Chapter Six

The End Has No End

Blair's eye caught something past Chuck's head that had her pull back immediately. It was her own mother, waiting outside Hospital's entrance. She stood up, quick as a lightning. She couldn't afford any mistakes now. Blair shook off blazer and handed it back. ''Chuck, I have to go.''

''Wait, you didn't tell me what room you're in-.''

She was already half way there. Turning around now to answer him would be completely stupid so she just walked forwards, pretending she didn't hear him. It took every effort she possessed not to turn around.

''Who is that?'' Mother asked suspiciously, peering at the stranger in the darkness.

''Just a patient.''

''What were you talking about with a man? What was his jacket doing on you?''

''I was sitting there,'' she confidently said, chill wind grazing her flushed skin. ''He came, saw that I was cold and gave me his jacket. It would have been rude to say no.''

''Come on,'' Mom ordered, ushering her. ''Let's go inside.''

The walk back to room was quiet. Hospital seemed to fall into slower pace also, only few doctors moving about in rushed manner, patients all asleep and few visitors in line for coffee with tired look.

''I wish you never left village,'' Blair suddenly whispered, pained look on her face. ''I wish we grew up there.''

''Why are you saying that?''

''All things that we want are close, but unreachable,'' Her voice trembled, and she thought of Chuck. ''It's a punishment.''

Jane hugged Blair's shoulder. Her eyes were serious and penetrating. ''Don't talk like that. I'll touch, say. It is all mine.''

Her grip tightened and Blair felt her heart exploding with nostalgia for life never tasted. She wished she could be one of the people of Chuck's kind. She wished she could lead a life similar to his. Maybe then, they would have a chance together. There was a connection she felt to him, but their differences were overshadowing everything. Blair never stood a chance against Serenas of the world.

She was woken up by frantic voice of her mother, early in the morning. She had no idea when she fell asleep last night. The mere thought that Chuck may be in some room next door kept her awake for hours. Blair yawned and put on her shoes, surprised to see Diana's bed empty.

She was even more surprised that an hour later, she was sitting on Georgina's bed and talking to her as if nothing ever happened. Except for her mom bustling about in Spark's apartment, Georgina's scrappy voice and loads of mom's homemade soup, everything would have been as it was day before.

''So,'' Blair explained, sighing in frustration. ''I'm home now, helping mom.''

''Don't be ridiculous.'' Georgina propped herself on her elbow and pulled covers around herself. ''You're dropping out of school because of some stupid lie about stupid phone.''

''I have to. It's done. My only worry is that I'm not sent off back to village.''

''Is your dad crazy? You're eighteen. He can't keep you locked up in the house. He can't force you back to village.'' Georgina coughed, her throat worked up with all the talking.

''Have some soup,'' Blair advised, not in the mood to mull about her pathetic life and family.

''I can't believe it,'' She continued after gulping. ''This is total bullshit. What century are we living in? Why did you lie to them, Blair?''

''Doesn't matter anymore,'' She brushed it off knowing well how obsessed Georgina was with Chuck.

They were interrupted with a knock and Diana saying ''Blair, your dad wants you to come home immediately. Georgie darling, Charlie is here.''

Charlie was Georgina's beautician. She scurried in the room and brought manicure water and instruments. They sure acted as if nothing out of the ordinary didn't happen.

''Oh-uh,'' Georgie said to her friend, lazily handing Charlie her hand. ''I hope everything is fine.''

Blair's gaze fell on already polished Georgina's nails and dropped at her own; short and shineless. She quickly hid them in sleeves of her sweater.

She took two steps at the time until she found dad at the front doors.

''Come on, Blair,'' he spoke urgently, nudging her. ''We have to go. Dan had an accident.''

It was the kind of accident you don't end up in hospital, but in police custody. They arrived there as soon as possible. It appeared Dan was involved in car theft. Father kept praying under his breath, his hands shaking. ''I should have called his boss. I should have let him know he may not come today. He'll be worried.''

''It's okay, dad. I have it.'' Blair fidgeted with her bag and fished out dad's old phone with her number inside. They were standing in front of administrative doors, waiting to be let in and hear what was going on.

