "Right, it must be so hard to have two parents that love you and get whatever you want. What's more difficult, choosing between

"You don't know anything about my family," her hands balled up into fists, her teeth gritted.

"I don't. What could possibly be so tough?"

"First of all, My aunt and uncle adopted me, so I live with them. I've never met my father, who for some reason gave me up and…and..." The words died on her mouth when her mother's face popped into her head. Her eyes brimmed with tears out of frustration. She tried to blink them away hastily.

"And what?" The anger in his voice was gone. She turned her head away, and took a deep breath.

"I didn't mean to upset you," he said.

"You didn't. I'm fine," her voice cracked on her last word, telling him otherwise.

He drummed his fingers on the desk and both were silent for a moment. "If it makes you feel any better, I never met my dad either. My mom says she doesn't even know who my dad is."

A mistake, Evelyn thought grimly. She often wondered if she were the same. "Well, you're mom kept you for a reason."

"To remind her I'm the reason she lost everything? She's very maternal," He said sarcastically.

Evelyn wondered what he meant by everything, but didn't think to ask. "Regardless of our similar situations, I'm here and you're there. Clearly, it doesn't matter where you start."

"What are you suggesting?"

"All I'm saying is that you can choose who you want to be if you just applied yourself."

He shook his head. "I am applying myself. I just don't get it."

Evelyn's eyebrows rose. "Oh really? Then how come for each problem set you're whole process is right, but your answer is wrong?"

}i{ }i{ }i{

It was almost December and they had yet to have a first snowfall. They were walking up her driveway, matching each other's stride. It was a usual night for them

Evelyn stepped up to the porch. He stayed behind, a couple steps down. She turned to face him, and he would never forget the way the light made her glow. It was a full moon after all. The porch lights were on, and a fully decorated Christmas tree was in the front window.

"See you tomorrow?" It was her version of saying goodbye.

He couldn't find any words. Instead, he walked up the steps to her. She didn't back away. She looked at him curious. Their puffs of breath crystallising in the air. "Yeah," he said quietly.

He caressed her cheek and guided her lips to his. Her cold lips warmed quickly, and it was as if he took a first breath. He pulled her closer, and she embraced him. Her rosy cheeks dimpled when she eventually pulled back.

All she said was "okay," and retreated up the steps. Before she disappeared through the front door, she looked over her shoulder and smiled.

"What a day," Ruby huffed. Ozzy shook himself awake and picked up his pencil. His mom set two boxes onto the centre island. "Doing homework?"

"I was," Ozzy said. He rubbed his eyes and stood from the kitchen table. He rounded the centre island and saw that the two boxes were filled with responses from the wedding invitations. He picked one envelope that confirmed that Mr. and Mrs. Ashford would be attending the wedding.

"Just curious mom, but how many of these invitations are actually from our side?"

"More than you think," she said. She typed away on her phone.

"Since when? I've never heard of most of these people."

Ruby sighed. "Ozzy, I don't have time to talk about this right now. I just had a very busy day getting alterations, and now I need to call the caterers."

Ruby held the phone to her ear and walked away. Ozzy leafed through the responses and noticed only two responses with the last name 'Taylor'. They both declined the invitation to the wedding. Huh. It could be a coincidence, but it could be something else. He took both response cards and carried them upstairs. He started up his laptop, and waited for it to boot up.

He heard a knock at his door. "Bro!" It was Dash.

"I'm about to play some COD on the X-box. Want to play?"

Ozzy looked closely at the names on the cards. Lucy and Edward Taylor. Edith and Anthony Taylor. "Not now, Dash. I'm in the middle of something."

"Middle of what?" Dash walked in, and stood behind him.

"I'm not sure yet," Ozzy mumbled.

Dash inspected the cards. "Are these people your family or something?"

"I dunno."

"Well, when your done, come play. I'll even go easy on you."

Dash disappeared into his room, and Ozzy inspected the invitation again. He jotted down every name that had the last name 'Taylor'. If his mom had no intention of extending her family to him, Ozzy was ready to take it into his own hands.

It was time he introduced himself to his family.

-/

"I can't believe Cotillion is almost here," Lila said.

"I know right?" Kate said.

The girls of Constance buzzed about their most important evening of their adolescence: Cotillion. Most girls dreamed about this evening since they were little girls. They dreamed about what their dresses would look like and who their Princes would be. And then there were some girls, like Evelyn Bass, who didn't even learn about Cotillion until late October.

Although she'd already had her preliminary introduction to society in the spring, Evelyn quickly learned that attending an engagement as a guest is one introduction, but being introduced as a member of society was different. There were dance practices, dress shopping, finding a date…it was more work than attending a Sadie Hawkins dance.

"I still can't believe Abraham Wells asked to be my escort," Kate said.

"You've only had a crush on him since you were eleven. It's sweet actually," Sera said.

"There's nothing wrong with going with a childhood friend," Jenny said.

"This is coming from the girl who has the hottest date in Manhattan," Lila said.

Jenny sat up a bit. "Everyone has their time ladies. We all have to kiss many frogs before we find our Prince."

"Well, can it happen a little sooner?" Lila asked.

They all giggled.

"How about you, Catherine?" Sera said. "Has Ozzy asked you yet?"

"Not yet, but he's been really busy since he joined the swim team. I'm sure he will soon."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Evelyn said under her breath. Jenny was the only one who heard her since they sat on the top step together.

Jenny bit back a laugh. What? She meant it. He was not the most reliable person she ever met. She couldn't imagine how any girl could ever trust him as a boyfriend.

"He better ask soon," Kate said.

"He will," Catherine said seriously. "I bet he has something really romantic planned."

Evelyn snorted. Ozzy? Romantic? Suddenly her shoulders spazzed up and down.

"What's so funny?" Catherine asked.

Evelyn struggled to catch her breath "Its…nothing."

Catherine stared intently at her. "You're lying. We all know it bothers you that Ozzy chose me over you, but I think you need to get over it."

"I am over it," Evelyn said. "Believe it or not, I actually feel sorry for your naiveté. Don't expect Ozzy to be a romantic, least of all forward. If you're happy with that standard; then, I'm happy for you."

"Well thanks because we are happy together," Catherine smiled.

"And I'm sure your love is eternal," Evelyn replied.

"It will be, but who are you to judge? Who is escorting you to Cotillion exactly?"

Evelyn scarped the remaining bit of yogurt from her cup. "I haven't decided yet."

"Oh," Catherine said. "That many options huh?"

"Yes actually," Evelyn lied. She hadn't even got one offer yet.

"Catherine's right, Evelyn," Sera said. "You should make a decision soon."

"Yeah before all the good ones are gone," Kate added.

"She'll take that under advisement," Jenny interjected. "And we, meaning I, will help her evaluate her choices. Lila? Kate? Go set up my desk for the first period. Sera? I want you to pull up a list of all the best available dates that don't go to St. Jude's. And Catherine? You can take out the trash." Jenny dropped her empty yogurt cup on the steps.

Jenny linked her arm with Evelyn's, and they walked down the steps together. "Why do we let her sit with us again?" Evelyn said.

"Because although I like to keep my friends close, I like to keep my enemies closer?"

"Ugh. I hate that principle," Evelyn said.

"I know, but it'll be worth it when we win the war."

"Still. Does she have to be so annoying and rub in the fact that she's with Ozzy right in my face every chance she gets?"

"Yes because she won that battle. I still don't understand what he was thinking when he did it."

"When you know, can you please tell me?"

"Don't worry. I'll find you the most irresistible date, that he'll be so remorseful that he didn't pursue you."

"Yeah about that, it didn't go so well last time you chose me a date, so you better let me have some input this time. It's my choice."

"Of course. How's this? I'll give you a short list of potential candidates and you can decide from there."

Evelyn stopped outside the front gates of Constance and St. Jude's. "Fine, but I don't have to chose any of them if I don't like them."

"Deal."

They shook on it, and parted ways to their first period classes. She didn't take anything Jenny said seriously. She could try to find as many suitors for her as she wanted, but Evelyn didn't want her help. She'd rather go with someone she knew, a friend she could rely on and have fun with. There was already enough pressure riding on this night, and Evelyn hoped by miracle that everything would fall into place.

By the time Evelyn arrived to her chemistry class, she was already feeling nervous about her deal with Jenny. She was so nervous that she wasn't sure if she even wanted to go to Cotillion anymore. It didn't seem like all the effort needed to pick the right dress, date, and pictures were worth it.

Evelyn dropped her bag at her desk. She picked out a pencil from her pencil case, and plopped on the lab bench stool. Dash had yet to show up, and she counted the moments of solace before he did.

Evelyn had to admit that he wasn't a bad partner. He showed up relatively on time and always did what she asked. Sure, he made mistakes with his work occasionally, but she never got mad at him for it. She would correct as necessary, but appreciated that he put effort into this class. Evelyn went through many different partners before Dash who struggled to pull their weight, or even show up. Dash was a lot of things, but he hadn't let her down yet.

The stool squeaked beside her. "How's my partner doing today?"

She sighed. "Okay, I guess."

"Still moping over my brother I see?" He shook his head.

Her eyebrows knitted together. "No. Just stressed about Cotillion."

"Why should such a beautiful girl like you worry about Cotillion?"

Evelyn rubbed the eraser on the tip of her pencil against the black countertop. "For more reasons than you know." She paused and looked at him. "It doesn't help that every teacher thinks it's suddenly helpful to assign as many assignments as possible while they know this event is happening too. You have it so easy. All you have to do is show up."

"Yeah, a little too easy maybe," Dash said quietly.

Mrs. Becker breezed through the room and explained their next lab assignment, as one assignment sheet was handed to each pair. She said, "If you have any questions, you can come ask me. Okay? You may begin."

Evelyn read over the assignment sheet while other classmates shuffled to the back storage closet. She sighed when she read the instructions.

"What is it? If you're sighing than we're in trouble," Dash said.

Evelyn pushed the sheet in front of him. "It's not that. I just…don't want to do it."

"Really? You—Evelyn Bass—not down to make things explode? What has the world come to?"

She shook her head. "I don't know, but I just don't care about this. You can take the reigns on this one."

"Really?" Dash gaped. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

She shrugged. "It's the only idea I have right now."

Dash looked back from the sheet and to her. "Wow," He said. "I think I'm speechless."

"So this is what it took all along to shut you up." Evelyn smiled.

Dash smirked and leaned in close to her, as if he were about to whisper something. "It's one of many ways."

Evelyn chuckled and pushed him back. "And that I'm sure."

"So you don't want to do this lab; then, I don't want to do this lab either," Dash said.

"No, but you have to—"

"No we don't. In fact…" Dash stood up. "I have a much better idea."

"This can't be good."

"The only way we can find your inspiration again is if we go find it. I propose you take a mental day off."

"Day off?"

He nodded quickly. "It might be a foreign concept to you, but many of us do it. When school gets a bit too stressful, or if you need more time to study for a test, or you just want to go to the spa for the day—you get the idea—We take a day off."

"But we'll get in trouble," Evelyn said.

Dash waved this off. "No we won't. You'll just get a warning."

"Are you just saying this to get me to ditch class with you, or is this because you've already ditched before?"

"Both."

"So if I were to take a day off, what would I do?"

"We would do anything you want," Dash said.

"Anything?"

Dash smirked. "Anything."

"Hold up, when did this become a 'we' thing?"

Dash scoffed. "Did you really think I was going to do this lab by myself?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. He was right. He'd be helplessly lost without her in this class.

Then, she thought about his idea. A day off. She never had a day off in school career. Sure she'd been sick a handful of times that her Aunt Kim let her stay home, but she'd never skipped a class, let along a day in her life.

"What do you say, Bass?"

But she did say she wanted to start over. She wanted to take a break from school, Cotillion, and the monarchy. Surely a day off would give her a mental break she needed.

Evelyn stood up, her shoulders back. She had to tilt her head slightly to look up at Dash, who grinned at her like the devil.

"I'm in."

"You just need to relax," Dash said when they walked away from Constance Billard and St. Jude's with their backpacks slung over their shoulders.

"I am relaxed."

"No you're not. You look tired, and," he gripped her shoulders and began massaging her upper back. She flinched. "Your muscles are tense."

Evelyn grabbed his hands that still rested on her shoulders and shoved them off. They left class twenty minutes ago and were set to walk aimlessly around the city. For once she didn't have a plane, a defined destination, or any objective. She just existed.

Evelyn looked over her shoulder. "You have to stop doing that," Dash said. "No one is going to notice that you're gone. Least of all the police."

"Sorry, this is my first time doing this. It feels wrong."

Dash halted her by the shoulders. "It's not wrong. Evelyn. You work so hard. You deserve this time off. No more feeling guilty."

"You're right. No more feeling guilty." She took a deep cleansing breath. "Let's do something. That's what you said we'd do."

"That's the spirit." They continued to walk side by side. "Now, what is it that you want to do?"

Evelyn took a few seconds to many to think of her answer. "I don't know."

"Let's try to narrow this down. Is there anything you haven't done that you want to try since you moved to New York? Anything at all?"

"I can't think of anything. Why don't you think of something? You know New York far better than me."

"We should start small. Maybe we need something to give us some inspiration."

"Like what?"

Dash smirked. He opened his mouth to speak, but a loud motorcycle revved its engine and sped down the street.

"That's it!" Evelyn said pointing the motorcyclist. "I've always wanted to ride a motorcycle. Let's do that! Didn't you say once that your dad has a couple motorcycles?"

"That you remember?" Dash said.

"Among other things, yes."

"And drive where?"

"Who cares? I just want to drive."

Dash held his hand up to stop her. "I hate to burst your bubble here, but do you even have a licence?"

"I have a learners permit."

"I'm pretty sure that's not enough."

"I thought you said I can do whatever I want?"

"I did say that." He pulled out his phone and made a call. "Okay. Let's go ride a motorcycle."

They arrived at the Montgomery garage shortly later. Evelyn waited at the front desk as Dash talked to one of the attendants to give him the keys. He strode toward her with the ring of keys swinging around his right index finger, a proud grin on his face.

"Motorcycle is this way." They walked along a bank of storage boxes with one of the garage workers until they stopped at 431A. Another garage worker was there. The worker unlocked the garage from the concrete. Inside were two motorcycles.

"This is perfect. There is one for both of us," Evelyn said.

"No we are only going to take one. I don't trust you to drive one alone since you've never rode one before. It's different than a car."

Once the motorcycle was on the road and ready, Evelyn snatched the keys from Dash. "You didn't think I was going to be content with being the passenger did you?" She put on her helmet.

"I was hoping to spare my life, so yes, I did hope." He put his own helmet on.

"You said anything I want," Evelyn sing songed.

"And I'm already regretting that idea." He shut the face shield of her helmet, and Evelyn swung her long leg over the bike. She put the key into the ignition and revved the engine. He could hear her laugh manically through her helmet.

He looked up to the sky, did a little prayer, and straddled the motorcycle. Evelyn felt acutely aware of his arms that snaked around her waist, his body pressed up against hers. He pushed back the kickstand and asked. "Ready?"

"Ready!" She shouted back.

She pressed down on the gas, and Dash lifted his foot up in time for them to speed down the street. They jutted forward a couple times, as Evelyn mixed up the brake and gas handles a couple times.

Now that she knew the New York grid system better, Evelyn zigzagged down the streets, and avoided the areas of high traffic. The road was endless, and Evelyn wondered where they should go. At a stoplight, she looked up the monstrous skyscrapers. It would be nice to not feel so small in such a large place for once.

And that gave her an idea. Evelyn made a sharp turn, and Dash's hands curled over hers. "What are you doing?" He shouted to her.

"Driving."

"Yeah, but I didn't think we were going on a road trip. Pull over."

Evelyn made another turn onto the FDR Drive. "Just trust me. I know where I want to go."

They drove straight down the FDR for the next twenty minutes. Evelyn drifted a couple times, but Dash's hand quickly swerved them back into their lane. He tried to talk with her a few more times, but she couldn't hear him. The wind whipped her face; she revved the engine and accelerated forward. Dash's grip around her waist tightened.

As she drove, the more and more she liked it. When Evelyn had control of the motorcycle; she felt the same way as she did on stage at Victrola. In control. Exhilarated. Free. She was experiencing a capacity she didn't realize she had despite the bumps in the road, or the times she braked too hard.

Dash's grip stiffened when he realized they were crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. "We're going to Brooklyn?" She heard him say.

She gave him a thumbs up to confirm he was right. Once over the bridge, Evelyn followed the signs to Brooklyn Bridge Park. She followed the winding road and through the park's entrance. Then, Evelyn brought the motorcycle to a stop in the first available parking spot she saw, and removed the key.

Evelyn took off her helmet revealing a smile on her face. Dash did the same, but his face was pale and relieved.

"See? You didn't die."

"It was a bit touch and go a couple times, but thankfully my prayers were answered."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Come on." They walked through the park and climbed over a grassy hill. On the other side of the hill was a brick pathway. On the opposite side of the pathway were benches and telescopes, all enclosed with a tall cast iron railing that prevented anyone from falling in the Hudson River.

From the top of the hill, you could see the New York City skyline. This was why she wanted to drive out here. Evelyn halted once she reached the top of the hill and took in the view. It was a view Evelyn didn't see often because she was always trapped like an ant that weaves around the monstrous skyscrapers.

"So you did have a destination in mind," Dash said.

"It didn't come to me until I was on the road."

Evelyn crouched until she found a sitting position not once taking her eyes off of the skyline. Whenever things got tough in Connecticut, while avoiding her issues, she always found herself running away. When she stopped running, she would turn around and look at what she left behind for the first time. She was a person who needed time to patch up her wounds, but in order to do that; she needed to assess the whole problem. Most times, that required seeing things as a big picture

When she looked at the New York skyline, she thought about her life in New York, and who she was becoming. She wondered who she wanted to be. Did she want to continue skipping classes? Or would she keep playing by the rules?

Did she want to stay mad at Ozzy forever? The problem wasn't how she behaved at the sleepover party. It was bigger than that. He couldn't see her imperfections perfectly. Evelyn realized that he has never seen her imperfections at all. That wasn't his entire fault. She always presented her best self to him. But who didn't do that? Who didn't want to be accepted as they are? There was no issue of forgiveness from either of them. She saw who he was on Halloween perfectly, but he still didn't see her. Was it even worth it to try to get through to him anymore?

Evelyn focused on the Empire State building, realizing it wasn't as great as she thought it was from a distance. How disappointing it was to be let down like that.

Evelyn was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Dash also sit beside her. He was quiet too, looking at the skyline, listening to the waves crash against each other. "It's beautiful isn't it?"

"There's nothing else like it."

"I can see why you wanted to come here," he said. "When you're inside, you don't realize how beautiful it is until you're out."

"Do you ever leave the city often?"

Dash's eyes were transfixed on the skyline. "Not enough." He paused. "It's hard to leave. New York has always been my home. I can't imagine living anywhere else."

Evelyn turned. "What's your favourite part about it?"

"That's tough. I like the movement I guess. Everyone always moving, and you don't know where they're going, but it's always somewhere you don't expect. You can say you want to go somewhere, and end up somewhere completely different even though only a couple blocks separate them. You must have found something to like here if you decided to stay."

"I did."

"Why did you choose to stay here?"

Evelyn faced him. All of his usual playfulness was gone, and she actually noticed he was intently listening to her. "Family. Opportunity. And a new beginning. So far, that last part has been much more difficult to start."

"You were from Connecticut before, right?"

"Yes."

"Do you ever miss it?"

Did she? Evelyn cocked her head to the side. "Sometimes I miss the quiet, but living in the penthouse is all the quiet I need. I don't miss it really. That sounds awful doesn't it?"

"Well I don't know. Why don't you miss it?"

She shrugged. "I'm here. I have to focus on the now. I can't long for what I gave up." She paused for a moment. "I'm lucky because I can go back whenever I want. It's a short drive, so I'm not too scared to lose anything."

"So did your dad just like show up and get you one day?"

"No." Evelyn looked at Dash. Why was he asking so many questions? Normally, she wouldn't give a fraction of an answer, but there was nothing to distract her from answering him directly. It was just the two of them. "I was in Vermont on a ski trip when he came. I made the decision without meeting him to move here for the term. And now that move is permanent."

"Wow."

"Wow? What do you mean by wow?"

He shook his head, his eyes focused on the ground. He had a small smile of his face. "I just think… that's crazy to just up and move at fifteen in with someone you barely knew. I get that he's your dad and all, but that's pretty insane. But don't get me wrong, it's amazing too."

Despite the cool breeze that whipped them, Evelyn's cheeks felt warm. "Thanks. It wasn't an easy decision, but it's nice to know someone other than my family understands it and supports it."

"What can I say? I'm an understanding guy."

Evelyn chuckled. "Of course you are."

"I think I understand you more than you think." He stared at her intently.

"Maybe," Evelyn said before a sudden thought occurred to her. "Wait, isn't you're dad like getting married in like a month?"

"Yes he is," Dash sighed.

"You don't sound too excited about it."

"I am. I mean, he's happy. I'm happy for him." He grabbed a fistful of grass and began separating each blade of grass in half.

"Is it his second marriage?"

Dash nodded and continued to separate each blade of grass in half.

"If you don't mind me asking…did your parents split a long time ago?

Dash finished separating the longest blade of grass and stared at her. "Sorry." He looked away. "No one has really asked me before…. She left my dad when I was in sixth grade."

"I'm sorry."

He shrugged. "She was having an affair. Was for years."

"Now that's awful."

Dash abandoned his pile of grass and drew his legs to his chest. He wrapped his arms around them. "Yeah, but it happened. It's over. Whatever."

"Do you ever talk with your mom?"

"No. She just…kind of disappeared. I don't know where she is."

Evelyn scooted herself closer to Dash, her hips parallel with his. She lifted her right hand, and stroked his back in soothing circles. "I don't need your pity," he said.

"This isn't pity. This is me understanding. Parents can be pretty fucked up."

"You have no idea how lucky you are that your parent cared enough to find you. My mom is God knows where, and my dad thinks I'm the biggest idiot to walk the Earth. You probably agree with him on that."

"You are many things, Dash, but you are not an idiot," Evelyn said.

"Then what am I to you?"

"I dunno…You're confident… charismatic, funny, and daring."

"I didn't hear smart on that list."

"There are many ways to be smart. There are so many people that are book smart who don't know social interaction or being life smart. You do though."

He didn't say anything because he knew she had a point.

"Okay, this is the part where you tell me all of my shining qualities."

He chuckled. She liked it. It was a quiet laugh, a chuckle really, but it was a kind of laugh that was so quiet, it was like he was sharing a secret. "You know how amazing you are."

"That is the lamest answer I've ever heard."

He sat up straight and pretended to assess her like a photographer was about to take a picture. He drew his thumb and index fingers together to make a rectangular lens. Evelyn puckered her lips, pretending to pose for a picture for a second before immediately breaking character by laughter.

"Let's see then. You happen to be book smart. You are brave, kind, and just overall a genuine person. You say what you mean, and I can always tell how you feel because you never hide it on your face. Oh, and you are sexy as hell."

"Okay, you don't have to lie about that last part," Evelyn laughed.

"That's the thing. I told you this at Victrola. You have no idea how powerful you are. You scare the living shit out of any guy that so much as looks at you. When you were stripping on the stage, you might be embarrassed about it now, but you had this ability to control how everyone felt in the room. Never be ashamed of that."

She was powerful? Sure her last name carried that power, but maybe Dash had a point. Why should she be ashamed of her abilities? She was a person who could call attention whenever she needed it, but she just didn't know it.

She looked down at her blue fingertips. "I think it's time we go back in. Don't worry, you can drive this time." She dropped the keys in his lap.

"Is there anything else you want to do today? The day is still young."

"I would love to get a hot chocolate right now. My fingers are freezing."

"I know just the place."

They walked back to the motorcycle. Dash sat in the front and Evelyn took her place behind him. Before they put on their helmets, Evelyn said, "Dash?"

He turned to face her. "Yeah?"

"Thank you. I really needed a day off."

"It wasn't a big deal."

"It was for me. When I was driving I felt the same way I felt on stage at Victrola."

"And what was that?"

"Powerful."

"Well, I felt a little terrified."

She chuckled. "I don't blame you. I'm not sure the world is ready for the debauchery of Evelyn Bass yet."

"Who cares about the world?"

"You're right. I'm ready for it, so screw them." She put on her helmet.

"Now we're talking," He said putting the keys in the ignition.

She lifted her feet from the grass, and put them on the footrest. Evelyn inched toward Dash and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Hold on tight," Dash said while revving up the gas.

She did. She turned her head so her cheek could rest on his shoulder blade. Her body was pressed up against his, and his body straightened. Then, she felt warmth between her legs. Something in her stomach clenched when her body touched his. She didn't know what that was, but she felt happier than she had in days. Her body felt lighter, and she didn't want to let go of Dash.

He revved up the engine, and they jetted off across the bridge, back to the Upper East Side where they belonged.

Spotted: D and E ditching chemistry class for an illegal ride to Brooklyn. Looks like E is embracing her Bass side, while D was spotted embracing her. Who else is eager to see where these two ride off to next?

Ozzy took Dusty's advice and tried out for the swim team. It was pretty easy really. He didn't have any competition since St. Jude's was a really small school and most of the other boys were on more popular team sports like basketball or lacrosse. He showed up one afternoon, and he swan the 100-meter freestyle in a minute and twelve seconds. He was offered a place on the spot. It surprised Ozzy that he swam that fast. He never timed himself when he swam, but it was good to know his first swim untrained was a full three seconds under the competitive times.

Now, his life consisted of school and swimming, and to a greater extent Catherine, but swimming was always his convenient excuse when he didn't want to see her. She wasn't bad company really, but sometimes he felt like she expected too much from him. He had never been in an exclusive relationship before, lest alone with a girl that had such enormous wealth. Sure he had seen a couple girls before he moved to Connecticut, but it was never anything serious. He didn't realize how much work it was. With Catherine, the work was magnified because she expected so much more than the usual texting everyday and hanging out. It was a production. Not only did they always have to do what she wanted, but it was always outlandishly expensive. It was beginning to be stressful to keep up this ruse, and it was a stress he wish he didn't have at the moment.

