A/N: Hello everyone. I sincerely apologize for the wait for this chapter. I didn't intend to wait so long to post, but I've had a pretty rough last few months. I won't get too far into the details, but I wasn't in a good place both physically and emotionally, so working on this story had to take a backseat for a bit. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I intend to do my best to get back on schedule with this story. Enjoy!

Chapter 44: Bass Instinct

What do you get when you have two people from feuding families come together? On the Upper East Side, we like to call that a side alliance where intel, money, and strategic advantage can help give you the edge in battle. It's a dangerous way to play, but what's a girl to do when everyone she thought she trusted turned on her? It turns out for E, playing the middle never felt so good. It's an instinct. Bass Instinct that is.

"Thank you for the travel tips," Evelyn said as she walked home with Carter from the Palace. It was way past her curfew, and she hoped everyone would be asleep, so she could slip in quietly.

"Who knew an empty Chapstick tube could double as an emergency money stash?"

"I told you, it saved me when I got mugged in Buenos Aires."

"In broad daylight no less," Evelyn said. "You have a lot of stories like that don't you?"

Carter shrugged. "The stories find me."

Evelyn shook her head. "So what now? Do you have any places to jet off to?"

"Nah. I'll be staying in the city for a while. Maybe get a job or go to school."

"That's very disciplined of you."

"I have to stay in the will somehow."

Evelyn tucked a loose wave of hair behind her ear unsure what to say. Stay in the will? There was something about the way Carter said it that unsettled her.

Carter grazed her arm. "What about you? Are you going to go back to your boyfriend?"

"Absolutely not," Evelyn scoffed.

"That's a wise choice. A lot of girls could learn from you."

It was easy for her to say no because she was so angry at Dash, but once that washed away, would she be able to say the same thing with as much conviction? She wasn't so sure.

"I still haven't seen him since I found out," Evelyn said.

"That's probably for the best," Carter said. "Nothing good ever comes out when you're angry. It's impossible to have a rational conversation."

Evelyn grinned. "That's very wise of you."

"I'm wise now, but I wasn't so wise when I started saying things that I now regret. If I were you, I wouldn't talk to him until you've had enough time to process what happened."

"You're right," Evelyn said. Although Evelyn had no intention of speaking to Dash about what happened, she still intended to follow through with her revenge on Dash. She wasn't going to let him get away without hurting the same way he hurt her. She couldn't move on without taking action first.

Evelyn stopped at the front door of her building.

"This is me." Evelyn said. "Thanks again for the drink. I really needed it."

Carter grinned. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "The pleasure was all mine."

Evelyn smirked. "Who knows? Maybe I'll need another drink this weekend?"

"You know where to find me," Carter said with a wink. "Goodnight."

Evelyn watched him disappear down the street. She stuffed her hands in her jacket pockets and walked in the building. As she waited for the elevator, she checked her phone. There was a dozen missed calls from her father, her Aunt, Chuck, Eric, and even Ozzy. She scrolled through the messages in her cluttered inbox. She didn't respond to any of them.

The penthouse was dark when she stepped inside. The house was quiet, and Evelyn's shoulders fell. Sure, they'd text, but she knew no one would stay up and wait for her.

Evelyn turned the corner to see a lamp light turn on.

"Oh my God," Evelyn said, jumping back. "Aunt Kim? What are you doing here?"

Aunt Kim crossed her arms across her floral print cotton pyjamas. "Where have you been?"

Evelyn's eyes fell to the floor.

Aunt Kim approached her, frowning. "Evelyn Misty Bass, I will not ask you again. Where were you?"

"I was out with a friend. We lost track of time."

"Did you now? Well that will be the last time you lose track of time because you won't be seeing your friends for a while."

"What? Y-You can't do that!"

"May I see your phone?"

"Why?"

Aunt Kim snatched her purse and swiped the phone. "You won't be needing this anymore since you're grounded."

"What? Y-you can't do that! Where's my dad?"

"Asleep. But don't worry, he also made it clear that it was time your phone and other privileges were confiscated."

"I can't believe this. Why are you doing this?"

"Why am I doing this? Why are you galivanting with strangers, skipping school, and not coming home at night? We have a lot to discuss young lady."

Evelyn shook her head. "This is so unfair."

"Unfair? And you think your behaviour has been fair to your father? Lily? Your friends and family who love and care about you? Is it fair that I had to drop what I was doing and drive here because of your reckless behaviour?"

"You don't understand. Dash and I—"

"Broke up? Pity. And you were so sure it was going to be forever."

Evelyn felt a sting in her eyes. She swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat. She wouldn't cry in front of Aunt Kim. She wouldn't admit that Aunt Kim was right about Dash, about boys, about everything. She wouldn't say how angry she was that she couldn't prove her Aunt wrong. That Dash couldn't prove her wrong. Her chest beginning to heave, and she hurled back the only insult that she could in that moment.

"I hate you!"

The words flew out of her mouth without any thought. They slapped her aunt in the face, stunning her. Her aunt blinked at her, wordless. They stared at each other for a long moment.

"Aunt Kim. I-I didn't me—"

"Go to your room. We'll discuss this tomorrow."

The sting in her eyes clouded her vision. Evelyn's face reddened from suppressing a sob that shook inside her. Evelyn hurried to her room and slammed the door. She didn't care if it woke up half the house. She kicked off her shoes, one landing near the window, the other near the bathroom. She collapsed on her bed and let out a silent scream into her pillow.

The first thing Bart did when he came downstairs for breakfast the next morning was check Evelyn's room. He opened the door without a knock, and saw his daughter on top of the covers of her bed. She lied on her stomach, her mouth agape. She wore black pants and a red sweater.

He frowned. He was minutes away from calling Andrew Tyler last night when Kim arrived around eleven. She insisted that she would stay up until Evelyn came home. His initial relief at seeing his daughter in her bed was replaced with worry. Where was she? Who was she with?

He kept wondering about these things while he sat with Kim and Lily drinking their morning coffee.

"When did she come home?" Bart asked.

"After midnight," Kim said.

"How is she?" Lily asked.

"Still asleep," Bart said. Ina started pouring him a second cup of coffee over his shoulder. "Thank you, Ina."

"And you didn't wake her?" Kim said looking at her watch. "She has school, doesn't she?"

Eric appeared dressed in uniform looking troubled.

"Good morning, Eric," Lily said.

"It is for some people," Eric said taking a seat.

"Is something wrong?" Lily said while shooting Bart a concerned look.

"Not with me. I just had the pleasure of waking the sleeping dragon."

Bart sipped his coffee and locked eyes with Kim. "How was she when she came home?"

"Full of attitude and entitlement," Kim said.

Evelyn appeared at the breakfast table in her Constance uniform. Her hair was tangled in a high ponytail, her eyes smudged from the remnants of last night's makeup.

"Good morning, Evelyn," Bart said. It was his best ditch effort to make everything seem normal, controlled even.

Evelyn glared at her aunt. "It was until now."

Lily's eyes widened while everyone stared at their plates.

Kim shook her head in disbelief. Something had shifted in their relationship since the last time he'd seen them together. She seemed not only disappointed with Evelyn, but unable to tighten her grip on her.

"Please have something to eat, darling," Lily said.

Evelyn picked up a croissant started eating it while standing.

"Why don't you take a seat and eat?" Bart said.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I have to go."

"To see Carter again?" Kim asked.

"As in Baizen?" Eric wondered aloud.

Evelyn glared at Eric and crossed her arms. ""You went through my phone messages?"

"No, but I didn't appreciate him texting you at three in the morning that he was thinking about you at that time."

This perked Bart's attention. He would have to get a hold of that phone once Evelyn left for school.

"I can't control if someone thinks of me," Evelyn said.

"But you won't be perpetuating that thought because you won't be seeing him again."

"Will I get my phone back at least?" Evelyn said.

"No. That's a privilege that was taken away once you were grounded."

"Then how are you going to get a hold of me? For safety?"

"I'll be coming with you to and from school. That's the only place you will be going."

"Are you serious?"

"Perfectly."

"Dad," Evelyn said.

He felt trapped between Kim and Evelyn. Did he think Kim was being a bit overprotective? Yes. Did he trust Evelyn to be on her own after last night? No.

"Please listen to your aunt, Evelyn."

"Fine," Evelyn sneered. "Take her side without hearing mine."

"Just wait a minute, young lady!" Aunt Kim threw her napkin on her plate and followed Evelyn to the elevator.

Eric picked up an apple. "Guess my ride is leaving."

"Hang in there, Eric," Bart said. "This'll blow over soon."

"I wouldn't be too sure," Eric said.

Bart sat back in his chair. Lily leaned forward on the table and rested her chin atop her hands.

"Well that went well," Lily said.

"And I think it's going to get worse before it gets better. Any advice?"

"Don't do what Kim's doing. Evelyn is just going to rebel even more."

"I think you're right. I didn't want to oppose Kim though when Evelyn put me on the spot. I thought a united front was the right approach even if it's just a smoke screen."

"It is. You didn't give her a chance to pit you against each other."

"I don't think it did much good. It just made her resent me more."

"I wouldn't worry about that Bart. All teenage girls resent their parents at one point or another. She'll come back when she needs you."

Bart sincerely hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Chuck picked up his invitation as he checked his watch. It was early for his liking, but it was a necessary sacrifice. His thighs were still sore from last night, and he winced as he walked. The limo was parked on twenty-eight street right across from St. Anthony Hall. He waited and saw a familiar tall and slim figure wearing gym clothes bound down the steps and on to the sidewalk.

Chuck dashed out the door and called, "Julian! Julian!"

Julian stopped jogging and took out his earbuds. Chuck approached him, his hand outstretched. "Chuck Bass. You may remember me from last year."

Julian nodded his head. "Blair's ex who brought my ex to the UN Conference Gala. You are unforgettable."

Chuck smirked. "Finally, some truth in advertising."

"What are you doing here so bright and early?"

"You see, I received this invitation, and I was hoping to ask you a few questions."