When phone turned on, a text message flashed on the screen.

Chuck:

Will I ever hear from you again?

Her insides shrunk and expanded, setting loose to flurry of butterflies. The phone had been off for days and she only read it now. She hadn't been to classes, therefore complete contact with outside world had been ceased. Blair missed Constance, classes and even Chuck. Most of all, Chuck.

It was absolutely thrilling to hear he thought of her too. It made her feel less pathetic.

''What is that?'' Dad asked, trying to peek over. He narrowed his eyes, trying to see without his reading glasses.

''Nothing,'' She quickly deleted the message and looked straight ahead. There, walking out of the elevator were Chuck in person and an older man beside him. Judging by the same nose and low brows, it must have been his father.

Chuck kept cold expression on his face, looking around annoyed while his father spoke through gritted teeth. They were walking towards her, but still oblivious to her presence.

''They'll do anything not to pay. We'll squeeze them,'' His father lectured, hard glint in his beady eyes. ''I can't believe you're making me pay for your mistakes this early in the morning.''

''I have to use the rest room,'' She blurted out and quickly ran away, dodging the Bart family. Blair shut the doors behind her and leaned on them, breathing heavily. Did Dan really steal Chuck's car?! What the hell had been happening?

After coming to her senses, she slowly opened the doors; just enough so she could hear and see what's going on. Her dad was sitting on the seat next to Chuck, both completely unaware of each other's existence and importance. He was staring at a wall tiredly, waiting for her.

''Sorry to disturb your beauty sleep,'' Chuck mocked grudgingly.

''Chuck, don't test me,'' Mr. Bass seethed. ''The only reason you're not here alone is because of that car. Don't forget that.''

''Papa dear,'' Chuck calmly replied, his jaw working. ''I already know that car is more valuable to you than I will ever be.''

''Chuck, spare me the drama. I'm not one of your little friends and this is not one of your stupid little problems. This is serious.''

''So it's my fault? And not the guy who stole it?''

Blair watched her dad more closely. He seemed to be more disturbed as the conversation progressed. His hand shook, his mouth set in deep frown, very well familiar with that thief. It was no one else but his own blood, his pride, his son.

''You can't give that kind of car to a punk! Of'course it's your fault.''

''How was I supposed to know he was gonna steal it?!''

She couldn't bear it any longer. Her dad seemed to be in deep pain and there was nothing she could do about it, being stuck in this stupid toilet with her stupid insecurities. She felt the noose tightening around her neck and Blair tried to fight with all her might. Shame rose like a wave and crashed over her tender flesh.

She heard a muffled voice calling them to enter a room in front. She quietly left the rest room and only got a glimpse of bruised Dan and the officers inside as the door shut in her face. Blair sat on the seat in front and listened as they did a review of damage and action. Young officer strode past her, winking after glancing at her legs and she shot him a dirty look

''I'm not mad at this poor fellow,'' Mr. Bass' deep voice said. ''It's hard to resist temptation. If you don't know who to entrust certain things, you'll get tenfold worse back.''

There was short silence and Chuck's tiredness ringing through room; ''Father-.''

An unknown voice (probably senior officer) cleared his throat and said. ''Mr. Bass, let's revise. You left your car at mechanic shop with Mr. Dan?''

''Yes,'' confirmed Chuck.

''Well, I told you I didn't steal it,'' Dan shouted in annoyance.

Blair was so irritated right now that it took all she had not to come there and slap him. The nerve of him! Instead of being silent, he made an effort to make a show out of the case.

''Shut up,'' One of the officers said.

''See,'' Mr. Bass' patronizing tone explained. ''He is right. He didn't steal it. You let him enjoy it. And he did it.''

''When we saw picture of the car,'' First officer continued on, ''We thought it might be an aimed grand theft auto.''

There was a sound of paper rusting.

''Are you going to press charges?''

