A/N: Hello readers! Thank you for your kind words and encouragements from the last chapter. I'm still working through some stuff personally, which is why this chapter took longer than anticipated to post. Thank you for your patience. Have no fear, I will not leave this story unfinished on this site. I too want to know how it ends!

Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 45: Loved, Actually

Morning in New York. Time to wake up from the bad dreams we had, roll out of the beds we've made, and start making plans for a brighter future. We hear E is not only making plans for her future but is planning to settle a few scores in her past. In order to move towards the future, you have to kill the monsters from your nightmares, right E?

Evelyn Bass carried herself with a reserved poise since her breakup with Dash. She no longer greeted everyone with a warm smile in the halls. She no longer excused herself when wedging herself through a crowd. She didn't hold doors for her teachers, and she certainly didn't acknowledge anyone's questioning gaze as she strutted through the halls of Constance and St. Jude's.

The once warm and friendly Bass had turned ice cold. Until one morning when Jenny Humphrey had returned to Constance for the first time since the Gossip Girl blast dropped.

Evelyn slowed her gait, her lips turning to a frown. Jenny was at her locker, removing her textbooks from the shelves.

"Are your days of being grounded over already?" Evelyn asked. "Because there are different rules that apply here."

Jenny turned, her face guarded. "Trust me, I know. You can gloat because my days of being grounded are far from over."

Evelyn folded her arms across her chest. "Does that punishment include a locker cleanup?"

"No. My dad's withdrawn me from Constance. I'm packing my things."

"You're leaving?"

Jenny nodded. "My dad thinks its best that I leave the city and this world. There were too many bad influences that led me to make…terrible decisions."

Evelyn felt her stomach twist in a knot. She still could picture Jenny together with Dash. Her hands tightened into fists.

"I'm not sure if place really matters. If you're determined to do something like sleep with your best friend's boyfriend, then you'll find a way to do it."

"You're right."

"That doesn't make me feel any better."

Jenny tucked her bleached hair behind her ears. "I know you're still mad at me, and you have every right to be, but I am really sorry for what I did. I wasn't honest with you not just after it happened, but before too. I never told you how I felt about Dash. I didn't really know it myself until after you started dating."

"So that's why you always put him down when we were getting together? Because you liked him? That's an interesting way of showing that you like someone."

"I know it was unorthodox, but that's how it happened. I'm sorry."

Evelyn knew that this was the part where she was supposed to accept Jenny's apology. Her old self would in the very least accept it. She wouldn't accept her apology because she meant it, but because it would make the other person feel placated making it easier for both parties to move on. Jenny was moving away, and she didn't feel the need to make her feel better by accepting her apology.

"I think you're sorrier you got caught, but thank you for finally telling me the truth."

"I should have done it earlier. Anyway, now you know."

Jenny turned and picked off the magnets from her locker door.

Evelyn knew this was the moment she could walk away from Jenny, but she still had one lingering question that had been nagging her since this whole scandal unravelled.

"Do you still have feelings for him?"

Jenny froze, magnets in hand. "Who?"

Evelyn's jaw tightened. "Do you still have feelings for Dash?"

Jenny squeezed the magnets into a fist, concealing them. "It doesn't matter."

"It does. You're leaving now. I'm always going to wonder, so just tell me the truth. Do you still have feelings for him?"

Jenny loosened her grip on the magnets and released them in her bag. "Yes."

Evelyn's jaw clenched. "Does he reciprocate your feelings?"

Jenny's eyes were glassy. "No because he's in love with you."

They avoided each other's gazes for a few moments, but neither moved away from each other. They felt the finality of this moment, the weight of it becoming too heavy to bear.

"If he reciprocated, would you be with him right now?"

"I don't know because that would never happen."

"Be honest."

It was now or never. Jenny was leaving, and if their friendship was to recover, there was only one right answer to this question.

A tear slid down Jenny's cheek. In a whisper, she answered, "Yes."

Evelyn swallowed the lump in her throat. It was the wrong answer. Jenny was never a true and reliable friend. She wouldn't be her friend much longer, not ever again.

Evelyn cleared her dry throat. "Thank you for your honesty. Have a safe trip to Hudson."

It was the last words she would say to Jenny for a long time.

Bart sat at his desk sipping his second morning coffee while he reviewed the financial statements for a new building that was set to break ground in Williamsburg. He looked up from his desk and though the glass windows of his office. Chrissy and Ryan were talking outside his door, huddled around a cubical. He swivelled back on his chair and looked out the window of his corner office. Most people long to make it to this office. The ability to close a door. Your own personal coffee machine. A view. It was all things most people dreamed of.

When you not only had a corner office, but a whole corporation under you, it wasn't the same. No matter how much Bart tried to convince himself that this was enough, that he was fulfilled, he longed to be back at his own desk at Bass Industries.

Underneath the financial statements was a copy of the Financial Times. There was an article about Bass Industries going public today, and the futures were trying to project the open. He had his IPad on the desk, and opened the live stream of CNBC discussing the trades of the day before the open.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Bart," Russell called from his open door.

"Russell. Good to see you. How was your trip from Chicago?"

"American Airlines continues to be the airline of last resorts," Russell said. "But it's good to be back in New York. How's it been in the office?"

"Good. We're ready to break ground on the new building in Williamsburg. There's been a lot of interest from start-ups looking to rent the space already."

"Terrific. I tell you, this is the future of commercial leasing, with the least amount of hassle for landlords I might add."

"It looks promising," Bart said.

The sound of the stock market open bell rang in the room. Bart's eyes darted to the tablet where the video was buffering. It showed his brother in the middle of the executive team of Bass Industries clapping in celebration of its first day of trading. Philip was also among the people clapping although his smile didn't reach his eyes.

"What's that?" Russell asked.

Confetti dropped over top of the Bass Industries team as they continued to clap. The board behind them showed a flurry of trades both in red and green.

"I wanted to take a look at the stock market open this morning."

"Bass Industries went public today?"

"It did."

"That's a risky move isn't it?"

"It is."

"Rest assured, we will not be going public at this company anytime soon," Russell said.

That was the sensible way to approach the business. Bart had done that for over thirty years with great success.

"Are you worried about your brother's new approach?"

"I don't agree with his approach."

"Then why not tell him that?"

"He's the leader of Bass Industries now. He's very sure of the legacy he wants to create, and he's not interested in listening to my opinion."

"I see. That sounds like brotherly love. His loss is my gain."

After Russell left his office, Bart picked up his tablet, rewound the live stream and watched his brother's smug face smile and cheer at the open. He was only CEO by blackmail. His brother didn't build and nurture Bass Industries like he did. He didn't weather the bad times like Bart did in the beginning years. Yet, he basked in the glow of success. It was sickening.

Bart closed the browser and looked back at his work. His life as the CEO of Bass Industries had come and gone. Unless Jack somehow discarded the evidence that incriminated Bart, his hands were tied. He couldn't go back to Bass Industries no matter how much he wanted to.

His corner office at Thorpe Industries would have to be enough.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry, for being late!" Serena said. She bounced up the steps with a bag of croissants in one hand, and a tray of cappuccinos in the other. "My mom decided that intercepting me as I was on the way out the door was the appropriate time to have a chat about the importance of maintaining good grades."

Blair embraced Serena, grateful that her friend had decided to come home for the weekend at the last minute.

"Lily finally got around to looking over your marks from last semester?"

"More like gaped, but I can make up my grades this semester."

"Precisely. You were distracted from your studies last semester." Blair took a sip of her cappuccino and stared at Serena knowingly.

Serena sighed. "It was all for nothing anyway. I shouldn't have trusted Carter to actually be able to find my father in the first place."

Serena told her the whole story during their summer in Paris. Carter enrolled as a student at Brown after deferring for a couple years, and they started seeing each other. After Christmas, Carter told Serena he had a lead on the whereabouts of her father. They ran off to Buenos Aires, Istanbul, and Stockholm for a few weeks, but their search was in vain. They couldn't locate Serena's father.

"We talked about this, S. You couldn't have known that. You had to go look for him. You had to try. Now, you can move on knowing that you tried everything you could to find your father, and that there isn't anything more you can do."

Serena took a large bite of her croissant. "You're right. I'm just having a hard time accepting it, and letting go of the hope that he may come back."

Blair wrapped her arms around Serena and squeezed.

"Love you, B."

"I love you too, S."

"God, I missed this. I missed eating breakfast with you, I missed the city, all of it."

A pair of girls wearing Constance uniforms snapped pictures of them. They exchanged phones while giggling, and ran away.

"It looks like the city missed you too," Blair said. "I have to ask though. Why are you home? It's barely been two weeks since school started. Assignments aren't even due yet. Is something going on?"

Serena took another bite of her croissant. "Promise not to freak out."

Blair froze. "Why would I freak out?"

"Because it's something you would never do."

"Spill it."

"I withdrew from my classes this semester at Brown."

"You what?"

"I packed up my stuff and plan to move back home."

"Oh my God. Wha-Where is this coming from?"

"When I returned to Brown, I couldn't focus. I didn't want to be there. I just realized that what I needed to learn wasn't there. I just need some time to figure a few things out."

"Like what?"

"I'm going to travel the world this year. Hit up every continent, fill up my passport, all of it."

"Wasn't your wanderlust satisfied after this summer?"

"Of course, it was. B, but this is more than that."

"This is about your father again?"

"I have to find him. I can't stand not knowing anymore. I need to find out where he is, why he left, why…" Serena's voice broke and her eyes filled with tears.

"Shhhh." Blair hugged Serena.

Blair was skeptical about the tangibility of Serena's goal. What if she never found her father? Or worse, she found him and didn't like the answer he gave her to all of her questions? Serena spent years yearning for her father. She spent time playing out the scenarios in her head. Blair suspected that all of this wondering wouldn't prepare her for how this meeting would happen (if it would happen).

Blair saw a crash ahead for Serena, but there was little she could do to stop her. Once Serena was set on something, there was nothing that could be done to change her mind.

Serena pulled away from Blair and sighed, rubbing away her last remaining tears. "Thank you, B."

"For what? We're sisters, S. Don't forget that."

Serena took a big bite of her croissant. "Enough about me. What about you?"

"Me? Oh, you know it's the usual. Preparing for class, getting ahead of my readings—"

"Avoiding Chuck on campus?"

Blair rolled her eyes. If only it were that easy. Here's hoping that her hazing paid off and made Chuck stay far away from Locke and Key.

"I may be taking measures to make sure he doesn't cross my path."

"I don't even want to know what that means. Are you two at war again?"

"War? Of course not. We've made peace. I just want to make sure our peace paths never intersect is all."

"Why do I get the feeling that you secretly want him to remain fixated on you?"

"Your feelings are wrong, Serena. I have set my sights on higher pursuits."

"Which is?"

Blair pinched a small piece of flaky croissant and popped it in her mouth. She had been thinking long and hard as to what her next steps were to conquer Columbia University. It didn't operate in the hierarchies like Constance did, which proved more of a challenge. Blair realized that the best path to attaining considerable and affecting power was to pursue a position of leadership this year with Locke and Key. She wouldn't be able to jump to President this year, but she wanted a position to make her way to the top by her senior year.

"Leadership in my extra curriculars. I need to pad my resume to score an internship next summer."

Serena took another bite of her croissant. "That's very conscientious of you, B."