That afternoon, Ozzy walked out from the gym showers having just finished his last practice for the week. He opened his locker, and picked out his clothes from his backpack and set them on the bench.

"Hey, Ozzy. Good work today."

Dusty opened the locker at the end of the row and dropped his towel. Ozzy looked away and said, "Thanks."

"You know, I think we finally have a team that is competitive enough to swim in the state competitions," Dusty said. He used the towel to brush off the water from his arms and legs. Then, he slipped on his briefs.

"You think?"

"I don't just think. I know. This could be good enough to get me into Princeton for the swim team."

"Princeton?"

Dusty slipped a loose t-shirt over his head. "It was my dad's alma mater."

"Cool." Ozzy removed his own towel and quickly slipped on his boxers. He thought about his family's alma mater. His mom dropped out of Brown to get married and never went back. Ozzy didn't even know his father's name, let alone if he had any connection to an Ivy School.

Dusty shut his locker and slung his backpack over his shoulder. "Don't forget that we have practice tomorrow morning at 6:30."

"How could I forget," Ozzy said.

Dusty slapped his back. "It'll get easier. I felt the same way when I started."

After Dusty left, Ozzy gathered his wet swim gear and put them in a plastic bag. He then stuffed it in his bag and once he made sure everything was packed up, he shut double-checked that his locker was empty.

He pushed through the locker room, and was surprised to see Catherine standing across the hall. "Catherine. Hey."

She smiled and approached him. "I thought I would surprise you."

"Well, you did."

"I feel like I haven't seen you in so long." Catherine wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Oh you know," Ozzy looked down the hall. "Swim team has been taking up a lot of time lately. Dusty wants us to be competitive, so we gotta practice."

"I know. It's just not fair. You're so busy all the time. It's like you don't have time for me."

"Sorry…I've just been really busy lately."

"Well, are you busy tonight?"

"Uh…no. I don't think so."

"Good. My parents aren't home, so you can come over."

Ozzy laughed nervously. He looked at anything but her. "Gone…interesting."

"Unless you don't want to come over?"

"I just remembered that I promised Dash I would do something with him."

Catherine stepped away from him. "That is the lamest excuse I've ever heard."

She had a point. He knew he was never a convincing liar.

"I thought it would be a good time to talk about a few things."

"Why don't we just talk here?"` He didn't understand why they needed to go to fancy places to talk.

Catherine stomped her foot. "Are you going to ask me to Cotillion or not?"

Cotillion? Clearly Catherine didn't understand that he was still very new on the Upper East Side. His mom may have mentioned it a few times, but he was only half listening.

"If you're not going to ask me, then I'll find someone else."

It started to come back to him. Cotillion was an introduction to society. His mom wanted him to go. He vaguely remembered her saying that she was going to be apart of the committee this year. It was just as much his opportunity to ingratiate himself into the upper escilons of Manhattan's elite. And his mom totally approved of him going with Catherine.

"Would you like to go to Cotillion with me?"

Catherine slapped his arm. "After I have to draw a map for you?"

"What else am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know! Flowers maybe? I'm your girlfriend for God's sake."

Ozzy preferred to think of it as assumed girlfriend. He didn't even want to be in a relationship. She kissed him, and he kissed her back a few times. It was something that just happened in the heat of the moment. That's it. If he were at any other school, this wouldn't be a big deal. Rich people. "I'm sorry."

"You should be. I mean, were you thinking of asking someone else? I thought you were over Evelyn Bass."

His eyes scrambled to find something else to latch onto. "That has nothing to do with this. I just didn't even plan on going to Cotillion."

"That's not what your mom said to me."

Of course his mom got involved with this. She'd only met Catherine on one occasion (on accident really), and now they were best friends.

"Well clearly what my mom said to you was something she didn't tell me yet."

Catherine shook her head with her hands on her hips. "She shouldn't have to tell you these things, Ozzy."

Her eyes found the floor, and she walked away from him. Each step was measured, and her heels clicking with each step.

Ozzy sighed and began walking toward the exit. Would she forgive him? He wasn't sure. If she were smart, she would find someone better for her. Someone who knew what she wanted and wanted to give to her. He didn't know what the first thing she wanted. Sometimes he even felt as though she didn't even want to know the first thing he wanted.

What did he want? He immediately pushed the thought away. He already pushed away the one person he wanted. She was better off because of it, and he was certain of it.

He walked all the way home thinking about the one line that stood out from what Catherine said. How his mom told him what to do. Isn't that what a child is supposed to do? His mom is the only person that has been a constant in his life, so for every bad thing she's done, she's also done one good. She always said that everything she did was for him. It was complicated.

All he knew was that girls were complicated. Too complicated for him.

Dash and Evelyn skipped class three more times in the next couple weeks. Each time Evelyn would wait outside of class, and Dash knew they were going to ditch. His eyes always smiled when he saw her leaning against the lockers, arms folded.

"Day off?" He'd ask.

Evelyn would nod, and they would quickly hurry away from the classroom door and through the front gates. So far, they illegally rode a motorcycle, stole from a convenience store, and took the train to Rhode Island for the day, and proceeded to get day drunk near the beach.

Evelyn would have never done any of these things if she were still back in Connecticut. She couldn't imagine even having access to these kinds of adventures. The most exciting thing she remembers doing was sneaking out of the house during a sleepover through the basement window just to go to the park down the unlighted road. At the time, it seemed badass, but now she realized how tame that was.

None of these experiences would have been possible without Dash. Regardless of his shortcomings, Evelyn found herself enjoying his company. He was always light-hearted, adventurous and fun. He became so easy to talk and joke with that Evelyn began to look forward to their adventures. It also helped that it seemed like he was trying the same things as her for the first time. He wasn't scared though. He was always there when she needed him to be.

Like today. It was Friday, and Evelyn wanted to take the whole day off. Two of her classes have substitute teachers, and the other two classes were reviewing concepts in preparation for a test next week. What was the point staying in school when they weren't even learning?

Evelyn found Dash in the courtyard texting. He looked up from his phone whens he approached, his eyes smiling. "You lost?"

"No, but do you want to be?"

"I'm listening." Dash sat up, a smirk on his face. He followed her out of the courtyard and into the hallway.

"It's Friday."

"And that I am thankful for."

"So, why don't you say we turn this weekend into a long one?"

"I'd say I'm in." He looked at his backpack. "I've got my backpack and everything. Sweep me off my feet, Evelyn Bass."

She rolled her eyes. "Let's go."

"Do you have anything special in mind?"

"I do actually. Why don't we start with a relaxing morning?" She draws her three fingers together and brings them to her lips. Then, in a swift motion, she moves them straight forward an inch.

"Really? I mean…yeah we could totally… I'm sorry, but really?"

Evelyn nodded. "What? You don't think I can handle it?"

"I'm just curious why you would want to."

She shrugged. "Try something new."

Dash ruffled a hand through his hair. "Okay. I know a guy. I'll go get some right now." He looked at his watch. "Meet you outside the front gate in five?"

Evelyn nodded. "Don't be late, or they'll shut the gates and you'll miss out."

"Don't you worry, I'll be there." He sprinted down the hallway and called out someone's name. Evelyn made a beeline out the front doors and down the steps to the front gates. On the way she sees a few more familiar faces. She saw Ozzy walking up the steps alone. Huh. No Catherine this morning? She should be thankful. Not that she really cared anymore. She did notice that he watched her descend the steps, wondering why she was walking away from school, as it was about to start. He could think whatever he wanted. She made the decision, and she was already feeling the nerves jump inside her. Evelyn always got this thrill when she was about to ditch school. It was addicting.

As promised, Dash ran through the gates with flushed cheeks. "Got it!" He lifted a small bag of green herbs triumphantly.

"Dash why don't you just announce to the world what we're doing while you're at it?"

He chuckled as he stashed the bag away. "Sorry. I had to have my celebratory moment."

Evelyn waved down Arthur who was still waiting at the curb as per her request.

"I get to ride along in the Bass limo? Isn't this place like sacred?"

"No." Evelyn opened the door. "Now get in."

Dash stepped aside. "Ladies first."

She rolled her eyes. Once inside the limo, she instructed Arthur to drive them to Central Park.

"So we're going to wake and bake, huh?"

Evelyn shifted in her seat. "Something like that. Have you done it before?"

He grinned a little sheepishly. "No."

Good. She liked that. It certainly took the pressure off of her to pretend like she knew what she was doing and be cool about it. For experiences like these, the last thing Evelyn wanted was someone who knew what they were doing and telling her what to do and how to do it. She wanted to discover those answers herself.

They arrived at Central Park, and didn't stop to light up right away. Evelyn wanted to go deep into the park, further than she'd ever gone before to smoke. The further they walked in the park, the more unlikely Evelyn thought they'd be found.

Dash and Evelyn reach an area of the park that was almost silent. It helped that most people were at work at this hour, but only a homeless man was curled on a bench. Evelyn made the first move to claim that bench.

Dash reached in his backpack and produces the pack of weed. Evelyn took it from him and inspected it. Inside was some paper and plants.

"This is the best stuff," Dash said. "Nothings laced in it, so we're getting the pure experience."

She opened the bag and took out a piece of paper. She had never rolled a joint before, and she didn't even watch Chuck roll a joint. Maybe she should have watched her brother to get some tips for this moment.

Dash already had the bits of herb sprinkled on his sheet. Evelyn watched him roll the paper carefully. He brought the rolled joint to his mouth, and licked the paper so the joint was sealed shut.

"I thought you said you haven't done that before?"

"I've watched other people do it," He said. "Want me to do yours?"

"No. I can do it." Evelyn mimicked what Dash did a minute earlier with precision. She reached in her bag and pulled out a lighter. Chuck forgot it in his bedroom before he left, and she didn't see any harm with taking it.

She offered him the lighter and Dash burned the opposite end of the joint. He sucked in the smoke, and tried to hold it in. His eyes watered after a few seconds and he sputtered the plumes of smoke from his mouth.

Evelyn held onto the lighter and gripped it tightly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just getting used to it."

Evelyn dropped the lighter in her lap. Maybe she shouldn't do this. Not only did it smell unpleasant, but also she knew the health risks of doing this.

"You better not be backing out now," Dash said.

"I'm not."

"But you're hesitating."

Evelyn shot him a look and put the joint between her lips. She lit the end of the joint, and held it away from his lips for a second. Then, the joint warmed her fingers and she brought it to her lips. She inhaled. It was like inhaling wood smoke from a fire except stronger. She barely held the smoke in lungs before they felt like they were going to burst. She began coughing, her vision blurry.

Dash's hand found its way on her back as she keeled forward to cough. She sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Well that was embarrassing."

"Just a little," Dash said. "I didn't fare much better."

"Let's try again."

After the third inhale it became easier. Evelyn's eyes still watered every time she exhaled, but they sat there and smoked. They talked a little bit, but they were waiting.

Once they were almost done, Evelyn turned to Dash. "Do you feel anything?"

He was sprawled on the bench, he arms stretched out behind her. "Not really. You?"

"Nothing."

"Well that's a disappointment," he said. "Expected though I guess."

"How is it possible to smoke weed and not get high?"

"I've been told that you usually don't feel anything the first time. We both just got a green high."

"Well that was a let down," Evelyn said.

"I'm sure if we did it again, we'd be high for sure."

Next time? Who said there was going to be a next time? Evelyn shook her head. "We still have the whole day ahead of us."

"We could probably go for lunch."

"Too bad it's not summer weather. We'd have so many more outdoor options."

Evelyn thought of them. Surely they could have gone swimming, or biking. That was something she'd in Connecticut. But there was no room for that. Why couldn't she think of any place to go? She lived in the penthouse of a hotel. What could there possibly be to do in her neighbourhood.

"Dash? We do have options."

"We do?"

"I don't know why I didn't think of this before." She shifted her body to face his. "The Palace."

"The Palace? You mean…get a hotel room?"

She swatted his arm. "No. I mean that I've lived in the Palace for months now, and I've ever used any of the services. Private pools, Jacuzzi tubs, bars, spa…the whole nine yards."

"We could do that. It would really be a vacation day."

"Let's do it." She jumped to her feet. Then, she started running.

"Not the running thing again," Dash grumbled. He started jogging a few feet behind her.

At the Palace, Evelyn walked up to Dexter and asked for the complimentary pass. He eyed Dash suspiciously before reluctantly giving Evelyn a master key. She thanked him, and they hurried off to the bar for a quick lunch.

"Where to next?"

"Spa," Evelyn said. "I've never been to one before."

"Me neither. Dad always said it's a woman's thing."

Once their muscles were all worked out from their massages, Evelyn found her way to the sauna. She went alone, and sat inside. Her breaths became shallower, and she felt her body sweat. She held her towel in place even though it wasn't at any risk of falling down.

Another person opened the sauna door. Through the haze of steam, Dash appeared. His pasty chest almost matched his white towel that hung against his slim hips.

"Please tell your dad to give Gina a raise. She was great."

"I'm glad you enjoyed her services," Evelyn said.

He took a seat beside her with barely a fraction of space between them. There were so many other places he could have sat, but he just had to sit near her as possible. Normally, she would shrug this off, but she wasn't exactly clothed underneath, and neither was Dash. She brought her bathing suit with her, and they stopped at Dash's to pick his up, but they were still stashed in the locker rooms.

"How was your first massage?"

"Painful," Evelyn said. "Deep tissue hurts."

"I told you, you should have gone for the shiatsu," He said.

"Whatever." It was hard enough to speak in the sauna. She wasn't even sure if she liked it. It was weird. She liked the heat, but not at the expense of her not being able to breathe.

After five more minutes, Evelyn needed fresh air. She was drenched in sweat, and needed to cool down immediately. "I think I've had enough of the sauna."

"I was thinking the same thing."

They emerge from the sauna and a giant pool and two hot tubes generated around. "Let's go swimming," Dash said.

She wouldn't be surprised at this point if Dash just dropped his towel and jumped in. He seems like a person who would do that.

Evelyn looked at the calm water. "I don't know. Maybe I'll just go in the hot tub?"

He studied her. "Are you still afraid to go back in the water after what happened in the summer?"

"No. I just don't feel like it."

"Liar."

"Whatever. I'm not going swimming." Evelyn refrains from stomping to the changing room and return to the hot tub. Dash is already in the pool swimming a couple laps. Evelyn eases into the hot tub and closes her eyes. Now she was relaxed.

Until Dash splashed into the hot tub. "I must say, these days off get better and better."

"I have great ideas," Evelyn said.

"You've made great choices so far," Dash said. "But what if I have an idea for what we do next? Something I want to do?"

Already Evelyn didn't like where this is going. "Depends on what it is."

"That's fair. Hear me out. How would you feel about going to a college party?"

College party. Should be easy enough. Chuck and Nate would be the best person to ask for that. She was considering Colleges anyway, so it wouldn't hurt to see what it's like would it?

"I'm intrigued."

Dash smiled. "I knew you would be."

"So you think we should do this tonight?" Evelyn said. "We should crash a college party?"

"Only if you have a connection. Word is, you do."

That much was true. She figured Dash would have already figured this part out already. "I'll call my brother to see what he and Nate are up to."

"Excellent."

After they were finished with the spa, Dash went home, and Evelyn went upstairs with a mission to see if Chuck's res was having a party. She waited for him to pick up the phone.

"Chuck?"

"Evelyn? What's up?"

"What are you up to tonight?"

"Um we're having a dorm party tonight. Why?"

"That sounds like fun."

"I think it will be."

"Yup…"

"Evelyn? Do you want to ask me something?"

"Why would I want to ask you something?"

"Because you're doing that thing where you call me out of the blue and ask me questions that I'm supposed to realize are leading up to something else."

Evelyn remained silent. He was totally right, but he forgot the part where she didn't know how to ask him what she wanted from him.

"Just tell me what you want, Evelyn."

"Um…could I come visit you tonight? At this party?"

"You want to come to the party? Isn't there a party there?"

"Not tonight."

"I don't know, Evelyn…"

"Please?"

He sighed on his end. "Yeah, sure. You can come. Be here around ten."

"Thanks, Chuck." She hung up her call and immediately texted Dash the plan. So she may have left out that she was bringing a friend. Evelyn knew she was going to hear about that later, but she was willing to take the risk. So far, she has skipped school, illegally rode a motorcycle, stole from a convenience store, tried weed, and now was going to a college party.

Most people would think she was spinning out of control. But she wasn't. She was exploring what it meant to be Evelyn Bass. And it turns out, it meant that she was limitless.

When Evelyn and Dash arrived at Hartley Hall, she was nervous. She didn't think this plan through. Her brother was totally going to think that she was with Dash. It wasn't a big deal since they were friends now, but Evelyn didn't want to give her brother the wrong idea. Chuck had already reacted poorly to Nate showing interest in her at her birthday last year. Who knows what he would say when he saw her with someone else?

Dash got out of the limo first before Arthur could open the door. He stood to the side and said, "After you, partner."

Evelyn took his hand and for the first time, so she was able to gracefully get out of the limo. Who knew a steadying hand was helpful?

Evelyn called Chuck, and they waited outside the front doors briefly. She didn't think of how she was going to explain Dash, let alone tell Dash that he technically wasn't invited. She didn't think much of it since Dash usually crashed parties anyway.

Chuck appeared and opened the door. "Hi, Chuck."

"Hey, sis." He immediately looked over her shoulder to see Dash standing behind her. A boy. His brows knitted together.

"And you brought company," Chuck said.

"I thought it would be better if I had a friend with me. Chuck, this is Dash. You are probably familiar with each other."

Chuck nodded to him. Evelyn held her breath for a minute, waiting for Chuck to expel him, but then something else happened. He held out his hand to Dash and shook it. Evelyn exhaled heavily. That could have been a lot more difficult.

They moved to the fifth floor where the party was. "Where's Blair?" Evelyn asked while in the elevator.

"She has other plans tonight," Chuck said.

Interesting. Since they became a couple, Evelyn couldn't think of a time when Blair wasn't with Chuck. Perhaps a bit of distance would be a good thing for them. They already go to the same school and live in the same building. A little room to breathe is good. But what did she know? It's not like she had ever been in a relationship before.

They arrived on Chuck's floor to be immediately bombarded with college students. Many of them held red solo cups and sloshed them around. Evelyn followed Chuck to his room, having to squeeze her way past many people who lounged in the hallway in tight clusters.

Once in the dorm room, Evelyn was greeted with Nate. "Evelyn!" Nate said with his arms open wide.

She found herself smiling and exclaimed, "Nate!" with equal enthusiasm. She hadn't seen Nate since she visited Chuck earlier that month, and it appeared that he was adjusting well to college life. They embraced quickly because the last thing Evelyn wanted was to make her brother suspicious.

"What are you doing here?" Nate asked when they broke apart.

"Well, Chuck told me to come visit more often, and I wanted to see him tonight. He said there was a party going on, and well I had to check it out for myself."

Evelyn looked behind her, ready to introduce Dash to Nate, when she noticed that he was gone. Weird.

"Let's get you a drink," Nate said. "Your brother has become quite the bartender."

"So I hear," Evelyn said. "He's been learning quite a bit from his mixology club."

"Chuck Bass: member of an ordinary club. Who knew?" Nate said. He took a swig of his beer.

Chuck turned to his desk, which had been turned into a makeshift bar. He had plastic martini glasses and cups because he did not trust college kids with glass. "Would you care to try a martini?"

Evelyn and Nate exchanged a look. "Why not?"

Chuck got to work mixing her concoction together, and Evelyn watched him in awe. She shook her head. "This is…"

"I know," Nate whispered to her. "And I live with him."

Evelyn laughed. Chuck poured a pink liquid into a martini glass. He presented it to Evelyn.

"Thank you," Evelyn accepted the drink. "Is this a Chuck Bass creation?"

"Not yet. I'm still experimenting. I made you a Cosmo."

Evelyn smiled. Of course he would. It was the first drink she ordered when they went to their first bar together in January. He still remembered.

"Let's toast to something," Nate said.

"To Evelyn," Chuck said raising his cup filled with scotch.

Evelyn laughed. "What? Me? Why me?"

"For visiting us," Nate said. "We hope you come back again."

They clinked their plastic cups and Evelyn took a sip of her martini. "Chuck, this is really good."

"Thank you," Chuck smirked.

"No seriously. I will probably be done this soon."

"Then I'll make another," Chuck said.

"This is why you're my favourite brother." She took another long drink.

"I'm your only brother."

Evelyn drained her glass and handed it to Chuck. He accepted it and moved away to make another.

"So how has college been?" Evelyn said. "I haven't seen you in months."

"College is great. What you see here tonight is one of my favourite parts. I think you'd be really suited for college."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, college doesn't follow a strict schedule. It ebbs and flows, and most of the learning is self-taught. It's a lot of work, but you can have a lot of fun too. There's flexibility in your day, and I don't see that happening after I graduate."

Chuck returned with her glass refilled. "Take your time with this one, or you might get sick."

Evelyn was reminded of the time she vomited in the lake at the end of the summer. The memory sent a shiver down her spine. "I will, don't worry."

Somebody called Chuck's name. "Excuse me," he said.

Evelyn turned to Nate. "Wanna sit down and catch up?"

"Sure," she said.

They sat on Nate's bed. Four months ago, this would have made Evelyn very uncomfortable. Today, it didn't. She pushed herself so the wall supported her back. Nate did the same.

"How's Constance?"

Evelyn scoffed. "The same as when you left it."

"I'm not surprised. I've seen what's going on a little bit on Gossip Girl, but you know that's not the most reliable source," He nudged her shoulder.

"That's true. She definitely has an agenda," Evelyn said. "Let's see? Jenny's Queen, and I suppose I'm second in command."

"The monarchy is still holding strong, huh?"

"Unfortunately. Jenny and I want to disassemble it, but we didn't realize how strong a fortress Blair made. It'll take years at this point."

"Not to mention fending off countless invasions," Nate said.

"Tell me about it." Evelyn took a drink.

"I saw that Carter Baizen's sister has been mentioned a lot on Gossip Girl. Has she been giving you and Jenny trouble?"

"You could say that. She wants to be Queen; she wanted to be at graduation, but she lost to us when it became a Gossip bomb free for all."

"Well, if she's become anything like her brother, I wouldn't trust her."

"An older brother right?"

"Yes." Nate nodded his head. "Carter Baizen. We don't get along, and he's pretty much your brother's sworn enemy."

Why was she not surprised that Nate didn't get along with a Baizen too? "It must run in the family then because I don't get along with her at all."

Nate took a long swig of his beer. "You don't say. What happened?"

Evelyn sighed and gulped her drink. "Well we could start with the time she 'accidentally' pushed me into a lake at a party this summer."

"What? Where did this happen?"

"It was at a party in the Hamptons. I survived clearly, and don't tell Chuck this, but it wasn't looking so good for a moment."

Nate shook his head. "I'd stay away from her. Don't get involved with something you can't get out of."

"Oh I plan to stay as far away from her as possible, but enough wasting my breathe on that family. What's new with you? How's the lacrosse team?"

"It's good. It's really good actually. We've won a couple games so far, so so far so good."

"That's awesome, Nate. College seems to be a really good fit for you too."

He shrugged. "It's not bad."

"You don't miss high school, do you?"

"Definitely not."

"Especially with everything I've told you, I wonder why?"

Nate chuckled. A girl stumbled through the door and called his name. "Nate! I can't even…" She fell to a crumpled heap on the floor and started laughing. "Can you help me?"

Evelyn looked at Nate to see if he welcomed this advance. "Sorry," He said to Evelyn and got up to help the girl. Of course he would because it was Nate.

"Are you okay Chloe?" He picked her up with ease.

She flung her arms around his neck, her knees buckling. She still giggled and ran her fingers through his hair.

"I think you should go to bed," Nate said.

"But I can't walk."

"Alright, I'll help you to your room." Nate turned to Evelyn. "I'll be back."

Evelyn sat in the dorm room for a couple minutes and finished her drink. She set the empty martini glass on Chuck's desk, and it dawned on her. This whole time she'd been with Nate, she totally forgot that she came with Dash. Where was he?

Evelyn ducked into the hallway, and searched for him. He was nowhere to be found. She looked through each open door, one by one, and he wasn't there. Where could he be?

She started asking some of the students, but no one knew who he was, so it made finding Dash that much more difficult. Evelyn wandered out of the hallway and found herself in a common room with plush couches and small kitchen area with a couple hot plates, mini fridge, sink and microwave.

"Dash?"

She found him cornered in the kitchen with a plump girl with long blonde hair almost pressed against him. She teetered, and gripped the kitchen counter to support herself. She stumbled into Dash, and he steadied her. His hand remained on her lower waist and threatened to drift lower.

Dash looked up at Evelyn. "Hey."

"Hi." The girl kept her arms around Dash. "So this is where you've been hiding," Evelyn said.

"In a sense," Dash said.

This was probably the first time Evelyn had every seen Dash with a girl at a party. Not that she paid much attention before. She had one striking thought when she looked at the girl who could barely keep her eyes open. He could do better than that.

"Sorry to interrupt. I'll just…" Evelyn backed away from the communal kitchen, and found herself in the hallway. She stomped down the steps and pushed the front doors. She took a deep breath of the cool November air, and started walking, leaves crunching under her feet.

What was happening to her? First Ozzy didn't want her, and now Nate and Dash? Was there something repelling about her? Evelyn folded her arms across her chest and shivered when a stronger breeze rippled through the trees.

Why did she care? Why did she want Nate or Dash's attention?

"Evelyn! Hey, Evelyn! Slow down!"

She walked faster.

"Evelyn, just wait!" A warm hand curls around her shoulder. She tried to shrug it off.

She walked even faster until Dash stood in her way. "Evelyn, stop running."

Evelyn stopped.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing. I saw you wanted some privacy, so I left." Her skin prickled from the cold.

"Why don't we go inside? You're going to freeze."

She rolled her eyes and dragged herself back to Hartley Hall. Luckily, someone was on the way out, so they could get back into the building easily. They walked through the first floor and found an empty common room.

Dash collapsed into one of the couches. "So clearly you're not having a good time."

"I was."

"So was I," he said.

"I didn't mean to interrupt you with that girl," Evelyn said. Now that she found herself in this situation, she realized that they should have established some rules of conduct at that party. Or come up with signals to understand what each other's intentions were, so they could help each other out, or know when to be left alone.