''Why should I sue this guy? I'd rather sue my son.'' His drawl was lazy and menacing. Deep down, Blair felt sorry for Chuck. Hundreds of her dad's slaps could never rival with this sort of brutality. ''The only thing you missed to do is wrap a damn bow around the car. Pretty as a present. You gave milk to a cat and she drank it. Is it the cat's fault?''

The monologue was shortly interrupted with the sound of a phone call.

''Yes?'' Mr Bass answered. ''Why?''

There was a deep sigh. ''The insurance won't cover the cost. You're on your own now. You'll pay for your stupidity.''

''You're here because of the legal part of the problem,'' Officer patiently spoke. ''Are you pressing charges?''

Blair held her breath. Pressure pumped against the skull of her head and ribs. They were doomed if he says yes. They'd be out on the street by tomorrow.

''Yes, we're pressing charges,'' Mr. Bass furiously declared. ''You thief! You would enjoy a car you could never afford? Do you know how much sole wheel of the car costs?''

''Then why did you leave it in the middle of nowhere if it was so valuable to you?'' Dan jumped in, frustration laced in his voice.

There was a stunned silence.

''You heard that? He's playing with us now. I've lost plenty of time. Do what you have to do, immediately.'' There was the sound of chair scraping and feet shuffling. ''Chuck, go get that junk. You'll fix it yourself.''

''Mister,'' Dad finally spoke up, his voice proud and humble at the same time. ''It's on us to pay the damage.''

Another wave of silence.

Her phone interrupted the tension. Blair quickly got up and walked away a little a bit for some privacy to answer it.

''Thank God,'' Jane exclaimed. ''At least you answered.''

''Mom-.''

''What is going on? I can't reach neither dad nor Dan.''

''Mom, I have to go. I'll call you back later,'' Blair whispered quickly as she spotted Mr. Bass exit the room, followed by Chuck. She hid behind the plant and hung up.

''If he sold his entire family, he'd barely be able to repay the damage,'' Mr. Bass huffed at his son as they left.

''Dad,'' She called out as her own family came after.

''How are we going to pay it?'' Dan shrugged his shoulders. ''It would be better if I went to jail.''

''We are going to pay it,'' Dad said uncertainly. ''Somehow. But how are you going to repay your parents the debt of your conscience? How?''

''I stole one night out of their lives. And I'll be paying it until I'm dead.''

Nobody in the house slept that night. They were all drowning in the same nightmare. The hardest part was telling the story to mother. Her sobs could be heard through out the entire night, weeping and clutching her little flower-printed kerchief, a reminder of young days.

That little kerchief held most prized treasure; three golden bracelets. She planned to give one to Blair at her wedding day, one for future daughter-in-law and third to oldest grandchild. She was well aware of the fact it would be only gold she would ever posses in this life. And now she was forced to sell it, just so they could pay off the first rate.

After gripping the bracelets tightly for hours, she suddenly opened her palm and dropped them on the floor without second glance. It was tragic how her all hopes and dreams could be sold for such little sum in big world. Only one monthly rate of a luxury car.

It was somewhere after midnight when Blair's phone buzzed with message.

Chuck:

I'm really worried about you.

She steeled herself and deleted the message. Blair hadn't been attending classes for days and they last met in the hospital. Was he really worried?

No, she brushed the thought away. It doesn't matter. Everything changed. Dan was right. He fancied himself as one of them and it cost him everything he had. She was the same. She pretended to be one of them and it only gave her sleepless nights and restless soul.

After few minutes, he called her. She boldly rejected the call, a rebel tear escaping her eye.

The wall between them now stood tall, imposing as ever. Blair would always be part of this crooked world, few steps lower than everyone else and even farthest from his golden throne. There was no point in denying the truth.

Blair woke up later than usual. She had a hard time of falling asleep. There was nobody in the living room. Hungry, she opened the fridge. There was barely anything in it. Eggs, bit of cheese and a stale salad. She sighed in dejection and was just about to grab the eggs for an omelet when intercom beeped, indicating call of one of the residents.

She clicked the button back and voice from the other side called out.

''Blair?'' Jenny's distorted voice came through. ''Is that you?''

After a small pause and wave of regret of answering it instead of ignoring the call, Blair confirmed it was herself. Jenny was known for rare, but pointless and ridiculous requests. This one was no different.