Blair sipped her cappuccino as her phone rang from her purse. She didn't recognize the number.

"Hello?"

"Is this Blair Waldorf?"

'Speaking?"

"This is Heather from the Locket and Key Society. Are you available to talk?"

"Of course."

"Would you be able to meet us at the house in a half an hour?"

Blair checked her watch. "Yes. Why?"

"There's been a situation that has come to our attention that we must discuss with you."

Situation? What could that mean?

"Oh. Okay. I'll be right over."

Serena brushed flaky crumbs of croissant from the corners of her mouth. "What was that about?"

"Serena, I have to go. There's an emergency meeting for my society. They need me to go to the house."

"That's really short notice."

"I know. I'm sorry to cut coffee and croissants short."

"That's okay. You go. We'll hang out later."

Blair gave Serena one last hug and hurried to her waiting car. Her stomach sank. Whatever this meeting was about, it couldn't be good.

Chuck rolled out of bed late that morning. He missed his early economics class, and when he emerged from his room, he found Nate returning from his morning jog. Chuck winced as he sat down to drink his morning espresso. He turned on the TV to MSNBC to watch the stock open.

"Look who decided to join the land of the living," Nate said as he opened the fridge for a bottle of Gatorade.

"Mornings are highly overrated Nathaniel."

"But not evenings I guess? I haven't seen you around for the past few days. Did you finally find an unwitting freshman to conquer?"

Chuck smirked. "Eager freshmen are always easy to find, Nathaniel. I've been busy working on other things."

"So, you've been scheming again?"

"In a rather untraditional sense."

"Who's your target?"

"Blair."

"Blair? I thought you guys were at peace?"

"I thought so too, until she lured me to the Registrar Building's basement and hazed me. I think she was deterring me from joining her secret society."

"Hazed? Well, that doesn't sound too far off from Blair."

"Exactly. I've been collecting intel from the President himself, and he was very surprised to hear of Blair's behaviour."

"And you're sure Blair did this?" Nate asked.

"It's in these moments that I remember Blair liked you for your looks and not your intellect. Of course, Blair did it. It was right in her wheel house. Right down to using personal details like my disturbance from the occult against me."

"The oculate?"

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it, Archibald. Blair doesn't know that I know she was behind it, and I'm going to make her squirm a bit."

"To what end?"

"To make her think she succeeded in steering me away from joining."

"So you're joining?"

"Naturally. Especially now that she doesn't want me to."

Nate shook his head. "I can't keep up with you two."

"Don't beat yourself up about that fact. No one can," Chuck said.

"Speaking of keeping up, is Carter Baizen still hanging around Evelyn?"

"Thankfully no, but there's always a possibility. Why?"

"Well, it's just funny that I saw him on my run in Central Park. He was meeting with this older guy, must have been in his mid-fifties. He slipped him a wad of cash."

"Did he get anything in return? It could have been a standard drug drop."

"No, which was weird to me. He got nothing in return physically."

"Which means he could be paying for information," Chuck said.

Chuck leaned back in his chair. What information could Carter Baizen be looking for? Could it be something that Evelyn requested? Could he be digging up something against him, or worse their family?

"It was just strange," Nate said. "He didn't see me or anything, but I thought you'd want to know."

"Thanks for telling me," Chuck said. "Since he's still in town with an agenda, I wouldn't be surprised if he turns up at the alumni fundraiser tonight at St. Jude's."

"That's tonight?"

"Yes. Are you coming?"

"I didn't plan on it. Besides, my family won't be at the top of their list of families they'll be hitting up for donations."

"That's fair. The whole family's going, and I'm sure there's more of a vested interest with it because my sister actually participates in their sports program. Anyway, if Carter's there tonight, I'll see if I can find out what he's hiding."

When Blair arrived at St. Anthony Hall, she was greeted by Jeremy and Stu, two senior members who lived in the house. They guided her to the basement meeting room where Julian, and Heather, the girl on the phone who was also the Vice President of the Standards Committee, sat at one of the tables chatting.

"Blair," Julian said. "Thanks for coming on such short notice."

"Not a problem." Blair took a seat. "I was worried something was wrong on the way over here."

Julian and Heather exchanged a look.

"What is it?" Blair said. "Did I forget RSVP to our next mixer?"

"No," Julian said. "This is something entirely different."

"We received a complaint from a prospective regarding a hazing incident that involves you."

Blair kept a neutral face as her breath hitched. "Excuse me?"

"The prospective claimed you kidnapped him, locked him in a room, made him watch obscene content too."

That Mother Chucker. He figured out that it was her and ratted her out? Unbelievable.

Blair looked at Julian. "I have no idea what you're talking about. That sounds heinous."

"The prospect made a very strong claim that you were the one who hazed him," Heather said.

"Based on what evidence?"

"Circumstantial," Julian said. "Blair, we're not accusing you of doing this, but we have to take this kind of accusation seriously. The Locke and Key Society is very special to all of us, and we wouldn't want it to gain a reputation of hazing."

"We aren't a frat," Heather scoffed.

"I understand," Blair said. "But you have to believe me, I didn't do it."

"We do believe in innocent before proven guilty," Heather said. "But in the meantime, you will be put on probation."

"Probation? For being accused of something?"

"Blair, this is a standard procedure. If you read the bylaws and standing rules in section B point 3, you will see that this is only temporary," Julian said.

"Probation will last until initiation," Heather said. "This means that you will not be able to attend socials or mixers."

"Are you serious?"

How would she be able to mingle and work her way into a position by elections at the end of term? Initiation was halfway through the term, that was half a term's worth of ground she'd be losing.

"You will be meeting with standards once a week to check in," Heather said.

"This isn't meant as a punishment, Blair. This is an opportunity for us to help support you better," Julian said. "We need to be there for you."

Blair resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Support her? More like become an ankle monitor.

"May I ask who made this accusation?"

"That's confidential," Heather said.

"Confidential? Don't I have the right to know who is spreading lies about me?"

"Since he's a prospect who hasn't pledged yet, we can't confirm his identity to you," Julian said carefully.

Blair crossed one leg over another. She already knew the identity thanks to Julian involving her in this mess in the first place. And now she was being punished? Sure, she was certain it was that Chuck Basstard, but they couldn't even confirm it with her? They wanted him so bad that they were going to bend over backwards for him while she, who has been nothing but a loyal member for the past year, gets probation? It was disgraceful.

How was she supposed to build her path to leadership now?

"Fine, but just know that he could be mistaking me for someone else because that wasn't me."

"We don't doubt you," Julian said although his eyes spoke the opposite.

"Can I still come to meetings?"

"Yes," Heather said.

Okay, so at least she wasn't banned from everything. Still. She was going to kill that Mother Chucker. She should have when she had the chance. If he thought hazing was painful, then he was in for a rude awakening.

The lunch bell rang, and Ozzy made his way to the courtyard where Eric Van der Woodsen sat alone at one of the stone tables. Eric waved to him, and Ozzy approached while looking for Evelyn, who was nowhere to be seen.

Ozzy took a seat across from Eric.

"She's gone again?" Eric asked.

Ozzy lost her in the hallway at the end of English class. "I'll give it to her. She's quick."

The past week had been an uneasy one for Ozzy. At first, it appeared that everything was slowly returning to routine, a balance of normalcy, but Evelyn would still disappear without a word. She'd make plans and not show up. She pretended like everything was fine when it wasn't. Ozzy was growing weary of worrying about her, and he was sure Eric felt the same way.

"We need to do something," Eric said. "Because this can't go for much longer. At this rate, we could lose her to the dark side."

"Dark side?"

"Yeah, where pretty much every girl at Constance lives. Blair Waldorf started it, Jenny succeeded it, and now Catherine is ruling it."

"It's hard to do something when she's so hard to pin down," Ozzy said. "And she does it with a smile on her face. It's unsettling."

"Well, now we know for sure that she's her father's daughter," Eric said.

Ozzy had only met Bart Bass a handful of times, and was starting to see what Eric meant. There was something cold and calculating about Evelyn's dad that made him feel dangerous. He felt dangerous in the sense that when he planned to do something, it was methodical and clinical. He was starting to see that Evelyn was just as capable of behaving that way.

"What's living with her father like?"

Eric shrugged. "He's more present then my mother's other ex-husbands. He's cold, and when you talk to him, I swear he never blinks. I mean, he had PIs investigate my mom, my sister and I without telling us."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but that's on the low. I'm positive he has a folder on Evelyn too, but I don't think she even knows that. He swears he's stopped that practice a couple years back. He's a bit…intense, but he may be misunderstood."

"Everyone has their motives here don't they?"

"And their skeletons, don't forget that," Eric said. "Closets full of them."

Ozzy didn't doubt it. He didn't have to look too far to know that everyone had baggage. All he had to do was look at his mom.

"Which brings us back to Evelyn," Eric said. "Our best plan is to follow her this afternoon to see what she's up to. We need to find out where she's disappearing to, as it'll give us a few clues on what she's planning. Since tonight's the Alumni Fundraiser, she's probably planning on doing something there."

"That's a great idea, but I have an appointment after school."

Ozzy had another session with Jane that afternoon. His mom would kill him if he skipped, but more importantly, he wouldn't want to disrespect Jane by not showing up.

Eric had a knowing look on his face. "I'll try following alone then. I'll let you know if I find anything."

"Thanks."

"Since I live with Evelyn, I know about where you go for your appointments."

Ozzy gripped the table, his eyes narrowing. "How?"

"Don't worry, Evelyn didn't tell me anything. I just know."

How could he just know? Ozzy felt everything inside him clamp down. He was ready to deny Eric when Eric continued.

"I know because I too stayed at the Ostroff Centre a couple years ago."

Ozzy's shoulders relaxed. "Really?"

Eric nodded. "Trust me, I know what it's like to be there. Everyone gets paid to keep their mouth shut."

Ozzy thought of Jane. "Well, not everyone."

"Okay, fine. I'm being harsh. They're just doing their jobs there. I know you probably don't want to talk about it, trust me I completely understand. If you need someone to talk to who gets it, you can talk to me because in my experience, it can get pretty lonely there."

"Thanks, Eric."

It was one of the kindest offers he'd ever received from someone since…Evelyn herself all those years ago. Just when he was beginning to think that everyone in this world was against him, there were people out there that proved otherwise. Now he fully understood why Evelyn spoke so highly of her step brother. Here he was, showing Ozzy what it meant to be a trustworthy friend.

"How did you get through it, by yourself then?"

"I wasn't completely by myself. I had people around me who offered me the same thing I just did to you."

"Who?"

"Believe it or not, Chuck Bass."

"Evelyn's brother?"

"Chuck is many things, but judgemental isn't one of them."

"Didn't seem that way when he wanted to exterminate me when I was I was over last week."

"Nah, he's just being protective. He's not as mean as he looks."

"I'll take your word on that one."

Ozzy checked his phone. There was one missed call from Dash. "I have to go meet up with Dash. Text me if you find out anything."

"Will do."

Ozzy slung his backpack over his shoulder and began to walk away. He halted and turned. "Eric?"

Eric looked up expectantly.

"Thanks."

Ozzy stuffed his hands in his pockets, kept his gaze on his shoes, and walked away.

Evelyn waited in the courtyard after school, at the same table Catherine would meet up with her new minions. They'd meet up there, decide on which shops they'd frequent, and gossip. She drummed the edge of the table.