Julian shifted his gaze to untangling his earbuds. "That's not how it works, Chuck."

"And how does it work exactly?"

"You were first supposed to destroy that after reading, and then show up to our first meeting tonight."

"And if I have questions? You are the President, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am. Typically, no one asks questions this early, but I suppose I'll make an exception."

"Excellent. You see, I had my reservations with joining your little club last year, so please do tell me what it's about. Like really about?"

"That's confidential."

"Confidential? You can't tell me a single thing this society's about?"

"We have mixers with other social groups. We do philanthropy events too."

"Tantalizing," Chuck said. "But is there anything that you do in secret involving the eye of providence, or speaking to spirits?"

Julian's brows crinkled together. "What? Where did you hear that?"

"I had an encounter last night involving a member of what I assumed was Locke and Key. I was kidnapped, strapped to a chair, watched a video that went through the history of the society that featured ties to the occult. Is this what you guys are about?"

"Someone must have been playing a cruel joke on you," Julian said. "That has nothing to do with what we're about."

"So you guys don't haze? No pledge paddles or vile wine?"

"Absolutely not. It's against our bylaws and standing rules. We're not a fraternity."

"It seems like one of your members misunderstood that fact."

Julian shook his head. "Chuck, I don't know what to tell you. I have no idea about what happened to you, but it's up to you if you want to join us for our first meeting next week. If you really want to know what it's about, you should come."

"I was planning on it," Chuck said. "I just wanted to bring this incident to your attention. I could have you know, been hurt, or died even."

"Thank you for letting me know. I'll make sure the situation is handled and that it doesn't happen again."

"That's for the best. You're lucky I haven't filed a lawsuit. If it happens again, someone else could. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your run."

Julian put in his headphones and trotted away. Chuck smirked. Who will be hazing who now, Blair?

Ozzy opened the car door revealing the front gates of Constance and St. Jude's. He stepped out, adjusted his blazer and waited for Dash to follow. The door remained open. Ozzy bent forward and peered inside.

"Dash, come on. We're at school."

Dash sat with his legs sprawled, his head tipped back. His eyes were closed and he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I have a headache."

'I don't think that excuse is going to work again," Ozzy said. "Come on. This is a loading zone. John has to move the car."

"At least I'll be safer far away."

Ozzy shook his head. Dash had not been taking the breakup well at all. He didn't sleep, lashed out at anyone who so much as mentioned Evelyn directly or indirect, and he refused to go back to school by pleading every illness in the book.

"Do I need to drag you?" Ozzy said.

Dash sighed and shuffled out. His eyes were bloodshot, his shoulders slumped. As much as Ozzy sided with Evelyn, he couldn't help but feel for Dash. He lost Evelyn too before. He knew what that kind of loss felt like especially when it's self-inflicted. He wasn't just losing Evelyn from his life, but the vivaciousness she brings to it. Dash seemed aimless now, his fun-loving charm deflated.

Ozzy slapped his shoulder. "Come on. Let's go."

"To my execution."

"No need to be dramatic."

"It's easy for you to say. You don't have the wrath of Chuck Bass lurking around the corner. I'm just waiting for him to show up and murder me. I'd rather just get it over with."

"Just know there's safety in numbers."

"You'd fight with me if he came for me?"

"Probably. I mean, you have to know that it would be a two for one special for him. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind messing up my face either."

Everyone looked at Dash and started whispering. Their eyes widened, surprised to see him. A few boys at St. Jude's nodded their approval while others shook their heads in disbelief.

"I need a drink. Quick, do you have a flask stashed in your bag?"

A part of his rehabilitation program required Ozzy to remain sober. He hadn't thought about having a drink for a few weeks now. On the days he was lower, it wasn't easy.

"Nope."

"I thought you were here for me?"

"I am here for you. I'm not here to enable you."

"Then what good are you?"

Ozzy checked his phone. He sent another text to Evelyn, a warning really, but he knew it would only fall on deaf ears. She hadn't responded to any of his texts or picked up his calls. She barely talked to him in class even. It was really starting to unnerve him.

Dash marched ahead and suddenly turned left towards the Constance hallway.

"Dash? Where are you going?"

Dash ignored him and marched with purpose in the direction of Evelyn's locker. What was he thinking? This was nothing more than a suicide mission.

Dash approached Evelyn's open locker. She was bent over putting something away. He knocked on her open locker door.

Evelyn stood up, her brows initially knitted in confusion. When she saw Dash, she scowled.

"Great. I had a feeling you'd be back to bother me."

"Evelyn, I know you're very mad at me, but can we talk for a second?"

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Talk."

Dash audibly sighed. He didn't seem prepared for that answer. "I know I screwed up, and I'm so sorry for what I did. It was wrong, and I should have told you as soon as it happened. Is there any way we can work through this?"

Evelyn stared at him, her blue eyes cold as ice. When she didn't say anything, Dash began to ramble on.

"Like, we can you know, take it slow. I know it's going to take time to earn your forgiveness, but I'll do anything to earn it back. You name it. Whatever you want to make you feel better."

"Anything I want?"

"Anything."

"How about you leave me alone and never talk to me again? That would make me feel better."

"Evelyn wait—"

Evelyn slammed her locker door shut. "For what? You couldn't seem to wait for me when someone else offered themselves to you."

Dash reached for her and grabbed her wrist. "Evelyn, please."

"Please, what? The only person who should be saying please is me. Let go of me please."

Dash let go of her wrist, and she walked away. She didn't even so much as acknowledge Ozzy on the way out.

Dash turned away and kicked her locker.

"Dash, come on. We should go to assembly."

Dash rested his hands on his hips and took a couple deep breaths.

"Was she this bad when you betrayed her?"

"Yeah. Lucky for you, she hasn't moved to a new school yet."

Dash brushed past him, knocking his shoulder with Ozzy's. "She may as well have."

Evelyn walked through the halls feeling bare without her phone. She had no one to text, no Gossip Girl to check, nothing. It seemed like everyone was on their phone more than usual when Evelyn passed them in the hallway.

Eric walked with her and droned on about Jonathan. She wasn't listening. She was still stuck on Dash's lame attempt of pleading for forgiveness. He could beg all he wanted, but the damage was done. She couldn't look at him, and she certainly did her best to not think about him. Instead, she needed to think of the perfect way to get even with him. In the meantime, Evelyn was focus on getting even with another target: Catherine Baizen. After last night, she realized that the one person who may possibly help her with that was none other than her brother.

"Evelyn, are you listening?"

"Totally. I'm sure if you just talked it out with Jonathan, then you two can work it out."

"I guess…"

Evelyn saw Catherine huddled with the girls on the steps. She spoke in a hushed tone, and they stopped talking and stared as Evelyn passed.

"Why are they all freezing worse than a cat on the road?"

Evelyn chuckled. "They're waiting to get run over."

"That sounds menacing. Are you, I don't know, the driver?"

Evelyn shrugged. "It's all a matter of perception isn't it?" Evelyn spotted the headmistress's office down the hall. "Anyway, Eric. I have to go see the Headmistress. She wants to lecture me after you know, missing a few classes. Catch up with you later?"

"Sure."

Evelyn walked into the Headmistress's office where her secretary sat at a desk typing on her computer.

"May I help you Ms. Bass?"

"Yes, actually. I accidentally left my phone at home. Would I be able to use yours to call my parents to let them know?"

"Of course." The receptionist handed her a cordless phone.

"Thank you."

Evelyn started pacing as far away from the table as she could and opened up her spiral notebook to the page where she scribbled Carter's number in the margins. She had written it down originally when she was researching in Chuck's suite.

"Hello?"

"Carter. I heard you didn't sleep much last night."

His tone changed from trepidation to pleasure. "Bass. I didn't expect you to call me so soon."

"And I didn't expect you to text me in the middle of the night either."

Carter chuckled. "What can I say? I had sweet dreams."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Has that line worked for you before?"

"You know what, surprisingly it hasn't. I guess it didn't work here either?"

quite. Anyway, I would have texted you from my phone, but well…I forgot it at home."

"And you were so desperate to see me again that you found a way to contact me?"

"Not quite. I just happened to require a drink sooner than I planned. You will just happen to benefit. So what do you say?"

"Don't you have school?"

"I'm not really feeling it. Don't you have to try finding a job or something?"

"I'm not really feeling it either. I can come by and pick you up for lunch?"

Evelyn's smile curled into a smirk. "I look forward to it."

Spotted: E paying a visit to Headmistress Queller's office. Is it us, or is E becoming more and more like a Bass by the day?

Chuck lounged on the couch in their apartment that afternoon. He skipped his math class today for he was too busy envisioning ways Blair could have hazed him. While the first step of his retaliation was in motion, he now waited to see what was in store for meeting next week. Now that he knew what he experienced last night was a sham, he was genuinely curious as to what the Locke and Key was about. He also looked forward to seeing Blair squirm too.

Nate appeared, fresh and changed from a shower. He had his phone in his hand, and he halted right in front of Chuck.

"Dude. You have to see this."

Nate tossed his phone, and Chuck caught it. "What?"

It was a picture of Carter Baizen opening the door to Patsis for his sister.

"Carter Baizen is with my sister?"

"It looks that way. I thought he was in Dubai after Serena broke up with him after Christmas?"

"Last time I spared a thought on that guy, I hoped he jumped into a volcano," Chuck said. "What is he doing with my sister?"

"Beats me. I mean, what is your sister doing with him?"

Chuck's jaw twitched. He gave Nate his phone back and stood up. What was Evelyn doing with Carter? He remembered that they'd met once at Thanksgiving last year, but it was merely in passing. Or so he thought.

He checked his watch. He didn't have class until evening anyway. He had time to investigate this new development.

"Where are you going?" Nate asked.

"To exterminate that rotten Baizen before he contaminates my sister. Care to participate?"

Nate pocked his phone, the memory of Carter's betrayal from junior year resurfacing. "I'm in."