"You sure about that?" Dash said.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I could just be hopeful here, but I thought maybe... I dunno… you were jealous."

Evelyn made a face. "I just think you can do better."

"Do better?" Dash chuckled. "Girls barely talk to me at these parties. I take what I can get."

"That's not true. I did."

"Yeah. You let me. I've been living here my whole life, and none of those stuck up Upper East Side girls have ever given me a chance."

"That's their loss, then."

"Maybe. But it also means I have nothing to gain. It took awhile before even you weren't annoyed with me anymore."

"That's different."

"How's it different?"

"It...just is."

Evelyn sat down on the farthest edge of the sofa. She crossed her legs, and turned her body away from Dash.

"Are you upset because Nate left you for another girl? Or the fact that he's Nate Archibald and has probably hooked up with a bunch of girls in College after you turned him down?"

Evelyn pulled the skin of the armrest so there were no wrinkles in the material. "No…. I made it clear to Nate that we were friends. And being a good friend is wanting what's best for him. If this makes him happy now, then good for him."

"Right, because Nate has such an illustrious history of non-committed relationships."

Evelyn thought of Nate's dating history: Blair, Serena, Catherine, Jenny, Vanessa. Each one of those relationships had some form of commitment. "What are you saying, Dash?"

"I'm just saying that I don't think it's a coincidence that he has no interest being in a committed relationship after you were the first person ever to turn him down."

"Didn't Serena turn him down?"

"She also had sex with him before she turned him down, and they fake dated. Still counts."

There was no way that Nate wasn't seeing anyone because of her. She told him to move on, and he didn't seem to have any difficultly doing that in college. This all had to be a coincidence. Nate clearly had moved from his infatuation, and she completely understood that.

Dash raised his legs and mounted them on the coffee table. "Wow. No quips must mean I'm right."

"No. I…I never thought of it like that before." Evelyn said puzzled.

"Well it can't be a coincidence." Dash sat up and shifted his body to face hers. "Why did you say no anyway?"

Evelyn sighed and unfolded her legs. "It wasn't the right time. He was moving on to college, and I was still at Constance. It didn't feel right, but now that it's over, I don't know if it ever will be right. At least, I don't see it happening. At the time, I wasn't sure if I had feelings for him. It was all very confusing."

"So…do you still like him?"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes at Dash. "You ask a lot of questions. Here's a question for you. How come you've never been in a committed relationship?"

"That's easy. No girl has ever wanted to be in a relationship with me."

"So you're telling me that since there is no one interested in you that you'll take what you can get?"

"You want the truth? Essentially."

"So if that girl upstairs wanted to have sex with you right now, you'd do it?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know about that…"

"What would you do?"

"I…I probably wouldn't do it."

"Really?"

"You sound surprised."

"I am. I just assumed you've done everything like the rest of the boys in our class, and would jump at any opportunity to have sex with something walking. It seems like you haven't done much."

Dash avoided her gaze. "I've done…stuff."

Evelyn eyed him closely. "Have you ever kissed a girl before me?"

He took too long to answer. "Ye—"

"You lie. I was your first kiss in Victrola." Evelyn thought of what happened that night. It was rushed; their teeth clashing and the overwhelming force behind Dash's kisses and roaming hands were not forgotten. He was too excited, like a child opening a present for the first time.

"Well…it's not like you're all that experienced."

"You're right."

"What am I like the second guy you kissed?"

"Fifth actually."

"Three guesses who came before me."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Ozzy wasn't my first kiss."

"But you're not denying that you kissed him."

"I'm not. But that was a year ago."

"But you haven't..."

"No I haven't. And you haven't either from what I gather."

"Is there something wrong with that?" Dash asked defensively.

"No," Evelyn said thoughtfully. "You certainly seemed ready outside of Victrola though."

He scoffed. "Well I wasn't. As much as I wanted it, I wasn't going to follow through."

"Can I ask why?"

"Well, you know pretty much everything else at this point. The truth is… I'm waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

Dash took a deep breath and looked her in the eye and said, "Waiting for it to mean something."

Evelyn felt warmth spread in her chest. Wait. It was a strange word to come from a boy's lips about this subject. She always assumed that every boy just wanted to have sex with anyone just to get off. Evelyn never talked openly about sex before, but she found herself agreeing with Dash. She agreed more so because as a girl, she thought sex put her in a more vulnerable position. She would have to really trust someone to want to share that experience with. Months ago, she eventually thought she'd have sex with someone, but perhaps it wasn't with the person she originally intended. Everything seemed to be changing, and she was struggling to make sense of it all.

"I'm waiting for someone who I really care about and hopefully hasn't done it either. Would take the pressure off a bit."

"That's beautiful Dash," Evelyn said softly. "Whoever you're with will be so lucky, and she'll be in good hands."

"Yeah…but the longer I wait, the harder it'll be."

"That's not true. If you love someone, then I would think it would be very easy."

"Have you done it to know?"

Her cheeks reddened. "No. But that's what I would hope for."

Evelyn shuffled closer to Dash. "Dash? We're friends right."

"I would hope so after all the illegal activities you put me through."

"Well just know that I want what's best for you."

Dash stared at her for a moment. "Me too."

Evelyn smiled and closed the space between them. Her chin rested on shoulder, his arms around her middle. She didn't let go. Instead, she found comfort settling into his lap, her head leaning around his collarbone.

They sat like that for a while, and Evelyn began to doze a bit. It was so easy because Dash's light sweater was so soft. "Evelyn?" Dash said.

She sat up.

He couldn't look at her when he mumbled, "I know a lot of guys are going to ask you this…but would you consider going to Cotillion with me?"

Cotillion. She'd barely given it any thought. She remembered that Jenny said she was going to give her a list of suitors. A list of suitors that she barely knew let alone conversed with. Suddenly, Dash's proposition became much more appealing. If she went to Cotillion with Dash, she could go with someone she cared about and knew wouldn't screw it up for her. In fact, Dash probably knew how to navigate the social waters better than she ever could. He was friendly and polite, and most of all, he was her friend.

"As friends?"

"Yeah. As friends."

"Then…" Evelyn's mouth quirked into a smile. "Yes. Yes I would."

When Ozzy searched the name Anthony Taylor, he found a Wikipedia page devoted to a noble descendent. According to the wiki, the noble was named Anthony Donald Lewis Taylor, the great grandson of George Taylor. George was one of the chief architects of the finance industry after the Civil War. Although he had a large stake in one of the larger banks that emerged at the time, he later developed a career in politics in his later years. Generations later, Anthony Taylor was a retired senator, and he served as the New Hampshire delegate for three consecutive terms beginning in the 1990s.

At first, Ozzy didn't believe there could be a connection between him and this accomplished man. When he looked at Anthony's pale complexion, he thought there was no way he could be related. Ozzy's black curly hair, and olive skin resembled little from the white haired, blue-eyed man in the pictures. It wasn't until he read to the 'Personal Life' section, that he realized that this man was indeed his grandfather. Under that heading, it stated that he was married to Anita Taylor, a homemaker, who raised their only daughter, Ruby, on the Upper East Side.

The revelation initially took a week to fully comprehend. Ozzy kept his head down, and didn't reveal anything to his mother or even Dash. He thought about it, but the more he thought about it, the less he felt compelled to tell either of those people. The only person he wanted to tell was Evelyn, and she was no longer an option to listen.

It didn't make sense to Ozzy. When he was younger, and they began moving four years in succession, Ozzy asked where their family was. He wondered if he had a grandmother or grandfather, and why they weren't around. When he walked home from school, he would see silver haired men sitting in the stands of the soccer field, watching their grandsons kick a ball up and down the field. He wondered what it would feel like to have someone watch him compete like that.

He asked his mom, and she told him that both of his grandparents were dead. Sudden. From a heart attack.

It nauseated him that his mother would lie to him about this. In a twisted sense, it made sense why they were so isolated from their family. But it also begged many questions. Why would his mother lie to him about this? Why would she hide his own family from him?

It made Ozzy wonder if his mother himself had something to hide.

Every day now, he watched her under a careful eye. He was cautious around her, and paid attention to where she went and spent her days. Most days she claimed to have spent wedding planning, but Ozzy questioned it. If she was capable of lying to him so consistently, he didn't feel like he knew his mother at all.

The wedding was approaching as November rolled on, and Ozzy became more certain that this wedding was going to happen. He didn't consider what he felt about it; it still didn't feel quite real to him. He'd been in this place four times before, and there was still plenty of time for the wedding to be called off.

He walked through the halls of St. Jude's, and every time Evelyn passed, he wanted to pull her aside to tell her. She would know what to do.

But just when he was about to give up, and let it pass, he received a package in the mail. It was addressed specifically to him, and a thick paper of customized stationary with the initials AT was at the top of the page.

It was a note from his grandfather. He requested his presence at their home, and to call in order to make arrangements.

The next day, Ozzy found himself ringing the doorbell of the sprawling estate. The name "TAYLOR" was on the black iron doorknocker. A man wearing a suit opened the door. "Good evening. How may I help you?"

"Hi. I'm looking for Anthony Taylor. I was told he was home?"

"Your name?"

"Oscar Taylor."

"One moment please."

The butler closed the door. Ozzy looked around at the square bushes that were perfectly levelled at the windowsills of the front windows. The flower boxes were full of colourful flowers, and the gleaming three story columns felt like skyscrapers.

The door swung open again revealing an elderly gentleman with the same startling blue eyes from the pictures he'd seen. With his combed over white hair, he squinted at Ozzy.

"Hello, sir. I'm—"

"Is this my only grandson?" His grandfather's eyes sparkled.

Ozzy smiled nervously and nodded.

Grandfather cupped his cheeks, getting a good look at his features, and felt his hands drop to his forearms. "It's about time I finally met you," he said.

Ozzy wasn't sure if he was going to hug him or what, so he stood stiffly, continuing to smile with no words coming out.

Grandfather released his grip and said, "You've been difficult to get a hold of, but now that you're here, lets have a drink."

Grandfather welcomed him inside, and they walked past a grand staircase that was centred in the great hall. Smaller drawing rooms were at the sides of the great hall. A crystal chandelier sparkled above the staircase. Ozzy followed his grandfather to the drawing room, and took a seat on the most comfortable looking chair. A maid came into the room and set down a tray and poured Ozzy a cup of tea.

"Have you always lived here?" Ozzy said, finally finding his voice.

"Ah yes. It's been passed down for generations. I grew up here, and so did your mother." He inflected on the word mother.

His mother had never mentioned this place, let alone her childhood. He wondered why. It was the most beautiful home he'd ever seen.

"So my boy, where are you now?"

"We just moved to New York in the summer."

"With Philip Montgomery, yes?"

Ozzy was taken aback at the clipped tone of his grandfather. It sounded like an accusation.

"Yeah. I go to St. Jude's."

"Ah. I went there as well. A fine school. Isn't Cotillion happening soon?"

"Yes, but I'm not going."

"Why not?"

"I dunno, it's not really my thing. This stuff at least isn't really my thing," he motioned to the chandelier in the room.

"Nonsense. This is just stuff my boy. Once you understand how to sift through it, it'll be as easy as pie. Now that we've met, I can help you figure out all of this stuff.

"Thank you," Ozzy said. He wasn't sure if he should call him grandfather yet. It still seemed too soon.

"Come visit after school everyday, and this will be your before you know it."

"I dunno. I have swim practice after school on Thursdays."

"Well, every other day you will come here. I just found you son, and I have no intention of letting you go."

Ozzy's cheeks felt hot after his grandfather said that. His eyes were focused on the perfectly steamed carpet underneath him. No one had ever said anything like that to him before. He didn't know how to react.

"What do you say?"

Ozzy looked up at his grandfather's eyes, eyes that were far wiser than his.

Unable to find the right word, he settled with one he knew well. "Sure."

"I don't understand why I have to buy a dress at Bergdorf's. I mean couldn't you just make a dress for me? You'd make something better than all of this," Evelyn said while walking past the mannequins of elaborate dresses.

Jenny and Evelyn decided to go Cotillion dress shopping. Evelyn had already been shopping with Lily a couple of times. First, she went to Saks; then she went to Bendels. Each time she couldn't quite find the dress she liked. As Cotillion approached, the more and more difficult it was to find a dress. She'd never worried so much about a dress before, but thanks to Lily she knew why. This night was going to matter, and so was the dress she was wearing. Or better yet: who she was wearing.

"Because you actually get to wear a dress that's made by a world class designer. Haven't you already been to custom fittings for different dresses?"

"I have. I don't get the vision. Apparently this dress is supposed to scream Evelyn Bass, but how can I find a dress like that if I don't even know what that dress would look like? I'd rather have a dress from the most famous Brooklyn designer I know."

"You don't know what you're talking about," Jenny said.

"If I want to have a custom dress, it makes more sense to have someone who knows me well to make it for me."

"Are you competing to be my biggest fan?" Jenny said.

"No because I don't think I could ever beat your father," Evelyn said. "Nor would I want to."

Jenny rolled her eyes. "You may be right about that."

"I know I am."

Evelyn hopped back to her feet, and picked out a dress for Jenny. "Why don't we find you a dress? My treat."

"I told you. I've already made my dress."

"Why wouldn't it hurt to make another for me again? I could get you some great PR."

"Evelyn, trust me when I say this. You can do so much better," Jenny said.

"Better is overrated."

Jenny picked up a sparkling champagne coloured dress. "Okay, please try this on." She forced it in Evelyn's hands.

"Fine, but I doubt I'll like it."

"Would you like to try that on?" A sales associate dressed in a black suit asked.

"Yes," Evelyn sighed.

They made their way to the dressing room. Evelyn dress the curtain closed and she continued to talk with Jenny through their partition.

"So I have a list of dates for you made up," Jenny said. "Kate said one of the guys even dumped his girlfriend so he could go out with you."

"Well that's a promising list," Evelyn mumbled. If a guy was willing to dump his girlfriend that easily, she had no doubt he was going to be a complete idiot.

Evelyn pulled up the sleeves of the dress and couldn't quite zip up her dress from behind. She pulled the curtain aside anyway, and stepped out. The dress touched the ground like a wedding dress, and Evelyn picked it up so she could walk. The dress covered up her chest, all the way to her neck.

Evelyn stepped up to the three paned mirror. "I don't like it."

"It's a beautiful piece," Jenny inspected the dress from every angle. "It might need some alterations though."

"It's matronly."

"No. It's elegant."

"Every dress I've tried on makes me feel like a girl. Isn't this event supposed to transition us from girl to woman?"

"You make it sound like we're losing our virginities."

"In a sense aren't we though? Cotillion is a social construct."

Jenny stepped up behind her. "Let's look at the positive. Tell me what kind of dress you are looking for?"

She turned so her back faced the mirror. "I want something that isn't as proper. Like an open back," She faced the mirror again. "And no sleeves."

"For someone who doesn't know what she wants, you're painting quite a picture."

"Whatever picture I'm painting doesn't exist. I think I want my dress to be gold. I like this colour, but that's pretty much it."

"Why don't you tell a designer that?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Maybe I will."

"You should do that soon because Cotillion is coming up."

"I'm on it, mom."

"You're welcome," Jenny said. "I'm just trying to help."

"Well I do appreciate it even though I'm not showing it right now." Evelyn moved back to the dressing room. "Well that's another reject to add to the pile."

"Well since you're in such a sorting mood, would you want to sort through your possible dates?"

Evelyn slipped out of her dress. "I don't think I need to do that."

"Why?"

"Because I already have a date."

"You WHAT?" Jenny said.

Evelyn pulled up her Constance skirt to hug her hips. "Why is this so shocking?"

"When did this happen?"

"Let me see, last week?"

"LAST WEEK?"

"Yes. It wasn't a big deal or anything."

"I know, but you didn't even tell me."

"I was going to, but other things got in the way."

Evelyn pulled on her winter coat and picked up the hanger. There was a reason she didn't want to tell Jenny. She knew Jenny wouldn't approve of her going to Cotillion with Dash. But it was her choice and she was going to have to accept it and support it.

"Who asked you to Cotillion?"

She pulled back the curtain for the last time. Jenny looked back at her, her eyes wide and questioning. "Dash."

"Dash?"

Evelyn nodded.

"Montgomery?"

"I'm pretty sure he's the only one." Evelyn handed the dress to the sales associate.

"Why….why would you say yes to Dash Montgomery?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Because he asked me."

"But he's Dash."

"I don't understand why you have to put him down so much," Evelyn said. "He's actually really nice."

"But I have a list—"

"Jenny since when have any of those guys ever spoken to me? I'm sorry, I really appreciate you trying to help me, but I have this figured out pretty well. Besides, if a guy is willing to dump his girlfriend for someone he doesn't know, then he is by no means a gentleman."

Jenny looked like she was about to say something, but she looked away. "I'm sorry. If…If you want to go with Dash then you should."

"Thanks."

"So…I don't mean to pry, but do you…do you like him?"

It was a question she had been asking herself since that night at the college party. "I don't know." A small smile found its way on her face. "Maybe? I'm just taking it slow and see where it goes. I told him that I would only go with him as a friend just to be safe."

"Wow," Jenny said.

"What?"

"I just…I didn't expect that. You and Dash." The wind whipped their cheeks when they walked through the front doors.

"Me either. If you asked me a month ago, I would've told you that you're crazy."

"Are you sure you like him?"

Evelyn looked at Jenny. "Why?"

"I just wanted to know if you were only doing this to get back at Ozzy."

"No I'm not," Evelyn said harshly.

"Sorry. That's something most of us would do here. I have to think he might think that."

"Well I don't really care what Ozzy thinks right now. He made it clear that he doesn't want anything to do with me, so I'm doing the same. I'm moving on."

"With his soon to be brother," Jenny added.

They finally reached the limo. "It's completely coincidence."

"If you say so," Jenny said.

"I know so."

Spotted: J and E dress shopping at Bergdorfs. Still haven't found a dress yet ladies? It's a good thing you both have your dates locked up. Word is E is going to Cotillion with D. I know. We were all just as shocked. I suppose miracles really do happen. Welcome to the A-List, D. Better thank your girlfriend for that one.

When Evelyn returned home after another dismal shopping trip with Jenny, she was greeted with her father and Lily in the sitting room. She knew instantly they were waiting for her. Lily raised her chin with a frown painted on her face while Bart had his usual emotionless expression on his weathered face.

"Hey Dad. Lily." Evelyn bowed her head in greeting. She dropped her bag on one of the armchairs.

"Hello Evelyn," Lily said. Bart locked his fingers together and tapped his thumbs on his laced fingers.

She looked between the two of them. "Is something wrong?"

"You should sit down," her father said.

Evelyn sat on the free armchair, her arms resting on the suede armrests.

"We've been receiving phone calls from the headmistress saying that you have a few unexcused absences these past couple of weeks," Lily said.

Oh. Despite the shock she felt in that moment, Evelyn knew this was coming. She didn't prepare for it whatsoever, but she knew the Headmistress would call her dad to let him know that she'd been skipping. She never made an excuse when she didn't show up for classes. She knew that without an excuse, it was certain that she would get caught.

"We just want to know if everything is okay with you," Bart said.

"We know this isn't like you Evelyn," Lily said.

"There's nothing to worry about really. I just…took a couple days off to let off some steam. I was getting really stressed with school, and I just needed a break. That's really it."

"Days off?" Her father said. "Why would you need a day off from school?"

"I dunno. One day I couldn't focus in class, and I took a walk. Took a break to clear my head. That's all."

"And you thought that skipping school would be the best solution?" Lily asked.

Evelyn's fingers pinched the armrests. "Yes. Why is that a problem? Everyone does it all the time."

"That doesn't mean you should do it," Lily said.

Evelyn sighed. There were so many retorts she could make to Lily. Over the summer, Serena had told her countless stories of Lily's scandalous youth. She surely wasn't one to talk.

"Look, if it happened one time, that's fine, but we've received four calls now. We're just worried about you," Lily said.

"I told you, there's nothing to worry about."

"The headmistress also told us that there is only one other student who had the same absences as you."

"That must be just coincidence," she said. Evelyn didn't know why she just said that. For some reason, she really didn't want her father or Lily to know about Dash. It's not like anything has happened between them, so she really doesn't have anything to hide. It's the implication that there's something more there that she was uneasy about.

"Dashiell Montgomery is just coincidentally absent the same time you are when you're partners in Chemistry class?"

"Okay maybe Dash was there. So what?"

"We don't keep secrets in this household, Evelyn," Lily said. "You just lied to our faces."

"Oh my God. Why are we making a big deal about this? If Chuck or Serena did this you probably wouldn't even care. Why do you have to grill me about this? That's not fair."

"It's different," Bart said. "You are very different than your brother."

"And clearly I'm held with a double standard that he doesn't have," Evelyn said.

"Evelyn—"

"What? I skipped class four times. The last time I skipped was Tuesday when a substitute played a movie for us in Chemistry class. It's not like I missed anything."

"This isn't about Chuck and Serena. This is about you disobeying school rules and lying to us about it."

"We'll I'm sorry for lying."

"Cut out the attitude, Evelyn," Bart said seriously.

"I don't have any attitude. All I did was take a break from school and I tried a couple new things. I don't regret it. And it won't happen again."

"It better not," Bart said. "Because if it does, we'll have to ground you."

"Fine. I'll agree to those terms," Evelyn said her arms crossed.

"Good," Lily said. "You can call Eric now. We're going out for a family dinner."

Evelyn stalked up the stairs to Eric's room. She knocked once and swung the door open to see a startled Eric jump.

"You heard the whole thing didn't you?"

"Well…kind of…yes. Yes I did," Eric said.

"Whatever. We're going out for dinner. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah. Let me just pick out a pair of shoes."

Evelyn swung the door back and forth as Eric disappeared in the closet. "Eric? Do you think I was wrong?"

"Technically you did lie to them. So in that respect yes," Eric said from the closet.

"But I really didn't do anything to harm anyone. Why are we treated differently than our older siblings?"

"Because they were probably smarter with their methods."

"How were they smarter?"

Eric appeared with a pair of Dior shoes in his hands. "A little advice? When you want to break the rules, try to be discrete about it. At least Chuck and Serena mastered that."

She hated to admit it, but Eric was right. Evelyn didn't think she was going to always be skipping school. Once in a while maybe, but she learned her lesson. She wasn't going to get caught next time. She was going to learn to be more stealth. If she wanted to skip, she would skip. The only person who had the authority to stop her would be her Aunt Kim, and she wasn't living under her roof anymore.

And who was Lily to accuse her of lying anyway?

For the next two weeks, Ozzy visited his grandfather religiously after school. When he came home, his mother never asked where he was. The one time she did, he simply said he was at swim practice, which happened to be true since it was Thursday.

Ozzy began to get to know his grandfather, and he couldn't help but admire him. He was everything and more that he hoped for in a grandfather figure. He shared interests with him, gave him advice on how to navigate St. Jude's and seemed to have his best interests at heart.

He explained why Cotillion was important, something his mother failed to do. He understood why Catherine was mad, and he kind of felt bad about it. Her expectations weren't unusual, as his grandfather explained. She expected her boyfriend to ask in a somewhat thoughtful way, a way Ozzy still wasn't certain how to do, but a way his grandfather offered to help him with.

"Did you know your grandmother and I went to Cotillion together?" He said when they were touring the wine cellar one evening.

Ozzy was too preoccupied wondering how much the cellar cost. "Is that normal?"

"In my generation yes, for yours not at all. Although who you go with is still important. Making a good impression will help you make connections. It could lead you to internships, friendships, and possibly marriages."

Sometimes his grandfather got a little wistful, but he always chalked it up to old age.

"You know, going with Catherine Baizen wouldn't be such a bad thing."

"What do you mean?" Ozzy asked.

"Baizens are a good family. Old money. That's important. I've met her before. She's a good girl."

"What about the Basses?" Ozzy couldn't help himself. He had to know where Evelyn stood in his grandfather's mind.

"Bart Bass? He has a daughter that's your age right?"

"Yeah. I mean, I'm just talking in hypothetical."

"Right. She is different from Catherine. Inexperienced. New money. That's not so good."

"Why?"

"Look, I'm sure she's a lovely girl, but I don't trust her father. New money is rare, and usually comes at a cost. I don't have a good feeling about that family. It's just...they don't have the same values as us."

Ozzy tried to work through the distinction in his mind. "Okay. I guess that makes sense."

"It does. Say, why don't you try asking Catherine again?"

Ozzy looked unconvinced.

"Listen my boy, Cotillion is an introduction to society. It's the most important event of your young life. I don't know if you know this, but you come from one of the best families in New York. In my humble opinion; the best. She'll forgive you if you ask nicely. You know, your grandmother and I attend Cotillion every year, so we can help you as much as you need."

Something about this suggestion felt a little off to Ozzy. Did he want to reconnect with Catherine? No. They just didn't have much in common. However, his grandfather's suggestion felt more of a command, a command that he knew he should take because his grandfather knew more about this world than he did. He was already much more helpful than his own mother. Maybe his grandfather knew what was better for him than his mom did.

When he got home, he dialled Catherine's phone number.

Evelyn and Jenny arrived at the Cotillion dance practice flanked with their minions. They didn't realize that other Queens from four other private schools would be in attendance, but they all sized them up when they arrived.

Evelyn leaned in toward Jenny and asked, "Why is everyone staring at us?"

"These are all the other monarchs from the other four private schools."

So not only did they have to impress with Constance, but these other schools too? "No pressure."

Jenny straightened her shoulders. "None."

"Let's go say hello," Lila said.

Evelyn followed Jenny, and had the fakest showing of pleasantries she had ever seen. She smiled and shook hands, but she immediately took a disliking to these girls. They weren't just mean but vicious. Evelyn had never really envied Jenny's role of Queen, but she especially didn't envy it in that moment.

"Jenny! There's Zach," Sera said

"Oh my God. He's so beautiful," Kate said. The other minions sighed.

"If you'll excuse me." Jenny sauntered to Zach.

"He's like…the new Nate Archibald," Lila sighed.

They watched Jenny embrace Zach. He smiled at her and looked at her intently. "Take a long look ladies because he seems very happy with Jenny," Evelyn said.