''I'm so glad it's you,'' She breathed. ''Blair, this is an emergency.''

Everything is an emergency to you.

''Go to Dantes and get me white chocolate mocha. Make sure the cup is porcelain.''

''What?'' Blair rolled her eyes. ''Coffee?''

''Yes,'' Jenny responded, her voice suddenly changing tone. ''That cafe that we once met in. Remember?''

Blair bit her lip hard. The nerve of this little brat! Was she blackmailing her?

''My parents aren't here,'' She gritted out through her teeth. ''I can't leave home empty.''

''Porcelain cup, not plastic,'' Jenny sang, ignoring her completely. ''Ciao.''

Blair stared at old battered machine in silence. Was she now an employee here too? Like her parents?

''Enough!'' She shouted angrily to nobody in particular, alone in the empty room. She is going to get that coffee and spill it all over Jenny's custom made pajamas. Yes, she will do that.

Blair grabbed her wallet, threw coat on and left the house.

She entered cafe, bustle and murmur of customers familiar to her. Sick feeling rolled over in her stomach at the remembrance of lies she uttered to these walls and ears. Lies that made her buy coffee for rich spoiled princesses of Upper East Side. She clenched her numb gloveless fingers around her wallet when bronzed muscled hand stretched out from the crowd and waved at her.

''Blair,'' Nate greeted, smiling. Just another reminder of what a fool she'd been, thinking she could be one of them - even for few moments.

Chuck and Serena's head snapped up, their eyes wide as those of a deer, caught in a flashlight of an incoming car.

Blair pretended not to see them and quickly walked towards the counter.

''How may I help you?'' Barista, who was approximately same age as her asked. He smiled politely, two dimples showing up on his smooth cheek.

Blair's heart pumped as she gave out her order, her voice surprisingly hoarse. ''White chocolate mocha in porcelain cup.''

She drummed her fingers on the counter impatiently.

''Hey stranger,'' Deep husky voice spoke and strong scent of familiar cologne mixed with coffee smell of the place, twirling around her in an invisible seductive dance. Chuck leaned on the counter, waving away barista's question for order and looked at her gravely.

''Hi,'' She simply replied, not trusting herself to say more. It had been few days since she last saw him. Chuck looked dashing as always, paramount of elegance and perfection. It took all she had not to look his way, not to ask him how his friend was. There was a strong urge to stay with him and get to know him, but she ignored it. Blair bit her tongue.

What else was she supposed to say? Hey, by the way, my brother stole and wrecked your car. Hey, my dad owes you hundreds of thousands of dollars. He also forbids me to educate myself, hence me not going to college. Hey, I might end up on the street because you decided to drop me home and leave keys to my stupid moron of a brother.

Also, we're both aware I've been ignoring your messages and calls. How completely not awkward to see you here!

''I called you yesterday,'' He cocked his head to catch her eye when she didn't look at him.

''I couldn't answer.'' Coffee menu suddenly became very fascinating. Barista was making her drink and threw ever so often a glance her way. Chuck noticed it, his nostrils flaring in response.

''Well?'' He went on after she said nothing else, trying to engage her into a conversation. ''How is your friend?''

''Good,'' She replied briskly, curling her fingers into fists. Blair knew she was being a bitch, but she needed to stop this farce once and for all. They were two completely different worlds and any bridge between them was thing of an illusion, nothing else.

Another painful silence fell between them. He glared at her profile for few moments, jaw clenching and unclenching. Finally, Chuck straightened himself and spoke flippantly, ''Good talking to you. I guess I'll see you at college. If you decide to grace us with your presence.''

She once again bit her tongue at his cold speech, nodding. So, he noticed she wasn't going.

If I come to college, she thought bitterly.

If you hire me as your cleaner one day, too.

If we see each other at court because of your fancy car and my stupid stupid stupid brother.

Chuck lingered for few more moments, as if waiting for something. She almost turned around and met his eyes. Almost. It seemed like an eternity passed when he huffed and left without a second glance.