Sera, Kate, and Lila appeared in a tight cluster. They whispered and laughed. Sera's dangling earrings jingled.

"What are you doing here?" Sera asked.

"What does it look like?" Evelyn said. "I'm waiting."

"But this is our table," Kate said quietly.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "I don't see your name on it."

Sera rolled her eyes. "We'll see what Queen C has to say about that."

Catherine breezed through the courtyard. She had a relaxed smile on her face until her gaze fell on Evelyn.

"Bass. What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you. Privately."

Catherine readjusted the strap of her Chanel purse. "Girls. Wait for me at the car. I'll be there in a minute."

When the minions disappeared, Catherine put her hands on her hips. "What do you want, Bass?"

"I wanted to bring something to your attention."

Catherine sighed. "Go on."

"I know you sent the blast about Dash and Jenny on Gossip Girl."

"Like I said to you before, you're welcome."

"Save it. We both know that you didn't do it out of the goodness of your own heart. I'm here to return the favour."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, since you went out of your way to warn the whole world about my boyfriend's infidelity, I think it would be just as important to warn everyone about your…condition."

Catherine's eyes widened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Evelyn reached into her bag and said, "but you do. Look here." She pulled out a picture of the note that she had found in Catherine's closet.

Catherine snatched the phone from her hand and inspected the photo. "How did you find this?"

"That's beside the point. The point is, I don't think people would rally behind a queen who, let's face it, isn't clean."

Evelyn picked up her phone and put it back into her bag. "Look, I'll make a deal with you. I will keep this information to myself if you do something in return."

"You're blackmailing me?"

"Of course not. I'm giving you options."

Catherine sighed. "What's your price?"

"Step down as Queen."

Catherine's brows furrowed. "Absolutely not!"

"You may want to think about it before making rash decisions. That may be the reason you got into this position in the first place."

"I will not step down as Queen. I've earned it."

"Is that your final decision because I'll just send this to Gossip Girl—"

"Okay wait. I'll…I'll consider my options."

"Good choice. You have until tonight's Alumni Fundraiser to make your decision."

"Tonight?"

Evelyn stood. "Of course. Come on, do you think I'm going to give you time to start digging dirt on me to counteract the blackmail? You've already used that card."

Catherine stared at her, slack jawed.

Evelyn smirked as she started to walk away. "See you tonight. Oh and Catherine? There's plenty more where this came from."

Spotted: Queen C looking breathless in the courtyard after a tense confrontation with E. What's got your tongue, Queen C?

For once, Ozzy was relieved to return to the Ostroff Centre for his appointment with Jane. His counselling appointment was a reprieve from the craziness of the past couple weeks since Dash and Evelyn broke up. Dash continued to unravel, Evelyn was distant, and he felt stuck in the middle.

Ozzy sat in his usual spot on the couch, his backpack at his feet. He crossed one ankle over his thigh and took a deep breath. For the first time in a while, he appreciated the silence in the room. It didn't serve as an empty void that he normally felt. He felt solace in the few moments before Jane arrived. He would have to tell Jane about it. That had to mean progress.

"Good afternoon, Ozzy. Sorry for keeping you waiting."

Jane embraced her legal pad in the crook of her left arm, and carried a steaming mug of coffee in her other hand. She flipped to a fresh page to begin her scribbles. Ozzy noticed that she never wrote in the lines.

"How have you been?"

"Okay. Things have been a bit crazy around me."

"With your stepbrother Dash and Evelyn? I remember you told me what happened last time we met."

"It's pretty much a cold war at this point. Dash isn't taking it well, and well, I'm not sure what's going on with Evelyn."

"How do you feel about it?"

"I dunno. Like, I'm mad at Dash for what he did, but I also feel sorry for him too."

"Why?"

"I know he didn't intentionally try to hurt Evelyn. It doesn't excuse what he did, but I think he wouldn't have been with Jenny in the first place if I hadn't run away."

"So you feel responsible?"

"Kind of. I mean, yeah, he wouldn't have been with Jenny in the first place if I didn't leave."

"But no one forced him to have sex with Jenny. That was his own decision."

"He's blamed me for it though."

"It may be easier for Dash to blame you then to own up to his mistake."

As usual, Jane was right. Sometimes her hard truths were painfully right because he not only recognized it in what she was talking about, but within himself. Reality could be blinding.

"So you said you didn't know what's going on with Evelyn?"

"She's been distant."

"How?"

Ozzy folded his arms across his chest. "She doesn't respond to my texts or calls. I haven't like had a real conversation with her since this went down. I know she's hurting, but she won't talk to me or anyone about it."

"Are you worried about her?"

"Yes. She's doing things like getting involved with older guys like Carter Baizen for some reason, and I just think she had a lot of things planned."

"Why do you think she's turning to Carter?"

Ozzy's crossed arms tightened. "I don't know. I don't know anything about him, but he just makes me feel uneasy. I don't trust his intentions."

"Did you tell her that?"

"No because she doesn't want to hear it."

Jane made a few notes on her legal pad. "You know, Ozzy, we've talked a great deal over the past few months. We haven't really talked about Evelyn. Can you remind me how you became friends?"

"Yeah. I was failing math when I transferred to Connecticut. I was assigned a tutor that I had to meet up with after school. Evelyn was my tutor."

"What was your initial impression of her?"

Ozzy sighed. "I don't know. She was put together. Wore a blue polo. Smart. Stable."

Jane took notes.

"Beautiful, obviously. Anyone with a pair of eyes could see that."

"Mmhm." Jane paused. "And what happened there?"

"Well, we didn't really get along at first. I think I really tried her patience."

"How so?"

"I wasn't a very cooperative student. It wasn't that I didn't understand, but I wasn't motivated."

"What changed?"

"After making assumptions about each other, we realized we had something in common."

"What's that?"

"We both came from really messed up families. Neither of us knew our fathers."

"What did you assume about Evelyn?"

"That she had the perfect life. You know, parents, a family home, a big room, sports, popularity."

"And she doesn't?"

"Well she does, but not in a traditional sense. It just seemed like she had it all."

"And you feel you never had that."

Ozzy shrugged. Jane scribbled.

"What else happened before she moved away in January?"

"We hung out more. You already know the stuff about Donny."

"Yes, but did anything important happen with Evelyn?"

"I kissed her."

Jane scribbled.

"There was nothing extraordinary about the moment. I was walking her home after we went for a walk after school. The sun set just before five, so it was dark. I just wanted to."

"Did that change your relationship?"

"Yes and no. We were in this limbo period of walking a fine line of friendship or more than friendship. And then Donny happened."

"Right," Jane said.

"We reconnected when I moved here, and we've been friends ever since," Ozzy said.

"Just friends?"

"Relatively."

"What do you mean by that?"

"We may have found our way back to the in between zone. But nothing happened. We weren't friends after the masked ball. I started hanging out with Catherine. She got close with Dash. You know the rest."

Jane scribbled some more. "So tell me, Ozzy. It seems like you had an opportunity to be with Evelyn. It seems like it was mutual. Why did you choose Catherine?"

"I don't know."

Ozzy looked down at his shoes. Through his journaling, he did wonder about his decision. He didn't think about it at the time. He reacted. Now, he realized that there was a reason he pushed Evelyn away at the Masked Ball.

"I didn't think I was good enough for her."

"Why?"

He shrugged. "I'm just not. Someone like me has no business being with someone like her."

"Someone like you?"

"You know, I've done a lot of bad stuff. Drinking, drugs, running away from home to name a few. It's very clear that I'm not like everyone here. I don't look like any one. I'm not like Dash and all those other people who have had everything given to them and they expect everything to be handed to them. I'm used to people leaving all the time, and she probably would do that eventually."

"Has Evelyn ever expressed any of this to you?"

"No."

"Has she ever left you?"

"Yes. When she moved here. She didn't tell me."

Jane scribbled. "This was after what happened with Donny? She was angry with you."

'Yes. We had a falling out, and as soon as we were back in school, she was gone."

"That must have been difficult."

"Yeah. But like I said, it was bound to happen eventually."

"Eventually?"

Ozzy unfolded his arms and began picking at a loose thread on the couch's arm rest.

"Yeah. Everyone leaves and they find something better elsewhere."

"So, at the Masked Ball, when you walked away, is that the same as her leaving you?"

"No," Ozzy said. "I didn't leave Evelyn. I just pushed her away because I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"I don't know. She'd see who I really was, not like it, and leave me again."

Jane nodded. "You were protecting yourself."

"Yeah."

"How do you feel about Evelyn now?"

"It's complicated now," Ozzy said. "She was with Dash, and I thought that door closed forever between us. I don't want to swoop in and start something especially when she still has feelings for Dash."

"So, you've thought about starting something?"

"What? No," Ozzy said, his cheeks feeling hot. "I couldn't do that to Dash."

"Do you still have feelings for Evelyn?"

Ozzy locked eyes with Jane. "Yes."

"The only thing that stopped me from pursuing her was myself wasn't it?" Ozzy said.

"Perhaps."

They talked more until Jane announced that their session had finished for the afternoon.

"Time to assign some homework," Jane said.

Ozzy pulled out his journal and wrote down the findings he had from this session as well as a thought exercise Jane wanted him to complete for their next meeting. He packed up, wished Jane a pleasant weekend, and walked home, pensive.

Evelyn breezed through the front doors of Saks carrying a garment bag over her shoulder. She had a last-minute change of heart with what she would be wearing to the fundraiser tonight, something a bit bolder than she normally would choose. For the past year, her father had given her a credit card that she barely used, and it occurred to her that she wasn't making the most of that opportunity.

Arthur held the door open for her when her phone rang. She smirked when she saw who was calling her.

"Carter," Evelyn said.

"Bass. I haven't heard from you in a few days. I thought you forgot about me."

"I didn't forget. I just had other things to do," Evelyn said.

"Surely nothing more important than me," Carter said.

"Now that's debatable," Evelyn said. "Why are you calling?"

"I'm calling to ask what you're doing tonight."

"I have a fundraiser to attend at school."

"The alumni fundraiser?"

"The one and only. Are you going?"

"I wasn't planning on it, but now I'm reconsidering."

"They did say they'd have drinks and appetizers."

"So, our school is really trying to suck up to us to give them more money then?"

"It's for the sports teams, Carter. I play on the soccer team, so think of it your generous support as supporting me."

"Well, I can't argue with that. Is your whole family going?"

"My father and Lily are going. As are Eric, myself, Chuck and Serena."

"Wow. A full family affair."

Evelyn saw an opportunity. Sure, she didn't really have feelings for Carter, but she realized that everyone at school would be there, including Dash. A plan began to form. She still felt the sting of betrayal for Dash, and tonight she was in the mood to get her revenge.

"Save me a drink tonight?" Evelyn asked.

"You got it," Carter said. "See you tonight, Bass."

Evelyn hung up her phone, and looked out the tinted window. She watched as yellow taxi cabs started and stopped in the lane beside her. As they inched ahead, the limo would surpass the taxi cab. It was a back and forth, back and forth before the taxi turned and the limo continued forward.

Blair slammed the front door of her apartment later that afternoon. She had spent all day of her classes wrapping her head around her standards meeting. Probation? The nerve!

Blair tossed her tote bag on the couch. She stomped to the kitchen, flung open the refrigerator door, and reached for a bottle of Dom. She tore off the wrapper and started screwing open the wire cage.