Suddenly a hand hooked around her waist and spun Evelyn around. Her eyes widened and braced the pair of shoulders that faced her.

"Hello, partner."

Dash looked at her with a smirk, and pulled her closer to him. Evelyn shrugged out of his grip. "Hi. Someone's excited to learn how to dance."

"And you should be too." He twirled her around.

"Are you telling me you have moves?" Evelyn laughed.

"I don't have to tell you. I'll show you on the night of Cotillion."

"Oh really?"

"Really."

"Excuse me. I don't mean to interrupt anything." Lily held a clipboard and pencil.

"You are not interrupting anything, Mrs. Bass," Dash said.

"Yes really, Lily. What's up?"

"I just came over to remind you to sign in. Dance practice will begin soon, so don't dawdle."

Evelyn and Dash walked over to the sign in table, and Evelyn immediately saw Ozzy standing beside Catherine. He was leaning against the window to the side, arms crossed. He nodded to whatever Catherine was saying, but his eyes wandered. They found hers before swiftly looking away.

"Your name, dear?"

"Evelyn Bass. This is my escort, Dashiell Montgomery."

The red headed woman checked off their names. "Miss Bass, thank you for arriving to practice on time. Your mentor will be Miss Blair Waldorf, and she will be arriving after dance practice is over. You can ask her any questions you might have from an experienced debutant then."

Great. Blair was her mentor? She would probably bark more orders rather than provide her advice. Most girls would be thrilled to have someone as experienced as Blair to be their mentor. But Evelyn knew better. Blair wasn't her friend. She was just a girl who was dating her brother. They happened to be on civil, limited speaking terms. Who knows how long that armistice would last?

The dance practice began, and Evelyn focused on learning the complicated dance. During their dance practice, Evelyn was impressed that Dash knew his right from his left. They laughed and joked throughout the practice, and she only stepped on his toes once.

What she didn't expect was the part of the dance that required the switching of partners. When the dance instructor described the moves, Evelyn realized who she would swap partners with. On the count of three, Evelyn twirled away from Dash, and found herself facing Ozzy. She avoided eye contact, but still found her hands finding their place. One on his shoulder and the other in his hand. Neither said a word to the other.

Sure enough, Blair was waiting for her when dance practice was over. "I should go talk to Blair," Evelyn said. Dash followed her.

"Hello, Blair."

"Evelyn. You must have heard that I am your mentor?"

"Yes. Quite the coincidence don't you think?"

"Not really. I chose to mentor you and Jenny. Where is she?"

"She's here. Probably with Zach somewhere. She'll find you. This is Dash, my escort for Cotillion."

Dash held out his hand to Blair. "Nice to meet you."

Blair looked him up and down. "What school do you go to?"

"St. Jude's."

"Really. Now how is it that I don't know you?"

"Because you were older."

"Thinks he's clever." Blair turned to Evelyn. "He'll do…for now. Have you picked out a dress yet?"

"Not yet."

"Not yet?" Blair balked.

Evelyn shrugged. "Guess I just haven't found the right one yet."

"Oh Sweetie, dresses are not to be treated like relationships. Even if a dress doesn't fit it can be altered. Makeup?"

"I haven't thought of that yet," Evelyn said.

"Shoes?"

"I think I would need the dress first."

Blair grabbed her wrist. "Sweetie, you need me more than I thought. Follow me."

"Good luck," Dash said.

"Thanks, I'll need it."

"Don't think you're off the hook either, Dash. I'll be coming for you after," Blair barked.

"I like the sound of that." Dash smirked.

Evelyn rolled her eyes, and was dragged towards Jenny. "Jenny?"

Jenny excused herself from Zach. "Hey, Blair."

"Jenny. You are ever so fortunate that I will be your mentor for Cotillion."

"Oh you didn't hear?" Jenny said.

"Hear what?"

"I have a different mentor. Serena is going to be my mentor now."

"Serena? But she's in Providence."

"She decided to return for this weekend. I figured it would be better to not have to share a mentor you know?"

"I know, but the past Queen has always been the current Queen's mentor. It's tradition."

"Well, it's time for a new tradition," Jenny stood taller, aware that multiple eyes were watching her.

"New tradition? The whole point of traditions is that they don't change."

"The thing is Blair, I don't need you anymore," Jenny said.

"She's just stressed out—" Evelyn began to say.

"Fine. You already have a strike against you from being from Brooklyn, Little J, and to think I was going to be nice enough to help you out. Serves me right."

"Your era is over, Blair. It's my turn now. Please respect that."

Blair grabbed Evelyn's wrist, and tugged her away. Evelyn looked at Jenny apologetically before Blair started listing off different places that they could find a custom dress for Cotillion on such short notice.

"Boys! Dinner!" Ruby Taylor's voice rang up the staircase.

Family dinners. It was something Ozzy couldn't get used to. Suddenly, every Wednesday, his mom and Philip decided that their blended family needed to share a home cooked meal. It was as home cooked as their maid prepared it. This week's menu: tilapia fish, broccoli, and polenta. Not bad.

"Dude," Dash knocked on his door. "Food. Let's go."

Ozzy dropped his pencil and shut his algebra textbook. He'd been keeping up with most of his homework since he joined the swim team. Math was always his priority, then Biology and after Spanish. Spanish was pretty easy because he'd lived in a few Spanish neighbourhoods when he was younger, so he noticed that he didn't have to devote that much time to it.

When he followed Dash down the steps, Dash sniffed the air. "Mmm. Fishy."

The dinner started with the usual question of how their day went. Philip usually asked this question, and Ozzy didn't give him any more information than needed. He was just another stepfather who pretended to care about what was happening in his life. Did he work well with Philip? He had to admit that he did. He actually had a good time when he worked at Bass Industries for the day (minus Evelyn's radiating hate glares), and he learned a lot from him. However, this was about to be his mom's first husband, and Ozzy was still suspicious of him.

The mundane conversation continued, and Ozzy zoned out completely until his mother said, "…Ozzy? What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Cotillion. Have you asked to accompany Catherine yet?"

"Oh. Yeah. I asked Catherine a few days ago."

He failed to mention that he forgot to bring the flowers or Catherine mentioned he should bring? However, he did apologize for his behaviour first, and then asked her nicely. Catherine didn't happily agree to go with him exactly. She accepted in a sense, and then proceeded to punish him by taking him shoe shopping. As he sat on one of the stools while she debated between Valentino and Dior, he seriously questioned his life choices.

"Wonderful. I told you she was a great girl," his mother said patting his hand.

Ozzy swallowed a watery piece of fish. "Yup."

"Dash. You've been pretty quiet tonight. Should we start asking around to see who's available?" Philip said.

"I already have a date," Dash said.

"Oh…that's surprising. Who?"

"Evelyn Bass."

Ozzy's head snapped to Dash. He saw them at practice together, but he still couldn't believe it. Evelyn agreed to go with Dash? How the hell did he get her to agree to that? Dash avoided his eyes, and was squinting intently at his father.

Philip's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "Really?"

"Yeah."

"That's good, son…. Very good."

Dash nodded slowly and turned his attention back to his plate. "Does anyone have a problem with that?"

He looked at Ozzy waiting for an answer. Ozzy shrugged. Did it bother him? Of course it did, but he knew he was in no place to say anything. Who knows? They could be going as friends. If he still knew Evelyn well, then that would certainly be the case.

Besides, he had his own problems to deal with. Catherine. School. Swimming. His grandparents.

His grandparents. His mom still didn't know that they found him, and that he has been spending time with them regularly. For the first time, he was building a relationship with his family. This was something his mom would never approve. He had no intention of telling his mother that he was in contact with her parents. He knew that would result in disapproval and retribution. Ozzy couldn't help but notice the hypocrisy of his consequences. Coming from a person who kept so many secrets from him, Ozzy wondered why he couldn't' keep a secret of his own?

On the eve of Cotillion, Evelyn sat at her desk and looked at her outfit perfectly laid out on her comforter. Her shoes were placed at the foot of her bed, her jewellery and purse on her desk. She spent all afternoon sitting around while others pulled and plucked different parts of her body. Her hair was now done up in loose bun, with a couple tendrils of hair framing her face. She couldn't touch her face because Blair instructed her not too. All that was left was slipping on her dress, and waiting for Dash to show up.

Blair swung the door open and grimaced when she saw Evelyn playing with a blush brush. "You still haven't changed yet? Everyone is waiting for you."

Evelyn slouched in her desk chair, her silk robe loosening. "I still have time."

"No you don't. I'll help you into your dress. Come on."

Blair dragged Evelyn to her feet, and shed the robe off Evelyn's narrow shoulders. Evelyn sat on the edge of her bed, and slipped on her peep toe Valentinos first. Then, Blair unzipped the back of the dress, and Evelyn stepped into it. After Blair closed the clasp of a cold diamond necklace around her neck.

"Let's take a look."

Evelyn turned to Blair who analyzed every part of her outfit. "Good."

"Good?"

"Yes. I have nothing to add."

"Well that's a first."

Evelyn turned to look at herself in her floor length mirror. When she looked in the mirror, she gaped. She didn't just look good, but she felt good. Powerful. She wore a dress whose colour was a cross between a soft rose and a ballet slipper. It had a plunging V-neck and cinched at her waist with thin layers of sheer tool pooling straight down to her feet. The top of her dress had pieces of fabric mimicking little flowers that faded beyond the belt around her waist. She was put together in a way she could never imagine; in a way only a visionary like Blair Waldorf could.

"Wow," Evelyn said. She twisted around to see her backside. Blair stood behind her with a satisfied smirk on her face.

"This is…perfect." Evelyn turned to Blair. "Blair, thank you."

"It was my pleasure. And with that my work here is done. Come on. Everyone is waiting for you outside."

Sure enough, everyone was waiting for Evelyn in the sitting area. They were all dressed and having a drink. Her father and Chuck sat together chatting quietly while Lily fixed Eric's bowtie. He was escorting Kiera Abernathy since escorting his boyfriend Jonathan was forbidden. She looked at all of her family members, and her shoulders rose. They were all together in the same room. Evelyn looked for Serena and realized she was probably at the Humphrey loft with Jenny. That wouldn't be awkward at all if Dan was there.

"Evelyn, you look beautiful," Lily said.

"Thanks." She looked around and at her watch. "Where's Dash? He said he'd be here."

"I'm sure he's on his way," Lily said.

Evelyn turned to Eric. "Nice bowtie."

"Thanks. You look wonderful yourself. It's like Blair Waldorf built you."

"I know, but you have to admit, she did do a good job." Evelyn checked her phone. Maybe Dash was running late? Sure enough, he sent her a text.

Running late with the fam. Will meet you at the hall.

"Was that Dash?" Eric asked.

"Yeah." Evelyn put the phone back in her clutch. "He says he'll meet me there."

Eric scrunched his brows together. "Huh. It's probably for a good reason."

"You're right." They turned when a loud pop sound echoed behind them. Her father was pouring glasses of champagne for everyone to take.

"For my beautiful daughter," Bart said when he handed her a champagne flute.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Dad."

Chuck appeared at her side. "Sis."

"Bro."

"Where's your date?"

"He's running late. He'll meet us at the hall."

"Now's a good time for a toast," Her father said clearing his throat. "To our children, siblings, or friends: Eric and Evelyn. We are very proud to witness you both pass the threshold of youth to adults as you both become apart of society."

They all raised their glasses. Evelyn turned to Chuck. "So how are things going with you?"

"Good."

"Just good? Does this mean the honeymoon phase is over with Blair?"

"Why would it be over?"

"Well, you're not practically sparkling like you were in the summer."

"I don't fucking sparkle."

"Eric, did Chuck sparkle this summer?"

"After sex, yes." Evelyn laughed while Chuck grimaced. "What?" Eric said. "You and Blair need to learn to be more discrete. Or not moan as much when you're trying to be secretive."

The Bass family laughed and finished their champagne and pilled into the limo. Evelyn felt a fullness that she missed since the end of summer. She missed the family being together. They were dysfunctional yes, but they were truly one of a kind. She couldn't imagine having anyone else supporting her through tonight. Evelyn realized how lucky she was. She was so lucky to have a united family who cared about her and wanted what was best for her. Miracles really can happen apparently, and Gossip Girl wasn't around to take it away from her.

"Chuck, who did you go to Cotillion with?"

"Melissa Evans."

"Did you have fun?"

"With her? She was fine, but I wouldn't say I had fun that evening."

"Why's that?"

He sighed and looked at Blair.

"Oh right. That night. It's a good thing you're both past all of that right?"

He kept eyeing Blair suspiciously. Chuck sipped from his champagne flute and pursed his lips. They were past all that petty deception weren't they?

She was going to fall. She could see it now, her name, Evelyn Bass, being called, and just as she was about to take her first step, she would trip on her dress and tumble down the staircase backwards. The paparazzi would capture the moment, and she would have to live with it forever. 'Evelyn Bass Falls on her Ass' would be the top story of the society pages the next day.

All of this came from the simple view of the tall staircase in front of her. Sure, they had already practiced at their dress rehearsal, but this was real now. There was no second chance. Evelyn Bass had to show the world that she was poised and elegant young lady, not a clumsy girl. Unfortunately, she was the latter.

The room was an old relic that had been preserved for generations. There were crystal chandeliers, marble pillars, and of course, a grand staircase. Boys mingled in tuxedos with girls in dresses. It was the biggest event of their lives. It was their introduction to high society. There was no such thing as a reintroduction. It was Cotillion.

Gone were the days where Evelyn lounged on a couch with her neighbourhood girlfriends on a Sunday night watching movies in their sweat pants while eating potato chips. Gone were the days of driving to get an ice cream cone after a long day of studying. This was her new reality. It felt like every day was a formal affair. It wasn't the worst situation to be in, but it was a lot of work.

Her classmates stood beside their parents dressed and ready for their introduction. She saw Lila beside her mother who looked more like an identical twin than mother. Kate stood at the bottom of the staircase talking to Sera. Others mingled laughing jovially like this night was any regular Sunday evening.

Evelyn checked her phone for any messages from Dash. Nothing. How odd. She excused herself from her family and looped around the room searching for him. When she didn't see Dash, Evelyn texted him.

Jenny appeared from behind one of the giant pillars with her date on her arm. "Hey Evelyn." They embraced.

"Hi," Evelyn said, her eyes darting across the room.

"You look amazing," Jenny said.

"Thanks, you do too. Hey, Zach."

"Hi Evelyn," He said.

Evelyn's eyes continued to dart across the room. She shouldn't be worried, right? Dash said he'd be here, but she couldn't find him anywhere. "Jenny, have you seen Dash?"

"Not yet. Why?"

"He just texted me saying he'd meet me here, but I still haven't seen him yet."

"He's probably with his dad or something," Jenny said.

The Cotillion announcer's voice boomed from the microphone. "Hello? Your attention please? I'd like to call all debutants to the front staircase. We will begin the ceremony shortly."

"Look," Jenny said. "He's probably waiting at the staircase for you right now. Let's go."

When Evelyn took her place at the top of the staircase, Dash wasn't there. Instead she saw Catherine Baizen ascending the staircase holding Ozzy's arm. She stopped at the step above Evelyn. Of course. Baizen came before Bass.

Catherine's green eyes glinted when she saw Evelyn standing by herself. Standing on a step above, she and Evelyn were at eye level. "Where's your date?"

"He's coming."

Reluctantly, Evelyn turned to Ozzy whose eyes were already on her. "Ozzy, do you know where Dash is?"

He paused and said, "No. I thought he was coming with you?"

All of the colour left Evelyn's cheeks. "He texted me and said he'd meet me here." She looked down the staircase. Was it possible that Dash stood her up?

"I'll take another look around and call him," Ozzy said.

"But it's going to start soon—"

Ozzy was already halfway down the staircase. "I'll be quick," he said over his shoulder.

"Well then. Looks like you're going to be walking solo," Catherine said.

Suddenly it became clear. This must have been Catherine's doing. She was ready to humiliate her. Again. Why would she do this? They have barely exchanged words for the past few weeks. What beef did she have against her this time?

Jenny poked her head from the row of girls. "What's up?" She mouthed.

Evelyn picked up her dress and stepped down to her best friend. "Dash isn't here. What happens if your date isn't here?"

"I've never seen it happen before," Jenny said. "Maybe—"

Evelyn's eyes darted around the room looking for the familiar brown hair and beady blue eyes. She looked for the smirking face of her friend in the crowd. Some friend he was.

"Did you hear what I said?"

Evelyn spotted Chuck and her father chatting in the crowd. She then spotted another familiar face by the refreshment table. Maybe, just maybe there was a way around this?

"Evelyn?"

Evelyn turned to Jenny. "Don't worry. I've got this."

Evelyn descended the staircase and jogged to catch up with a boy carrying a champagne glass. He turned and his easy smile quickly turned to concern.

"Nate!" Evelyn said. She grabbed onto both of his arms to stop herself from running into him.

"Evelyn? The ceremony is about to start. You should be on the staircase."

"I need your help."

"Of course. What do you need?"

"I don't have an escort for Cotillion anymore. Will you be my escort?" Her breaths became ragged. "Please?"

"Of course." Nate set down his glass and grabbed her hand. They shuffled quickly to the staircase. The announcer was already at the podium with her cue cards ready to be read.

Evelyn took her spot behind Catherine. Ozzy had also returned and looked at Nate. Nate led Evelyn back to her place, and then went up to speak with the announcer. Evelyn gripped the railing and looked down at her step. It was going to be okay. Thankfully, Nate was here, and this ceremony would be over soon. How she couldn't wait for it to be over at this point.

"If I could have your attention please?" The announcer said. "We will be beginning the Cotillion ceremony now."

The crowd hushed, and Evelyn straightened up. She didn't dare look for her family in the crowd. She didn't look down at all. Evelyn turned to Nate who smiled and gave her a thumbs up. She smiled back.

The announcer began with Kiera Abernathy, and the crowd clapped as she ascended the staircase. Evelyn was fourth in line thankfully. She couldn't imagine having to wait at the very end of the staircase. In this moment, she just wanted it to be over.

Catherine was next to be called. The announcer read, "Catherine Grace Baizen: Escorted by Oscar Taylor. Catherine is a member of the field hockey team and Community Outreach Committee. Catherine hopes to attend Brown University starting Fall 2013. In the meantime, Catherine will spend the summer at an internship in Australia and spending time with her family in the Hamptons."

Evelyn made a face. What bullshit. Internship in Australia? Spending time with family? She's never once spoken of her family. She probably has no idea what that means. Nate saw her disgusted facial expression and chuckled. He nodded in agreement. Ah Nate. It was so nice to know someone understood her dislike for a Baizen.

"Evelyn Misty Bass. Escorted by Nathaniel Archibald."

Evelyn stepped forward and took Nate's arm. "Evelyn is a member of the girls soccer team, Pre-Med society, and Community Outreach Committee. Evelyn hopes to complete an undergrad degree in Biochemisty. Then, Evelyn will attend medical school to become a gynaecologist. In the meantime, Evelyn will spend her summers with her family and interning at Mount Siami Hospital."

The audience clapped, and Evelyn and Nate followed the path down the other side of the staircase.

"Do you have enough ambition, Evelyn?" Nate whispered to her.

Evelyn laughed for the first time that night. "Not at all. With that speech, I clearly have no goals in life."

"Way to make the rest of us feel like complete slackers," Nate said.

They waited at the bottom of the staircase while the other names were called. Jenny was called with her date, Zach. Then, Don Pierce ascended the staircase with Maya Wilson. Evelyn continued to talk with Nate, the previous jitters fading away. It was always so easy being around Nate. She didn't need to be careful around him, and they happened to have a few of the same interests.

Once Paris Yurkowski finished walking the staircase, the couples took their positions on the dance floor. Nate took her hand, and put his arm on her waist.

"I hope you still remember this dance," Evelyn said.

Nate nodded. "I guess it's time to find out."

The music started and they began twirling on the dance floor. Evelyn laughed as she and Nate stumbled with the music for the first twenty seconds. Nate looked at the moving feet around him and said, "I can do this. I do remember this slightly."

At the point they had to switch partners, Evelyn found herself in Ozzy's arms. Her smile dropped as they twirled around. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"Never better."

The smile returned when she returned to Nate who claimed, "Okay. I got this now." They were halfway into the dance when Evelyn and Nate found their stride. They joked and laughed until the first dance ended.

The next dance began and Nate offered his hand to her. The music switched to a ballad, and Nate said, "I can assure you that I can dance to this one."

Evelyn accepted his hand and he pulled her close to him. His hand rested on her lower back and they swayed to the music. She couldn't believe it. Her night went from sheer disaster to delight in the span of an hour.

"Thanks so much for helping me back there. I really thought I was screwed," Evelyn said.

"Listen it was nothing. I'm glad you came to me."

Evelyn smiled, and they swayed to the music for a bit longer. "I don't understand why someone would ditch you like that."

"I can't either," Evelyn said. She didn't understand. She thought things were good with Dash. Out of everyone, he was always there for her. She couldn't believe he would desert her on a day like this. She hadn't felt this disappointed since…since Ozzy let her go on Halloween.

Nate and Evelyn continued to dance to the ballad, and Evelyn pushed all of those thoughts away. Here she was, with someone who hadn't disappointed her, and she was having a good time.

That was until someone tapped Nate's shoulder. "Excuse me."

It was Dash. He appeared behind Nate, his eyes narrowed, shoulders tense.

"Dash?" Evelyn gaped. "Where have you been?"

"I should be asking where have you been?"

"What are you talking about?" Evelyn said.

Dash looked at Nate and then back to Evelyn. "Is this some kind of joke?"

"Hey man, let's just calm down—"

"Stay out of this manbangs!" Dash said.

"Dash," Evelyn said quietly. "I was waiting for you. You told me you'd meet me here."

Dash took one step too close to Evelyn. "I never said that."

Nate placed his hand on his shoulder, guiding Dash away from Evelyn.

Dash pushed him away and said, "Don't touch me. I'm fine!"

Nate stumbled back and suddenly Ozzy was at Evelyn's side.

"Ozzy. What the fuck is going on?"

Ozzy took a careful step toward Dash and said, "Bro, why don't we go outside and talk about this?" Sure enough people had started to stare.

Ozzy turned to her and said, "How about that, Evelyn?"

Evelyn, still as one of her father's statues, said, "Sure."

Ozzy put his arm around Dash and guided him out of the hall. An old man with a comb over nodded his head to Ozzy, like it was an approval. Evelyn didn't have much time to think what that was about. She focused on putting one foot in front of the other. She didn't realize that Nate was following her until he grabbed her wrist to stop her from walking. "Evelyn?"

"Yes, Nate?"

"Do you need me to come with you?"

She looked at Nate and then behind him where the minions gossiped and watched her move. In fact, everyone was watching her in the room in that moment. In the eyes of this room, she was an adult now. They were all waiting for her to make her first adult decision.

"No," Evelyn said. "I…" She continued to see dozens of eyes look at her while they spoke. "I just need some time to think."

She picked up her dress and walked through the ballroom doors. She didn't run with haste to escape the humiliation she felt then. She walked, with her back straight, chin tilted—until she was past the doors. Then, she ran as fast as she could in her heels. She didn't walk outside, but this time, she decided to walk up. She began to climb the staircase and turned to an abandoned hallway. There were a couple chairs waiting in the hallway and Evelyn took a seat. She let out a deep sigh and slouched back in the chair.

Is it us or did we experience Déjà vu? N finds himself in another scuffle on the night of Cotillion. Couldn't you just stay out of it, N? Meanwhile E was spotted fleeing the scene. Some things never change…

Chuck found her first. It was a Bass instinct to run away, or rather run upward. He rounded the staircase and saw her slouched in her chair. Without a word, he sat in the chair beside her. They sat in silence for a couple minutes until Eric found them.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Chuck asked.

"There's nothing to talk about," Evelyn said. She smoothed out the pleats of her dress.

"Why does this always keep happening to me?" Evelyn mumbled. Just when she thought she had everything under control, something was always thrown in her way. Just when she thought she was on solid ground, she felt someone push her in the water. She didn't like the water. Whenever she felt like she was in the open water, she'd kick her way blindly back to shore.

"It wasn't that bad, Evelyn," Eric said. "It's all cleared up."

"If it makes you feel better, I had Nate punch Carter Baizen at my Cotillion," Chuck said. "They both got kicked out."

"Exactly. Everything was under control before things really got out of hand," Eric said.

"That's not the point," Evelyn said. "Its just things always go wrong when I'm at these events. I feel like somebody is always out to get me."

Jenny appeared at the top of the staircase. She wore a black dress with fingerless gloves. It was a bold choice. Daring even. But most of all, she looked powerful. She completely embodied everything she needed to be the perfect Queen.

"We'll leave you two to talk," Eric said.

Jenny took Chuck's seat and waited until her brothers were down the stairs. "That was quite the scene downstairs."

Evelyn covered her face with her hands. "I know."

"I have to say, I'm surprised."

"Why would you be surprised?" Evelyn said through her hands.

"I didn't think Dash would show up at all." Jenny looked at the portrait across the hall. "He is very persistent."

Evelyn turned to Jenny. "Why would you think he wouldn't show up?"

Jenny's eyes flickered away. Her mouth opened and shut. She opened her mouth again to say something, but she was already silent for a moment too long. She was quiet enough to be suspicious.

"Did you have something to do with this?" Evelyn asked.

"Evelyn—"

"You totally did. Here I thought it was Catherine when it was really you behind everything. What the hell, Jenny?"

"Just relax. I did this for you—"

"Do this for me?"

"Yes. You couldn't walk Cotillion with Dash Montgomery. Do you know how bad that would look? This is the night that we both needed to prove ourselves for once and for all, and we needed to be standing beside the best."

That's what this is about? Jenny, who offered to find a date for her, was mad that she found her own? Suddenly everything became clear. Jenny wasn't looking out for her; she wanted to control her. "I have the right to go with whomever I want. I'm not one of your minions you can just order around."

"But you are my best friend, and you've been making questionable choices lately. I'm just worried about you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Come on, Evelyn. You've been so distant lately. Everyone's noticed. Ditching school? Going to college parties? All of this started when you began hanging out with Dash. You totally abandoned your duties like choosing when you decide to sit with us on the steps. It doesn't work that way."