Evelyn slipped off campus before Eric and Ozzy could ambush her during lunch. Carter leaned on the back door of his town car, hands in his pockets, waiting for her. He wore a grey suit with no tie.

"Wow. One of the first people out of the gates. Must have set a record."

"Trust me, I'll do anything to get out of Mr. Lawrence's class. If I don't get up soon enough, his monotone voice would have put me to sleep."

"I thought he retired?"

"Some of us couldn't be so lucky."

"Hm. I have to say, I didn't attend his class often, but when I did, I too thought he was horrifically boring." Carter opened the door for her. "Come on. Let's return you to the land of the living."

Evelyn ducked into the car, her hands brushing against the smooth leather seats. Carter got in beside her and directed his driver toward the Meatpacking District.

The further they drove away from school, the more relieved she was. There were no prying eyes on her. No ex-boyfriends begging for her forgiveness. No intrusive relatives leaching onto her like a human ankle monitor. No meddling aunts who thought it was better to deprive her of her autonomy than let her deal with the situation the best way she could.

Carter draped his arm behind her shoulders. "Are you worried about missing school?"

"No."

Carter eyed her suspiciously. "Really?"

Evelyn shrugged. "This isn't the first time I've skipped before. Won't be the last."

Carter studied her. "You surprise me, Bass."

"In what way?"

Carter smiled, his hand curling around her shoulder. "In a great way."

The car rolled to a stop in front of Pastis. Evelyn followed Carter into the restaurant where a reserved table was dressed and set for them.

Once the maître D helped Evelyn with her chair and gave them their menus, Evelyn took a look around the place. The wainscoting walls and dark brown archways made the restaurant seem warm and comfortable. A long bar stacked with varying bottles of alcohol curved around the centre of the room. Fresh bread was sorted in bins in the corner of the room, ready for waiters to slice and serve.

"You really know how to spoil a girl," Evelyn said.

"Enjoying quality food is an experience that's meant to be shared."

"Says the same guy who survived on cancha for a month while building houses in Monchu Pichu."

Carter chuckled. "Nothing gets past you does it?"

"Well, my boyfriend did cheat on me, and I had no idea, so not everything."

Carter winced. "It doesn't get any easier saying that does it?"

"Not really."

"It's best not to dwell on it. How long have you been in New York anyway?"

"A year and a half now."

"Do you like it?"

"Of course. It's very different than Connecticut that's for sure. It's much busier, more…alive even. I can't go back now. I've gone back to visit for a couple days at a time, and I get bored."

"New York City has that effect. You can go, but you always come back. Say, you've been living with the Van der Woodsens since your father married Lily Van der Woodsen right?"

"Yes. They've been very welcoming."

Carter nodded. "You're very lucky. The Van der Woodsens are good people. Had your father married someone else, it could have been very different."

"I never thought of that, but I guess you're right. Eric's a great friend, and Serena's always been very supportive as I've tried to figure this all out."

"She went back to Brown?"

"Yeah, second year. You were seeing each other last year, weren't you?"

Carter shook his head. "That's over now. Ancient history as they say. What about you and Chuck? Are you close?"

Evelyn felt her stomach recoil. Was he probing her for information? If anything, Evelyn saw an opportunity to probe him on the information she was looking for.

"Yeah. I mean, he's moved out for college now, but we still talk all the time. I never really liked being an only child, so I like having a sibling. Don't you?"

Evelyn sipped her water, waiting. Carter didn't react immediately.

"It's alright I guess."

"Just alright?"

"I don't know. It might be different. My sister and I have a four-year age gap, so we're not as close."

"Do you talk?"

"Occasionally."

Evelyn straightened her cutlery beside the plate. She was surprised. They did grow up together didn't they?

"I've always envied the time I didn't have growing up with Chuck. Don't you and Catherine have any stories growing up together?"

"I mean, would I beat her up when she was being annoying? Yes. But I don't think that was anything out of the ordinary."

Dang it. Evelyn knew she was going to have to work a lot harder to get the information she wanted from Carter about his sister. Why was he playing it so close to the vest? Did Catherine put him on notice that she didn't like her? Or was he hiding something?

"Not even one story?"

"I'm sure Catherine would be the one to remember it more than me. You can ask her."

So he didn't know anything that was going on with her and Catherine. Evelyn relaxed in her chair. Good. The less Carter knew, the better.

They ate and talked at length. Evelyn enjoyed herself so much that she didn't bother to check her watch. She knew she was well past the lunch bell. After Carter paid the check, they ambled back to the car.

"Thank you for the drink and lunch," Evelyn said. She was initially disappointed that the lunch didn't guide her to any discoveries regarding Catherine.

"It was my pleasure." Carter checked his watch. "Lunch was a bit more leisurely than I thought."

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing when you're in the presence of good company."

"You're not going to take me back to school, are you?" Evelyn said, an idea forming in her head.

"Not if you don't want me too." His eyes fell to her lips. "Did you have something in mind?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Well, my human ankle monitor that is my aunt is currently waiting for me at home. I could benefit from a place that could provide some refuge from that. Any suggestions?"

"How about we go back to my place?"

"You mean your parent's place?"

Carter smirked. "Well, yes. I'm crashing there until I figure things out. They're never home during the day."

Evelyn smirked, her plan falling into place. "Let's go, then."

Carter opened the door for her. "After you, Bass."

Carter took the opportunity to give her the once over from behind. He smirked and got in the car.

Careful E. You may think you have the upper hand, but Carter Baizen won't just come baring gifts but expectations too.

After the last bell rang, Ozzy pushed through the throngs of eager students and spotted Dash waiting at his locker.

"See? You made it through the day."

Dash groaned. "Barely."

"Hey, each day will get easier," Ozzy said while stashing his textbooks on the top shelf.

"Each day will make things even more final," Dash grumbled. "Whatever. Let's just go home, so I can crawl under a rock and die all over again."

Ozzy clamped a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. At least Dash hadn't lost his flair for dramatics yet. Ozzy considered it a good sign that Dash was even talking to him normally instead of lashing out. He doubted it would last, but it was something.

Ozzy noticed Eric Van der Woodsen anxiously waiting at the edge of the St. Jude's hallway. He looked bewildered, his gaze snapping back and forth across the dissipating crowds of students that were leaving school for the day. Eric's eyes fell on him, and he waved him over.

"Dash? I'll meet you at the car in a minute."

Dash grumbled and continued on. Ozzy weaved through his fellow classmates until he made it to Eric.

"Have you seen Evelyn today?" Eric asked.

"In the morning. Why?"

"I haven't seen her since lunch. I think she skipped again."

"Again?"

"Yeah. She used to do that with Dash. I thought maybe if I didn't know where she was then maybe you would." Eric ruffled a hand through his hair.

That was new information to Ozzy. Evelyn and Dash would skip class together?

"I was looking for her too, but she won't talk to me. She's been ignoring my calls and texts too."

Eric shook his head. "She hasn't been talking to anyone."

Now Ozzy was really starting to worry. Did Evelyn distance herself in these situations? Yes. But did she block everyone out in the process? He didn't think so. There had to be someone she'd turn to. If she refused to turn to him that was one thing, but not even Eric?

"Has she been coming home though?"

"Yes, but late. Her Aunt Kim is going to freak."

Aunt Kim? He remembered her and her home in Southington. She was always nice to him albeit stern at times. If she was in Connecticut, how could she freak out?

"Aunt Kim? Why would she freak out?"

"She came for a visit last night to help with the situation. She will be here to pick us up, and she won't be too happy to see only me."

He couldn't really blame her. Evelyn was acting less then reliable as of late.

"Can't she call her?"

"She confiscated her phone after she was out late last night with Carter Baizen."

"Carter Baizen? Catherine's older brother?"

"The notorious older brother, yes."

What the hell was she doing with him? He'd only met him a couple times, and he didn't think much of him.

"What was she doing with Carter Baizen?"

Eric sighed. "I don't even know anymore."

Ozzy shook his head. What was going on with Evelyn? He knew she was hurt, but she wasn't doing the things she normally would to help her cope. Clearly calling and texting her wasn't going to be enough to reach out and grab a hold of her to stop herself from whatever destructive path she was on.

"Alright. Here's what we're going to do. I first have to make sure Dash gets home safe, and then I'll call Catherine and see if she knows where her brother is staying. That could potentially give us a clue as to where Evelyn is. I'll let you know if she knows anything."

"Thanks, Ozzy. I'll just…tell Aunt Kim the truth. Hopefully she won't kill me."

"She won't kill you. Just tell her that I'm working on it."

Ozzy started texting Catherine on his way to the car. He knew that by engaging in this conversation that she might think he wanted something else with her. He sighed. That didn't matter. He would deal with that later. He texted her to call him as soon as she got the text.

"What took you so long?" Dash said.

He didn't have the heart to tell Dash. It was probably for the best. If he knew what Evelyn was doing, he might lose it. Or worse, try to get involved and make things more difficult.

"I just had to ask one of my teacher's something about an assignment. Sorry about that."

The car pulled away from the curb, as Ozzy checked his phone. He hoped Catherine would call soon. He was done giving Evelyn space. Now, he was going after her whether she wanted it or not.

The Baizen Penthouse was eerily quiet. There were no maids bustling about. No pets roaming around. There wasn't even an old clock that ticked a steady beat. The marble floors were cool under her feet, each decorative vase gleaned on the ornate French-inspired tables. It felt more like a museum then a home.

"So this the home you grew up in?"

"One of them. We have a place in the Hamptons too," Carter said.

Evelyn neared the fireplace and looked at a particularly expensive plate on the mantle. "Did you break anything?"

"What? No. But we weren't allowed to run either. It would kick up dust."

"Are you serious?"

"My Mom can be a bit intense sometimes."

Evelyn touched the plate, curious of its texture, and it shifted. She jumped back and pressed her hands to her sides. She would pretend she was in a museum and just not touch anything.

"How about you? You grew up in Connecticut with your aunt?"

"That's right. I was fortunate enough to run in my house, which I did often."