"Blair? Is everything okay?" Joy asked.

Blair grabbed a tea towel and held it over the cork. There was a slight hiss after the cork popped off. The bubbles rose up the neck of the bottle and threatened to spill over. Blair brought the bottle to her lips and drank.

"I'll take that as a no." Joy took a seat opposite to her and decline when Blair offered her the bottle.

"Does this have to do with Chuck?"

"Don't even bring up his that Basstard's name!"

"What happened?"

Blair took another long drink. "I was called into standards and have been put on probation."

"Probation?"

"I can't attend any society events up until initiation."

"Why?"

Blair took another drink. "Chuck was tapped to join the society, and they may suspect that I did something to prevent him from joining."

"Did you?"

Blair squeezed the cork in her hand. "I can't confirm or deny my participation."

"I understand," Joy said. It was the closest Blair would get to admitting the truth, and she wasn't going to push it any further. "Did it work?"

"No!" Blair sighed. "He reported me, that snake. He wants to join to torture me!"

"Are you sure that's his motivation?"

"What else could it be?"

"Well—"

"You know what? It's fine. He can join all he wants, but that doesn't mean he's going to take away my path to ruling Locke and Key. He doesn't have that power even if his family owns a fifth of New York real-estate!"

"Of course, he doesn't," Joy said. "You're Blair Waldorf, and Blair Waldorf always fights for what she wants."

Blair took another drink. "Exactly. Which means I have to put him in his place, so he'll get out of my way."

"Wait, what?"

Blair picked up her phone and was reminded of the invite to the Constance and St. Jude's Sports Fundraiser. She sighed. What better place to reassert her authority than where her leadership was born?

"Blair, maybe you should forget about Chuck, and focus on your goals. The more attention you give him, the more he's winning, right?"

"Wrong," Blair said. "I won't be giving him attention, Joy. I'll be the one who's winning tonight."

"I don't even want to know what that means," Joy said.

Blair speed dialled her number three contact.

"Dorota? Where are you? Good. I need you to pull out the Givenchy dress Mother just brought from Paris. Yes, I'll be needing that too. I'm on way. We have an event to prepare for."

"Event?"

"An alumni fundraiser at my alma mater," Blair said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Joy waved, resigned to Blair's impulses. Blair slung her bag on one shoulder and held the bottle of Dom in her other hand, and strutted out the door.

When Bart returned home from work, he was surprised to see Serena in the kitchen with Lily. They had their hair done and were both drinking coffee while chatting away. Lily was dressed and ready to go out while Serena wore a pair of jeans.

"Serena. What a pleasant surprise." Bart said. "What's the occasion?"

"Just to visit," Serena said.

"Kim called to let us know she got back home okay," Lily said.

Kim went home for the weekend to get some things in order with plans to return next week.

"Glad to hear that. Why are we all dressed up?"

"Tonight is the St. Jude's and Constance Alumni Fundraiser event," Lily said.

Right. He had forgot about that. Another excuse for that school to ask for more money from him through sports. Unlike Chuck, Evelyn was involved in Constance's extra curriculars, so he might be more swayed to donate.

"Eric and Evelyn are getting ready and Chuck will meet us there."

"Chuck's coming?" Bart said. Given that Chuck was at Columbia, he was surprised he would give up a Friday night partying to attend this event. Unless he had a reason to.

"I was just as surprised, but knowing him he'll just be there because Blair's coming," Serena said.

That was also plausible. Bart couldn't keep up with the status of Chuck's on and off relationship with Blair. Last he checked, they were very much off.

"If we want to be on time, then you need to start getting ready, Serena," Lily said.

Serena rolled her eyes. "I'm so happy to be home," She said as she marched to her old bedroom.

Lily turned to Bart and said, "I saw the open today."

"What open?"

"Bass Industries going public. I know you saw it to."

"Maybe."

"How are you feeling about it?"

"Melancholic. It doesn't matter how I feel anyway. There's nothing I can do."

"Nothing at all? Not even have the board motion to bring you back to Bass Industries?"

He hadn't spoken to Lily about Bass Industries since his initial 'retirement'. He didn't speak to anyone about it. There were certain things he didn't speak about to anyone, and this was one of those things.

"Not with Jack as CEO."

"Why is that?" Lily said.

"Jack wants to run the company his own way. We never really saw eye to eye, and he thinks it's his time now to be CEO."

"That's all?"

Bart swallowed, his cold eyes staring into hers. "What else could there be?"

The Van der Woodsens and Basses arrived at Constance and St. Jude's like a wolf pack. They were six in total, blended, brushed, and glittering in their evening wear. Lily and Evelyn agreed on the dress Evelyn picked in the afternoon: a short red Valentino dress with a ruffled V-neck and see-through long sleeves. Her long wavy hair was curled, her eyes smoky grey.

Normally, Evelyn wouldn't have cared to put this much effort in her appearance. However, she had long ago abandoned the notion of casual dress being appropriate for any evening party. In fact, she didn't even question if she was overdressed this evening. She didn't even think it.

Approving gazes fell upon Evelyn and her family as they arrived. They barely made it five steps before her father was stopped. Typical. It was the Sharifs. They started catching up, their daughter Penelope by their side. Chuck and Serena were looped in on the conversation, giving Evelyn the opportunity to excuse herself. She wandered off before Eric could follow, and she gazed around the room in search for Catherine.

"Hey, Bass." Catherine called. "A word?"

Evelyn smiled and nodded to a couple familiar faces as they made their way to a quieter part of the hall.

"Did you decide?" Evelyn asked.

Catherine crossed her arms. "Not like you gave me a choice."

"So what will it be?"

Catherine shifted her weight to one foot. Her arms tightened across her chest. "I'm not stepping down. Send it. That was years ago, and no one will care anyway."

Evelyn pulled out her phone and began to type. "Let's put that to the test, shall we?"

Catherine's minions swarmed them. Sera especially looked at Evelyn with skepticism. Then, their phones went off.

"Gossip Girl. Punctual as usual," Evelyn said.

Looks like Queen C isn't as clean as she pretended to be. If Queen C lied about that, what else might she be lying about? Between dirty dealings of cocaine and a strong bout of mono that removed her from school freshman year, we have to wonder if Queen C has been spreading the love a little too much. I'd get tested if I were you kiddies because this virus is nasty.

"What?" Catherine looked up at Evelyn. "I didn't deal drugs!"

Evelyn may have used some creative liberties with that part, but she figured between her enabling Ozzy with drugs that she was close to the source of it: Thom. And she already knew from last year's sleepover that she had a romantic history with Thom during freshman year too.

"We both know that you were…intimately connected with the source. Did he know you had mono or did he give it to you?"

All of their classmates were whispering. The minions looked around the room, uncomfortable.

"Silence always is the most telling answer," Evelyn said. She turned to the minions who looked lost, bewildered.

"Girls. I know this comes as a shock," Evelyn said. "But you can always come to me in need of guidance."

Kate and Lila perked up at this. The minions started to cluster around Evelyn giving Catherine the cold shoulder.

"This isn't over," Catherine said. Her grip of power on the minions loosened.

"Why is it that we always end our transactions with threats?" Evelyn said.

"Because no one can hold the throne permanently. Not since Blair Waldorf. You've won now, but I'll be back on top soon."

"Seriously? I've dethroned you multiple times without really trying. You think you can best me when I am trying?"

"Yes because I want it more than you do."

"You don't know that."

"Oh please. You're just doing this to get back at me because I sent the tip to Gossip Girl about Jenny and Dash. Once the anger and revenge wash away, you'll be over it."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that. This time is different."

It felt different this time for Evelyn. Before, she didn't really want to be queen. She didn't understand it. Now, the opportunity to wield absolute power was enticing. She would no longer be vulnerable, and that's what she craved more than anything else. She was vulnerable with Dash, and look where that got her.

"We'll see about that," Catherine said.

"You can go now," Evelyn said. Catherine's eyes narrowed, and she stomped away.

Evelyn turned to faced her minions: Lila, Sera, and Kate.

"So, breakfast Monday morning? On the steps?" Kate asked.

"Done and done," Evelyn said.

Evelyn smirked. She would be seeing them on the steps. In fact, Evelyn envisioned herself at the top step, rearranging the law and order of the land as she thought was appropriate.

It was a time for a change at Constance. A dawn of a new era. A new Queen for Constance. Without ties or headbands.

Chuck's absence from St. Jude's had not made his heart grow fonder for the place. It was small in comparison to Columbia, with more fresh faces than old, and new robes with the same old faces he saw regularly in the Dean's office. He was sure the teaching staff was surprised to see him, he would be too, but their reactions proved to be the highlight of his entertainment that evening.

Chuck had yet to see Carter Baizen's smug face. He wasn't sure if he should be relieved or disappointed with that fact. It did make him wonder all the more what he was up to. Evelyn hadn't so much as mentioned his name since he and Nate brought her back home from his place. The silence made Chuck all the more suspicious.

Chuck spotted Blair then, waltzing towards him.

"Waldorf. I didn't expect to see you here tonight," Chuck said.

"What can I say? It's important to support your roots," Blair said.

"Even though you've never played sports?"

"As I recall, you didn't exactly do anything athletic either."

"Touche," Chuck said. "How have you been, Waldorf?"

"Never better. You?"

"Still sore from that hazing incident I was telling you about. You wouldn't have any idea who was behind that would you?"

Blair's face remained neutral. "None of the people I spend my time with that's for sure. If it doesn't get any better soon, you should have it checked out."

"I'll be fine," Chuck said. "So, you're sure that you know nothing about this?"

"Positive," Blair said. "I would warn you if I knew something."

Chuck's lips tightened. She was surely lying to him. There was no way it was anyone but her behind the hazing. Why was she denying it? He prepared for this to turn into an all-out war, not an all-out denial.

"Blair, you don't have to pretend with me. I know you were behind the hazing."

"Excuse me?" Blair gasped. "You really think I care that much about you joining Locke and Key because you are sadly mistaken."

"Come on, Blair. With your history at this very establishment, you've done a lot worse."

"I'm not the same Blair anymore, Chuck. I'm in college now. That stuff doesn't work to get ahead. I listened when you told me that I wasn't at Constance anymore."

"You don't have to lie to me of all people, Blair," Chuck said. Why was she denying it? This had Blair Waldorf written all over it.

"I'm not lying," Blair said. "And I'd appreciate it if you trusted me on that, but you have a history of having difficulty with that."

When she lied to his face like this for whatever her ulterior motive was, why should he trust her? Chuck shook his head.

"You can convince yourself all you want that you're telling me the truth, but I know you. I know you did that so I would stay away from Locke and Key, and you know what? It didn't work. I'll see you at our first meeting this Sunday."

Evelyn returned to the concert hall and spotted Carter at the bar. Now that she had successfully evened the score with Catherine, there was only one person to level with left: Dash. She had yet to see him at the charity event, and she hoped she wouldn't tonight. She wasn't interested in hearing his pleas for forgiveness. She didn't want to make a scene. Although she hadn't quite thought of the perfect way to level the score with Dash, she thought another post on Gossip Girl of her with Carter would add another point in her favour.

Carter grinned while gazing at her appreciatively when she approached.

"Bass. Looking beautiful as always." Carter took a sip of his champagne.

"Thank you. You look less disheveled than usual."

"A clean shave helps." Carter looked past her shoulder, scanning the crowd.

"Are you looking for someone?"