"Okay, I'll start sitting on the steps more often then."

"You don't get it. You don't get to choose when you sit on the steps. You either sit with us, or you don't. You have no idea how hard it is to be Queen. You can't go off and do whatever you want because people will start to question my authority."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"Because you weren't here! We said we'd rule together, and you've practically abdicated."

"I never wanted to rule, Jenny. We said we'd change the system. It seems to me you've just become the system."

"I tried to change it, Evelyn. I really did. I've been protecting you this whole time. If I didn't, those girls would have eaten you alive."

Evelyn gaped. "Seriously? What, did I not prove myself enough during the sleepover? I've done everything you've ever asked, Jenny. I've even offered you some financial support, to which, you wouldn't be able to rule without."

"You need to be tougher with these girls. They don't care who they hurt. It's a game. You need to start playing."

"If you were looking out for me so much, then where were you when I was about to walk dateless? You played dumb."

"That's not true. I knew you'd figure something out. If you didn't, I had a backup for you."

"Oh really, who?"

"Blake Thompson."

Who? Evelyn shook her head. That wasn't the point. Jenny continued, "Tonight, I did this for you. And look how it turned out? You walked with Nate Archibald. All the girls were in awe that you went with a college guy. Now, they won't bother you anymore."

"That wasn't for you to decide," Evelyn said. "Dash is my friend. You really hurt him."

"Please. He was just collateral damage. And don't think Dash isn't interested in anything but your friendship. Besides, I was your friend first."

Evelyn shook her head. "You know, I don't think so. All the bad things that have been happening me this year come from you. You never defended me, or helped me—"

"That was to make you stronger."

"I don't need your help. And you know what? You can have your kingdom. Rule it on your own."

Evelyn stood up and turned to walk back downstairs.

"What?" Jenny said. "Where are you going?"

Evelyn looked over her shoulder to see panic in Jenny's eyes. "I'm going to find my friend. Dash. He deserves an explanation for this. Good luck with your kingdom, Jenny."

Evelyn descended the staircase and felt a huge weight lifted from her shoulders. All along she thought Catherine was her enemy, but it turned out that Jenny was just as manipulative and deceptive. If she wanted Queen so badly that she would risk their friendship, then she could have it.

Evelyn walked through the front doors of the hall, and was relieved to see her friend, Dash, leaning against one of the pillars. With renewed purpose, she marched to him, determined to make things right again.

Once Ozzy and Dash were outside, the fall air whipped their cheeks. It was a kind of cold Ozzy had been introduced to a year ago, where it's not cold enough that snow would fall from the sky, but it was cold enough you could see your breath. Thankfully, they both wore a suit and tie.

Dash groaned and kicked the first pillar he saw. A couple men who were smoking grimaced at the two boys for mistreating their own property. Ozzy gave an apologetic look before focusing on Dash.

"Better?" Ozzy asked.

Dash turned and leaned against the pillar he just kicked. "No."

"You want to talk about it?"

"No."

Okay then. Dash not having something to say was a first. Ozzy leaned on the pillar beside him and was ready to stew in silence when Dash propped himself away from the pillar and began, "How could she do this to me?"

"Who?"

"Evelyn. I mean why the fuck would she stand me up like that?"

"I dunno," Ozzy said. It was pretty unusual. When Evelyn said she was going to do something, she always followed through. Regardless, Ozzy was still stuck on the idea that Evelyn agreed to go to Cotillion with Dash. The thought unsettled him.

"You know what? Fuck her. Fuck all these people. They don't appreciate anything I ever fucking do for them."

Ozzy nodded along. Dash did have a point. He should only give his attention to people who appreciate it. Someone like…

He hated to admit it, but he could only think of one person who would appreciate his attention.

"I mean she goes with Nate Archibald? Nate fucking Archibald? I can't compete with that."

Ozzy didn't think anyone could compete with that. He had never seen a more perfectly crafted guy. It lacked any real logic to him; how could someone be so physically perfect? It didn't bother Ozzy as much as Dash though. He knew there had to be something about Nate that was off-putting. In his experience, anyone who was that good looking and successful had to be hiding something seriously wrong with them. No one is that perfect.

"Don't look at it as a competition. Evelyn only asked him because she couldn't find you. He was a back up if anything."

"She was looking for me?"

"And texting too. I was looking too. She almost had to walk alone." He could picture Evelyn doing something like that. She probably would have owned it too. Ozzy couldn't think of any scenario where that would have happened because he probably would have offered to walk with her. He couldn't imagine stranding her on a night that was as important as this one.

"Thanks," Dash said quietly.

"No problem."

There was a silence that overlapped the two of them. There was something neither of them wanted to talk about, but it was there. Ozzy looked at Dash who looked at the ground. He kicked pebbles off the top step; his shoulders sagged.

"I'm sure Evelyn will come find you soon to straighten things out."

Dash shrugged. "I hope so."

Normally, Ozzy would leave the conversation right here. He would suspect that something was going on between Dash and Evelyn, but ignore it because it wasn't his business. But now that it was clear that something was going on, and the history he shared with Evelyn, he knew it couldn't be avoided any longer.

"So do you like her?" Ozzy asked.

"What?" Dash said shaken from his thoughts.

"Do you like Evelyn?"

Dash couldn't make eye contact with Ozzy. His pale cheeks finally had a bit of colour to them. "I dunno."

"It's okay. You can tell me. I think we should be honest about this," Ozzy said.

"Okay," Dash said. He shrugged. "Then, I do…like her. Thought it was pretty obvious."

Ozzy nodded. Honesty didn't make this situation any less complicated. "It's hard not to."

Dash nodded. "Yeah. I dunno. It's hard to tell with her. One day she's so warm, and the next she's completely preoccupied with something else."

"She's got a lot going on," Ozzy acknowledged.

"Yeah, and then there's you," Dash said.

"Me?"

"She was pretty upset when you rejected her on Halloween. I don't know if she's still over you yet. Last thing I want to be is a rebound."

"Things change. She's moved on."

"I dunno. I never really thought I had a chance until I asked her to Cotillion."

Ozzy didn't say anything. For some reason, this bothered him. Why did he ask her to Cotillion? A part of him was unjustifiably mad about this. He couldn't be mad though. He had no right, and he knew this.

"It was so weird. We were at a party at her brother's dorm. She went off with her brother and was hanging out with Nate. I was with this girl, and she came to find me just as I was about to hook up with her. She got really flustered and left. I had to go find her and we talked. And then I asked her and she agreed."

The more he talked, the more Ozzy became angrier. He knew what this meant. Evelyn had feelings for Dash. Last time he was in this position, he intervened. He couldn't stop his feeling from getting in the way. He ended up hurting Evelyn and himself. In that moment, Ozzy realized that he made his choice. He let her go. Now, it was Dash's chance, and he shouldn't get in the way of that.

"Why don't you talk to her and sort this out?" Ozzy suggested.

"Yeah. I really should," Dash said.

Ozzy pushed himself away from the column. He looked toward the door where Evelyn walked purposefully toward them. For the third time that night, he caught himself starring at her. She was beautiful. Her skin glowed as the full moon hit her face. Her brows were knitted, lips slightly parted. Maybe it had more to do with the way she walked, but he always noticed her, sensed her, and couldn't look away from her. It was becoming a problem.

"Hey," she said when she approached them. "Can we talk?"

Dash stood up straight. Ozzy noticed his hair was back in place. Before it was erratically standing up and looked tousled from a long sleep. "I was going to ask you the same thing."

Ozzy took a step back. "I'll go back inside, and let our parents know everything's fine."

Dash patted his arm. "Thanks, bro."

"No problem." He nodded at Evelyn and turned away. He couldn't risk getting caught for gawking at her again. When he passed through the front doors, he turned to see Evelyn moving her hands around, most likely explaining what happened while Dash nodded his head. Evelyn grabbed one of Dash's hands, and Ozzy felt something new. It was a dull ache in his abdomen that pierced when he saw Dash and Evelyn touch. It was a pain that would become chronic, that he would try to tolerate because he had to. A few weeks ago, Ozzy let Evelyn go. Now, he needed to live with it.

He tore his eyes away from the scene in front of him, and dragged himself back inside the ballroom.

"I am so sorry," Evelyn said to Dash once Ozzy backed away. "I don't know what you're thinking, but I didn't stand you up. I got a text from your phone number that you would meet me here. Then I got here; looked for you, called you, texted you and I still couldn't find you. I thought you stood me up."

Dash's usual playful smirk was absent on his face. His hard features were soft and calm. All of the tiny wrinkles around his eyes disappeared. "I know this wasn't your fault," he said. "I didn't get your calls or texts. I didn't even have my phone. Someone probably lifted it or something. I was told to meet you at this place in Brooklyn for dinner first. By the time I got back, the ceremony just ended."

It all began to make sense. It was quite a scheme; a scheme comparable to Chuck and Blair. Jenny blocked the communication between Dash and her, so they would be in different places.

Evelyn shook her head. "I know who was responsible for this."

"Who?"

"Jenny."

"Wait, what?" Dash said. "But you two are like best friends."

"Not if she can't respect who my other friends are."

Dash smiled. "Oh really? If that's the case, then I guess it's acceptable to tell you what a total bitch she is now."

"Just now?"

"Yeah. She wasn't so bad before, but whenever she power trips…she's pretty unbearable."

"Well don't expect me to be power tripping any time soon."

"Why's that?"

"I dropped out of the royal rule. I am now a commoner like the rest of you."

"I'd like to think I'm a knight."

"Knight? How about court jester?"

"Hey!" Dash took a step toward her. "We talked about this. My mask on Halloween was authentically Venetian."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Still doesn't change the fact that you looked like a clown."

They both laughed.

"I'm still really sorry you didn't get a chance to walk in Cotillion," Evelyn said.

"It's okay. Cotillion is really all about you girls making your debut anyway. I'm pretty sure I would have been an accessory."

"Still. We worked really hard to learn the first dance too, and now you will never perform it."

Dash's playful smirk returned to his face. "Who says we can't still have our dance?"

"I did. It already happened."

Dash offered his hand. "Will you honour me with a dance?"

Evelyn blinked back at him, and found herself extending her arm, and accepting his hand. Dash led the way through the front doors and back into the ballroom. Many couples twirled on the dance floor, and Dash led Evelyn around the edges careful not to step on any dresses as they finished a dance. When the band finished holding the final note, Dash climbed up to the band and made his song request. The band pulled up their string instruments, and Dash jumped down from the stage.

"Ready?"

"Dash, no one is going to dance to this but us."

"Who cares? That means no one will get in our way." He put his arm on her waist and Evelyn stepped closer to him. Immediately they found the rhythm of the dance and began moving. Soon, more couples joined the dance floor. Not just people in their class, but alums from St. Jude's and Constance, and parents. Everyone knew this dance, and when they had to switch partner's Evelyn found herself in her father's embrace.

"Dad. Hey," she said.

"Is everything alright?"

Evelyn had to switch partners, and returned to Dash who said, "That woman with the butterfly clip stepped in my foot."

"I think she took breaking a leg too literally," Evelyn smiled.

She returned to her father's embrace and answered, "There's nothing to worry about. Everything's worked out."

Her father nodded in relief, and she had to switch partners back to Dash. "What the hell. She stepped on my other foot. She must be doing this on purpose," He said.

Evelyn laughed and the dance continued like this. She switched between her father and Dash, and Evelyn found herself having fun. They laughed, twirled and joked the rest of the evening, so much so that she didn't notice Jenny sitting at a table, alone. She also didn't notice Ozzy watching them dance from the doorway. Instead, Evelyn and Dash lived this moment like it was their Cotillion moment, and all the shadows from their pasts disappeared from the radiant light of the chandeliers.

It must be true what they say 'be careful what you wish for'. With the way O looks at E, and J looks at the subjects, what they want isn't always what it's cracked up to be. As for E and D, I don't think they could be any happier as they take over the dance floor. How cute.

The Kingdom changed the week after Cotillion. Jenny sat atop the Met steps alone, bored with ordering her minions around. Evelyn walked to school with Eric every morning, who in protest, refused to speak with Jenny after he learned of how she treated Evelyn. Together, they avoided Gossip Girl, which was pretty easy to do since Catherine Baizen dominated all the posts. Jenny had her work cut out for her to fend off Catherine to keep the throne. As for Evelyn, she found herself quite content to watch her former friend squirm. If she wanted that throne so badly, she would have to suffer the consequences. One of those was loneliness.

At lunch, Evelyn and Eric sat at a table in the courtyard. Since Jonathan went to another school, he didn't always join them, but it also seemed that Evelyn and Eric gained a new lunch companion.

Dash Montgomery dropped his backpack on the stone bench beside Evelyn. "I've completed all the calculations from our lab yesterday."

"Let's see them," Evelyn said.

Dash produced the paper. "I triple checked this time. I think it should be good."

Evelyn scanned the sheet. She didn't notice any glaring errors. "Looks good. Thanks, Dash."

"Hey, no problem. What are good partners for?"

Her initial worries about being paired with him had vanished. Dash turned out to be the most reliable science partner she ever had. It helped that she could be completely honest with him and trust that when he said he was going to do something, he followed through.

Jenny and her minions passed through the courtyard. Evelyn heard Jenny say, "Don't wait up," before approaching their table.

"Evelyn, can I talk to you?"

Evelyn saw regret in Jenny's eyes. Well, good. She deserved to feel bad for what she did, and who she had become. She was no better than the rest she criticized for going along with the school monarchy. Now, Jenny was apart of the problem.

"Go ahead."

Jenny, realizing this wasn't going to be a private talk, said, "I'm sorry for what happened at Cotillion. I know it was wrong now, and I won't do it again. Can you forgive me?"

Evelyn took a minute to think about her options. She could forgive Jenny. Evelyn knew she had the capacity to forgive, but did Jenny deserve the forgiveness?

No. No she didn't.

"I'll forgive you," Evelyn said. "But on one condition."

"What?"

"I'll forgive you as soon as Dash forgives you."

Jenny blanched. "What?

"Feel free to apologize however you see fit," Dash piped up.

Jenny turned to Dash and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry." The words were heavy on her tongue, and she looked visibly repulsed, as she said it. "I'm sorry for making you miss Cotillion. Can you forgive me?"

Dash looked at Evelyn and Eric as he stroked his chin, as if contemplating the answer really hard. "No," he said. "Because after that stunt, I'm against you, Humphrey. We all are."

"Against me?" Jenny scoffed. "Do you know who you're dealing with?"

"Yes," Dash said. "But clearly, you don't know who you're dealing with."

"Really?" Jenny said to him. "Then give it your best shot. I'll be ready."

"Tempting, but there is more than one rebellion going on in your kingdom. I'm not the rebel you need to worry about," Dash said. "Engaging in battle would mean I would have to care about winning, and I have more important things to do with my life."

"As do I. I have royal subjects to tend to. Please excuse me."

"She's out of control," Eric said once Jenny was out of sight.

"I know," Evelyn said. She tried not to worry about her former best friend. She really did. But she had this feeling that something bad was going to happen to Jenny. She just knew it.

"We should do something about it," Eric said sharply. Evelyn had never seen Eric so upset. He almost looked menacing. "I want to shake some sense in her before she crosses over to the dark side for good," Eric said.

"I know and I do too," Evelyn said. "I'm not sure if anything would work though. She really wants to be Queen and dictate Constance. I don't think anything we do will take her down really, so I think it would be best if we just stayed out of it."

"That's true," Dash said. "Besides, it's only a matter of time before someone takes over or she implodes." Dash narrowed his eyes at Jenny. "I don't think we have to do much of anything except sit back and wait for it to happen."

Evelyn didn't like the idea of watching Jenny go down in flames, but if it was the only way to get her best friend back, then it was a risk she was willing to take.

Spotted: A standoff between J and E in the courtyard. So much for unity in the kingdom.

Thanksgiving Day arrived with a full Bass household. Serena returned from Brown, and Chuck easily came home from Columbia. The penthouse smelled of turkey and roasted vegetables, as Ina lead the maids and kitchen staff to cook up Evelyn's first Thanksgiving in New York. It would be her first holiday she was spending with her father, and she was very excited.

Evelyn already made a deal with her aunt that since she would be spending Thanksgiving with her dad, she would spend Christmas with her. She already called her aunt that day to wish her a happy thanksgiving. In Connecticut, Evelyn spent her thanksgivings with her aunt's side of the family. Evelyn was older than her cousins by about six years and more, so she usually spent her time with little kids. She didn't mind of course, but she was excited at the prospect of speaking with people her age this year.

After wishing her aunt well, Evelyn rounded the centre island where Serena and Lily stood. Lily just ended a call herself, while Serena was concentrated on texting.

"I just got off the phone with my aunt. She says hello and wishes everyone a happy thanksgiving," Evelyn said.

"That's lovely, Evelyn. We wish her well too," Lily said.

"What are they doing for thanksgiving?" Serena asked.

"The usual. They're going to my aunt's first cousin's house and everyone was supposed to bring something for our spread. Usually my aunt brings the roasted potatoes. I doubt that anything's changed this year."

"So it's a family potluck?" Serena said.

"Essentially. What should I be expecting for this thanksgiving?"

Serena and Lily exchanged a look. "Expect the unexpected," Lily sighed.

"That sounds pretty ominous."

"It's not bad but," Serena added, "Our thanksgiving plans always seem to change suddenly."

"But this year, we want to keep it small."

"Naturally, that means we have to invite twenty of our closest friends," Eric said behind her.

"No. We're keeping it much smaller. We've only invited the Waldorf's and the Archibald's this year," Lily said.

"And the Montgomery's," Bart said.

"Who?" Serena said.

"I meant to tell you last night, Lily. When you said you were inviting our closest friends, I naturally invited Philip. I hope that's okay."

"Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem. We'll set some more spots at the table. How many?"

"Five spots he said."

"Five?" Evelyn said. The numbers didn't add up. No one else questioned it, but Evelyn wondered. They were a family of four: Ruby, Philip, Ozzy, and Dash.

Chuck was the last to wander to the kitchen. "The Waldorf's are on their way."

"Good. I'm going to tell Ina to set more places at the dinner table," Lily said. Bart also excused himself to take a phone call.

"Sis," Chuck said to Serena. "Good to see you back."

"Chuck," Serena said. She kept her head down, and texted away.

"Who are you texting so much?" He asked her.

"It's none of your business."

"Someone's touchy."

"Chuck?" Serena sighed. "Can you go bother someone else?"

"I could," he said. "But I choose you."

Serena bent her head down to face her phone. "Blair cannot get here fast enough."

"So tell us Serena, how's Brown?" Chuck said.

Evelyn and Eric stood behind Chuck, waiting for their older siblings to face off.

"It's fine." Serena dodged Chuck and walked to her room, her head still craned to her cellphone screen.

"What's with her?" Evelyn said to Eric.

"I don't know. She's been like that for a while now," Eric said.

"I hope everything is okay," Evelyn said. Sure, Evelyn texted Serena occasionally, but she was so busy with school, Cotillion, and everything else she was involved in that she didn't notice if something was wrong with Serena. She just assumed that everything was going well with her at Brown.

Eric looked down the hallways where Serena disappeared to, a frown on his face. "So do I."

The Waldorf's were the first to arrive for thanksgiving dinner. Eleanor and Cyrus arrived with Harold's famous pie in hand. Blair walked in behind them and embraced Serena first.

Chuck held a glass of scotch in hand and said, "Blair."

Blair kissed his cheek. "Happy thanksgiving, Chuck," she returned.

Evelyn thought it was an oddly formal greeting. Usually, Chuck and Blair were openly affectionate. Chuck didn't so much as a graze of her lower back or kiss her back. Blair walked away from Chuck and whispered to Serena. Meanwhile, Chuck greeted Cyrus and Eleanor.

"Is everything alright with you and Blair?" Evelyn asked Chuck.

He drained his glass of scotch. "Never better."

Then, the Archibald's arrived with a bottle of red wine. For the first time, Evelyn came face to face with Anne Archibald. She was remarkably beautiful, and it was easy to see where Nate got his looks. She shook Evelyn's hand loosely, while Evelyn gave Nate a light hug.

"Happy thanksgiving, Nate."

"And to you. Lily? Where should I put this bottle of red?"

"I'll take it," Evelyn said. "I'll give it to Ina."

The elevator door dinged and Evelyn saw a new face enter the Bass penthouse. Nate tensed when he saw a guy with light blue eyes and brown hair sporting a five o'clock shadow.

"Carter?" Lily said. "I didn't know you were…coming."

"That's because I invited him," Serena said. She practically skipped over to the guy and kissed him on the lips.

Evelyn poked Nate's arm. "Who's that?"

The elevator door chimed and the Montgomery family arrived. Evelyn remembered that there was going to be five people in attendance. When everyone appeared around the corner, Evelyn knew she shouldn't have been surprised with who she saw. Catherine Baizen handed one of the housekeepers her coat and greeted Lily. Then, she locked eyes with the new man

"Carter?" Catherine gaped.

"Hey, Cath," Carter said. "I thought you were spending thanksgiving with mom and dad and the Clairmonts."

"And I thought you would be spending it in Ibiza," she returned.

Nate shook his head. "That guy is Carter Baizen," He told Evelyn.

Evelyn whipped her head to Nate. "Catherine's older brother?"

"The only one." Nate looked at Carter the same way someone like Dan Humphrey looked at all the affluent St. Jude's boys.

"Carter and I have been seeing each other since he's been studying at Brown this semester," Serena said.

Nate couldn't contain himself from scoffing.

"Why I didn't know you were attending Brown," Lily said.

Bart came to the scene and took his place beside his wife. "Carter. What a surprise." They shook hands.

"Hello Mr. Bass. Thank you for having me this thanksgiving. Serena and I have been spending a lot of time together, so I was very humbled when she asked me to your family dinner."

"And we are happy to have you here," Lily said.

"Let's get you a drink," Bart said slapping Carter's back lightly.

Catherine came up to Evelyn and Nate. "Happy thanksgiving, Nate," Catherine said. "Evelyn. I haven't seen you around in weeks. Hope all is well with you."

Evelyn picked up her slackened jaw. Was Catherine being civil? Ozzy stood beside her and shook hands with Nate again. Evelyn bit back any suspicions behind Catherine's remark and said, "Everything is well. Thank you for asking."

"So who wants a drink?" Dash said throwing his arm around Evelyn's shoulder. "Happy thanksgiving by the way."

"I do," Nate said.

"Me too," Evelyn said. "Excuse us," she said to Ozzy and Catherine. She just didn't want to deal with them at the moment.

Evelyn offered to pour each of them a glass of white wine. "Who invited the interlopers?"

"The who?" Dash said taking his wine glass.

"She means the Baizens," Nate clarified.

"Oh. Well, Ozzy's mom invited Catherine to join us for thanksgiving when she came over a couple days ago." Evelyn shook her head when she heard that. She wasn't surprised that Catherine got along so well with Ruby. They probably would conspire against her if they both had a mutual goal.

Dash shrugged. "It looks like Carter is dating Serena too."

"Which is bad news," Nate said.

Evelyn recalled all the stories Nate told her about Carter and nodded along with him. She totally agreed with Nate. The further Serena was from Carter the better. He had no honest intentions with Serena. Evelyn looked ahead to Serena having her arm wrapped around Carter. She laughed and nodded hanging onto every word.

"Somebody needs to do something about it," Evelyn said.

"That's the thing with Serena. You'll need to bring a sledgehammer if you want to get through to her."

"There has to be someone we know who is equipped with one." Evelyn scanned the room and her eyes fell on a girl with a gold headband on. "Blair must know about the Carter situation," Evelyn said.

Nate's eyes settled on Blair too. "You're right. Serena definitely told her. Excuse me."

Evelyn saw Ruby and Catherine talking and took a sip of wine. It was going to be a long night.

"How's your thanksgiving been so far?"

"It was good until it was interrupted," Evelyn grumbled.

"At least you don't live with the constant interruptions," Dash sighed.

"Constant interruptions?"

Dash shrugged. "Catherine comes by once a week usually when Ozzy's mom is around. They get along really well. "

Evelyn set down her wine glass and gripped the counter with her palms down. "You don't say."

"Anyway, who cares anyway? Let's talk about what's truly important about this day: the food."

"What would you like to know about the food?"

"Is it kosher?"

"Why would it need to be kosher?"

"Cyrus Rose is Jewish."

"Oh…I don't know." She felt embarrassed for not knowing that fact.

"Hey," Dash put his hand over hers. "I wouldn't expect you to know that. I was invited to Aaron's bar mitzvah like eight years ago. You start to remember these things about people the more you see them."

Evelyn pulled her hand away from Dash's when Ozzy approached them. "Wine?" She asked him.

"Please."

She poured him a glass, and for some reason the three of them couldn't think of anything to talk about.

"Thanks," Ozzy said. He walked back to where his mother was standing.

Eric sided up to Evelyn and said "Don't look now, but get ready for an introduction in three, two—"

"Carter, I don't think you've met my stepsister Evelyn? She's Chuck's sister."

Carter offered his hand and Evelyn shook it back equally as vigorously. "Hi, I'm Evelyn. Pleased to meet you."

"Carter. Same to you." He gave her a weak grin, and looked around the room, appearing bored to be there. She didn't like him already.

"You go to school with my sister?"

"We all do," Evelyn said. "All in the same grade."

Lily tapped her wine glass. The room hushed ready for her to make an announcement. "We're about to start dinner soon, so if you could please take you're seats we'll begin momentarily."

"Let's make sure we get a seat closest to the stuffing," Serena said to Carter. "It's my favourite."

Once they disappear, Evelyn picked up her wine glass and lead the way to the table. On the way, she stood in front of Ruby who was deciding where to sit. She turned, startled, at the idea of Evelyn being in the same room as her. "Oh, Evelyn. I didn't see you there."

"Happy thanksgiving, Ms. Taylor," Evelyn said through gritted teeth.

She and Philip sat near the end closest to Bart and Lily along with Eleanor and Cyrus. The rest of the table was open for the kids to seat themselves. Catherine chose to sit in the middle of the table with Ozzy on her left and her brother Carter on her right. Evelyn held the back of the seat across from Catherine. Chuck sat on her left with Blair, so she could talk with Serena. Evelyn quickly glanced at Nate and said, "Hey, Nate? You can sit here if you want."