It was difficult to see in that moment, but Evelyn's childhood was stable, dependable, innocent. She was allowed to be a child, roam and explore beyond their backyard with neighbourhood kids. They even had their own spot, a dirt pit on the outskirts of the trail everyone used to walk or bike. That was their spot in the winters where they'd ice over the mounds of snowy dirt and slide down it with toboggans. She doubted Carter had the same experience.

Carter came up behind her and touched the small of her back. "You would be in so much trouble if you did that here."

Evelyn turned to face him. "I guess that makes me a troublemaker then."

Carter pulled her close, his hand burning the small of her back. "We'll see about that."

He kissed her, his arms trapping her. Evelyn felt her heart beat speed up, and her eyes remained open. The kiss was nice, but Evelyn wasn't here to kiss Carter. She was here to find something that she could use against Catherine. There was nothing in the living room. Her best bet was in Catherine's bedroom.

Carter deepened the kiss, and Evelyn could feel his tongue try to slither its way between her lips. Evelyn pulled away, putting a hand on her chest, as if she'd lost her breath.

Carter released his arms and took her by the hand. "Let's go upstairs and get…more acquainted."

Evelyn looked back to the main foyer where the staircase was. She tried to keep her facial features level, Evelyn knew she was treading dangerous territory, but if they were going upstairs, maybe she could someone sneak out to Catherine's room to snoop?

Evelyn swallowed. "With pleasure."

Carter guided her up the stairs, and Evelyn paid extra close attention to where everything was. There was a study on the left of the stairs. A guest room on the right. A linen closet. Then, Carter's room. Evelyn's blood ran cold. She dragged her feet through the door, and Carter closed the door behind them.

Evelyn took that opportunity to let go of his hand, and appear to explore his room. The blinds were shut, his bed linen was dark, and the desk was bare. She was trapped.

Evelyn saw two doors. One was ajar, the other shut. Evelyn moved to the open door, hoping it would lead somewhere when Carter hooked his arm around her waist.

"Where do you think you're going?" She felt his hot breath on her ear.

"I was just going to—"

Evelyn felt something vibrate in Carter's pocket. She felt Carter's nose trail down her hairline, and he planted a kiss behind her ear. She felt goosebumps bristle on her neck.

"Carter? Is that your phone or…"

He chuckled and pulled away. "Why yes, it is. One sec, I have to take this."

He freed her from his grasp, and Evelyn arrived at the door. She opened it, revealing a jack and jill bathroom that led to a purple walled room. Bingo.

"I'm just going to freshen up," Evelyn said.

Carter nodded and continued to talk on the phone. Evelyn shut the door behind her and let out a big sigh. She then jogged through the bathroom and into Catherine's room. The walls were a similar purple to her room in Connecticut. Her white bedroom furniture was nicer, and instead of a desk, she had a makeup table. It was odd how similar yet at odds Evelyn and Catherine were.

Evelyn immediately went to her desk. She rifled through her makeup boxes and drawers looking for something, anything that she could use against Catherine. There had to be something. She had to have a skeleton in her closet.

All she found was a big selection of makeup brushes and eyeshadow pallets. Evelyn got up and checked her side tables. Inside, she found a notebook. Evelyn leafed through it. It was part journal, part sticky note, where all of Catherine's ideas were both planned and sporadic. Evelyn skimmed the pages, looking for some guilty admission. She noticed the dates from the spring and a familiar name popped out. Ozzy.

She wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. She couldn't look away either.

There's just something about him. Maybe it's his smile. Maybe it's how he's been the only person there to listen to me when I felt the most alone. Maybe it's his humbleness. For some reason, he has no idea how incredible and talented he is. So many guys at St. Jude's think they're the best, but have nothing to show for it. But with Ozzy, it's the opposite. He is the best, but can't seem to grasp his potential.

I've never felt more alive when we're together. He's such a good kisser. And his hands feel so good. I love it when he…

Now Evelyn wanted to throw up. The last thing she wanted to read was a detailed description of Catherine and Ozzy's sexual encounters.

I just wish he could appreciate me more sometimes. I'm the one who's there for him. I'm the one he can have fun with. But his mind is always elsewhere. I don't know where he is half the time, but I just assume that he's thinking about Evelyn.

Oh? Catherine mentioned something about her. Maybe there's something here.

As much as I like Ozzy, I know deep down that he will never love me like he loves Evelyn. I just don't get it. What's so great about her anyway? She's not that pretty. She always thinks she's morally superior, and she's just so annoying. I don't know why he's so in love with her. He's so in love with her, and he can't even see it!

Evelyn shook her head. There was no way Ozzy was… in love with her. He rejected her at the Masked Ball. He made it clear then that he didn't feel that way about her anymore. Case closed. Catherine was deluded.

We all knew it before junior year even started in the Hamptons. When I pushed Evelyn in the water, I've never seen someone jump into action so quickly. Literally.

"I knew it!" Evelyn whispered. She reached into her pocket for her phone, but felt only a crumpled tissue. Her phone was probably sitting on the kitchen table at home thanks to Aunt Kim. Damn it. Without picture evidence, how could she possibly sue Catherine for reckless endangerment or whatever misdemeanour her diary proved?

Evelyn leafed through the rest of the entry where Catherine circled back to her self-doubt. Evelyn shut the diary and put it back in the drawer. She was going to have to find something else.

What else could she find? Evelyn moved to the walk-in closet and flicked on the lights. She had to be quick. Carter was probably going to wonder why she was in the bathroom for so long. Evelyn pushed through the clothes, and looked above where boxes of shoes and purses were neatly stacked. Evelyn took them down and started looking through the boxes. In the last shoebox, closest to the corner, she discovered a box of papers. Evelyn opened them one by one, looking for something, anything.

A couple of the letters were written by Headmistress Queller. Evelyn skimmed through them. They were dated a couple years ago, freshman year. The letter detailed Catherine's status in school.

We will gladly reinstate Catherine once she is well enough to attend classes.

Well enough to attend classes? Evelyn flipped to the next page. It was a doctor's note dated from the beginning of sophomore year that read:

Please be advised that Catherine Baizen requires bedrest for Mononucleosis for the next four to six weeks.

Evelyn's eyes widened. She pocketed the paper and put everything else back in its place. Catherine had mono? By the looks of Catherine's doctor's note, it looked to be a more serious case of mono too. Not only would this kind of information ruin her reputation, but it would be enough to win the crown from Catherine. Should she leverage the information in the right way, she was sure of it.

When everything was back in place, Evelyn went back to the bathroom. Her head was spinning. She didn't expect this kind of skeleton to linger in Catherine's closet.

"Bass?" Carter knocked on the door. "Is everything okay in there?"

Evelyn swung the door open. "Everything's fine."

Carter smirked and pulled her in his arms.

Looks like this Baizen has hooked himself a Bass.

When they returned home, Ozzy watched Dash stomp up the stairs and slam the door to his room. As bad as Dash was handling the breakup, Ozzy would rather see him isolate himself in his room then roam the city like Evelyn was. He didn't think he could handle both of them spinning out of control in that way. It would tear him in two.

Ozzy's mom was sitting at the kitchen table, talking on her phone. She waved to Ozzy and continued talking. Ozzy opened the fridge and picked out an apple.

For the whole drive home, he was trying to think of plausible places Evelyn would be. Gossip Girl posted that she was out with Carter for lunch, but it was nearing dinner, and she was still nowhere to be found. Maybe she just needed someone to talk to that wasn't related to the situation at all? What unsettled him more was the higher possibility that she had other ulterior motives.

Ozzy's phone buzzed in his pocket. It was Catherine.

"Catherine. Thanks for calling me back."

"It's no big deal. I was happy to see you called. What's the emergency?"

"This actually is about your brother. Is he in town?"

"Yes he is. Why would you want to know that?"

"Where is he staying?"

"At our penthouse. Ozzy, why are you asking me this?"

"Are you home right now?"

"No. I'm out with the girls. Ozzy, is my brother in trouble or something?"

"Trouble?"

Catherine sighed. "It wouldn't be the first time. He's been caught for embezzlement, fraud, and has jilted a couple fiancés already. Oh, and that was when he didn't abandon us to go 'find himself'," Catherine scoffed.

"Oh well, I don't think he's in that kind of trouble," Ozzy said. The more he learned about Carter, the more irritated he felt about Evelyn's involvement with him.

"Then he should be fine. Why are you asking?"

"It's not for me. Eric was asking me about him."

"Because of Serena?"

Serena? Ozzy hardly knew Eric's sister, but he vaguely remembered her dating Carter last fall.

"Maybe?"

"I get it. He wants to get back together with her, right? Let's hope she has enough sense to say no."

"He's your brother."

"So? Just because we're related doesn't mean he can be trusted."

It was a fair point. Just because your family doesn't mean you have to like each other.

"Does that answer your questions?"

"Yeah. Thanks. I have to go and call Eric now to let him now. See you at school."

He hung up before she could say anymore.

His mom was off the phone too. She kissed his cheek. "Hi honey. How was school today?"

"It was fine."

"Something on your mind?"

"Yeah, it's Evelyn actually. She's been very distant."

"Distant how?"

"She won't pick up my calls or texts. She barely talks to me at school. Now, she's skipping school to galivant off with Catherine's older brother."

"Carter?"

"Yeah. She left school at lunch, and she hasn't been seen since. She doesn't even have a phone on her."

"Oh," his mom said. "That could be serious."

"I know. I just talked to Catherine, and I think I know where she could be. Can I go to the Bass house to tell them?"

Normally, he'd never ask, he'd simply go. Now that things have changed with his mom, he now had to ask to go somewhere.

"Yes."

"Really?"

His mom nodded. "I trust you, and I know this is important. Keep your phone on you and keep me updated."

Ozzy kissed his mom on the cheek. "Thanks, Mom."

"Go. And let me know when Evelyn's been found. Safe and sound."

Ozzy slung on his coat. "I will, that is, if we find her."

His mom gave him a knowing look. "Of course, you will. She did the same thing for you not too long ago."