Blair let out a breath and stared at his broad back.

Come back, something in her whispered with desperation.

She choked that little voice and took the order. She marched right towards and through the doors, willing herself not to look at anything but path in front of her feet.

''What did Jenny want today?'' Mother asked sternly, bad mood still hanging about her.

''A coffee,'' Blair sighed, sad that she didn't get to spill it on her. Her maid opened the doors and took it with rushed thanks. Blair was so hungry and smell of delicious breakfast completely put her off.

''A coffee?'' Jane blanched. She recollected herself and angrily stabbed at her plate with fork. There was considerably less food than usual on it. These new expenses made them tighten their budget even more and they could all feel it. ''If she wants a coffee let them get a personal barista too. Like maid and chef aren't enough already. Next time she calls, say that you can't do it!''

''Remember your position here,'' Father spoke with usual somber voice. ''You're our daughter. Nor our colleague.''

Everyone stood still, shocked with change of attitude.

''If they need something,'' He continued, anger building up inside him, but calmly eating the dinner. ''They may ask me or your mother.''

''I won't do it either,'' Mother snapped back. ''You are a janitor and I'm a cleaner. We're no servants. There is a limit for everything.''

''That is true,'' Father replied. ''There is no good in this world, my children. No good at all.''

Everyone looked at him, waiting for an explanation of such depressing monologue.

''Our credit application got rejected.''

Mother's left cheek twitched at his words. ''I think I've lost my appetite.''

She sprang, knocking the chair behind her and shutting herself in her room. Dad followed suit.

Blair cleaned her plate and started cleaning out the table too, trying to ignore shouts and cries coming from parents' room. Dan stared blankly at the couch.

How are they going to repay the debt now?

She closed her eyes, trying to distance herself from all of it. At least for tonight.

Her mind picked up a new habit in these situations. She thought of Chuck.

''Blair,'' Her dad said on Monday morning. ''Don't be late to school.''

She dropped the plate she was wiping, but fortunately caught it mid-air. ''School? Am I going to class?'' Her voice rang with disbelief and hope. She dared to hope now, in the latest hour.

''I told you,'' He repeated, calm look on his face for first time in days. ''Don't be late. It's almost time.''

She grinned, delicately kissing her dad on forehead. His cheeks flushed, glad to be in good graces in her eyes again.

She barely had time to dress, brush her teeth and put on some mascara. Blair once again eagerly shoved her fancy, now almost dusty things into bag and dressed them in nearby restroom. Green skater dress with long sleeves and black lace at the ends, black lace tights and good ol' Zanotti ankle boots.

She pulled down her ponytail and let her curls bounce down, parting them with black headband. She couldn't wipe the smile of her face. Blair Waldorf was back in the game and the game needed some new rules.

She walked across campus yard, her head held high. Couple of colleagues enthusiastically welcomed her back, she just nodded in return. How she missed this. The lush green lawns, bare trees, crowd of academics and tall proud building of Constance. It was period between classes and everyone wanted to catch what were maybe last rays of sunshine that month. Everyone was outside on benches, walking around in their coats and enjoying each other's company.

One company stood out more than the others have. They were dressed in high fashion, their hairstyles probably just done this morning by hairdresser. Their scent intermingled and created a new aroma; powerful, sinful and free.

Blair took a deep breath at the sight of Chuck. He was squinting against the sun, running his hand through hair.

''And how exactly are you going to pay off the new car?'' One of the boys asked.

''Bank gave me credit.''

''And you'll return it with your dad's money,'' The other concluded. ''Bass, you genius.''

''No, you moron,'' Chuck drawled, onyx eyes narrowing. ''With my own money.''

''What happened to the old car?''

''We're waiting. Mechanic's dad accepted to pay.''

''That's a lot of money,'' Nate whistled. ''How is he going to pay it?''

''I felt sorry for him, honestly,'' Chuck admitted, dropping down his head, getting lost in a thought.

''I'm sorry,'' Nate scolded, shaking his head. ''But I'm with your dad on this one. You gave that car to guy that has seen nothing of life and you didn't even leave your number. What did you expect?''