Evelyn didn't see Dash behind her, ready to assume the seat beside her. Instead he took the chair beside Nate across from Eric without a word.

"Thank you everyone for celebrating Thanksgiving with us this evening," Lily said.

The kitchen staff came around every person around the table and served. Evelyn served herself a couple slices of turkey, stuffing and roasted potatoes and vegetables. She poured some gravy over the turkey slices.

"So tell us how you two met up at Brown," Ruby said to Serena and Carter.

"Serena and I grew up together actually. We've met up together while travelling a couple times, but on the first day of classes, I saw her looking around the quad a little lost. I showed her to where her first class was, and the rest—"

"Was history," Serena finished. She took his hand in hers.

Blair rolled her eyes while Nate shook his head. Chuck looked equally as repulsed.

"That's beautiful," Ruby said.

"Ms. Taylor, how did you meet Mr. Montgomery?" Serena asked Ruby.

She let out a light chuckle. "Would you like to tell everyone or should I darling?"

Ozzy flinched at the pet name.

"Go right ahead," Philip said.

"I happened to be in New York at the end of September last year for a wedding. My friend Claire Bennett was getting married, so I attended the wedding. When I arrived, I actually was mistaken for Christina Tastle. What happened was that one of the attendants found my name, but told me Christina's table number instead of mine. The whole night I sat in Christina's place where I met Philip, and I didn't know I was at the wrong table until the real Christina arrived. We worked out the misunderstanding, and she allowed me to stay at the same table as Philip."

"That's absolutely marvellous how things can work out like that," Lily said.

Evelyn found it very interesting that Ms. Taylor left out the fact that she would visit Philip almost every weekend after that. When she befriended Ozzy, she remembered Ruby always being away on the weekends. When she told her Aunt Kim this, she would say, "That's absolutely unacceptable to leave a child alone like that."

Sure, Ozzy was fifteen at that point, but Evelyn got the sense that his mom had been doing those kind of antics before. He acted like it was so normal, that she just knew that he'd been left to his own devices for years by that point.

Evelyn looked over at Ozzy who pushed his food around his plate. He looked up at Evelyn, and she quickly looked at her plate of food.

"I have to say, I can't be more grateful for that mistake," Ruby said.

"This is so nice that we can have this meal together and catch up," Catherine said across from Evelyn. "I wonder what Jenny's doing today?"

"Wouldn't you already know that?" Eric said. "You are friends with her."

"I thought Evelyn would know since she and Jenny were like the next Blair and Serena," Catherine said.

Blair coughed on her food. "Excuse me?"

"I actually agree with Blair for once," Evelyn said.

"You didn't know?" Catherine said. "The school has been talking about it. Jenny is Blair, and you're Serena."

"Seriously?" Evelyn gaped. "That's so not true. Right?" Evelyn looked at Eric, and Nate, then Chuck.

"How unoriginal," Chuck said.

"Jenny and Evelyn are nothing like Serena and Blair," Nate said.

"They're their own people," Dash added.

"You all don't have to go attacking me. I'm just telling you what people are saying."

Evelyn studied Catherine's face looking for the deceit, looking for a lie. She couldn't find one. Was Catherine being…sincere? Evelyn shook the thought away. That wasn't even a remote possibility.

"Blair, could you please pass the gravy?" Chuck asked.

"Of course. I wouldn't want to disappoint you my love."

Chuck gripped the plate and handle of the gravy cup. "You never know if the gravy will spill in your lap."

Evelyn had the distinct feeling they weren't talking about gravy anymore. She turned away from the stare down that was happening between Blair and Chuck and turned to Nate.

"So how did your midterms go, Nate?"

"Pretty good, I think. My microeconomics midterm was a little tricky, but I did my best."

"That's all you can do. I'm sure you'll do fine."

Meanwhile the parents at the end of the table began talking about their kids. As she continued to talk to Nate, Evelyn could hear Ruby's voice say, "Really? We were so proud of Ozzy for escorting the Harvard rep at the Ivy League Mixer."

Ozzy kept his head down to his plate. Philip continued, "Roy seems to think Ozzy has quite a bit of potential."

Dash's fork clattered on his plate. Evelyn looked over to see he drained his glass of wine. "Potential is a variable term isn't it, dad?"

Philip chuckled. "Sometimes, but facts don't lie son."

"You know," Evelyn said. "I've been looking into college applications, and it's not only marks that matter but also what else you've done outside of academics. Your personal character if you will."

"Your personal character is just as important," Blair agreed. "I would know," she said under her breath.

"Personal character. That means they wouldn't choose someone who has a habit of treating other horribly right?" She glared at Ozzy.

Blair nodded. "That is very true." Blair and Evelyn both shared a look, reminiscing on the Miss Carr incident.

"Consistency is also important. I don't think college reps would appreciate appearing to be one person one day and another the next," Ozzy said.

"Ironically the college professors are the once who accept us," Dash said.

"You guys have another year before you should start worrying about college," Nate said. "Besides, you'll all get in somewhere especially you Evelyn." Nate put his arm around Evelyn and squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.

"Thanks, Nate," Evelyn said leaning into him slightly. She was comfortable with Nate, so she didn't think twice as she did it.

Dash rolled his eyes. "Excuse me, I'm going to get another drink," he said.

"Me too," Ozzy said.

"Can you refill mine too?" Catherine asked him.

Ozzy tore his eyes away from Nate and Evelyn. "Oh? Yeah. Sure."

Evelyn stabbed her potatoes, as she was left with Catherine across the table from her. Evelyn looked over and saw her dad with his cell phone in hand. "Excuse me. I have to take this call. It's from China."

"Catherine was telling me that her parents just bought a summer home in Martha's Vineyard."

"That's right," Catherine added before she regaled every detail about the summer home.

"So Chuck," Carter said. "Do you also go to Columbia?"

"Yes. I'm rooming with Nate."

"That's cute," Carter said. "I'm sure Archibald appreciates always having someone around to bail him out."

Nate sat up ready to respond as Chuck said, "And I'll be there. Anytime."

"Must be nice to have such a great friend," Catherine said. "Or not. Right Evelyn?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. She just had to rub it in her face that she and Jenny weren't friends anymore. Catherine held a knife in her hand, and it seemed as though she took great pleasure twisting it into Evelyn's side further and further. Enough was enough.

"So I said…" Ruby.

Evelyn looked across the table, to see faces of people who were posers. She saw masks on all of their faces, and it was beginning to make her sick. "I'll be right back," she said.

She placed her napkin beside her plate and walked away to her bedroom as swiftly and silently as she could. She didn't walk away; she was making a strategic retreat.

Spotted: E fleeing dessert. Why the angry face, E? Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, not attitude. Way to be grateful on this blessed holiday.

Evelyn stormed through the bedroom and slammed it behind her. She almost jumped when she saw her father pulling his cellphone away from his ear. "Oh. Sorry for the melodramatic entrance," she said.

He pocketed his phone. "No need to apologize. Is everything okay?"

Evelyn sighed and collapsed on her bed face first. "No. Stupid Baizens just have to ruin everything."

"What do you mean?"

Evelyn hugged her pillow. "It's stupid. I don't want to talk about it. What have you been doing?"

"Oh, I uh, just took a business call."

Evelyn rolled over to face her father. "On thanksgiving?"

"Thanksgiving only happens in America. It's a regular day in the rest of the world." He patted her leg and stood. "I'll let you stew a bit more before you come back to the table?"

She groaned. "Only if the Baizens' took the massive hint I gave them and left already."

"Now, now, Evelyn. We must be polite to our dinner guests."

"Even if they were uninvited?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Her father said.

Once he left, Evelyn rolled back onto her stomach. She was looking forward to a family dinner this thanksgiving. Evelyn had been waiting for the family to be reunited once again, but it seemed like they didn't even get time to spend together. This whole dinner she had to spend listening to Catherine making snide remarks, and hear Ruby explain every nauseating detail of her wedding. Worst of all? Ozzy was silent throughout it. They hadn't talked much at all since Halloween. She'd been ignoring it and moving on, but she couldn't do that unless she had closure.

Evelyn hopped off her bed, tossing her pillow aside, and was ready to return to the dinner table. As she opened her door, Dash stood on the other side.

"Dash," Evelyn said.

"Everyone's wondering where you are. We're about to start dessert."

Evelyn stepped out into the hall. She closed her bedroom door behind her, as Dash tried to get a look inside. "I was just coming back."

Dash stared at Evelyn in a way a principal stared down a student that suspected to have pulled the fire alarm. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"No reason." Dash shoved his hands in his pockets. He turned his head down the hall where an eruption of laughter was heard. His posture was rigid.

"Dash." Evelyn put her hand on his arm to get his attention. "What's bothering you?"

He sighed and the words rushed out of him. "Are you and Archibald a thing again or something?"

"What? Of course not. I haven't talked to him since I saw him at the party we went to."

He nodded his head and said, "Okay. That's all."

Dash started to walk ahead, and Evelyn pulled him back by the arm. "W-why would you think that?"

"I don't know. Whatever. Let's go because I want Harold's pie before it's gone."

Evelyn let go of his arm and followed him back at the table. All throughout dessert, she was quiet and worked through what Dash said to her. Evelyn watched him and noticed that whenever Nate spoke, he either rolled his eyes or glared at him.

Meanwhile, Chuck and Nate were engaged with a staring contest of their own with Carter Baizen. Evelyn made the mistake of looking straight ahead and witnessing Catherine giggling and whispering something into Ozzy's ear.

Evelyn resisted the urge to throw up right then and there. Instead, she turned her attention to parent's end of the table where Lily was giving Ruby advice for wedding details.

Eventually after everyone finished drinking their coffee, and the sun was almost finished setting, it was time for the families to depart. Evelyn poured herself another cup of hot chocolate and looked up to see Ozzy looking to refill his cup as well.

"Hot chocolate?" Evelyn kept her eyes on her full coffee cup.

"No actually. I'm looking for some more decaf."

Evelyn picked up the canter and filled his glass while saying, "I didn't know you started drinking coffee. It's like you're a whole new person now."

Ozzy gripped the counter. "I've only had it a couple times."

Evelyn set the decanter down. "I can see why you'd need it."

Ozzy stared at her, his lips turning white.

"What? You're not going to say anything? What happened to 'stand up for yourself' mentality?"

"You need to know when to pick and choose your battles."

Evelyn sipped her hot chocolate. It burned the tip of her tongue. She returned to the table and waited for her hot chocolate to cool down. Evelyn wished she had marshmallows in that moment. She usually preferred whipped cream, but in that moment she wanted to try something different.

By the time their guests were leaving, Evelyn stifled a yawn. She bid her goodbyes to her guests but waited to say goodbye to her last guest.

Catherine held her purse with both hands in front of her waist. "Before I go, I just wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

"For putting up a decent fight."

Evelyn knitted her brows together. "Thanks?"

"You're welcome. You see, now that I pretty much have everything you had, I'm now going to take everything that Jenny has."

"Like being Queen?"

"Exactly. I'm building an army, and since you're not in the best spot with Jenny, you are more than welcome to join us."

Normally, Evelyn would never waiver against her friend. She would defend her and try to protect her in any way she could. Now, Evelyn felt none of those things. Evelyn wasn't a friend to Jenny, and she could fight this battle herself. If being Queen was more important than their friendship to Jenny, then she was going to claim neutral in this war.

"Thank you for the offer Catherine, but I think I'm going to sit this battle out."

"Suit yourself," Catherine said. "If you change your mind, let me know."

Looks like this Thanksgiving dinner ended in armistice instead of battle. Have C and E actually become allies? Better mobilize your troops Queen J. Without your most loyal handmaiden, you better find new allies to defend your kingdom.

When Ozzy arrived home late from his grandfather's, his mom demanded that he came to her wedding dress fitting. Ozzy's mom's version of mother-son bonding was going wedding dress shopping. Ever since she got engaged to Philip, everything revolved around her upcoming nuptials. He didn't blame her per say. This was her first wedding, and his mom had told him on numerous occasions that she wanted everything to be perfect.

While his mom was in the dressing room slipping on a Vera Wang dress, Ozzy leaned against the adjacent wall, his hands in his pockets. "What do you think your mom and dad would think of this wedding?"

He could hear his mother sigh from the other side of the curtain. "I think they would be happy for me," she said.

The more he learned from his grandfather, the more he thought she was right. For one, Philip had some connection to old money, even though his fortune was made on his own. He was well connected on the Upper East Side, and Ozzy was beginning to understand from his grandfather how much that actually meant.

Regardless, his grandfather sometimes made off the cuff comments about his daughter; how she never listened to him, was very stubborn, and lacked being sensible. He tried to look for that assessment in his mom, but she was always so distant from him, and who she was always hidden.

His mom pulled the curtain back, and she stepped out. She wore an off white dress that was tapered and fell off her shoulders. His mom always looked younger than most, but even so Ozzy acknowledged she was an enticing beauty.

"Wow," Ozzy said.

His mom stepped up on the platform that faced a three-paneled mirror. "What do you think?" She asked.

"Mom…it's beautiful. You're beautiful."

She smiled and looked at herself in the mirror inspecting the dress. "With a couple more alterations, I think this might be the one."

Ozzy didn't ask how long it took her to find the right dress, but he would be surprised to know that the right dress was years in the making. She was close to marrying in Los Angeles, but her dress wasn't right then.

"What else is there left to do?"

"So much," his mother said. She spun around a couple more times, and checked how the dress looked from behind. "But don't you worry about it. I've got it all under control."

She always would say that when she left him on weekends. Everything was going to be fine, and she always knew what to do.

"All you need to worry about is the speech I was telling you about, and walking me down the aisle."

His mother had asked him to write a speech, and Ozzy was terrified to do it. He was not much of a talker, let alone public speaker. The thought of it made his hands sweaty.

"Right. I'm still working on the speech."

"And I'm sure it'll be great," She kissed his cheek and drew the change room curtain closed.

When she finished changing, his mom asked, "How's Catherine?"

"She's good. I guess."

"I haven't seen her around much," she said.

Neither had Ozzy. Catherine broke up with him after Cotillion. It was mutual, but she attempted to let him down easy. She was probably moving on to someone else.

"Is everything okay with her? She's a lovely girl."

"It's fine," Ozzy said. He wasn't torn up about it, but it annoyed him how of all the things she could have asked about his life, she never picked anything about him. Why did she have to care so much about Catherine?

He let the thought go. Getting mad or frustrated about it has got him nowhere before.

"Just remember I always want what's best for you, honey. I thought Catherine was a very good fit for you."

Ozzy didn't say anything. He quashed down any feeling he had about his mother caring about him. If she wanted what was best for him, why would she isolate him from his family? Why would she always leave on weekends? He didn't realize that latter question wasn't normal until Evelyn figured out that arrangement.

Instead, he opened the door for his mom, and walked out of the shop with her. He had a slight window to tell her these thoughts, but then her phone rang.

Evelyn dropped her books on the courtyard table the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Her textbooks thudded, and she arched her back with her arms above her head in a deep stretch. Evelyn sighed and opened her eyes to see Eric

"Quite the load you're carrying, huh?"

"You have no idea." Evelyn shrugged her bag off her shoulder. "Isn't Jonathan joining us today?"

Eric finished typing a text. "No. He's writing a makeup test for his biology class since he missed it for a meet last week."

"Well a loss for Jonathan means a gain for me," Evelyn said. "Tell him I say hi."

"I'm not talking to Jonathan right now. I'm talking to Serena actually."

"How is she doing? She never responds to my texts."

"Yeah, don't take that too personally. She does that with a lot of people. It turns out that Carter left her, and that he wasn't attending Brown this whole time."

Evelyn's jaw dropped. "Oh my God. Is Serena okay?"

Eric shrugged. "She was naturally devastated for the past couple days, but she'll get through it."

Evelyn shook her head. Of course a Baizen would pull a fast manoeuvre on Serena. Evelyn reminded herself to shoot a text to Chuck and Blair. They'd probably find pleasure in dealing with this.

"I'll check in on her later today. I won't mention that I know anything though."

"Yeah good idea. I haven't told even mom about this, so keep it on the download."

"No problem." Evelyn's stomach growled. "Lunch?"

"Yeah, about that. I was thinking we could eat lunch somewhere else today."

Evelyn curled a lock of hair behind her ear. "I hope someplace warm. December is a couple days away, and I'm already starting to feel winter."

"Let's go," Eric said.

Sure enough, Eric led her in a familiar direction where five girls sat with matching hats on the Met steps.

"Eric. Why are we here?"

"Don't worry. We're not going to sit with Jenny or anything. Everyone is allowed to sit on the steps you know."

"Yes, but that's her territory."

"I know, but don't you think it's ridiculous that the height one sits on the steps dictates your power over our student body? What would happen if we sat at the top over there in the corner?"

"Eric. I know you have great intentions, but this is a bad idea."

"What's Jenny going to do? She wants you back anyway, so we're protected. We won't bother her or anything."

"I still think this is a really bad idea."

"Just follow me."

As they ascended the steps, the girls waited to be approached. Sure enough, Eric lead Evelyn away from the girls on the steps, but continued to elevate beyond where they sat.

"Here's good," Eric said.

Evelyn sat down and sighed. She looked over to see the minions shake their heads or bow them together to commiserate on what they should do. Evelyn opened her yogurt and began to eat as quickly as possible.

"So how are things going with you and Jonathan?"

"Pretty good. We've both been pretty busy lately, so I'll just be happy to spend time with him in the next couple weeks. I think what we really need to discuss is the dilemma you are in."

Evelyn swallowed the last spoonful of yogurt. "What dilemma?"

"You and Ozzy. Or you…and Dash?"

Evelyn sighed. "There's not much to tell."

"Oh I think there is. I was sitting across from Dash at Thanksgiving, and he was getting very agitated. You made some clear insults to Ozzy as well."

"Yeah, well he deserved it."

"I don't doubt that he did," Eric said. "You can talk to me about these things if you want."

"Thanks, Eric," Evelyn said. She didn't really know where to begin. Evelyn knew she was still angry at Ozzy, but did that also mean that she still had feelings for him? She completely disposed any romantic thought she had about him the day after Halloween. Was it possible that she still liked him after how he treated her? He was still with Catherine anyway, but why couldn't she shake him?

And Dash. Her lab partner and skipping partner. She didn't really know what to make of Dash really. A part of her primarily identified him as a friend, but another part of her was curious. She felt something strange when they rode back from Brooklyn. He made her laugh. He was adventurous. Being with him was like breathing in fresh spring air after a long winter.

What was that saying her father used a couple weeks ago when they went out for a hot chocolate? Love means seeing an imperfect person perfectly. Which one of these boys saw her clearest? And who did she understand most clearly?

"I don't know where to begin," Evelyn said.

Someone cleared her throat. Jenny stood before them, a couple steps below them. "Hi, Jenny. Is something the matter?" Eric said.

"Why are you guys sitting so high up here?"

"Just wanted a place to eat our lunch. This was the only place that wasn't poop stained."

"Do you guys mind moving down a couple steps? No one is supposed to sit higher than me."

Of course. Her minions who giggled and snickered from their seats would take anyone sitting above Jenny as a sign of weakness.

"Whatever happened to let freedom reign?" Eric said.

Jenny folded her lips inward. "If you two don't clear out, then I'll have to call my girls over."

Evelyn knew that code word. Yogurt. As much as she understood Eric's point, there was no point waging war this way. This battle wouldn't be pretty for either side.

"Eric, let's go," Evelyn said. She avoided Jenny's eyes, and Eric reluctantly followed behind her.

"This is absolutely ridiculous. She's like Darth Varder now," Eric said.

"If you wear a mask long enough, it begins to stick doesn't it?" Evelyn said.

Eric shook his head. "She's too far gone now isn't she?"

Evelyn nodded. "No point trying to swim in that ocean."

"I'd rather never swim again that enter those shark infested waters."

"Exactly. I'm content with staying in a pond," Evelyn said. "Where harmless minnows swim around. What's the worst thing that can happen in that pond?"

Eric cocked his head to the side. "The minnows will crash into each other."

Spotted: J standing off with both E's on the Met Steps. Anyone who was looking for a catfight will be very disappointed. Like me. I thought you princesses had more game than that.

At the beginning of December, Ozzy continued his visits to his grandparents. He didn't always meet up with his grandfather at the house. He toured his grandfather's friend's offices, went for an early dinner, and even a wine bar. Ozzy looked forward to this time with his grandfather. He found himself slowly opening up to him if even a crack. His grandfather was genuine and sincere.

Ozzy took a seat in the drawing room of his grandparent's home. He had a thought when he woke up this morning. He thought of inviting his grandparents to the wedding. He knew his mother would never approve, but it would be the only time to have his family under one roof. Maybe it would be the right opportunity to finally put the past behind them.

"Would you like something to drink?" The butler asked.

Ozzy looked up at the butler and shook his head. He couldn't believe his grandparents had a butler or a doorman, or half a dozen maids and attendants. It seemed too surreal to him. Moving into Philip Montgomery's house was grand enough, but it could not compete with his grandparent's house. He looked from floor to ceiling in awe, noticing more details than his previous couple trips. There was always something new to look at, something new in the house period.

"Ozzy my boy!" His grandfather emerged in the room.

"Grandfather," Ozzy smiled and stood up. His grandfather grabbed his shoulders, and then promptly drew him into a hug.

"I just finished a call from DC. How was school today?"

"It was good."

His grandfather swirled a tumbler of rye.

"Grandfather, I have something to ask you," Ozzy blurted.

He looked at his grandfather's eyes, they were a deep shade of blue, and he has to blink a couple times when he realized that he's staring into his mother's eyes. He never noticed that resemblance before, but now that he noticed it, he couldn't shake it away.

"Ask away."

Ozzy reached into his jacket pocket to retrieve an envelope. "I know you've already declined the invitation already, but is there any chance you'll come to my mom's wedding?"

His grandfather was still for a moment. "I did that because your mother doesn't want myself or your grandmother there."

"Then why did she send you an invite?"

"Formalities. We know how the other feels."

Ozzy's first instinct was to drop the questions, but he knew he couldn't drop it this time. "But I want you there," Ozzy said. "Doesn't that count for anything?"

His grandfather patted his left shoulder. "That is very kind of you to say, Ozzy. It is your mother's day though."

"I know, but this marriage affects me just as much as her. Look, this day should be bringing us all together, and we can't do that if you and grandma don't show up."

His grandfather studied him. "You really want this don't you."

"Yes."

His grandfather looked at the wedding invite. "I'll discuss it with your grandmother."

As the Snowflake Ball approached, so did the snow. Pinches of grained snowflakes sprinkled the Manhattan sidewalks and immediately faded into grey slush. Evelyn was careful not to walk too close to curb, for every car splashed every slushy puddle. The slush would bounce up and hit the most unexpected pedestrians. Taxi cabs were the most reckless offenders.

It was a kind of winter Evelyn still wasn't used to. She was familiar with blankets of snow covering her aunt's driveway in Connecticut, where she would wish she didn't have to go to school since the busses couldn't run through the foot of snow. In New York, bus cancelations and subway delays weren't as common. In Connecticut, winter always felt like a pure season where white blanketed the tallest of buildings. It wasn't until the beginning of her first winter in New York that Evelyn thought winter could be so dirty.

In Southington County, the greatest indicator of winter was when the Crescent Lake froze over. When it was deemed safe, everyone was allowed to skate on the ice, to which Evelyn hadn't done in years. Now that she was in New York, she investigated which lakes would freeze over. The Hudson River hadn't frozen over yet, and Evelyn wondered if it even would this year. Serena had told her the lake hadn't frozen over in years, but Evelyn was still hopeful. She decided that if indeed the ice froze over at any point during that winter, she would take a day off to go see it. Who knew when she'd ever have a chance to see that again? She was sure Dash would agree to join her.

Evelyn zipped up her pencil case, and watched Dash put away the cleaned test tubes and beakers in the storage cabinet. Dash disassembled the ring and stand and put those away as well. Being the superior student did have its advantages. Since she would lead their experiments, Dash always offered to clean up. It was a good system really. She did most of the work during the experiment, and Dash would clean up.

When they walked out of their chemistry class together, they saw a couple of the student council students tape a 'Snowflake Ball' poster to the wall.

"The Snowflake Ball is upon us," Dash said. "They say it's the most wonderful time of the year."

"And who says that?"

"Every Christmas commercial you'll ever see."

Evelyn chuckled. "I still think its funny that you watch commercials…for fun."

Dash threw his head back. "Commercials are an important art. The Super Bowl is like Christmas for me."

There were a few girls who pointed at the sign and began to snicker about the Ball. They stopped in front of her locker. Dash had started to do this lately. Since they both would meet with Eric during lunch, it was a convenient stop before grabbing a seat in the caf. They did have a cafeteria even though most students at both Constance and St. Jude's rarely used it.

"So are you going to the Snowflake Ball?" Evelyn pushed her Chemistry textbook on her shelf.

"I am. You?"

"Probably. It'll be nice to go to this Ball without having to report to someone the whole evening."

"Imagine that," Dash said, his eyes falling to his feet. He cleared his throat and said. "Here's a thought. Why don't we go together? We would have a good laugh."

Evelyn straightened up her books. "We always do don't we?"

Dash shrugged and said, "Yeah…. So how about it?"

Evelyn kept her eyes trained on the salt stain at the bottom of her locker. "Yeah. Why not? Can you be a good friend and show up this time?"

Dash slumped a bit when she said the word friend. Evelyn felt her stomach drop when she saw that dejected look on his face, but she needed to remind him of their friendship. She wasn't ready for anything more. Evelyn knew she had feelings for Dash of some kind, and she didn't want to promise him anything she didn't feel. Dash deserved better than that. She wanted to be a better friend than that.

Dash shrugged off his disappointment. "This time it'll be a lot easier because I will be picking you up, and I'll pay closer attention to where my phone is. No need to get lifted this time."

"That's what I like to hear, partner."

It was the first time she ever called him that. It felt good. Natural. Kind of like a flower blooming against the sunlight.

"Yo, Oz! Have you seen my cellphone anywhere?"

Ozzy looked up from the computer screen. "No. Have you checked your room?"

"I was just about to. Come help me."