Ozzy grinned. Evelyn was there for him when he didn't want help. Now he needed to do the same for her.

Bart returned home early from work. He was still acclimating to his new position, and with his reduced responsibility, he didn't need to work past six like he usually would at Bass Industries. He didn't feel guilty about leaving early. He'd paid his dues and then some over his career.

While his body was at his desk, his mind was elsewhere. Kim texted him that she went to pick up Evelyn and Eric from school, and Evelyn wasn't there. He wasn't initially surprised, but he was concerned. If Evelyn were to continue this behaviour, then he would have to resort to calling Andrew Tyler. Enough might be enough.

Kim sat at the kitchen table with her laptop open. She wore reading glasses and scribbled in a notebook. Eric was in the kitchen, head stuck in the fridge.

"Kim. Did you find success working from home?"

"Enough. It's not the same as you know."

Bart turned to Eric who walked through the dining room with a bowl of fruit, sullen. "Hey Eric. How was school?"

"Missable," He grumbled and disappeared to his room.

Bart took a seat across from Kim. "Is he upset about something?"

"He's worried about Evelyn. He feels bad that she ran off on his watch."

"That's not Eric's fault," Bart said. "If she has her mind set on it, I don't think anyone can stop her."

"Then I guess the adage is true then with the apple and the tree."

"We can't mess with genetics now, can we?" Bart said.

"Bart, I'm serious. We can now rule out that Evelyn's behaviour is an isolated incident. We need to do something about this."

"What do you suggest?"

"I think she needs to move back home."

Bart laced his fingers together, and leaned on the table. This was his daughter's home too. Kim couldn't expect him to uproot her again in her senior year no less.

"Bart, I know you don't like it, but I have to say since she moved here she's changed. In your world, she's become entitled, has attitude, and is spinning out of control at this very moment."

"I think you're being a little dramatic, Kim."

"Am I? From what I've heard, she's experienced multiple humiliations and has to endure your very public profile since you've stepped down from Bass Industries. I just don't think this is the right environment for Evelyn."

"I think she has been thriving here," Bart said. "She has friends, her family, and the connections that will lead her to a bright future."

"Friends? These are the same friends that go behind her back and steal her boyfriend? Also, I told you so on that one."

Bart sighed. "I get where you're coming from, Kim. I don't like where things are with her right now either. But, you can't say this environment is the reason things have happened the way they have. High school's the same no matter where you are in the country."

The elevator door pinged and Chuck appeared with Nate in tow.

Kim lowered her voice. "This conversation is far from over."

Chuck and Nate ambled towards them. Bart stood up and buttoned his suit. "Chuck. Nate. What brings you here?"

"We heard Evelyn didn't come home after school again from Eric. We came to help look for her."

"Do you have any idea where she could be?" Bart said.

"No. We thought you might," Chuck said.

Bart shrugged. "Our guess is as good as any."

Chuck stroked the tip of his chin. "Is there anything we can look at to retrace her steps?"

"I took away her phone," Kim said. "I've already looked through the messages."

"May I see it?" Chuck asked.

Kim handed him the phone, and Chuck browsed through the phone's messages. He saw messages from Eric, Ozzy, Dash. All of those messages were expected. But then, he saw a familiar name. Carter Baizen.

"Carter Baizen," He said. He opened their chat history, and he grimaced. "How long has she been seeing this loser?"

"She was out late with him last night," Kim said, crossing her arms.

"Do you think Evelyn's still with Carter Baizen right now?" Nate said. He looked at Kim and said, "That guy is bad news."

"It's a good bet based on this nauseating text he sent her in the middle of the night, and their Gossip Girl sighting at Pastis," Chuck said.

Kim frowned. "If she's with Carter, can we find out where she is?"

"They could be anywhere on the island," Nate said. "I mean, we could call him, but I doubt he'd pick up from us."

"Why wouldn't he?" Bart said.

Nate and Chuck exchanged a look. "He may have tried to swindle money from me through a poker game a couple years ago," Nate said.

Bart shook his head while Kim's eyes widened.

"Relax. We settled it just fine," Chuck said.

The elevator dinged in the distance. Nate and Chuck continued to try to explain themselves to Kim while Eric reappeared with an empty bowl. Bart noticed Oscar Taylor appeared in his St. Jude's uniform.

"Oscar," Bart said. "This is a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?"

"Hi Mr. Bass," Ozzy said while avoiding Bart's piercing gaze. "I was talking to Eric earlier, and he told me about Evelyn disappearing during school. Did she come home yet?"

"No. Not yet."

"I think I can help."

Chuck, Nate, and a surprised Kim tuned to look at him.

Kim took a step forward and said, "Oscar, is that you? You've grown so much since the last time I saw you."

"Oh. Yeah." Ozzy shifted from foot to foot. He smiled softly at Kim. "Hi Mrs. Ainsley."

"How can you help?" Chuck asked doubtfully.

"I think I know where Evelyn is."

Now that Evelyn had everything she needed, she wanted to get the hell out of the Baizen residence. She needed to figure out what her best play was with the information she gathered about Catherine. Would a Gossip Girl blast be effective enough? Blackmail? She needed to sort through her options.

Carter had his arms around her, his lips on her neck. "What took you so long? I don't like to be kept waiting."

Evelyn tried to think of a lie, but she remembered she didn't have her phone. That limited her options significantly.

"Who were you on the phone with? Another girlfriend?"

Carter pulled away with a smirk. "How'd you know?"

"Bass Instinct."

Carter chuckled and guided her lips to his. Evelyn allowed herself to close her eyes, as Carter continued to kiss her. It was nice. Pleasant. She had no doubt that Carter had experience.

But he wasn't Dash.

Evelyn tried to shake the thought away. Why would she think about him during a time like this? She was kissing another man! Evelyn thought back to seeing him this morning, dishevelled and distraught. Even though she played it cool, but it almost broke her to see him like that.

No. She was supposed to be mad at him. She was supposed to hate him. She wasn't supposed to feel sorry for him.

Yet, here she was kissing Carter Baizen while she wished she was kissing Dash. Her ex-boyfriend.

Carter took a step back towards his bed. Evelyn felt her stomach sink. Carter's hands began to roam over her Constance uniform. How many uniforms did he peel off in his day? Was he looking to make her another notch in his bedpost?

Carter's hands ducked under her skirt. He stroked the outside of her thighs before he gripped the backs of them. He lifted her, guided her legs around his waist. Evelyn gasped from the swift motion. He then spun them around, kissing her the whole time before dropping her on his soft bed.

Did he coordinate that? It was too smooth for Evelyn to know that he must have done that with many other girls. She now lied on her back, staring at the ceiling.

Carter pushed her pleated skirt over her hips and began to massage her thighs. Evelyn thought back to when Dash did this and how good it felt. She loved his smell. His taste. She loved the wonder he had whenever they were intimate and discovered a new pleasure together. When she looked up at Carter, she saw someone experienced, numb even.

Carter unbuttoned her shirt as he leaned forward and kissed her neck. His one hand traced a line down the centre of her chest before drifting to her breast. Evelyn lied there, motionless.

Evelyn looked up frantically at the ceiling. What was she doing? She barely knew Carter. He was Catherine's brother. She wanted revenge against others, not against herself. No. She couldn't do this.

Carter trailed kisses from her neck to her collarbone to her chest. He hovered over her, deciding his next move.

"Carter?"

"Bass?"

"I've never…"

"I know."

Was it that obvious? For a moment, she was annoyed. It's not like she was a virgin saint. Evelyn didn't like the coddling tone Carter used to patronize her.

"Let me guess. You're not ready?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. Being ready or not was a fundamentally wrong question to ask her. She was ready with Dash. She was ready for the right person. She just didn't want to have sex with him. Big difference.

"I guess I'm not," Evelyn said sharply.

Carter sat up on his knees and smirked. "I knew you were a tease, Bass."

Evelyn sat up and begin to button up her shirt. "Yeah, that's me."

"I'm not one to push, so why don't we go downstairs and cool down a bit?"

Evelyn nodded her head, keeping her gaze lowered on her rumpled skirt. "That's a good idea."

Evelyn righted her uniform and followed Carter downstairs. She checked her pocket and felt the piece of paper in her hand. It had been worth it.

"Where is she?" Chuck demanded.

It felt as if time was of the essence. Chuck's stomach soured at the thought of Evelyn spending time with Carter Baizen. He worried that Carter was taking advantage of her this very moment in her vulnerable state. He learned the ropes from Carter. He wasn't just the one who invented the lost weekend. He learned how not to take no for an answer from him.

"I think she's at the Baizen penthouse," Ozzy said.

Chuck eyed him suspiciously. He didn't know the kid very well, but he still didn't like how close he was with his sister. What business did he have to be anywhere near her? Chuck began to doubt Evelyn's taste in company by the minute.

"How can you be so sure?" Nate said.

"Well, I'm not certain, but I called Catherine, and she told me he's been staying there since he returned home. She was out with her friends, and no one else would be home."

The suggestion made the air grow stale. Chuck wouldn't admit it, but Ozzy's theory was more than likely. If Carter wasn't staying at a hotel, then there would be no need to book a room. He didn't have the money for that. Unless…

"Does Evelyn have access to any of the hotel suites?" Chuck said.

"I don't think so," His father said. "I'll call and check with Dexter at the Palace."

"Good. If she has a room, let us know. Nate and I will go see if she's at the Baizens."

"We'll wait here in case she returns," Kim said on behalf of herself, Eric, and Ozzy.

"Come on, Nathaniel," Chuck said.

Neither one of them said much in the elevator. Chuck was beginning to grow annoyed with Evelyn's antics. He could understand her need to blow off some steam, but hanging out with Carter Baizen? He told her Carter was his sworn enemy.

"Why on Earth would Evelyn go to Carter Baizen?" Nate wondered.

"I have no idea, but don't think for a second he's there to only be a shoulder to cry on."

"God no," Nate scoffed. "That guy always has a motive. Learned it the hard way unfortunately."