"As a matter of fact, I am. Will you excuse me? I promise to get you a drink when I come back."

"I'll be waiting."

Carter leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Evelyn watched him leave, wondering who he was looking for before Evelyn was interrupted.

"Carter Baizen? Seriously, Evelyn?"

Dash appeared, suited and holding a champagne glass. He looked the most put together since their breakup, but Evelyn could still see the pain and remorse in his eyes.

"That's none of your business, Dash."

"I get that, but I am concerned. I mean, he's what, four years older than you?"

"Age is just a number isn't it? And it's none of your concern now. You're not my boyfriend anymore."

Dash winced at her last comment. "Trust me, I know."

"Good. Now if you'll excuse me—"

"Evelyn, wait."

She raised her brows expectantly.

"Just be careful. Carter Baizen has a reputation around here. He can't be trusted."

"Who are you to talk? It's not like I could trust you," Evelyn said. Her eyes began to water. "Please excuse me."

Evelyn blinked away the tears and rushed out to the hallway.

For an event that was supposed to be raising money for the Constance and St. Jude's sports teams, Ozzy thought that this party was more of a high school reunion. Parents mingled with each other holding champagne glasses, their backs to the screen projector that welcomed all the alumni and students back together.

Eric Van der Woodsen waved, trying to get Ozzy's attention.

"Any luck this afternoon?" Ozzy asked.

"Nothing out of the ordinary, but there has been a power shift."

"Power shift?"

"Catherine's done as queen. There was a blast on Gossip Girl."

"So much for resisting the dark side," Ozzy said while checking his phone.

"It could have been worse." Eric shrugged. One of his teachers called him over, and he excused himself.

Ozzy wandered to the bar where Dash gulped down a glass of punch. Dash's shoulders were raised near his ears, and he hovered over the bar with a scowl on his face.

"What's bothering you?" Ozzy asked.

Dash drained his glass. "Evelyn."

"What happened?"

"She's just rubbing it in my face that she's with Carter Baizen. I mean, what kind of scumbag is he to go after her like that? He's like, what, twenty-five?"

"I don't like it either, but I'm pretty sure Evelyn is equally going after him."

"You're right. That is better. Look, I know I did the unforgivable and it's over, but I can't help but feel like I'm waiting for something bad to happen. Like, this already sucks, but I haven't hit rock bottom yet."

"You think she's going to do something to you?"

Dash rolled his eyes. "Girls don't just forgive and forget."

"But if Evelyn moved on like you said she did, doesn't that mean she's…well…you know…over it?"

"You do know she's a Bass right?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"We both know that Evelyn's great for many reasons, but the moment she realizes how much money and power she has, I don't think she will show mercy. I mean, she would never let me win when we played FIFA on the X-Box. She wouldn't just win, she'd destroy me with no mercy."

"But that's just a video game."

"I know. Imagine what she could do if she had a motive."

"This is ridiculous, Dash. If you have anyone to worry about it's her brother Chuck and her father who are probably in the same room as you right now."

Dash sighed. "That's why I'm refusing to leave this room full of people. That way, they can't cause a scene. They can only glare from a distance."

Ozzy locked eyes with Chuck who swaggered towards them. "And if either approach?"

Dash looked over his shoulder. "Fuck."

Chuck nodded. "Gentlemen."

Ozzy nodded back. "Hey, Chuck."

"May I have a word with Dashiell?"

Dash turned and did his best to puff his chest and stand taller than Chuck. "Whatever you need to say you can say in front of Ozzy."

Chuck smirked. "I suppose you would benefit from having a witness."

"What is it?"

"Don't think I've forgotten about the little stunt you pulled on my sister. I, like the world, knows exactly what happened, and I'm not so forgiving."

Dash gulped. "So what are you going to do? Punch me in front of everyone?"

Chuck chuckled. "That would be so… unnecessary here. No, you see, there are two men who will be waiting at your limo tonight to take care of my business. They'll make sure," Chuck looked down at Dash's pants, "That you will be feeling pain for a very long time."

"Hey, Chuck," Ozzy took a step in between them, "I think Dash, you know, living with the mistake he made for the rest of his life is enough punishment, don't you?"

"Not really." Chuck plucked a new glass of champagne. "I find this to be more satisfying."

Dash looked longingly at the champagne and sighed. "Could I just get it over with now?"

"If you plan to call it an early evening," Chuck said. He raised his glass. "Have a good evening gentlemen."

Once Chuck was out of earshot, Dash turned and threw his head in his hands. "I'm going to die tonight."

"No, you're not."

"Dashiell Montgomery. Hated and persecuted by the Basses. May he never rest in peace."

"Don't be dramatic. Maybe Chuck was just joking."

"Chuck Bass doesn't joke. He means what he says, Ozzy. My life is over."

"No, it's not. I'll go to talk to him. Just stay in here where you know it's safe, okay? I'll be back."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to try to find Evelyn to see if maybe she will put a stop to this."

"Yeah, great idea. She's the first person I'd think of who would definitely defend my honour in my time of need. She'll probably be out there cheering those thugs on."

"I don't know about that. I don't think Evelyn would like Chuck hiring two guys to beat you up especially if she doesn't know about it. We have time before you serve Chuck's sentence. Let's use it."

"Fine. But it's not going to work."

Ozzy clamped a hand on his shoulder rand squeezed. "You don't know that. Go for a walk around the room or something. Talk to someone. Do something to get your mind off it. I'll be back."

Evelyn left the stifling concert hall and arrived in the hallway. It was busy with her classmates taking pictures. Evelyn breezed past all of that commotion in search of Carter. He said he'd be back to get her a drink. That was half an hour ago.

Evelyn walked up and down the main hallway. No sign of Carter. She pushed open the doors to the courtyard and there on the steps was Carter. Except he wasn't alone.

Evelyn approached, but stopped when she realized who he was talking to. Serena.

"Carter, this is nothing personal. I have to do this alone," Serena said.

Carter grabbed her hands while shaking his head adamantly. "No, you don't. You have me."

"I appreciate that, Carter, I really do, but this is my mission not yours."

Carter hung his head. "Serena. You left me in Santorini. You left me in Buenos Aires. Are you sure I'm not the one you're running from?"

Serena's gaze fell to the ground. "Carter, I-I…"

Carter grabbed Serena and pulled her into a kiss. Evelyn watched in the dark, dumbfounded. They kissed and kissed, and Evelyn turned away. She stumbled on the step, making a loud scuffing noise. She righted herself and continued to march to the front doors.

"Evelyn, wait up!"

Evelyn walked faster until he caught up to her and grabbed her arm to yield her.

"I can explain," Carter said.

Evelyn shrugged out of his grip and crossed her arms.

"Serena and I…we have history. This has nothing to do with you because you are a very young and impressionable girl, but my heart lies with Serena—"

"Woah, woah, woah. Hold up there, sport. Are you ending," Evelyn pointed between the two of them, "This?"

"Listen, I'm so sorry I have to do this to you, but I think it's best if we go our own ways."

"Excuse me?"

"I know it's hard, but there will be some other guy out there—"

"You can just keep those platitudes to yourself." Evelyn took a deep breath. "Let me get this straight. You were using me this whole time to get to Serena?"

He smirked. "Well that wasn't the only reason."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "This is not happening. I was the one using you!"

"Using me?" Carter chuckled.

"Yes! Ask your sister when she's crying herself to sleep tonight if you want to know why."

"Catherine can hold her own." Carter chuckled. "You put up an admiral effort, Bass. Sometimes you just can't beat experience."

"Go to hell."

"Idle threats."

"I hope I never see you again."

"It's a small island, Bass. That may be difficult."

Evelyn marched up the steps and felt a fury build up inside her. Carter was just using her to get to Serena? He wanted Serena over her? No, she didn't care about that. She didn't really like Carter like that, but it still stung.

She felt so stupid.

Evelyn took a glass of punch and gulped it down.

"Where's Baizen?" Dash asked. He too was slouching over the bar looking miserable.

"History."

"Oh really?"

"Please don't start, Dash. I don't want to hear it."

"I wasn't going to. Are you okay though?"

"That's none of your concern."

"Evelyn, come on. Just because we're not together anymore doesn't mean I stopped caring. I still—"

"Just stop. Please."

Evelyn turned and bolted out of the concert hall. In the hallway, Ozzy was wandering, his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the crowds.

Ozzy brightened when he saw her. "Hey, I've been looking for you."

Evelyn brushed past him without a word.

It didn't work. The hazing. The lying. The manipulation. None of the major tenants of her plan made Chuck not want to join Locke and Key. Chuck called her bluff repeatedly, and no matter how many times she tried to deny it, he had already made up his mind. Now, Chuck wanted to join more than ever, and Blair wasn't sure if there was anything she could do to stop it.

How could she have let this happen? Blair stomped to the courtyard and gazed around her old kingdom. Had she lost her touch? Had she lost her ability to manipulate things to go her way? Perhaps her opponents were savvier. Chuck was one of the best schemers she knew, but even if he knew, wouldn't he want their game to have played out a bit longer?

Blair took a deep breath, her hand on her stomach. Her phone rang. She cleared her throat, hoping to sound upbeat.

"Hello?"

"Blair. It's Julian. Is this a good time to talk?"

Blair neared the gate of the school. She looked around to make sure no one was lurking. "Yes."

"Look, I'm so sorry for how severe this morning's meeting came off. My hands were tied, and I had to go along with it. Heather, while good at her position, can be quite stern."

"It seemed like a heavy slap on the wrist."

"I know it seemed bad, but it won't last as long as you think. How are you feeling?"

"Honestly, Julian? I feel a little blindsided. You told me that I could do whatever was necessary to make sure Chuck didn't pick up his bid—"

"Wait, I didn't say 'anything necessary'. You took it a little far Blair."

"Did I?"

"Yes, you did. Hazing is prohibited, Blair. We're not a fraternity. You went too far, and I wouldn't be able to protect you if there was solid evidence against you. This was the best that I could do. Blair, I knew you were capable of doing these kinds of things, but I always though you knew when it was and wasn't appropriate to do them."

"I do know when it's appropriate! You don't know who we're dealing with here. This is Chuck Bass, Julian. If you think I'm bad, he's ten times worse."

"So, you're telling me that he's diabolical?"

"To the core."

"Blair, I think you're being dramatic."

"Didn't you learn anything from the UN Conference?"

"He did that because he was worried we were getting too close. He had his insecurities."

"Well," Blair stammered. "Now that he's going to join, you'll see how diabolical he can be."

"I'm sure I will. Look, Blair, I never thought to ask you this, but how did your relationship end with Chuck exactly? What was your last conversation with him?"

Blair sighed. "We were in Paris. He came to see me to reconcile, but after a summer of reflecting, I decided I needed to know who Blair Waldorf was. I wanted to be just Blair Waldorf for a bit. I've never really done that before. I could have gotten back together with Chuck, but that would mean we didn't solve our problems. We would have repeated them again and again to the point where we'd resent each other. It was difficult, and I thought things were looking better between us this morning when we were civil to each other. But now, he's probably trying to torture me."

"Have you ever thought that his sudden interest in our society has less to do with us and more to do with you, Blair?"

"No, it has more to do with that Basshole wanting to make my life miserable."

"I don't think so. I think he realized that this might be the only way back into your life."

"What are you implying?"