Dash flipped pillows off his bed, and Ozzy watched from the doorway. His eyes scanned Dash's desk that was strewn with papers textbooks, candy wrappers and food crumbs.

"Well make yourself useful," Dash said motioning to the heaps of clothes crumpled on the floor.

Ozzy kicked a couple of the piles, and moped a couple pairs of pants against the hardwood floor. No phone.

Dash rifled through the junk of stuff on his desk and sighed. "Where is my phone?"

"Dude, relax," Ozzy said. "It's here somewhere."

"I know, but I need it now."

"I'm going to check downstairs. Maybe you left it in the kitchen."

There it was in the kitchen, underneath a magazine. Ozzy picked up the phone, and it read '1 new message'. After that, the name EVELYN popped up. Ozzy gripped the phone and ran upstairs, two steps at a time.

Dash sighed again and was talking to himself. Ozzy said, "Dude, catch." He tossed the phone to Dash who caught it clumsily.

"Where did you find it?"

"In the kitchen."

"Are you serious? I just checked there!" Dash flipped open the phone and smiled as he read the message.

"I'll be in my room," Ozzy said.

As soon as he was back in his chair, Ozzy realized Dash had followed him into his room. He sat on his bed and kept texting.

Ozzy turned to his book again when Dash said, "Do you want to know something?"

Ozzy spun around on his chair. "Sure."

"The Snowflake Ball is coming up."

"Yeah."

"And a lot of people take this opportunity to go with somebody."

"Uh-huh."

"I'm going with Evelyn."

Ozzy worked hard to control his face. Seriously? He had no reason to be mad. He didn't deserve her, and now she's moving on. No words pushed between his lips, so he settled with nodding.

"You're not like mad about that or anything right?"

"No," Ozzy said quickly. "If you like her, and she likes you, and both of you are happy, there's nothing to be mad about."

"Ok good. When she agreed to it, she dropped in the f world, but I'm hopeful that she'll reconsider. I'm not getting ahead of myself, we're only going as friends, but I think there might be something more going on here. I kind of want to talk about it with her."

"That's risky," Ozzy said. "Speaking from my experience, it's never good to surprise Evelyn. Catching her off guard never ends well. Ask her first before making a move."

"So I have to tell her my intentions before I go for it? That sounds riskier."

"It is, but I'm saying this because the last time I caught her off guard, she didn't speak to me for months. She moved away."

"Good point. I'll think of a strategy. Are you going with Catherine?"

"No. That's been over for a while now." If he could, he would have ended that relationship yesterday.

"That's cool. She was too high maintained for you anyway to be honest."

Ozzy nodded enthusiastically. "That she is."

Dash hopped off his bed. "Well, let me know if you need to go for another suit fitting. I'm going on the eighth."

Once alone, Ozzy leaned back in his chair. So Dash was going to the Ball with Evelyn. Even if Evelyn agreed to go with him as a friend, he knew this was serious. He knew where this was going, but every time he considered the result it made his stomach twist. At the same time, he didn't want to take action because the more he began to understand Dash, the more he reluctantly thought he was a decent person. He didn't want to ruin something that made his soon-to-be-brother happy.

His phone buzzed, shaking him out of his thoughts. It was his Grandfather.

The Snowflake Ball glittered and gleamed in the same way 80's John Hughes high school movies portrayed a high school dance with the exception of hideous eighties outfits. With hand cut snowflakes stuck to the walls, and fluffy gauze lined around the room, it was the picture of a perfect man-made wonderland. Tables were spread with candy canes, and bowls of alcohol free punch, to which the upperclassmen with flasks would spike.

Evelyn sipped her punch and swayed to the music. So far, Dash not only picked her up as promised, but they already walked around the party space and took photos in the photo booth. Dash looked at his roll and inspected one of the pictures. Evelyn had instructed that they tried to pose like the met step girls would. Evelyn was captured in a mid-flip of her hair, with her most unimpressed grin on her face, while Dash puckered his lips like a duck.

When they first laid eyes upon the picture, he said, "I swear they make this face all the time. I'm telling you, this will be THE pose of our generation."

"Looking like a duck will suddenly become attractive?" Ducks were cute and all, but no human could mimic that cuteness.

Eric and Jonathan approached them with matching bowties. "Hey, guys!" Evelyn said. She hugged Jonathan. "I love your bowties. They are so cute!"

"Thanks," Jonathan smiled. "We picked them out together."

"That's so sweet," Evelyn said. "Have you guys checked out the photo booth yet?"

"There's a photo booth?" Eric said.

"Yeah, it's right outside the hall and to the right," Dash said.

Eric turned to Jonathan who nodded at him. "I think we'll go check it out."

Jenny, flanked by her minions, appeared at the hall doors. Jenny held a roll of photos and passed them around. Each girl inspected how she looked in the photo, looking for any flaw, or any hair out of place. Evelyn looked at all the girls and noticed Catherine was missing. Not that Evelyn cared all that much, but she knew better now that Catherine's absence must mean something sinister was up.

"Do you want to dance?" Dash asked.

"Sure." A languid ballad began to play, and Dash pulled Evelyn close. His warm hands rested on her lower back, and Evelyn looped her arms around his neck. She hadn't stood this close to a boy since Prom with Nate. Before that, there was one time she was in Connecticut. Evelyn pushed those thoughts away. It felt wrong to even remember those moments in another boy's arms.

"I think U2 is always a standard for a high school dance." She felt Dash's breath touch her face when he spoke. Dash looked at her straight in the eye as he said those words. He looked at her without once noticing there were classmates dancing around, or parents loitering, nothing. He looked at her like she was the only thing worth looking at, and Evelyn found herself finding anything to look at but him. The floor was pretty fascinating with the sprinklings of stars and streamers. She saw a shadow of a classmate shifting the lights around. The punch bowl was suspiciously low of liquid.

"Evelyn?" Dash's breath warmed her cheek.

For the first time, Evelyn noticed that Dash had really long eyelashes. "Yes?"

"What are you thinking about right now?"

Evelyn's eyes drifted to where her arms rested on his shoulders. "Nothing really."

"I've been thinking about something for a long time now," Dash said.

Evelyn's heart began to beat rapidly. "Oh really?" The song ended, and now Dash and Evelyn still stood holding each other.

"Yeah. Thanks for giving me a chance," Dash said.

Evelyn breathed out heavily, and wrapped her arms around Dash. "Thanks for being a great friend."

"Yeah. Friend." Still in their embrace, Dash combed a hand through her hair. His hand touched her cheek, about to guide it to him.

Evelyn turned her cheek away and said, "I-I have to use the restroom." She shook out of their embrace and continued, "I'll be right back."

She turned and marched through the bathroom door. Evelyn sighed deeply, and locked herself into one of the stalls. She leaned on the door and caught her breath. What was wrong with her? She wasn't as oblivious as she was with Nate last year. She knew what was going on. There was no denying it anymore. Dash liked her. As Jenny said, he wasn't interested in being her friend anymore. Why couldn't a boy and a girl just be friends?

Evelyn wished she could talk to a girl about this. Jenny was the only person she trusted with this kind of information, but they weren't friends anymore. She didn't know what to do in this situation. How does one handle this transition from friendship to relationship smoothly? She didn't have the best track record with these matters. All one had to do was look at the state of her relationship with Ozzy right now.

Evelyn thought back to the motorcycle ride with Dash. When he took the wheel, and she was wrapped around him, there was something that she felt, deep in her lower belly that she hadn't felt since she was around Ozzy. She liked Nate as a friend, but she wasn't in a position to be that close with him. And he was her brother's best friend. He was off limits in many ways, and Evelyn respected that.

So many conflicting thoughts swirled in Evelyn's mind that the only way she could organize them all is if she went outside to get some fresh air. Evelyn made a beeline to the double doors and into the courtyard of the building. It wasn't snowing tonight, but a ferocious gust of wind made her think it was about to. Without a coat, Evelyn still walked through the front gates, and knotted her bare arms in front of her chest.

"You do know that if you don't wear a coat you'll catch a cold right?"

Ozzy sat on a bench, and leaned against the brick walls. He stood up, and shrugged his coat off his shoulders, and draped it onto hers. It was heavy wool jacket that billowed around her calves.

"Sorry. I guess I wasn't thinking before I decided to take a walk. Thanks."

Ozzy shrugged. "Yeah. It's no problem."

He took a seat on the bench again. Evelyn buttoned the coat and shoved her cold hands into the coat pockets. She took a couple steps toward the bench. "Enjoying the dance?"

"Not really my scene."

"All of this isn't really your scene, is it?"

"Not at all, but you know that."

"I do," Evelyn said looking down at her Valentino clad feet. When did all of this suddenly become so normal for her? She didn't even blink twice when she picked out her shoes tonight. She didn't think how much they cost, or how she probably would only have to wear them only once.

"Are you having a good time?" Ozzy asked.

"Yeah."

"That didn't sound too convincing."

Evelyn took a seat beside him. "Well I was having a good time. I just needed a time out."

"Where's Dash?"

"Somewhere inside. I told him I'd be right back. Where's Catherine?"

"I don't know."

"Didn't you come here with her?"

"We're taking a break."

"A break?"

"Yeah. A permanent one."

"Oh."

"You don't have to pretend to be sorry about it. It shouldn't have even happened in the first place. Sometimes, it feels like it happened by accident."

"You know," Ozzy continued. "I'm really sorry for the way I handed things at that masked ball. I didn't mean to hurt you, really I didn't. It's just…sometimes I really think you're better off without me in your life…most people are."

"That's not just for you to decide," Evelyn said. "I can choose whoever I want to be in my life, and I wanted you to be in it."

"And how about right now?"

"I don't know," Evelyn said. "I don't know a lot of things right now."

"Tell me about it."

Evelyn inspected his bowed head and slumped shoulders. "What's happening?"

Ozzy paused, but couldn't hold back any longer. "So you know how my mom's wedding is coming up? It turns out my grandparents, aren't invited. My mom told me my grandparents were dead, but then I got an invitation to see them."

"You went by yourself? That's…"

"Crazy, I know. They were happy to see me and all that, but I didn't tell my mom. I think she's going to be a little mad a me."

"So why don't you tell her?"

"Because she'll uninvited them to the wedding. I don't know. All I've ever known my family to be is my mom and I. Us against the world. But now, is it crazy to just want to reach out to all these strangers who actually are my family by blood?"

"No. That's not crazy at all. Believe me, that's what I did this year."

"And it's worked out pretty well, right?"

"It has. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Ozzy rubbed his hands together. "I hope that happens for me too."

Evelyn wanted to reach out, and grab his hand, to reassure him that everything was going to be all right, but the thought of Dash stopped her. Dash was probably waiting for her. "Do you want to go back inside? You must be freezing."

"Yeah, I guess that would be a good idea."

Evelyn shrugged off Ozzy's coat and handed it to him when they stood outside of coat check. "Thanks for the talk, Oz."

He pocketed his coat check ticket. "No—thank you."

"I'm going to go find Dash now. Have a nice evening."

Evelyn found Dash sitting at one of the tables typing away on his phone. She came up behind him and said, "There you are."

"And here you are. Where have you been?"

"I was outside for a bit."

"I didn't know you wanted to go outside. I would have gone with you."

"No worries. I didn't really think about it. I just found myself there. What did I miss?"

"You missed Andrew Smith being escorted out of the Ball for being too drunk. Some couples probably hooked up somewhere, but that's pretty standard. Jenny and Zach are still the perfect couple as usual."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. In the distance, Evelyn could see Jenny's navy dress flow around her. She looked closely. How could she afford such a dress? Now that Evelyn wasn't helping fund her Queen duties, she began to wonder how Jenny could still reign without a dime. Either she found another source of income, or she's lost her way more than she thought.

"All's well in the Kingdom then?"

"In a matter of speaking, I guess. It's always been this way," Dash said.

"Dash?"

He turned expectantly to her.

"Thanks for accompanying me tonight. I had a good time."

Dash smiled. "That's good. I had a good time too."

He reached over and covered his hand over hers. "Your hands are really cold."

"You know what that saying is? My Aunt Kim always used to say it. Cold hands, warm heart."

Dash picked up her hands and rubbed them to give them warmth. "Is that so?"

"You've never heard of that saying before?"

Dash shook his head. Evelyn shrugged. "Well, it's true you know."

"I don't doubt it," Dash said. He took her hands in his and began warming them.

Gossip Girl here, and I have to say I'm disappointed. This year's Snowflake Ball was duller than Bella's prom in Twilight. No scandal? No steamy hook-ups? All is quiet on the Upper East Side, and I can't wait to see you naughty kittens make some noise.

As final exams approached, Evelyn completely dedicated herself to her studies. She had fallen behind in most of her classes because of the Ball, and she needed to ace her exams to keep her marks up. Every day, she'd spend half of her lunch eating, and the other half studying. Most times, she'd find her way to the library by herself. She had her chemistry textbook open, and she was practicing with one of the case questions. Evelyn heard footsteps approach her table, and she looked up to see Dash holding his textbook and notebook under his arm.

"So there is a library at our school," He said sitting down in front of her.

"Indeed there is. Welcome," Evelyn said while finishing up a calculation.

Dash panned his head around the room. "You do realize you are the only person studying here right?"

"I do and I don't care. It's a good place to focus."

"What chapter are you on?"

Evelyn rubbed her eraser on the paper. "Twelve. You?"

"Hm. Well, I have a fine understanding of the cover." Dash opened and closed the cover.

"That's a start," Evelyn said. "You might want to start reading it soon."

"I could do that." Dash fanned the pages. "Or…"

"Or," Evelyn said.

"Or you could help tutor me."

Evelyn dropped her pencil. "Why would I do that? You could study like the rest of us."

"You see, if you were to like teach it to me, it would show me and you that you know what you're talking about. It's a way for you to study too," Dash said.

"Is it now?" Evelyn said.

"Come on, you have to admit it's a good idea."

"I'm not going to be your personal tutor. You've had the same amount of time to prepare for this as I have."

"Look, things have been really busy at home with the wedding and everything."

"Last I checked, you weren't planning that wedding."

"I'm not, but I'm distracted. I still have my share of things to do. My dad's counting on me to not fuck this up."

Evelyn took a minute to think of what she wanted to do. "How about this. I won't teach you the chapters, but I will help you understand how to answer the questions. How does that sound?"

"That's perfect," Dash sighed heavily. He leaned across the table and took her hand. "Thanks, partner."

Evelyn sighed. "You owe me big time."

"How about in exchange for helping me study for this exam, you can be escorted by me at my dad's wedding."

"How's that incentive for me? I'm already attending with my family."

"It means you get to go with me. That's a very VIP offer."

Evelyn shook her head. "No thank you. I'd prefer to stay in coach for this one."

"Fine. Abandon me as my dad remarries, and my mom is gallivanting God-knows where. Most of my cousins are already married, so I'll be all alone."

"Dash, I'll still be there."

"Exactly, so what's the big deal? Just sit at our table."

"I'll save you a couple dances. Okay?"

"Fine. But tell me if you change your mind."

"I will." She flicked the eraser end of her pencil onto his textbook. "Now start reading chapter one."

When the elevator door rang, the last person Evelyn expected to see glided through that door. With a suitcase in her hand, and her long blonde hair cascading down her narrow shoulders, Serena Van der Woodsen was home.

"Darling!" Lily approached her first with open arms. "I didn't expect you to come home so early."

Serena rested her chin on Lily's shoulder. "I finished my last exam this morning, and I was ready to come home."

"Serena!" Eric exclaimed from the top of the stairs.

"Eric!" Her four-year-old giggle escaped her lips. She ruffled his now brown hair after they embraced.

"Welcome home, Serena. It's so good to see you!" Evelyn said.

"It's so good to see you too," Serena returned. "It's so good to see all of you." She glanced around the open space. "Where's Chuck?"

"He should be here soon. He's just finishing up his last final. Econ," Evelyn said.

"Are you hungry?" Lily asked.

"No I'm okay for now. I'll just have some water please."

Lily poured her a glass from the bar area.

"So how were your exams?" Eric asked.

"Yeah, we haven't heard from you in a month."

"I know, I'm sorry. Things got a bit…crazy for a bit, but for the last three weeks I completely focused on school work."

Eric and Evelyn exchanged a look. Evelyn didn't know the whole story, but she knew that Serena must be referring to Carter Baizen. She remembered his appearance at Thanksgiving, and Evelyn immediately took a disliking to him. Not only did she dislike him because he was her brother's sworn enemy, but she already disliked him when she first met him. The Baizen family were one in the same.

"But it's over now right?" Eric asked. Evelyn was pretty sure he wasn't referring to her exams.

"Yes. It's completely over, and I've moved on."

The elevator door dinged again, and they all turned expectantly. Chuck waltzed through the door, a scowl on his face.

"Hey, Chuck. How'd your econ final go?" Lily said.

Chuck made a beeline for the scotch bottle and poured himself a glass.

"That well, huh?" Serena said under her breath.

Chuck filled the glass halfway, and swallowed it all in two long gulps. He refilled his glass and approached everyone sitting in the living area. "Hello, everyone. Serena, pleasure to see you."

"Chuck," Serena said.

"Charles, why don't you sit down with us? Serena was just catching us up with what's happening at Brown," Lily said.

"Thank you Lily, but I think I'll pass. I've been studying so hard that I think I need some shuteye. Excuse me."

Evelyn looked at the dark circles under his eyes. What was wrong with him? Whatever it was, Evelyn thought it couldn't possibly be from studying. Serena watched Chuck intently and flipped open her phone.

Once Chuck was out of sight, Lily sighed. "We'll, let's hope he rests up before the wedding this weekend."

"Macaroons!" Serena exclaimed suddenly.

"What?" Eric said.

"Macaroons from Laudrée. I've been craving them for the past two weeks. Does anyone want to come get some with me?"

"I'll come," Eric.

"Me too," Evelyn said. "Then we can get a hot chocolate from Jaques Torres?"

"Yes!" Serena exclaimed excitedly. "I missed their hot chocolates."

"Mom do you want to join?" Eric asked.

Lily's classes were perched on her nose. "I'll stay and keep an eye on Charles. I have a few emails to respond to as well."

They donned their coats, and stepped onto the elevator. Evelyn looked up the staircase as the doors closed and wondered about Chuck. There was clearly something wrong, but she didn't know what. Even if she wanted him to tell her, Chuck probably wouldn't say anything. The copious amounts of hot chocolate couldn't satisfy the unsettled feeling she had when she saw him so dishevelled. The question remained. What was wrong with Chuck?

Spotted: S returning home from Brown. Welcome home, S. We missed you. And who else is home? Why C, N, and B. Why the long face B? Is something wrong with C? I'll be waiting for the details.

Boxes of tulle, flowers, wedding gifts, and table lines were stacked in all corners of the Montgomery apartment. The wedding was mere days away, and the house had transformed into a bridal warehouse. Ozzy and Dash stayed out of Ruby's way, as she counted each shipment that arrived at the house, and spoke with the wedding planner almost hourly on the phone.

Ozzy opened the front door, his shin knocking against a box of candles. "What the..."

Dash gripped his arm and steadied him. "It's official. Our house is a death trap."

Ozzy rubbed his shin. "No kidding." He picked up the box and put it on the sofa.

"Ozzy!" His mom called from the kitchen. "What did I tell you yesterday? Don't put the dirty packages on the sofa."

He sighed, and placed the box at the foot of the sofa.

"Yeah Oz." Dash chuckled behind him. "Don't put your dirty package on the sofa."

Ozzy turned around and slapped his arm. Still laughing, Dash slapped back. And again and again.

"Boys," Ruby said. She set her phone against her collarbone. "What did we say about fighting?"

"Sorry Ms. Taylor. It won't happen again."

Ruby rolled her eyes. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Come on, let's go upstairs," Ozzy said.

They tossed their backpacks on the reading chair in his room.

"Well look what we have here," Dash said. He walked up to Ozzy's bed and unzipped the garment bag. "Interesting."

"What is it?"

"I didn't think she was going to go with the black and white colour scheme. Your mom said it was too monochromatic for her tastes."

Ozzy looked into the garment bag to see a simple tux with a black tie. "Looks fine to me." He shrugged.

Dash pulled the zipper up. "And this is why you don't make the fashion choices. You'd probably want to wear sweats to your own wedding."

"Who says I even want to get married?"

"An excellent point." Dash hopped on his bed and grabbed the remote.

"You know, you have a better TV in your room, right?"

"Yeah which is why I come here to remind myself of that." Dash reached in his pocket and started typing on his cell phone. "And your room is warmer for some reason."

"It's an old house. You should check your windows. There could be a draft."

Dash kept typing away on his phone. He let out a chuckle and typed back smiling.

"What are you smiling about?" Ozzy said. He sat on his usual side of the bed.

Dash flipped his phone shut. "Oh nothing."

"Didn't seem like nothing."

"Why do you care?"

"I'm just asking."

"You never ask me anything," Dash said.

"There's a firs—"

"It's Evelyn okay." Dash sighed.

Ozzy nodded.

"You're not going to say anything?"

Ozzy scratched his arm absently. "What's there to say?"

"A lot. For one, I like Evelyn. We've established this."

Ozzy nodded. Dash looked at him like he was trying to teach a child two plus two. Of course he knew Dash liked Evelyn. Everyone probably knew by that dopey face he kept making when she was in sight. It nauseated him.

"Just so you know."

"You're putting me on notice?"

"No. I'm just saying. You had your chance. I supported you, and now things are different. So don't think about being remorseful and trying to win her back."

"I won't. It's over. We don't talk anymore."

"But do you still like her?"

Ozzy paused and said, "No."

Dash held his gaze. "Good. Because I've been trying to ask her out for the past month and she keeps brushing me off. I was thinking of you know, doing something at the wedding."

It was an all too familiar position. He was the wingman for another guy trying to get to Evelyn. He hated himself. Why was he always here? Why couldn't things be simple? Either he dated Evelyn or never spoke to her that's it. No getting involved from third parties who sought his help for strategy talk. With Dash's situation, he knew what to do. Don't push at the wedding. Pushing too hard will push her away, and not pushing enough (to which he found out recently) would make her think he didn't want her.

God, women were complicated.

But should he tell him? He was about to be his brother after all. Ozzy thought about the sight of Dash and Evelyn dancing at Cotillion. They made sense. They both had a future, and it would probably work. And Dash was right. He had his chance, and he blew it. But he couldn't help but feel this inkling of dread linger in his stomach like a dull ache that throbbed occasionally and was silent the rest of the time.

"What do you think I should do?" Dash asked.

Ozzy knew what Dash should do. Ozzy also knew what he should do. Stay out of it. But the wrong words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them. "Just tell her. Be straightforward. Upfront. Let it happen when it's suppose to happen."

Dash fumbled with the clicker. "But how do you know when it's suppose to happen with Evelyn?"

"You don't."

In Ozzy's experience, you don't know much at all when you're with Evelyn, and you have to be okay with that. He was okay with that. He liked feeling like he was floating around her; and nothing weighed him down.

On the day of the wedding, Ozzy found himself knocking on his mom's door. He was told that his mom had been up since six, and she had been getting ready ever since. As noon approached, Ozzy was told that the family had to go to the chapel.

"Come in," Ruby's voice muffled through the door.

When Ozzy opened the door, he saw at a stranger. She looked like a much younger version of his mother. Her skin was pale as the snow outside, her brown hair swept up in a bun. Her dress was more of an off white colour. The sleeves hung off her shoulders, exposing her elegant neck.

"What do you think?" His mother turned to him.

"Amazing. You look amazing mom."

She walked up to him and straightened his tie. "Thank you sweetheart. You are looking more and more like a man everyday."

Ozzy begged to differ. He still couldn't grow much of a beard, and one day he wished that would change. The only hairs that grew on his face gathered at his chin.

"The car is parked out front. Are you ready to go?" He said.

"I just need to pick up a couple of things." Ruby gathered her phone and cosmetics. She put them in her clutch, and stopped abruptly and turned to look at him. "Can you believe it? This day has finally come."

In that moment, Ruby looked so happy. Her face light up in a way Ozzy had never seen before. For all the years of anguish he'd see in her eyes, he looked at her and smiled.

"Alright. I'm ready." She walked up to him and looped her arm in his. She looked up at him now, he towered over her, and she touched his cheek. "I'm so proud of you."

He felt something weird, and the look his mom gave him was so intense he had to look away. His eyes found the floor.

Ruby continued, "I can't think of anyone else I'd rather walk down the aisle with."

Ozzy looked at her again. "Really?" He thought of his grandfather, and an uneasy feeling filled his stomach. He was about to reach for his phone, try to change all the work he had already put in with his family until his mother pulled him through the door.

When they arrived at the Chapel, Ozzy stood by the entrance along with Dash to greet the arriving wedding guests. Ozzy recognized some faces from the engagement party, but they all seemed to remember him more. Dash greeted everyone with an ease and comfort that came with knowing these people his whole life. Meanwhile, he was still trying to not be so stiff when older women leaned in to kiss both his cheeks. That was something he still couldn't understand, and tried to appear comfortable with.

The next limo that pulled up to the car revealed a man with a comb over and a woman with fur coat. Ozzy leapt down the steps two at a time.

"Ozzy my boy!" His grandfather grabbed his hand to steady himself and patted his arm.

"Grandfather. It's good to see you." Ozzy turned to his grandmother and greeted her. "Let me help you inside."

He helped his grandparents up the many steps of the Chapel. He guided them to a pew near the back of the Church. On the way, he talked to them about the most menial things. He and his grandfather avoided the obvious elephant in the room: his mother. Neither mentioned her at all, and they kept talking until Ozzy caught a large family enter in the corner of his eye.

Guided by Dash, Evelyn walked into the Chapel her father; Lily Bass and her siblings surrounded her. Ozzy stepped into the pew to make room for them to pass forward to a closer bench. He greeted Mr. and Mrs. Bass and nodded at Evelyn. Despite their talk at the Snowflake Ball, he wasn't sure if they were on speaking terms. She waved back and turned her attention to Dash who was in mid-joke.

"Something caught your eye, boy?" His grandfather said.

Ozzy tore his eyes away from her. "No. She's just someone I know from school."

When Dash walked back up the aisle, Ozzy excused himself. They walked back to the front doors.