And that was what unsettled Chuck. Carter was a whole different level of schemer and womanizer. He didn't want him anywhere near Evelyn. She deserved much better than that imbecile.

"What do you think his angle is this time?"

"Carter's? Probably to get back at me for foiling his money laundering scheme in junior year."

Nate smirked. "Good times."

They hopped into the limo, and Chuck gave Arthur the Baizen's address. He didn't know what he was going to walk in on, but he now could see that he totally underestimated the situation. Evelyn wasn't taking the breakup well, and was using anyone she could find to escape. He was frustrated that the person she decided to turn to was Carter out of all people. Hell, he'd rather her confide in Ozzy or Nate even. Anything was better than Carter Baizen.

Chuck's phone pinged.

"Who is it?"

"Andrew Tyler. He couldn't find anything on Evelyn's disappearance today, but maybe I need to change his mission."

"Investigate Carter?"

Chuck smirked. "Nathaniel, I'm so glad to see that you're finally catching on."

"It was going to happen sooner or later with the sheer amount of PI work you seek out."

"It's due diligence."

"Whatever, man. I just hope we find her, and he didn't do anything to her."

Chuck's hand curled into a fist. "Me too."

Uh oh E. it looks like you've left a trail of breadcrumbs, and your Big Brother Bass is coming to cry wolf.

After Chuck and Nate left, Bart excused himself to call and check the Palace to see if Dexter noticed Evelyn appear at any point this afternoon. Eric had also disappeared once his mother Lily came home and needed his help with her phone. That left Ozzy alone and idle, as he sank in the couch watching everyone find purpose to help the effort while he sat with nothing to do. He was the one that found the lead, so why couldn't he have gone with Chuck and Nate? He didn't think Evelyn would take it well if her brother of all people was coming to drag her home.

Ozzy shifted on the couch. He looked around the penthouse and marvelled at his tall ceilings, artwork, and overall decadence. The Montgomery house was traditional, a historic landmark that had been passed down for generations. This penthouse was sleek, modern, albite slightly cold. He wasn't sure if everyone's absence was his cue to leave. He didn't want to overstay his welcome, but he needed to stay to see if Evelyn was okay. It was the only way he could see her.

"What are you doing here all by yourself?" Kim said her hands on her hips.

"Well, everyone got back to work to track down Evelyn, and I guess there wasn't anything for me to do."

Kim grinned. "So, you're waiting?"

Ozzy's gaze fell to his lap. "Yeah."

He remembered Evelyn's Aunt Kim well from his days in Connecticut. She had this grounding force about her, a rootedness that she carried not only in her body, but the way she carried her values and ways of life. He'd been to her house several times during the fall of his sophomore year, mostly for tutoring, and she was always present, always asking questions in a way that made him feel important. It was the first time he witnessed a parental figure be so present and steadfast. At that point of his life, his mother was flighty and forgetful.

Kim took a seat across from him. She crossed her legs and leaned forward exactly like he remembered. She had a way of fending off any distraction when giving you her undivided attention.

"What's new with you Ozzy? I remember Evelyn telling me last year that you moved here and started going to the same school again."

"Thirteenth time's the charm," Ozzy said.

"I certainly hope so. Moving is exhausting."

He didn't need to be told twice. He learned to pack light because of it. "Well, my mom is now married, so I think there's a good chance this time."

"That's good. Congratulations to your mom by the way."

Kim hadn't met his mom, but Ozzy suspected his mother eluded her. It wasn't for a lack of trying on Kim's part. His mom was wrapped up in her own priorities.

"I was never a fan of moving. I moved to the city for school after my sister did. Didn't last long before going back to Connecticut."

"Not a fan of the city?"

"I liked it then, but I liked being home more," Kim said. "How's the adjustment been for you?"

He felt his cheeks flame. It was a pointed question, and he wondered how much Evelyn told him about her road trip to New Hampshire. Did she know he stayed at the Ostroff Center this summer? He had the highest confidence in Evelyn keeping many facts of his life confidential, but she was very close to her Aunt Kim. She would tell her, wouldn't she?

He couldn't meet her gaze when he said, "it's been alright. Had its ups and downs."

"I bet."

She didn't say anything more, but her face said it all. She knew. She knew about his runaway attempt. She knew about his therapy.

He wished he could just sink further into the couch until he disappeared.

Kim reached out and put her hand over his. Her hand was warm, sturdy, and strong.

"I know what it's like to not belong either," Kim said quietly.

Ozzy swallowed thickly. He didn't want to go there. Least of all here in this museum of a home he didn't necessarily feel welcome in.

"I know it's not the same, but don't think you're alone feeling the way that you do because you're not," Kim said.

"Thank you," he said as confidently as he could. It came out as a whisper.

"If there's one thing I learned from life, it's that you can't control what other people do, but you can control how it makes you feel. Think about that."

He did. It seemed like an obvious conclusion, but it was one of the hardest things to accept about not only humanity, but from those who have the ability to hurt you the most.

"I'm trying."

"I know you are. Give it time, and you'll figure it out."

Maybe he would. Maybe he wouldn't. The future was uncertain at its most abstract. That always unsettled Evelyn, but he was used to it. Immune to it perhaps.

Kim patted his hand and sat back in her chair while taking a deep sigh. "So do you think she's with this Carter Baizen character?"

"I think so."

He wasn't happy about it, but it's what his gut told him.

Kim crossed her arms and was pensive. "For the first time, I don't know what's going through her head."

"If it makes you feel any better, neither do I," Ozzy said.

Kim didn't respond, but continued to appear lost in thought.

"You don't have to worry," Ozzy said. "I know things seem bad right now, but she'll come back to being herself again."

"She's reacting instead of retreating," Kim said. "It worries me."

It worried him too, but he wanted to reassure her. A part of him wanted to reassure himself. The last thing he wanted was for the Evelyn he knew to disappear completely. He wasn't sure if he could continue his rehabilitation without her. He didn't want to continue without her.

Did he really depend on her that much? Why?

His thoughts were disrupted when Bart descended from the staircase.

"Anything?" Kim asked.

"She's not at the Palace, and Chuck and Nate just arrived at the Baizens, so we should find out momentarily," Bart said.

Ozzy sat up, his hands feeling clammy. He could tell Kim was bracing herself for the worst-case scenario. It would be easy to let the mind wander to the nth degree, to imagine Evelyn endangering herself in the presence of what seemed like an older, predatory guy. He started to picture it, which would then precipitate his worry about it.

Ozzy pushed those thoughts away. He had to believe in Evelyn. He had to believe that she hadn't lost herself completely.

And if she did? He needed to be there and help put herself back together.

When Chuck and Nate arrived at the Baizen residence, it was quiet. No housekeeper was around to greet them. No parent wanted to natter their ear off. Chuck looked from the living room to the staircase. His stomach turned.

Nate walked ahead of him, hands in his pockets. He peered into each nook and cranny, as if Evelyn would compact herself to be hiding there.

"Nathaniel," Chuck said. "We're not playing hide and seek."

"Hey, stranger things have happened."

Chuck shook his head and gripped the banister. He didn't want to go upstairs. He didn't want to walk in on something he couldn't unsee. He wouldn't be able to control himself if he saw Carter with his sister.

He heard a distant laugh in the quiet home. His stomach churned.

"Chuck," Nate hissed. "The kitchen. Come on."

Chuck followed Nate past the living room, dining room, through the butler's pantry, and into the kitchen. Evelyn sat on one of the bar stools, her back to them. She was turned toward Carter Baizen, who's shirt was unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up. Carter leaned forward, his lips on her neck.

"Hey!" Nate said starting toward Carter. "Get off of her!"

Evelyn turned, her school uniform crumpled, her legs crossed. "Nate?"

Nate grabbed Carter by the collar and dragged him to his feet. He pinned him against the refrigerator.

Evelyn shot up when she saw Chuck. "Chuck? What are you guys doing here?"

"We want to ask you the same thing. What are you doing with this insect?" Chuck said.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "That's none of your business."

Nate, his hands now wrapped around Carter's neck, pushed him up against the refrigerator.

Evelyn noticed the blood rushing to Carter's head. "Nate! Stop it. You're choking him!"

Nate let go and mumbled, "He deserves much worse."

Chuck reached out for Evelyn's arm. "Come on. You're coming home."

Evelyn wiggled out of his grip. "What? I'll go home when I'm ready."

"Evelyn, please," Chuck said. "We're the ones trying to help you."

"Help me?" Evelyn said. "Dragging me home against my will isn't helping."

"I hate to burst your bubble here, but Carter Baizen sucks," Chuck said. "He's a hypocritical leech who will use you to get what he wants."

Carter looked at him with amusement. He was enjoying this. Carter was just using Evelyn to get to him. Couldn't she see that?

"And how is that different from anyone else?" Evelyn asked.

"You heard her, Bass," Carter said. "She doesn't want to go home."

"Why don't you back off?" Nate said. "Let's go, Evelyn. Your dad and aunt are waiting for you."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Saint Nate coming to the rescue."

Carter chuckled. Nate turned, his fist cracking Carter's jaw.

"Nate! What is wrong with you?" Evelyn said. She crouched beside Carter, who clutched his jaw, his eyes wide. "Are you okay?" She asked Carter.

Chuck rolled his eyes. He was the last person his sister should be sympathetic to.

"Yeah," Carter said, struggling to sit up. "Why is it that every time we see each other Archibald, it ends this way?"

"Never show your face again, so we don't have to make a habit of it," Nate said.

"Let's go, Evelyn," Chuck said.

"He needs ice," Evelyn said.

"He can find it on his own. Let's go," Chuck said.

Nate grabbed Evelyn's arm and dragged her away. Evelyn writhed to break free of his grasp.

Carter struggled to get to his feet. "Thanks, Bass. Always a pleasure."

"Let go of me!" Evelyn stumbled out of Nate's grip. "I got it. We're leaving." Evelyn grabbed her bag from the living room and stomped to the elevator. Nate sighed and chased after her to make sure she didn't go rogue.