"I'm saying that from what you described to me, your last encounter with Chuck was final. You haven't spoken to him since, so now that you aren't together, you aren't really in each other's lives. Chuck could be interpreting your actions as a way to get back together with you, or at least, back into your world."

"How could he think that? He's smart enough to know I don't want him in our society."

"Are you sure about that, Blair? Because if he doesn't join, he'll start to fade away. While campus can be small when it brings people together; it can also be big when it tears people apart."

"That may work with other students, but we're talking about Chuck Bass. He's everywhere!"

"It may seem that way now, but he'll drift and so will you. I think you need to think about it, and talk to Chuck about it. For real this time."

Blair hung up the phone and leaned against the gate. She meant what she said in Paris. She wanted to be Blair Waldorf. She wanted to conquer school, start achieving her goals, find unexpected opportunities even. But she didn't consider the ramifications of this new vision of her life. She didn't consider what that life looked like outside of herself. Who was in the picture with her? Serena. Joy. Her parents. Locke and Key. Julian. Law. Philanthropy. Nate. Chuck.

Chuck.

What would her world be without Chuck Bass in it? She never considered a reality where he didn't exist. They had known each other for so long that her earliest memories included him. He was so ingrained in her world. Could she surgically remove him from it? Did she want to? If she didn't want him in her life, would she have gone to such lengths to haze him knowing there was a chance he'd connect the dots that she was behind it?

Blair held her phone to her chest. For the first time in her life, she wasn't sure.

What was it with Upper East Siders choosing blondes? First Dash chose Jenny, and now Carter chose Serena. Was this some vicious cycle that was doomed to always repeat itself? Was there something about her that was repellant?

Evelyn threw open the door to her science lab, and let the door slam behind her. She halted at the teacher's desk, pressed her palms on the surface and leaned forward. She hung her head, her breathes became shallow, her eyes stung.

What was wrong with her? Everything was supposed to go right tonight. She was supposed to celebrate being the new Queen of Constance. She was also going to get revenge on Dash, so she could finally move on. She wasn't supposed to get humiliated by Carter Baizen of all people.

Tears splashed on the wooden desk. Her fingers curled into fists.

She was supposed to be in control of the situation with Carter. She was the one who was supposed to decide how and when it would end, not him. She felt cheap. Used.

"Evelyn?"

Evelyn quickly wiped her tears, and tucked her hair behind her ears. Ozzy stood at the door way, one foot in, one foot out.

"I'm fine."

Ozzy stepped inside, closing the door behind him softly. "It's just me, you know."

Evelyn crossed her arms and tried to swallow the lump in her throat. "What do you want?"

"Well." Ozzy started walking toward her. "I was going to ask for your help with something, but that's not important right now."

He had a look of concern on his face. Ozzy raised his left arm, and wiped the remnants of tears and mascara under her right eye.

Evelyn sniffled. "God, I must look like a wreck."

Ozzy rubbed his right thumb under her left eye.

"Thank you." Evelyn turned and walked to look out the window.

Ozzy leaned against the teacher's desk and was silent. He didn't press or probe what happened. He was there. He had been there this whole time, but Evelyn was so wrapped up in her feelings that she didn't notice. He was there for her this whole time.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Ozzy said.

"Do you prefer blondes?"

Ozzy's face scrunched up in confusion.

"Um…no?"

"You don't have to lie, Ozzy."

"I'm not. I just don't understand why you're asking me that."

Evelyn sat on the first row of table, across from Ozzy. It was the row just ahead of where she and Dash used to sit last year when they were lab partners.

"Forget it. It was a stupid question."

"I never said that. What you feel matters."

Evelyn locked eyes with Ozzy's earnest gaze.

"Carter dumped me for Serena tonight. They have," Evelyn used air quotes, "'history', and he was only using me to get to her."

"Ah, that explains the blonde preference question."

Evelyn nodded. "It just hurts so soon after the Dash… incident I guess…" Evelyn's vision became blurry again. "It's not like we were really together or anything, but he just like…dismissed me."

Ozzy sprung up from the table and found a box of tissues.

"I'm sorry," Evelyn said as her cries evolved to silent sobs.

Ozzy covered her cold hand with his warm one. "For what? You have nothing to apologize for."

Evelyn cried more and looked down at their hands. His long fingers covered her broad palm.

"I just can't understand what's wrong with me?"

"Why would there be anything wrong with you?"

"Dash cheated on me, Carter dumped me, and even you rejected me at the masked ball!"

"That's not true. I never had the intention to just reject you like that."

"Then what was that about?"

Ozzy's eyes found the floor. "It was a mix of a few things actually. We all make our choices, and I chose a path that was easier, involved no risk of getting hurt. I couldn't bear putting myself in a position that would lead to disappointing you. But, I clearly ended up doing that anyway."

"So you chose Catherine because it was easier?"

"I didn't choose. She did, and I didn't stop it in that moment. That wasn't my finest hour."

Evelyn blew her nose and took another tissue.

"You know," Ozzy began, "I learned that when someone does something that hurts you without provocation, it's because something is wrong with them and they're taking it out on you. So instead of wondering what's wrong with you, you should really be asking what's wrong with them."

"Wow. That's very profound."

Ozzy shrugged. "I finally learned something with Jane."

"I'm pretty sure you learned more than that."

"Maybe."

Ozzy may have a point. Dash didn't cheat on her because he didn't want her. He thought that Evelyn had left him for Ozzy, and Jenny said exactly what he needed to hear when she wasn't there to do so.

He was always threatened by Ozzy. Why was that?

Suddenly, a dark thought struck Evelyn. If she really wanted to get revenge on Dash, then there was only one way she could make him feel the same pain he made her feel.

Evelyn looked down at their hands. She flipped her palm and laced her fingers with Ozzy's.

"Ozzy?"

"Yeah?"

"You told me I could come to you for anything. Why'd you say that?"

"Because I wanted you to know that you could count on me. Like I could when I didn't know how to ask for help."

Ozzy's eyes were earnest and unwavering. She felt the warmth from his hand spread up her arm and to her chest. Regardless of all the history that had been charted between them, Evelyn felt like they were back in Connecticut standing outside her Aunt Kim's front porch in the early evening during the first snowfall of December. She still felt the warmth of his lips on hers. The tingle of anticipation and excitement of dreaming what was to follow.

Holding his hand wasn't enough now. She needed more from him. Evelyn untangled her fingers from Ozzy's and tentatively reached out for his shoulders. For the amount of time that Evelyn had spent with Ozzy over the years, she hadn't really touched him at all. His forearms were taut and larger than she remembered, and when he wrapped his arms around her back, his grip was tight. Evelyn rested her cheek on his shoulder and didn't want to let go.

"Do you want to go back in?" Ozzy asked after a prolonged silence.

Evelyn thought of Carter and Dash, one avoiding her, the other pining for her, and felt that anger return. She had evened the score with Jenny and Catherine. The only person remaining was Dash. The dark thought Evelyn had earlier returned. There was only one way she could get revenge on Dash, and now was the only time she could do it. Then, she could finally move on from this nightmare she felt herself trapped in for the past few weeks.

"Not really," Evelyn said. "I'd much rather stay here with you."

She couldn't see Ozzy's face, but she swore she could feel his grip on her tighten. As soon as Ozzy did, he let go. She couldn't decipher the look on his face, but he took a few steps back and leaned against the teacher's desk still facing her.

Evelyn reached into her dress's pocket and pulled out her phone. There were a few messages from Eric and one from Dash who were looking for her. There was one message from Ozzy earlier in the evening. Evelyn typed a response to Dash and pocketed her phone. She took a deep breath, trying not to lose her nerve.

"Why do you always do that?"

"Do what?"

"You pull away from me just as we're getting closer."

Ozzy crossed her arms across his chest. "I…don't know."

"I wonder if you didn't do that, then maybe we wouldn't have had as many miscommunications."

"Maybe."

Evelyn studied Ozzy. The more she confronted the issue, the more he retreated from her. She had to switch tactics and fast.

"Ozzy? Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I don't know…you just seem really far away all of a sudden."

Ozzy uncrossed his arms and reached for Evelyn's hand. "I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Just some stuff that I talked to Jane during our session today."

"Do you find she's been helpful?"

Ozzy nodded.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Ozzy shook his head. "Not now. I'm still working through a few things." His gaze locked with hers, and he added, "Soon though."

Evelyn squeezed his hand. She then took a step toward him, her arm brushing his. They stood close together, closer then friends would stand, certainly without holding hands as a lifeline.

"Evelyn," Ozzy sighed. "What are we doing right now?"

"Being there for each other?"

"I get that, but you made it very clear to me that you only wanted friendship months ago. We agreed to that. Marked a firm line."

Evelyn positioned herself in front of him, a breath away from him. "And?"

"We are walking that line right now."

Evelyn's gaze falls to his lips. "I know."

Ozzy cleared his throat. He stood up straight and pushed back against the desk. He has nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide.

"Evelyn, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I just don't think this is a good idea right now."

Evelyn frowns. "You don't want me?"

"No—I mean yes—wait, that did not come out right. It's just, fuck." Ozzy pulled at his hair. "You're really vulnerable right now, and if we do something there is no going back. If we cross that line, I just want it to be for the right reasons."

Evelyn dropped his hand, her gaze cold. "I get it. Why bother with boring old me when you can have an even easier no strings attached option always available with Catherine?"

"Wait, what? Where did you get that from?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Your black marks on your long running pages of sexual history."

It was a low blow, and Evelyn regretted it as soon as she said it. This was not going as planned. Why was she being so combative? Why was she bringing Catherine into this?

"Ozzy, I'm sorry. That was out of line."

"It wasn't untrue," He mumbled.

"Look, I'm not trying to look for a fight. I mean, I am still angry, but not at you."

"It's okay. I've been through much worse fights. Evelyn, I know I always end up saying stupid things I don't mean, but please know this. Don't you ever doubt your worth or compare yourself to other people. You're you. You're amazing, beautiful, and kind."

Evelyn's cheeks grew warm.

Ozzy grabbed both of her hands and implored, "Don't let what Dash did take away who you are. Please promise me you won't let that happen."

There was an intensity to Ozzy's gaze that Evelyn had never seen before. She couldn't look away.

"I promise."

Evelyn's heart beat kept thumping the longer he held onto her. "Can you promise me one thing?"

"Anything."

"Forgive me for this."

Ozzy's confused expression turned soft when Evelyn caressed his cheek, leaned forward, and captured his lips with hers.

He had her right where he wanted her. Chuck replayed the words he used to call Blair's bluff, and a smirk grew on his lips. She was lying to his face. She was doing that thing where her eyes didn't match her mouth. She should have known better. She should have bluffed better. She usually did know better, but Chuck relished the feeling of having won this round. Soon, he'd be joining her club where the games would truly begin.

Chuck found Serena at the bar, draining a champagne glass where he felt a sense of déjà vu. She was drinking alone, like last time when she came back from boarding school. It meant one thing: something had upset her. Chuck signalled the bartender for a drink.

"What's got you drinking on an empty stomach?" Chuck asked. "Special occasion?"

Serena shook her head. "Not now, Chuck."

"I'm serious. Is everything okay?"

She sighed. "It's not a big deal. It's just Carter Baizen."

Chuck rolled his eyes. "What did he do now?"

"It's a long story."

"With many characters apparently. He was screwing around with Evelyn for the past couple weeks."