'To think we'll officially be brothers in less than an hour," Dash said.

"There's no turning back is there?" Ozzy replied.

He hoped his mother saw things that way. The more he thought about it, the more he realized she probably wanted to get the ceremony over with.

"Boys!"

Philip appeared. "We're going to start soon. You can close the doors."

"I'll go check on my mom," Ozzy said.

Ozzy knocked on the door before opening the door. "Everyone's ready."

"Right," his mom said. She took a deep breath, took one last long look in the mirror, and picked up her bouquet.

Ozzy kept the door open for her, and let her pass. He walked beside her, and she took his arm.

"Mom, your hands are cold."

"Are they now?" His mom smiled and nodded at the people they passed. The flower girls, and bridesmaids were lined up, and one of the Chapel staff asked to let them know when they're ready to start the music.

His mom's eyes scanned the crowds, and her grip on his arm tightened. She told the Chapel staffer that she they were ready. That she's ready.

Ozzy thought he could hear footsteps behind him, and turned to see where the sound was coming from.

"Don't look back. It's bad luck," his mom said.

"Oh okay. Sorry," he said.

The music began, and the procession began. The bridesmaids then Philip's nieces walked down the aisle with groomsmen. A flower girl followed up and soon it was his mom and him. Neither spoke, and as all eyes turned, everyone standing, Ozzy wanted to run away. it was happening. His mom was really getting married, and nothing was going to stop it. He didn't know how to feel in that moment, but he thought back to when they were leaving the Montgomery home.

His mom said he was proud of him. She never told him things like that ever. She always was preoccupied with something involving herself. Now, she was going to be concerned with her husband now more than him. It bothered him.

They moved down the aisle at a glacial pace. They took a step forward with each beat of the music, until his mother stopped.

She looked at the man with a comb over a foot apart from the pew and the aisle. It was her father.

"What are you doing here?" His mother said.

Anthony Taylor smiled at his daughter.

"What are you doing here," Her voice lowered. "I didn't invite you."

His grandfather looked over at him and winked. His mother looked between the two and it all came together.

"Ozzy…"

She withdrew her arm from his. Then, she picked up her dress and ran out of the Chapel.

"Mom!" He called after her, but she refused to listen. He looked at his Grandfather with wide eyes. His Grandfather merely sat down. "Don't worry my boy, she's always been dramatic like that. Always has to run away from her problems."

Philip pushed past him and chased after his bride. Dash's hand weighed down on his should when he said, "What the hell just happened?"

"I don't know..."

"It's alright everyone. Please remain in your seats. I'm sure the ceremony will resume momentarily," Dash said.

"Grandfather?" Ozzy said. He looked at his grandfather, and wondered if there was something his grandfather didn't tell him.

Dash grabbed his arm. "Come on. Let's go."

Ah, the Wedding March. Here comes…the awkward pause. Looks like the wedding dress might have a runaway train.

Dash led Ozzy out of the main hall and to the back room without saying a word. He didn't ask any questions, but kept a tight grip on Ozzy's forearm.

As they approached the room, the door slightly ajar, Dash and Ozzy heard raised voices through it. Dash pushed the door open, and his mother and Philip stopped their conversation when they saw their sons.

"Mom." Ozzy's voice croaked.

His mom straightened her posture and appeared oddly composed. "Philip, Dash. Can I have a moment alone with Ozzy?"

Philip looked intently at her. "We'll be just outside."

His mom squeezed Philip's hand, and the two Montgomery men left the room. Dash closed the door behind him.

His mom began to pace.

"Mom."

She kept pacing back and forth.

"Mom."

She stopped and pivoted to face him. "I'm…I'm just trying to understand how you did this."

Ozzy saw anger and frustration in his mother's eyes. "I invited them," he said.

"Why would you do that? Didn't you think that there was a reason I didn't want them here?"

"No. You never told me anything about them. You told me they were dead," Ozzy said.

"Dead to me," his mother said under her breath.

"I just wanted to bring our family together. That's all," Ozzy said. "How was I supposed to know that this would end badly? I mean, Grandfather was just sitting in the pew. He wasn't going to do anything?"

His mom shook her head. "Did your grandfather say anything about me?"

"No—"

"Did he put you up to this?"

"No—"

"This would be something he would do to get back at me after all of these years—"

"Mom," Ozzy raised his voice. "The relationship I have with my grandfather has nothing to do with you. He reached out to me. We've spent time together. He didn't even bring you up."

His mom sighed. "You're so naïve. Ozzy do you really think after all these years he's been looking for you, and wants you in his life now? Do you really think he's at all interested in you? He didn't want you to exist sixteen years ago. He was using you to get to me."

Ozzy shook his head. She couldn't be right. She wasn't right.

"Disagree with me all you want, but you don't know what happened. Sixteen years ago, he abandoned me. He abandoned us when we needed help the most. He is not your family."

This was the point in most fights where people find an opportunity to raise their voice. Some are able to articulate how they're feeling profoundly. Through such articulation, these speakers are able to make the other see a rhetorical error in their argument. Others, like Ozzy, aren't as articulate. He grappled for any words for the deep wounds that have been compounded over the years, but nothing was coming to him. Then there were those other people, who ran from the situation. That option tempted Ozzy, but this moment was too critical to miss. If only he could find the words.

"Do you understand what you did now? Of all the days, Ozzy, you had to pick my wedding day? Did you not think of how this would affect me? Those people are not your family, Ozzy. They can't be trust. All they want is to take away anything you like in your life and substitute it with what they want. I can't believe you did this. How could you do this to me, Ozzy?"

Ozzy's breaths shortened, and his hands curled into fists. Why couldn't he find the words? There was so much he wanted to say. He felt angry. Hurt. Frustrated. Helpless.

Outraged.

"What about me, mom?" The words he struggled with for so long had finally came, and they were sharp. "What about my life, huh?"

His mother took a step toward him. "Ozzy. Everything I've done for the past sixteen years has been for you. All of this is for you."

Ozzy thought about the months of planning this wedding, the months she left to be courted by Philip. She never asked if he was okay with all of it. She never asked him one question.

"No," Ozzy said. "You never asked me if this is what I wanted. I never had a choice."

"Ozzy—"

"No. Listen. You told me that my grandparents were dead. You were the one who left me all the time so you could go out with all of these guys, while the one you supposable cared most about was always left alone. Abandoned. What did you expect me to do? You have no idea what I've done when you were away. The things I've done…" He wanted to tell her it would probably make her sick, but even Ozzy couldn't admit to that. He made a decision a year ago to never think about what happened in Houston again. "I'm not proud of. But I needed help and when Grandfather reached out to me, he listened and helped me. You can't say you've done the same for me."

"Ozzy stop—"

"No. You say that Grandfather is a liar and can't be trusted, but its you who I can't trust. You've given me every reason not to trust you. I don't even think I know who you are."

His mother's mouth hung open, stunned. Tears began to fall down her cheeks.

"Stop crying. I don't feel sorry for you. Go marry Philip and have the life you've always wanted. I refuse to be a part of it anymore."

Ozzy turned and opened the door. His mother cried for him, but he refused to face her again. Philip and Dash were on the other side. Their bodies created a barrier.

"Son, please don't." Philip gripped his arm, refusing him to pass.

"Don't call me that," Ozzy said. He hated it when his mother's boyfriends/fiancées called him that. it always sounded like an insult. He wiggled out of his grasp, and the last person who stood in his way was Dash.

"Dude, I know you're angry right now, but just think about what you're doing for a second. There's a room full of people who are waiting for this wedding to happen. If you leave, it's not going to happen."

"I don't care, Dash. Who said I even wanted this wedding to happen or to move to New York?"

Hurt flashed in Dash's eyes. "It's less than ideal, but you can't leave your mother hanging like this."

"Dash you don't under—"

"I heard what you said, and I understand. Believe me, I do. But, if you do this, you also are doing this to me. Don't do this to me," Dash said.

Behind Dash, he saw Evelyn watching. Ozzy closed his eyes and shook his head. Who knew how much she saw. Maybe she finally saw who he really was. That realization trumped everything else he felt in that moment. He was ashamed.

"I can't go out in front of all of these people feeling like this, Dash."

"You have to. I know you're feeling a lot, but we can deal with that after."

He still wasn't okay with this solution, and shook his head vehemently when Dash asked, "Alright?"

What shuffled his feet was Evelyn's watchful eye behind Dash. So he shuffled back into the room where his mother had recomposed herself.

"I'm not apologizing for telling you how I feel," Ozzy said. "And I'm not doing a speech tonight."

"What he means to say is lets get this show on the road," Dash said.

Spotted: A family reunited, but why doesn't it feel so good?

At the reception, Evelyn and her family were seated at the table beside the dance floor. The dance floor was in the middle of the banquet hall, the head table directly in front of their table. Evelyn figured they had the best seats because her father was so close to Philip. It certainly had nothing to do with her relationship with Ruby.

She still couldn't believe it. It was strange to see Ruby walk down the aisle in a slightly off-white dress. It was even stranger to see Ozzy walk her down the aisle, after almost witnessing him leave the ceremony altogether. In the end, it was Dash who convinced him to stay unbeknownst to the other wedding attendees. Philip and Ruby were now married, and mostly everyone seemed pretty happy about it.

"Are you getting any flashbacks of your mom's wedding to my dad?" Evelyn asked Eric who sat beside her.

"Which one?" Eric said. Lily, having overheard Eric, gave him a stern look. "But honestly all the weddings are pretty similar. I mean, its way better being a guest than actually in the wedding party. Less pressure."

Evelyn took a sip from her water glass. "I agree. I mean I'm here for the free food."

Evelyn looked up to see Dash and Ozzy sitting beside each other at the head table. She would be lying to herself if she didn't admit that she was worried about Ozzy. Something serious happened, enough that made him want to leave the wedding altogether. She appeared happy and jubilant with her family, but the thought weighed heavily in her mind. Then, she looked at Dash. She heard everything he said to Ozzy to convince him to stay, and she felt like she saw another side of him in that moment. He spoke so calmly in that moment and was understanding and sympathetic to Ozzy. It just made her appreciate Dash even more. Dash turned and caught her eye. He smiled and winked at her.

Evelyn turned to the empty seat beside her. "Where's Chuck?"

"Probably at the bar."

"That's a good idea. Do you want a drink, Eric?"

"No thanks, I'm going to wait a bit."

"Then I'll be back." Evelyn pushed her chair back and made her way to one of two bars in the back corners of the hall.

There was a short line when Evelyn got to the bar. She looked at all of the strange faces waiting in front of her. Chuck wasn't in sight, which meant he was gallivanting somewhere else. Maybe he was with Blair? Evelyn couldn't think of a reason why he wouldn't be with her.

A hand snake around her waist, and a deep voice whispered in her ear, "I told you. You could have been at the head table."

Evelyn turned around to be facing Dash. "Dash, hi." His arm still remained on her lower back. "I'm quite happy with the table I'm at thank you very much. Congratulations to your father." She leaned forward and gave him a hug.

"Thanks," He said when Evelyn pulled away and out of his arms. "Philip is quite pleased with how the evening is shaping up."

It always struck Evelyn as strange that Dash spoke of his father with his first name. Sometimes she caught Chuck doing the same thing, but she couldn't imagine calling her father anything but Dad. Maybe it was a boy thing?

"So you're going to wait in this line for a drink, all alone?"

"That was the plan." She took one step closer to the bar. "And look, the line is moving."

"If you were at the head table, then you'd get bottle service."

"I'm fine to wait my own turn," Evelyn replied.

"Fine. Then I'll wait with you."

They waited a couple more minutes talking when Dash's eyes flitted away from hers for the first time. "Hey, Oz! Do you want a drink?"

They were next in line to be served. Ozzy approached them, his eyes downcast. "Yeah. I'll have a beer."

They stepped up to the counter, and Dash motioned for Evelyn to order first. "What's that?" Evelyn pointed to a cocktail that was on the counter.

"It's our feature cocktail this evening. Sangria."

"I will try that please."

She stepped back, and watched Ozzy. He made an intentional effort to not lock eyes with her.

Dash spoke next. "And I'll have a whisky sour."

"Since when do you drink whisky?" Ozzy asked.

Dash shrugged. "Since it's Philip's favourite, I've decided to honour him tonight."

Ozzy ordered his beer and they stepped away from the bar.

"We should make a toast," Evelyn said.

"To our parents getting it on?" Dash said.

Ozzy shook his head. "I didn't need to know that."

"But now that you do, you can't not think of that."

"Now I really need to drink," Ozzy said.

Evelyn laughed. "Think of something seriously. How about toasting to the fact that you two are now brothers?"

Dash raised his glass. "To you my brother."

They all clinked glasses and took a sip of their drinks. Evelyn looked between Ozzy and Dash. It felt strange to be situated between the two of them, joking and laughing like they were all friends. She'd barely talked to Ozzy for the past couple months. Sure they talked at Snowflake Ball, but it didn't change anything. She still wasn't friends with him, and she didn't intent to pretend to. For all she knew, pretending to be his friend would make him think that what he did was right. And in Evelyn's books, it wasn't.

But on the other hand, something was clearly going on that she wasn't privy too. No matter how she felt about previous incidents, she couldn't help but want to talk to him and find out what was going on.

"Can I have everyone's attention?" Ozzy's mom stood at the podium with the microphone in her hand. "If everyone could please take their seats, we'll begin serving dinner and delivering speeches momentarily."

"Well I better get to my seat then. Good luck," Evelyn said.

Evelyn sauntered back to her seat. Chuck had reappeared beside Blair, and touched his shoulder as she sat down. "There you are. I went to the bar to look for you, and you weren't there."

"I was just getting some air. Found your way to the bar I see?"

"I did—"

"No way—they have sangria?" Eric said.

"It's the featured drink. Do you like?"

"It's Eric's favourite," Serena said.

"Well then you should have come to the bar," Evelyn said to Eric.

Eric pushed his chair back until a waiter interrupted. "Excuse me sir, can you please push your chair in?"

Serena chuckled while Chuck hung his head.

Evelyn shrugged. "You missed your opportunity."

The wait set down a salad on each one of their charger plates. "I know," Eric grumbled. "How am I going to make it through these speeches?"

"Don't fret, Eric," Blair said. "There's always Pinot Grigio on the table. Would you like some?"

Eric sighed. "I guess because apparently I'm not allowed to move for the next hour."

They passed the bottle of wine to Eric. They all laughed and joked as Eric poured himself a glass. Lily shushed them when the speeches were about to begin.

"What is this?" Evelyn poked at a smooth green squares that pepper her cobb salad.

"Avocado," Serena said.

Evelyn sighed. "Why do they have to ruin a good thing?"

"What, you don't like avocado?" Eric asked.

"No. It doesn't taste like anything!"

"Evelyn, can you please keep your voice down?" Lily said.

"Yes, Lily." She focused her attention on her plate while her siblings snickered.

The speeches began, and as Evelyn was pushing the avocado pieces on the side of her plate, Dash took the podium and clinked his champagne glass.

"Good evening, everyone. On behalf of my father and his wife, Ruby, I would like to thank everyone for coming to celebrate the union of our families this evening."

Dash paused, and Evelyn couldn't understand how he spoke with such respect and seriousness. It was a side of Dash she's never seen, and she wondered how much of it was there.

"Up until today, it's just been my father and I. We've successfully navigated the likes of potty training to puberty, at times, with little success."

The crowd roared with laughter. Even her father was chuckling.

"Through this time, I never realized that something was missing until Ruby came into his life. I'll admit, I was hesitant at first to accept who I thought was an intruder, but Ruby made me realize my father and I were missing something very important. There are many ways to define what this missing thing is, and I don't think I can describe it. But I can describe what it gave me."

Dash paused, and everyone hung on to his every word.

"Ruby, you gave me something that I've always wanted: A brother."

Evelyn watched Ozzy perk up at this. He looked confused, but then reached understanding.

"On the surface, it may look like we have nothing in common. When we first met, we certainly felt that way. But over these past few months we've bonded in a way that exceeds friendship, and that's something that was missing from my life. So thank you," He turned and looked at both Ruby and Ozzy. Ruby held her hand over her heart, touched, and Ozzy grinned at Dash. It was the closest thing to a smile Evelyn noticed from him all night.

"I would like to welcome you and Ozzy to our family." Dash raised his glass and turned back to the audience. "Now I know you would like to get on to this evening with eating, drinking, and dancing, but I would first like to raise our glasses to toast to Philip and Ruby."

Everyone raised their glasses, and took a sip of their drinks. Dash turned and shook his father's hand. Then he hugged Ruby, and Ozzy. Ozzy said something in his ear, they both laughed and they sat down together.

Maybe Ozzy didn't need her after all. She didn't realize Dash and Ozzy were so close, but it calmed her to know that. So long as Ozzy wasn't alone, she believed he could pull through whatever it was he was going through.

After dessert, Evelyn excused herself to use the restroom. She walked through the door and collided into a man with a goatee. "I'm sorry—" She began to say.

"No need to apologize, beautiful."

Evelyn nodded and took a step toward the bathrooms.

"That's a beautiful necklace you're wearing," the man said. Evelyn reached for it without looking.

"Thank you." She took another step away.

"You better be careful with it. Someone might come up and yank it off your neck. I've seen it happen on the subways."

Evelyn roped her arms around her waist. "I'll be careful. Thanks."

She turned and quickly walked to the bathroom, ignoring the man's further calls. Whoever he was, he seemed slimy to Evelyn. Once the bathroom door was closed, Evelyn shook her arms, trying to shake away the slimy feeling she had from speaking to him.

Once she remerged from the bathroom, the man was gone. Evelyn walked toward the front doors of the hall. Smokers puffed on the other side of the glass doors. Evelyn saw Ozzy sitting on one of the chairs inside the front hall.

"Hey," Evelyn said.

Ozzy looked up at her. "Oh. Hey."

"Are you okay?"

"I learned today that that doesn't matter."

"Well it does to me," Evelyn said.

"Thanks, but you'd probably be the only one."

"It didn't seem that way to me. I know Dash cares too."

"After that speech, I can't disagree with you."

"Well, if everything is fine, then I think I'm going to go back inside. The dancing has started, and I promised Dash I'd save him a dance," Evelyn said. She turned to leave.

"Evelyn, wait—"

She turned back to face him.

"I'm sorry for what happened at the masked ball. I-I really thought I was doing the right thing, and I was wrong."

"Yes you were," Evelyn said while thumbing her locket.

Ozzy smiled sadly. "It wasn't my right to decide what's best for you. The only person who knows what's best for you is you. That's your choice."

"It is."

"And, all I wanted to do was the right thing. I learned that from you. What's right, what's wrong. I still ended up screwing it up."

"You can't put yourself down like that. You are just as in charge of your decisions as I am. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard, and the result doesn't look good initially. It just takes time."

"I know, but you always know what to do."

"That's not true. Ozzy, you have to realize that I'm not perfect."

"You are to me," He said quietly.

If only he said those words months ago, Evelyn would feel relief and happiness. But the words feel more of a burden than a relief in this moment.

"That's the thing Oz. It's so much pressure. I've done a lot of bad things recently. Things you would never accept that I am capable of, but I am."

"Can't be worse than any of the thing I've done."

"I think we can agree that we are on an equal playing field then. It's the only way we can ever…" A part of her knew it would incorrect to use the word friend. Their friendship always had an implication that it would evolve into something more.

"I forgive you, Ozzy. I really do. Let's just move on."

"With other people then?"

Evelyn furrowed her brows. "I don't know… do you still…"

Ozzy shoved his hands in his pockets. "I don't think it matters anymore."

"Oz—"

"Evelyn, listen to me. Dash is now my brother, and he has told me that something's going on. He wants to talk to you about it tonight."

Evelyn tried to maintain her shocked expression. Her heart beat faster, and she felt the need to hide. "Why are you telling me this?"

"So that you're prepared. I know you have a tendency to run when something feels like it comes out of nowhere."

Evelyn grinned. "I can't deny that. This is true."

"So now that you know, take the time to think about it. It's your choice, and I don't want you to feel burdened with it. Honestly."

Evelyn stared at him.

"Whatever you choose will be right for you. I'll support your decision, whatever it is, and I'll always be here if you need me."

"Well what about you?"

"Don't worry about me. I've got lots of things I need to sort out since it looks like I'll be staying here for the long haul."

"Well if you need help, let me know. Or Dash at the very least."

"Okay."

Evelyn wrapped her arms around him and held on. She thought back to her dad's advice. How 'love was seeing an imperfect person perfectly'. She realized that it wasn't about seeing that person perfectly, but seeing that person becoming that was important. A part of her wondered if seeing that person becoming and growing into something new also fit that criteria.

She walked back into the ballroom without looking back.

Ozzy watched Evelyn walk away, and he felt a sense of loss and jealousy. He didn't understand why he felt this way. He wasn't a person to feel jealous over a girl. They weren't possessions. They were people to him, as his mom had insisted over the years, yet for some reason it really bothered his stomach when he thought of Dash and Evelyn becoming close. Any idiot with eyes would notice that they were both into each other.

He meant what he said to Evelyn. He realized that he was doing the same thing his mom did to him, and he had the power to make it stop. Ozzy had a suspicion that Evelyn would choose Dash over him, and she had every reason to. Dash was way more capable to be a good boyfriend than he was. His speech alone was enough to convince anyone that he was the right person for Evelyn.

Now he found himself alone, more alone than ever. His grandparents probably won't speak to him again, Evelyn and Dash will probably be busy with each other, and his mother was still undoubtedly mad at him. Ozzy was usually a person who liked to be alone, but for the first time loneliness bothered him.

Ozzy reached into his pocket for his phone. He looked at the P.I. number his grandfather gave him, and he had an idea. He wasn't sure if he could trust his grandfather, and he certainly knew he couldn't trust his mother. Something happened between them all of those years ago, something neither wanted to ever admit.

"Hello, Peter? It's Oscar Taylor. I'm sorry for calling you so late, but I have someone I want to find as soon as you can."

It was time he stopped letting things happen to him and take control of figuring out who he was and why. He'd been told by many guidance councillors to consider therapy. Maybe he'd look into that too, but if he was going to figure out the answers to his questions, he needed to start from the beginning.

"Who are you looking for?" Peter's voice rumbled from the other end of the line.

"My father."

Some say love is a secret best kept sealed. But when those secrets are unravelled on Upper East Side, they always lead to pain. Be careful what you fish for O.

Once Evelyn returned to the ballroom, she spotted a bewildered Dash searching for her. It was comical really, watching him scan the room and walking with a drink in his hand. His eyes found her, and he put the drink on the table.

"About that dance," Dash said when he approached.

Evelyn sighed and grabbed his hand. "Come on."

"Taking control," Dash said. He put his left hand on her waist, and held her other hand up. "I like it."

"Please. I only did it so you would stop whining."

"I don't whine."

"But you do beg—"

"I ask nicely."

Evelyn chuckled. "Fine. Whatever makes you sleep at night."

They swayed to the music, and Evelyn felt heat prickle her cheeks when Dash looked at her. "You look really beautiful tonight, Evelyn."

She had to look away, down at the floor, anywhere than his boring eyes. "Thank you," She said quietly. "So do you."

Evelyn was still reeling from her conversation with Ozzy. She felt good about forgiving him, at peace even, but she was taken aback that he knew about Dash. It shouldn't have been a surprise, and if she was willing to admit it to herself, it had been building for some time. But something made her scared of Dash. Maybe it was the new territory taking their relationship to the next step promised. It was unknown to her.

"I have to say, I think you did a really good job handling that near wedding disaster at the Chapel," Evelyn finally said after a long pause.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh you know. Convincing Ozzy to stay. I know how difficult that can be, and you did a much better job than I could've."

Dash appeared surprised, but readily accepted the compliment. "Thanks. I'd like to attribute that to a brotherly psychic connection we now have."

Evelyn chuckled. "Is that what it is now?"

Dash pulled her closer. She could feel his breath on her face when he spoke. "It's right up there with having a superpower."

"Is that right up there and beside giving an amazing speech?"

"Wow, you are full of compliments tonight aren't you partner?"

Evelyn smiled. "I have to give credit where credit is due. But if I'm crediting you too much, then I'll back up my praise with a concern. Doing so well today might mean you've peaked."

Dash look at her intensely. His nose brushed hers. "I intend to prove otherwise."

Evelyn raised her free hand and caressed Dash's cheek. "And how are you going to prove that?"

It was a bold move, a move she wouldn't dare to do a year ago. But things were different. She was different. She wasn't afraid to make the move. Evelyn revelled in the power she had over Dash.

"Well, let's see. I am full of great ideas, so let's say we explore them in the New Year? Maybe on a Friday night?"

"I'll have to check my schedule," Evelyn said. Dash leaned into her touch, and Evelyn felt a surge of power. She was certain about this decision.

"Oh right. Without your queen duties, your social calendar must be so booked."

"Then I'll make time for you," she said. Then, she guided his lips to hers.

Unlike Victrola, the kiss is tender and measured. Evelyn's hand drifted from his cheek to rest on his chest while Dash's arms circled around her. She has that same feeling she had when she rode the motorcycle with Dash in her stomach. A stirring and dull ache that made her want another kiss. And Dash gave her one.

When they finally pulled away from each other smiling and laughing, Ozzy looked between the two in the distance. He smiled sadly, and slowly backed away through the open hall doors silently.

Timing is everything on the Upper East Side, and it looks like O is in the right place at the wrong time. Too bad you had your chance, O. I hope you like watching from the sidelines. It looks like E has made her first choice. Congrats, D. You earned it.

XOXO

Gossip Girl

A/N: Phew! There you have it! What took me so long to finally share this chapter was finding the time to rewrite the last third of this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!

As I mentioned in my previous chapter, I have decided to return to the same chapter structure I had for part 1. That will be starting in the next chapter. Hopefully, this means that I will be able to finish chapters quicker, and there will be more frequent updates.

So, what teaser can I share for next chapter? I'll give you two bits to chew on: one it will feature Evelyn/Dash's first date, and it will be titled 'You Don't Know Jack."

As always, reviews are always welcomed and appreciated. Thank you to everyone, especially guest reviewers whom I can't message directly, for the love and support for this story. That constant support will always keep me going with this story!

Till next time,

XOXO EZ11