Chuck turned to Carter. "Stay away from my sister, or I'll make sure that brewing bruise on your face becomes permanent."

Carter heaved himself onto the centre island. "And if she can't stay away from me?"

Chuck darkened. As much as he wanted to keep Carter away, he made a valid point. Carter wouldn't be the problem. Evelyn's stubborn will would. Keeping Carter away would be way easier than keeping Evelyn away.

Chuck kept his gaze as neutral as he could. He didn't want to give Carter the satisfaction of being right, and stormed out of the room.

Spotted: Big Brother Chuck coming to rescue a damsel who loves her distress.

Evelyn remained silent for the whole limo ride home. She turned her body towards the window, legs crossed, lips pursed. She refused to answer or even acknowledge any question Nate posed to break the tension in the air.

She still couldn't believe Chuck was dragging her home like this. How did he even find out where she was? Doesn't he have classes? Shouldn't he be on campus or something? Why is it that when Chuck disappeared no one blinked an eye, and the one time she does, they send the police? It wasn't fair.

"I get it," Nate said. "You don't want to talk to us, but you'll thank us one day, Evelyn."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Since when was Nate the moral compass? Last time Evelyn checked, he had a history that involved infidelity too.

After constant stop and go rush hour traffic, the limo slowed to a stop in front of their building.

"Finally," Evelyn said. She didn't wait for Arthur to open the door for her. She pushed the door open without looking to see if there was oncoming traffic, and rounded behind the limo to the sidewalk. She stomped through the front doors and pushed the elevator button. She pushed it three more times as if that would make it arrive faster.

Nate and Chuck caught up to her before the elevator arrived. Although only the three of them occupied the elevator, it felt crowded to Evelyn.

Chuck cleared his throat. "I just have one question. Did Carter reach out to you or did you extend an invitation?"

"What's it to you?" Evelyn leaned against the wall of the elevator. She started kicking the wall with her shoe.

Evelyn pushed herself off the wall and stopped when she saw her Aunt Kim, father, Lily, Eric, and Ozzy sitting in the living room together.

"Oh my God. What is this, an intervention?" Evelyn said.

"That's not what we were going for," her father said as he stood up. "We've all been waiting to see that you got home safe."

"Why? My safety wasn't compromised."

"You disappeared during school hours. You didn't tell anyone and there was no way to get a hold of you," Eric said.

"Well, I don't think we would have had that problem if my cellphone wasn't confiscated," Evelyn said.

"Evelyn," Aunt Kim said, her voice low and calm. "Watch it."

"Wasn't that your job today?" Evelyn said.

That seemed to set everyone off. Eric put his head in his hands. Ozzy's eyes widened. Nate sighed and walked away. Chuck smirked, appreciating the insult, while her father's cold eyes pierced her.

Aunt Kim took a couple steps towards. "We all know you're very hurt and angry with what happened between you and Dash, but that doesn't give you a right to take it out on all of us."

"I'm not taking it out on you. I've been perfectly fine dealing with it my own way. You all just keep trying to get involved."

"Evelyn, we're only trying to help be there for you," Aunt Kim said.

"But I didn't ask for your help!" Evelyn said.

Why were they smothering her like this? Their concerns may be coming from a well-intended place, but it wasn't helping her. When they asked if she was okay, there was an expectation to say that "yes. Yes, I'm okay" because it would make them feel better. She didn't have the energy to promise her wellness to reassure them. It wouldn't make her feel better.

"It's okay to ask for help," Aunt Kim said. "You don't have to shoulder this pain you've been carrying alone."

Evelyn looked around the room to see concerned faces starring back at her. She wanted to tell her aunt everything, it's what she always did, but the paper in her pocket burned. There was no way her aunt would ever see her the same again after what she did this afternoon. What she started with Jenny. What she planned to do about Dash. If she broke down now, she wouldn't get her revenge. They would get away with yet another painful grievance against her. She couldn't give up now.

"May I please go to my room?" Evelyn said in a soft voice.

"Okay." Aunt Kim squeezed her hands. "But you'll be joining us for dinner soon."

"Of course." Evelyn turned to face the group. "Thank you for your concern this afternoon…even if I can't show it right now."

Evelyn fled to her room. Once inside, she slid down the door, her breaths sputtering and heavy, eyes blurring, until she hit the floor and began crying.

When Evelyn retreated to her room, everyone shifted in an uncomfortable silence. Chuck observed how his Aunt Kim, whom he'd never really talked to much, wrapped her arms across her middle. She stayed rooted in place, starring at the large Prada print, forehead creased.

His father wandered to the windows, hands stuffed in his pockets, and starred below, also contemplative. Lily held her reading glasses in her hand as she sat on the armchair, her ankles crossed. Eric kept rubbing his wrists while Ozzy leaned back in the couch, his gaze facing the ceiling. Nate stood beside him with his arms crossed, jaw clenched.

Chuck nudged Nate. "This calls for a drink."

Nate rubbed his eyes and sighed. "I thought you'd never ask."

When Chuck passed behind his aunt, she said, "I would like one too please."

"You drink scotch?"

"When the occasion calls for it. Now's certainly an occasion."

Chuck smirked. He'd been so wrapped up in his revenge quest against Jack and his relationship with Blair that he didn't think of his Aunt Kim much. He'd never spent time alone with her. She didn't seem to push it on him especially since he was an adult and attending college either. Now he was starting to reconsider. Although he tried to get closer to Jack which failed him, perhaps he was focusing on the wrong side of the family.

Chuck offered her the first glass he poured. She thanked him and drank the dark liquor without hesitation.

"Thank you for bringing Evelyn home," His aunt said. She held her tumbler with both hands.

"Of course. It's my pleasure and duty I suppose," Chuck said.

His Aunt Kim nodded solemnly. She lifted the glass to her lips.

"What do you usually do when she's acting like this?"

"She's never really acted like this before. Never galivanted, but that could be because there's nowhere to galivant off to in Southington. I'd usually let her cool down, and then we'd talk it out."

"Are you going to talk to her now?"

"Oh no. It's too soon. Maybe someone else could, but she's said everything she's wanted to say already. I think it may take a few more days if I'm being realistic."

Chuck nodded. "I can go first. Test the waters so to speak."

"By all means. Give it a try if you think it'll help."

Chuck finished his scotch and set the empty tumbler on the counter. "I'm going in."

"I'll catch you back at the apartment?" Nate said. He also set his empty glass on the counter.

Chuck nodded. Everyone thanked Nate for his help, and he left.

Chuck lightly knocked on Evelyn's door. When he didn't hear a response, he knocked again and opened the door. Evelyn had changed out of her uniform and was in her pyjamas. She sat on her bed, which was turned down, leafing through her biology textbook.

"Came to check on me?" Evelyn said. There were several used tissues crumpled on her bedside table.

"I came to talk to you," Chuck said. "I'm sorry for dragging you home the way that I did. I didn't want to resort to those measures, but you were putting up quite a fight."

Evelyn shut her textbook. "I told you, I didn't need saving."

"So you're trying to tell me that Carter didn't take advantage of you today?"

"Did you ever consider that I was taking advantage of him?" Evelyn said.

Chuck paused. "You? Take advantage of Carter? What for?"

Evelyn shrugged. "I have my reasons."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm saying that there was some information that I needed that Carter led me to."

Chuck grabbed her desk chair to steady himself. "Wait a minute. Are you telling me that you're scheming?"

"Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not."

"And you didn't think to come to me for advice?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "No because you're at college dealing with your own Blair issues."

Chuck's eyes narrowed. "There are no issues with Blair. We broke up. Besides, you know if you wanted a scheming professional, I am always at your disposal."

"I didn't want a scheming professional."

Chuck swallowed hard. Now he was offended. "So you're telling me that you think going rogue is your best option, and you tried using that insect to do it?"

"Maybe…but then again maybe not."

"You think your so clever don't you? Did it occur to you that Carter may have been using you to get to me?"

"Get to you?"

"Yes. I told you he's my sworn enemy. He'd take any opportunity to stick it to me, and seducing you is totally in his play book."

"Chuck, do you hear yourself right now?"

"Yes, and you should too. I get that you want to make Dash and Jenny suffer. I've been there. Done that. But you have to be careful with whom you use to make it happen. People like Carter are pathological sleazy liars who will use any means necessary to get what they want, like getting back at me."

"I can't believe you're making this about yourself!"

"I'm giving you some helpful advice. If you're not careful Evelyn, there are people in this world that will burn you. Carter Baizen didn't magically fall in love with you. He will use you and burn you when he has what he wants."

"Don't you do the same?"

"Yes, but that's not the point. The point is I know how he works. He probably charmed you, made you feel special, pursued you, cornered you, caressed you—"

"This isn't about you!" Evelyn said. "Chuck, I know you're trying to help, but I know what I'm doing here. I'm not falling in love with Carter. That's not what happened at all. In fact, I have no plans to see him again anyway because I got what I wanted. If anything, he's the one who is going to feel the burn thanks to Nate's sucker punch."

"I know you think you know, but you don't with Carter," Chuck said. "Let me help you at least deal with him."

"If I need your help I'll tell you. I've got this," Evelyn said.

Chuck sighed. Great. She thinks she knows everything. That was a tell-tale sign that Evelyn was in more trouble than he thought. If only she'd let him in on her plans.

"Cosmo," Chuck said.

"What?"

"If Carter so much as texts you again or tries anything with, text me that. Cosmo. It'll be our safe word."

"Wouldn't 911 suffice?"

"It's overused. With this word we'll know exactly what the situation is. 911 could mean anything from a robbery to a fashion emergency. It's better to be precise."

"Fine. Not that I'll need it."

"You know your-our- Aunt Kim is really worried about you."

"I know," Evelyn said. "She just won't understand what I need to do to deal with this, you know?"

"You won't stop until you feel avenged, won't you?"

Evelyn stared at her hands on her lap and nodded.

"I understand," Chuck said. "Just be careful. It's easy to get carried away. You can end up losing what you were fighting for in the first place. I would know."