"I know. He said it was nothing, but Evelyn was pretty upset when he tracked me down tonight and professed his love for me. I tried to look for her because I didn't want her to think that I had any part in it. Tonight, was the first time I saw him in months."

Chuck took a long drink. He wanted nothing more than to find Carter and smash his head in. Did he think he could just toy around with Evelyn without repercussions? He probably toyed with Evelyn to stick it to him for what happened in junior year while trying to find his way back to Serena. Despite Evelyn's claims that she was using Carter too, she was most definitely hurt.

"What's so good about Carter Baizen anyway?"

"It's a long story Chuck."

"Then tell me because I can't stand that guy coming into our family, taking what he wants, and disappearing."

"He doesn't disappear Chuck. I leave him. I left him in Santorini. I left him in Buenos Aires, but he just keeps coming back."

"Sounds like a bad rash."

Serena let out a small chuckle. "You really don't like him, do you?"

"He's nothing more than an annoying insect you can't swat away. The bigger question is what happened in Santorini?"

"Nothing."

Chuck took another drink. "Doesn't sound like nothing."

Serena sighed. "I feel bad enough, Chuck. I should just go. Tell Evelyn I'm sorry."

Chuck grabbed the crook of Serena's arm. "Wait, where are you going?"

"Home."

"And you're just going to let Carter get away with using Evelyn to get to you? You do remember what she did to Ms. Carr and Dan Humphrey for you, don't' you?"

"Of course." Serena shrugged out of his grasp. "Look, you know it's not a good idea to cause a scene, and we can't undo what Carter's done. If anything, the best way we can handle this is to make him go away."

"Should we buy him a return ticket to Santorini?"

"Funny," Serena said. "But we can use it as leverage. Come on. I think I know how we can get rid of Carter Baizen for good."

If he was being forthright, Ozzy dreamt of kissing Evelyn over the years a lot. Alright, he definitely dreamt of doing more than just kissing Evelyn. He remembered the days in Connecticut when he sat beside her in the library, close enough to smell the sweet fragrance of her hair. Stare into her expressive eyes. Felt her soft hand in his.

He remembered spending far too much time in the shower too.

He never imagined the next time he'd kiss Evelyn would be in a New York prep school science classroom. There were times were he never thought there'd be a next time at all. Yet here they were kissing in a dark classroom, holding onto each other like life preservers.

There was nothing shy about the kiss. Unlike last time, near the front step of her Aunt Kim's house, Evelyn didn't smile shyly at him, waiting for him to make the first move. She kissed him with an open mouth, her hands cupping the base of his neck. She dragged her fingers up his neck and along his scalp. He felt a shiver run down his spine, the hairs on his neck stood up.

Ozzy's hands found her hips, and he pulled her closer to stand between his legs. Evelyn leaned into him, sighing into the kiss. Ozzy's grip tightened on her hips, and he kissed her harder causing Evelyn to be the one leaning back.

Evelyn broke the kiss with a loud gasp. She was breathless, cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling. Ozzy ran his fingers through her hair, pushing it away from her face. There were no distractions now. Nothing separated them. He held her in his arms, wanting to tell her everything he was feeling in that moment, but he couldn't find the words to tell her.

Evelyn leaned her forehead against Ozzy's. "At a loss for words?"

Ozzy pulled back and smiled sheepishly. "Around you? Always."

Evelyn smiled, and he kissed her. He took advantage of her open mouth. He explored it, his tongue tangling with hers. Evelyn moaned, which only encouraged him.

He was losing it, and losing it fast.

Ozzy broke away feeling delirious and intoxicated. If he didn't put the brakes on things, he was going to lose control.

Meanwhile, Evelyn took the opportunity to start leaving short kisses along his jawline, making her way to his neck.

"Evelyn," Ozzy said, his voice more strained then he would have liked.

Evelyn ran her hands down his tie. By the end of it, she tugged on it, and brought his lips back to hers. She giggled as she kissed him, her arms wrapped around his neck. Ozzy ran his hands down her back, over her bottom and squeezed, bunching up her red dress. He could feel the tips of the dress, and his hands twitched to explore underneath.

Wait a minute. What were they doing? He was supposed to be here to ask her for help with Dash. Dash. Oh no. He didn't think—

The classroom lights flickered on.

Ozzy and Evelyn broke apart. Ozzy scrunched his eyes as they adjusted to the light and the blurry figure who stood at the door.

Ozzy rubbed his eyes and saw the blurry figure turn clear.

"You've got to be kidding me."

Dash gripped the door handle, his teeth gritted.

Ozzy's blood went cold. He untangled himself from Evelyn and stepped away from her.

"Dash. Shit. This, this looks really bad. This isn't what it looks like, there's a perfectly good explanation for this."

"Oh really? Because it looks like you just had your tongue down my girlfriend's throat," Dash said while stalking towards Ozzy.

"Ex-girlfriend," Evelyn clarified.

"Shut up," Dash said harshly. He shook his head. "I was right all along."

"No, you weren't," Ozzy said. "This never happened when you guys were together. Ever."

Dash rolled his eyes before turning to Evelyn. "You said you were in love with me, Evelyn! Were you just lying to me or yourself?"

"Loved, actually," Evelyn said quietly.

Dash staggered back, wounded. His shock quickly escalated to anger. "You twisted bitch!"

Dash stormed toward her, and Ozzy, unsure if he was going to do something physical, jumped in between them. "Dash, stop. I know you're angry—"

"Angry? Fucking angry?" Dash shoved Ozzy off of him. "You don't know anything!"

Before Ozzy could react, Dash threw the first punch. He swung and cracked the left side of Ozzy's face. Ozzy stumbled back, hitting the first row of work benches. He covered his throbbing left eye.

"Dash!" Evelyn said. "Stop it!"

"Didn't expect that did you?" Dash said. He grabbed at Ozzy's suit jacket and threw him against the workbench. He would up to let another punch fly, but Evelyn covered his curled fist with both of her hands.

"Dash, please stop."

Dash flicked her hands away. "For once, just stay out of it, Evelyn."

Dash took another swing, but thanks to Evelyn's diversion, Ozzy was able to grab his wrist and push him off. Dash caught his balance after stumbling back a couple of steps and charged toward him. They pushed back against each other, both evenly matched, before Ozzy was able to force Dash back against the teacher's desk.

"Evelyn. Go get help," Ozzy said. His side was throbbing, and his eye was swelling by the second. He wasn't going to be able to hold Dash off for much longer.

"Did you think this was a sick joke?" Dash said in ragged breaths. "Pretend to be there for me while you fuck her on the side?"

"Dash, that's not what happened," Ozzy said.

"Bullshit!" Dash kneed him in the groin. Ozzy collapsed to his knees.

"Did you two plan it so I would walk in and see? Have Evelyn text me to come see you guys doing it? You can fucking deny it all you want, but you wanted her, didn't you?" Dash swung his foot to Ozzy's gut.

Ozzy fell to his side where he held himself in one hand, the other holding his now probably bruised stomach.

"Hey! What's going on in here?"

Ozzy saw a black pair of shiny dress shoes charge into the classroom. It was Coach Rodgers with Evelyn close behind.

Coach Rodgers crouched down beside Ozzy. "Ozzy, are you okay?"

"Yeah," Ozzy wheezed. "Just winded."

"Mr. Montgomery? You come with me. Ms. Bass, stay with Mr. Taylor until we return with his parents."

Evelyn crouched beside Ozzy. She put a hand on his arm. "Ozzy? Can you sit up?"

Ozzy groaned as he leaned on Evelyn to sit up against the lab bench. Evelyn checked his eye and got up to get the box of tissues he'd given her. "You have a nose bleed. Here." She took a tissue, covered his nose with it, and said, "lean your head back to stop the bleeding."

Ozzy obeyed. He leaned his head back and felt the tissue absorb the blood.

"I'm so sorry, Ozzy," Evelyn said.

"Nah, I deserved it."

Ozzy closed his eyes, so he couldn't see the guilty tears in Evelyn's eyes. The floor buzzed beside him. In the commotion, Evelyn's phone had dropped to the floor. He turned his head to the left and looked at it. He picked it up and saw there was a message from Eric, but before that, around ten minutes ago was a text from Dash. Although his mind was foggy, Dash said something about a plan. If they planned to humiliate him this way. Something was off.

"Evelyn?"

"Is something else really hurting? Should I get ice?"

"No." He curled his hand around her phone. "Did you text Dash to come to this classroom?"

Evelyn was quiet for a moment. He lolled his head to the right to meet her gaze. She didn't have to answer him. Her face said it all.

"Remember when I asked you to forgive me for something? That was it."

All the pain in Ozzy's body dulled. His physical pain was mild compared to the sting he felt from her betrayal. Evelyn used him. She was like everyone else in this world. Using him as a means to an end. Why did he ever let himself believe he might ever worthy of anything more? How could she do this to him?

"You forgive me, don't you?"

"No." Ozzy continued to keep a steady gaze on Evelyn, who was beginning to look more and more like a stranger to him by the second.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I think I finally see you for who you really are now."

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." It looks like E is fully steeped and everything has reached a boiling point.

Chuck followed Serena outside to the front steps where Carter leaned against one of the columns. He smiled when he saw Serena approach. Chuck felt his fingers curl in a fist at his smugness.

"Serena." Carter's smile dropped when he saw Chuck behind Serena. He scoffed. "What is this? Good cop, Bass cop?"

Chuck smirked while Serena took the lead. "Actually, it's goodbye."

"What are you talking about?"

"Check your email," Serena said. "I just booked you a ticket to Dubai. One way."

Carter shook his head. "Nice try, but I'm having too much fun. I'm not leaving town anytime soon. Things were just getting interesting."

"Were they? Using innocent people to get what you want?"

Carter scoffed. "Evelyn Bass isn't as innocent as you think she is. Trust me."

Chuck launched forward and grabbed Carter by the collar. He pinned him to the column and said. "Is this just all a game to you?"

"Oh please. No need to get all righteous, Bass. We all play the game. Especially you," Carter said.

Chuck slammed him against the column. Carter laughed.

"You know I have to say that Evelyn surprised me. She talks a big game, but is a bit frigid."

"You son of a bitch." Chuck threw Carter to the concrete, close to the staircase.

"That's enough!" Serena said stepping between them. "Chuck. He's not worth it."

"You can kick me all you want, but I'm not leaving town," Carter said as he staggered to his feet.

"What about Santorini?" Serena said. "The Greek guy, Spiros? The Greek Police? I still have all of their phone numbers from when they questioned me."

"You wouldn't," Carter said.

"I would. But I won't if you leave town. Alone."

Carter's phone pinged. He checked it and shook his head. "There are a few things I could hold over your head from that trip, but consider us even." Carter stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I came back for you, you know."

Chuck rolled his eyes.

"You may not want me around, but I would have stayed with you that whole summer if you didn't ditch me. I wouldn't have pushed you away, turn you away like your—"

"Carter," Serena's voice wavered. "Please. Go."

Carter stormed off. Chuck watched him go, and Serena stood stalk still.

"Are you okay?" Chuck asked.

"Yeah," Serena said, her eyes glassy. "Let's just go back inside."

So far, Evelyn's coronation had been nothing short of a disaster. It all started well enough when she usurped the throne from Catherine, but shortly after, it all fell apart. Now, she watched as Ruby hurried into the classroom, her gaze widening when she saw Ozzy sitting upright on the floor.