"Don't worry. I've kept a trained eye on my prize. No wandering eye here."

Chuck made his way to the door. "Better watch that tunnel vision though. It's just as dangerous."

Bart sat at his desk nursing his glass of scotch. Kim sat on the couch holding her own, her legs tucked under her. After Chuck disappeared to check on Evelyn, Bart suggested they moved upstairs to continue their conversation from earlier that day.

Bart had the whole day to mull over Kim's suggestion of having Evelyn move back to Connecticut. The more he thought about it, the more he hated the idea. He waited how many years to see his daughter? Now that she was a part of his life, he had no intention of letting go that easily.

"So what do you think?" Bart asked.

"About Evelyn? Well, I think it might take some time, but I feel oddly reassured that this might be more of a short-term lash out rather than complete change in character."

"What convinced you?"

"Her anger receding. I think she's holding on to it right now, so if she finally let's go of it, she lets go of everything she's feeling. What does it matter anyway? I've been proven wrong consistently these past few days, so what do I know?"

"More than I do I'm afraid. I feel as though I'm at a loss throughout this whole thing," Bart said. "Raising Chuck was a very different experience."

"I bet. It was better this way," Kim said.

They exchanged a look and returned to their silence.

"Kim, I've been thinking about what you suggested this morning, and I don't think it's a good idea for Evelyn to move back to Connecticut."

Kim rolled her eyes. "Of course, you would."

"Now hear me out. It's Evelyn's senior year. Uprooting her now would be destabilizing not to mention the fact that she will be applying for college soon, and there's no better place to take her through that process than the school she's at." Bart took a sip of his drink. "Besides, I don't think it's what Evelyn wants. Regardless of what she's feeling right now, I don't think it means she wants to leave."

Kim drained her glass and sighed. "I know she doesn't want to leave," She said bitterly. "I hear about all the amazing things she does, the people she meets, and how much she loves the city and…it's not easy Bart. It's just not." Her voice cracked.

"I know, and I'm sorry. It was never my intention to remove you from Evelyn's life. She talks just as much about you to us."

"Probably about how awful I am."

"Not quite. She shares a lot of memories. She misses and admires you, and although she's pushing you away right now, I think you're going to be the first person she goes to when she's ready to talk."

"I hope so. It'll be hard because I'm not here with her every day. It's not the same."

"Your right. I think we need to do something about that."

"What are you suggesting?"

"We need to be on the same page regarding Evelyn. This year is going to be important, and I know we've never really seen eye to eye, but I think we need to work together. It's what's best for Evelyn."

Kim set her empty glass down. She looked at Bart as if she were seeing a whole new person.

"What? Do you have any better ideas?"

"No. That's just…one of the best ideas I think you've ever had."

Bart smirked. "I think it's the only idea I've come up with that you've ever liked."

"That too." Kim sat up and said, "But you're right—"

"Wow, should I go write this down in my diary?"

"Probably because I'm not going to tell you that again. What's best for Evelyn is for us to work together. Co-parent."

"Precisely," Bart said. "We can discuss our plans for college prep, you know who will go with her to see different schools, arrange any extra resources to help with her applications and interview prep—"

"Graduation planning and prom even. There are many milestones coming up," Kim added.

"We can work this all out and keep each other in the loop on the more day-to-day activities too."

"I'd really like that," Kim said.

"Did we just agree on something?" Bart chuckled.

Kim laughed. "Hell must have frozen over."

Kim's eyes drifted to the door.

"I think you should stay too," Bart said.

"Stay?"

"I'm not sure what your situation is with work, but I think you should stay until Evelyn is back on her feet. I'm not sure how long it'll take, but you're welcome to stay here as long as you like."

Kim stared at him.

They had lived together for a time. It wasn't very pleasant for Bart then, but this time was different. This time they would work together instead of be at odds with each other. This time they had a common purpose: Evelyn's well-being. This time it was he who suggested she stay, not Misty's insistence.

"Who are you and what have you done with Bart Bass?"

"I was a retired man this summer, Kim. It gives a lot of time for reflection."

"Apparently." Kim smiled sadly. "Misty would be proud. Of both of us."

Bart thought of his late wife. He didn't allow himself to do it often, but he remembered the time where he, Misty, and Kim all lived in a cramped New York apartment. Bart was never one to believe in an afterlife, but in that moment, he desperately wanted to feel Misty in that moment. He wanted her to be in the room witnessing this monumental moment that may have buried fatal errors from their past. He didn't think they'd come that far of a way, but they came along further than the deadlock they'd been set in for what felt like a lifetime.

Bart grinned. "It only took twenty years."

Ozzy waited in the Bass living room with Eric. He'd only been to the Bass penthouse a handful of times. Each memory he had of the place coincided with a time that Evelyn was mad at him. Whether that was because he was with Catherine, or that he was now associated with Dash, there was always a reason. He didn't want to overstay his welcome, but he had to see Evelyn. If she wasn't going to answer his calls or texts, then he was going to have to be more direct.

"Has she talked to you about any of this?" Ozzy asked Eric. He noticed that Eric Van der Woodsen was not only concerned about Evelyn, but he was also getting frustrated with her too.

"No. You?"

"No," Ozzy said.

"She's really determined to deal with this on her own, isn't she?" Eric wondered.

"She shouldn't have to," Ozzy said. She really didn't have to. Didn't she see how many people were waiting here at home for her? Didn't she see the lengths her family would go for her? She didn't realize how lucky she was. If Ozzy had that at his disposal, he'd lean into it as much as possible.

Evelyn's brother sauntered toward them, his hands in his pockets. He ambled slowly, his steps deliberate.

"And he lives to tell the tale," Eric said while sitting up.

"We heard yelling. Is everything okay?" Ozzy asked.

"That's what happens when you want to get through a brick wall," Chuck said.

"And?" Eric asked.

"The brick wall is still standing. My warnings went through it, but it's unlikely she'll heed the warning. Eric, keep me updated, and you," He pointed to Ozzy. "Go home."

With that dismissal, Chuck ambled to the elevator. Ozzy felt a searing anger course through his veins. Who did Evelyn's brother think he was to dismiss him like that? Why did everyone keep singling him out like that?

"Don't listen to him," Eric said. "He's just being protective and, well, elitist."

Ozzy pushed himself off the couch. "Who isn't around here?"

He'd only been in Evelyn's room once before. It was the night of the SAT study party. He was helping her with math problems. She prodded him to tell him what was going on. Dash overreacted. He thought he knew the way. Down the hall and around the corner. Simple enough. When he arrived, he knocked once and opened the door.

Evelyn sat on her bed with her textbook in her lap. She had a surprised look on her face. She put the book down without bookmarking her page.

"Ozzy? I thought you went home."

"Not until I actually had the chance to talk to you," Ozzy said closing the door behind him.

He forgot how good her room smelled. He forgot how it felt like to hang out just the two of them outside the Ostroff Centre. Him coming to visit her instead of her always coming to see him. This felt normal. A new normal.

Ozzy didn't know where to put himself. He didn't want to make the wrong suggestion by sitting on her bed. Did he stand? Sit on her desk chair? Lean against the door? He decided to sit on her desk chair at a comfortable distance.

"I know I've been a bit distant lately," Evelyn said. "It's just been a lot to process."

"Understandably. How are you processing it?"

Evelyn sighed. "I mean, as best as I can? I still can't believe. I think a part of me will always carry this shock and disbelief that this happened to me. I never thought something like this could happen you know?"

"I didn't expect it either. I'm sorry I didn't put it together sooner. I should have known something was up."

"You don't need to apologize, Ozzy. You did know something was up and warned me. I appreciate that."

"Then why am I getting the silent treatment?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I just needed some space from everyone," Evelyn said.

Ozzy leaned back in her chair. The last time she said that, she moved away without another word. Not even a goodbye.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ozzy said.

"Thank you for the offer, but I don't need your help." Evelyn adjusted her position and leaned on her side. His gaze shifted to the curve of her hip briefly before flicking back to her face.

She didn't need him? Didn't want anything form him? It stung at first because when he was at his lowest, he felt like he needed her. Didn't she need him now? That's how things worked with them.

"Really? So you're just going to pretend like this didn't happen?"

"No. It happened. I just don't want to sit back and stew in my victimhood. It's a weak look."

Ozzy wheeled the chair closer to the bed. "So you're going to do something about this?"

Evelyn sat up on her bed. "I'm just trying to move on."

Her eyes couldn't meet his. Instead they were fixated on the stitching on her bedspread.

Ozzy spotted a crumpled piece of paper that fell out of her pocket. "What's that?"

Evelyn grabbed it and shoved it back in her pocket. "Nothing important. Scrap paper really. Did I miss anything at school today?"

"Nothing you can't catch up with."

Evelyn studied him. "How are things with you?"

Ozzy shrugged. "Alright. Same old."

Evelyn nodded. "Good."

"I know its late, so I should probably go." Ozzy stood up. "Look, I don't want to push you because I know what it's like when people are smothering you, so I'll say this and leave you to some time for yourself. When you're ready to talk, you know where to find me. Anytime. Anywhere. You know you can come to me for anything."

"Anything?"

"Anything."

Evelyn gave a small smile. "Thanks Ozzy."

Ozzy gave her a reassuring smile and closed the door behind him.

As William Shakespeare once wrote, "Better three hours too soon than one hour late." Although it's better to arrive fashionably late to a party, it's always better to arrive early with gossip. Timing is everything on the Upper East Side, and it may be time for E to strike first. Take cover, kiddies. This battle might go nuclear.

You Know You Love Me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

A/N: And there you have it! Evelyn digs up dirt on Catherine, Bart and Kim find common ground, Chuck and Nate come to Evelyn's (unwanted) rescue, and Carter and Evelyn spent some time together. I know Blair wasn't featured in this chapter, but she will be back in the next chapter. So what do you think will happen next? The next chapter will be called, "Loved Actually".

Thanks again for reading, and I look forward to hearing what you think!

Till next time,

XOXO EZ11