Ruby crouched beside him as Evelyn now watched from the teacher's desk. Ruby took Ozzy's chin and turned it towards her to inspect the damage. Ozzy's nose stopped bleeding, but his eye was purpling.

Ruby started rubbing away the bloodstains with a tissue, and muttered. "Why is there lipstick on your face?"

Evelyn felt her cheeks burn. It was probably all around her mouth too. Evelyn started rubbing her chin.

Ozzy glared at Evelyn and sighed, "Can we just go home?"

"Yes, but do you feel any type of pain elsewhere? Maybe we should have someone check you out first before we go home."

"Mom, it's just a black eye, not a knockout."

"Fine. I'll go tell Philip and call for the car to pick us up."

"I'll wait here with Ozzy, Ruby," Evelyn said finally while covering her mouth with her hand.

"That would be great. Thank you, Evelyn."

Evelyn nodded, now moving her sleeve across her chin.

"Ozzy, stay put. I'll be right back."

Once Ruby had left the classroom, Ozzy started to get to his feet. Evelyn rushed to his side. She gripped onto the crook of his elbow, but Ozzy shook her off.

"Can I do anything?"

"I think you've done enough, Evelyn."

Evelyn stood there stunned. "Ozzy, I'm sorry."

"Are you though? You got what you wanted didn't you?"

In a sense she did. She did get revenge in the only way she knew how. She thought it would make her feel powerful and satisfied like it did with Jenny and Catherine. This time it didn't.

"Ozzy you have to understand—"

"Understand what? For the past couple weeks, I've been the rope you two have been using to play tug of war. I was trying to be there for you even when you didn't want it, and now you want me here after the way you treated me? It doesn't work that way."

"You said you'd do anything for me," Evelyn said quietly.

"And I meant it, but you-you abused that. Twisted it into something else. I thought I was worth more to you then that."

Evelyn felt her eyes sting. "You are, Ozzy."

"You say that, but you showed me something completely different tonight."

"I wasn't thinking clearly. Do you know how hurt I've been? How humiliated it was to find about Dash cheating on me from Gossip Girl?"

"I do know, but did you really think that doing this would make it all go away?"

Evelyn's eyes fell to the floor. "I thought it would at the time."

Ozzy shook his head. "I used to idolize you, you know? You always made me want to be the best version of myself, demand more of myself and put in the work to achieve it. You asked me earlier if I didn't want you. But you were asking the wrong question. It's not about wanting you. I wanted to be someone who was equal to you. I wanted to be worthy not in your eyes, but mine."

Ozzy's words pierced her. They pierced her hard in the chest.

"And how can you ask me to forgive you when you throw our friendship away for revenge? How can I possibly just forgive you like it's nothing?"

"I didn't throw away our friendship!"

"You did the moment you kissed me."

"Ozzy, that's not fair to put this all on me. You kissed me back."

"I did, and I wished I stopped you because we can't go back to being friends after that. Not again."

"Yes, we can! Why do you always have to be so difficult?"

"Me, difficult for what, respecting you? Not taking the leap for something neither of us were ready for? You threw away our chance Evelyn, and that I can't forgive you for."

Ruby popped her head back in the classroom. "The car's here."

Ozzy joined his mother at the door. Evelyn turned away, and she tried to blink back her tears.

"Evelyn, are you coming?" Ruby asked.

"I'll stay behind. You two get home safe."

Once the door shut, Evelyn wrapped her arms around her stomach and started breathing in short bursts. The reality of Evelyn's revenge set in. How could she have done that to Ozzy? What was she thinking?

Evelyn's phone buzzed on the floor. Evelyn picked it up. It was Gossip Girl.

Spotted: Little J all packed up, and sailing across the Hudson River. Arrivederci, Little J. We will miss you. Did you think that was the end? Because it's only a new beginning on the Upper East Side. We hear that a new Monarch is set to take the throne at the steps on Monday morning. All hail Queen E.

Evelyn sighed. She had accomplished her three goals. She got even with Jenny. She got even with Catherine. She got even with Dash. She should be out celebrating and enjoying the rebalance in her universe.

Instead, she felt empty. Sure, Evelyn gained a kingdom and its power, but she lost what mattered most. She lost her friends. Her boyfriend. Herself. She was nothing but residual ashes. She burnt everything in sight without care or caution, and now she was the last person left standing.

After Carter left, Chuck had many questions. What happened in Santorini? Why was Serena in Santorini in the first place? What was she looking for? How is Carter of all people involved?

Chuck returned to the bar and signaled the bartender for another drink. Serena held her champagne flute, shoulders slumped.

"Please tell me you aren't sad to have sent Carter away?"

"No. It's not that," Serena said, taking a drink.

"What happened in Santorini?" Chuck asked. "Does Carter have something on you?"

"No. I had something on him. Now we're even."

"If he comes back to bother you again, let me know."

Maybe next time, he'd have more notice so he could plan and execute a proper scheme to make Carter go away permanently.

Serena finished her drink. "Thanks, but I don't think we'll be seeing him again for a long time."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going home to pack."

"Back to Rhode Island?"

"Something like that," Serena said. Before she disappeared to coat check, she paused. "Chuck?"

"Blair will kill me for saying this, but she still cares you know. I don't think she's over you, but even if that's true, you have to learn to trust her or it's never going to work. Just think about that."

Chuck watched his step-sister disappear, speechless. Did he suspect that Blair still loved him? Yes. Did he also suspect Serena of all people would advocate the two of them getting back together? No. He turned over Serena's advice until his father's voice startled him.

"Chuck. Surprised to see you tonight. Thought you and Nate had plans."

"I had some business to take care of."

"Are you in trouble again?" Bart asked.

"For once, no. You'll be happy to know that Carter Baizen has been taken care of. He won't be around to lead Evelyn down the garden path any longer."

"That's good news. And here I thought you were here to woo back Blair Waldorf."

Chuck smirked. "I don't have to come back to our alma mater to do that."

Chuck thought back to this morning. He had checked the date, he knew what happened this morning.

"Did you watch the open this morning?" Chuck asked.

"I was working."

"Well I did, and it appears that Bass Industries is now a publicly traded company."

"And?"

"Doesn't that bother you?"

"Why should it? I'm not in charge of it anymore."

"Well, it bothered me," Chuck said. He hated seeing Jack's smiling face gloat as the bell rang. It made Chuck realize that without his father in charge, Bass Industries was no longer a career option for him.

"Just worry about school, Chuck," Bart said. His phone pinged.

As much as Chuck wanted to let it go, he couldn't. Last year, Jack used him and Blair to become CEO. He didn't know what he had on his father, and that worried him. He tried looking into Jack's past with Andrew Tyler and he couldn't find anything. Who else was around that might know what Jack had on his father?"

Bart looked at the message. "It's your Aunt Kim. She's back in Connecticut for the weekend. She sends her best."

Aunt Kim. Wait a minute…

"Will Aunt Kim be coming back next week?"

"Yes, by mid-week."

Why didn't he think of this before? No wonder Andrew couldn't find anything on Jack. He was taking the wrong angle all along. Jack probably covered his tracks. There were no leads to follow. Who else was around when his mom died? Who was the closest relative to her that is still living today?

He needed to talk to Aunt Kim.

Blair stood in the girls' bathroom staring at her reflection as she washed her hands. She tilted her head in two directions to look for any blemishes, dry patches, or touch ups required for her makeup like she always used to when she was a student.

She was still haunted by Julian's words. Could she ever accept Chuck to fade from her life when she could have done something about it? That wasn't her. Blair has never been one to let things happen passively. Blair leaned forward on the counter and looked at herself.

Maybe this wasn't just about Chuck. She still loved him. Wanted him. Needed him.

But she didn't love herself. When she looked in the mirror, she saw all of ugliness that she despised. All of the insecurities began their whispers. Her mother's analytical eye sliced and diced her appearance. The toilet wasn't far; she had used it liberally in her sophomore year.

No matter how much she loved Chuck, it wouldn't fill her up. It wasn't his fault. That wasn't his job. This was hers, and she still struggled to fill herself up.

Chuck would be joining Locke and Key. That was certain. What wasn't certain was how their relationship would evolve. But she couldn't worry about that. She alone couldn't control that. What she could control was staying on top of her classes and getting into the good graces of the Locke and Key Society, so she could gain a position by elections at the end of the semester.

The bathroom door swung open forcefully. The doorknob smacked the wall causing Blair to jump.

Evelyn Bass appeared in her red dress, streaks down her cheeks, lipstick smeared around her mouth. Her shoulders shook as she began to cry.

"Evelyn," Blair said. "Are you okay?"

Evelyn's eyes widened when she saw Blair's concerned face. "I just-um—"

Blair locked the door to the girl's bathroom. "No one else is in here but me. Are you okay?"

Evelyn shook her head. "No, Blair. I'm not okay. I haven't been okay in a while."

"What happened?" Blair asked softly.

"It's a long story."

"Is this about what happened with Dash?"

Fresh tears fell from her eyes as Evelyn nodded.

"Did you tell anyone what's been going on?"

"Who could I tell? My best friend slept with my boyfriend! No one would understand."

Blair's eyes hardened. "I would."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Your life's perfect, Blair. I'm sick of everyone trying to console me on something they've never been through!"

"My life is far from it," Blair scoffed. "And I have been through it. My best friend slept with my boyfriend too. At a wedding no less."

"The Sheppard wedding?"

"The very one. Trust me, I know exactly how you feel." Blair picked up a paper towel, soaked it with water, and offered it to Evelyn.

"Thank you." Evelyn's eyes widened when she saw her reflection. She started to wipe the lipstick around her mouth furiously.

"Be gentle, it won't come out any easier if you rub it that hard," Blair said.

Evelyn softened her rub and grabbed a fresh sheet to soak. "Thanks. I thought that doing something about it would make me feel better. Make them hurt like how they hurt me."

"Let me guess, it didn't make you feel any better?"

"No." Evelyn blotted the mascara that ran down her cheek. "I just felt hollow, and it all blew up in my face anyway."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Evelyn paused. "You don't have to, Blair."

"I want to. Come on. Finish cleaning yourself up and we'll go to my Mom's penthouse on Park Avenue. I have a stash of Godiva, gold collection only, for these occasions."

"I've never had Godiva chocolates before."

Blair looked at her with horror. The corners of Evelyn's mouth turned up, and she let out a small laugh.

"Well," Blair said. "We will certainly have to correct that. What do you say?"

Evelyn sniffled. "Let's get out of here."

Evelyn unlocked the door and the two monarchs of Constance walked out together.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is best expressed in the choices one makes…and the choice we all make are ultimately our responsibility." It looks likes the choices E has made has landed her a kingdom, but it has also landed her the responsibility of losing someone she may have loved the most. What's a new Queen to do?

You Know You Love Me,

XOXO Gossip Girl

A/N: And there you have it! Evelyn is now the next Queen of Constance, Jenny has left for Hudson, Chuck has a new lead to find out what happened all those years ago, Blair is on probation, and Evelyn finally got her revenge on Dash (while paying the price for it). Quite a lot happened in this chapter, wouldn't you agree?

So what's next in this story? The next chapter will be titled: "A Tale of Two Brothers". I'm really excited about it.

So what did you think? Let me know what your thoughts and theories are in a review!

Till next time,

XOXO EZ11