''Did he at least enjoy it?'' One of the boys mocked, laughing hysterically and everyone joined in.

Image of beat-up Dan, staring blankly at everything and everyone, flashed before her eyes. He lay that burden on whole family, including Blair. Image of tearful mother clutching last gold she had. Image of father, defeated and miserable. She felt a sharp pang of pain. She was suffering consequences and they were here, the great company, enjoying all of this as if it was a joke they read in papers.

Another boy pretended to hold a steering wheel, drive fast and acted out a crash with an imaginary car.

Once again everyone erupted in snickers.

Blair felt her face flush, hot temper overwhelming her chest and head. She didn't know what her body did. All she knew that she found herself in front of their table, hands on her hips, scowl on her face.

''Funny, right?'' She fumed loudly at their stunned faces. ''Hilarious.''

Chuck's head snapped up and he stared at her in shock. ''Blair?''

Students around them froze and turned their heads to watch the spectacle. Nobody moved a muscle.

''I wanted to come by and see how you're doing. But I see you're too busy making fun of poor people. You must be very proud of yourself.''

With those last words, she turned around and walked away, sensing burning in her eyes. He was making fun of her. He was laughing at her. She was her brother, her mother and her father. They were all laughing at her.

No, don't cry now. Not in front of so many people. Don't show weakness.

She inhaled deeply, rolled back in the roll of promising new student and walked towards classroom. His eyes bore a hole in her back for the whole way.

''Hey,'' She weakly greeted Penelope and crashed in seat next to her.

''So they didn't lie. You're really back as they say you are.''

Blair noticed people looking at her and gossiping about her return. She never knew it would be this big of a deal, but attention somehow felt flattering.

''Where were you?'' Her friend curiously asked.

''I needed to be alone for few days.''

''Because of Chuck, right?'' Penelope whispered, leaning towards her. ''I warned you. It's so typical. One girl during day and other during night.''

Blair looked at her friend sharply. ''What do you mean by that?''

''You're mad at Chuck because he spent last night with his ex, Hailey.'' Penelope said raising her brow. ''Right?''

A green snake of jealousy bit her chest. Darkness lowered itself on her eyes, over her heart. She sank into despair for a painful moment, but quick look at inquiring gaze of Penelope pulled her back. She straightened her back and flipped her hair, just like she watched women in movies do when they pretended not to care.

''Not my concern. I'm not interested in who he sleeps with.'' Blair angrily flipped the pages of textbook, thinking about his dark circles under his eyes. No wonder he always looked so tired.

The class was over and she was standing with Penelope and two other girls she forgot the names of. They were obligingly filling her up on missed classes and arranging their notes by dates and relevance.

''Blair,'' Serena walked up to them, earphones hanging by her neck. Each bud had a glittering diamond, Blair noticed. ''You're back.''

The blond was grinning, but the nature of it came off as forced.

''Something like that.''

''It was a noisy return, for sure,'' Serena retorted, her ponytail swinging behind her. ''You're on the right track.''

''Meaning?''

''You're Upper Fifth girl. Smart, beautiful, diligent.'' A hint of smirk played on Serena's lips. Blair wanted to wipe it off badly. ''You're standing up for others now. Great act, I must say. Little hot, little cold. Congratulations.''

''I'm glad you like me,'' Blair said sarcastically with fake smile, well aware this stand off was being followed by at least dozen of pair of eyes and ears. Serena somehow saw her as competition and today she was ready to fight as fiercely as she could. ''It really means a lot to me.''

''But,'' she continued, slyly getting into her face. ''Don't try your luck. You don't really know me, S.''

Blair nodded towards her friends to follow her, threw icy glance to Serena and left without giving her time to respond.

''I can't believe you talked to her that way,'' One of the girls squealed in amazement. Her name was apparently Iz.

''This year is going to be so much more fun than the last one,'' other sighed in glee.

''I'll see you girls later,'' Blair smirked and walked towards court yard to copy the notes. She clutched them to her chest as Chuck caught up.

''Can we talk?'' He impatiently asked, following her.

''No,'' She spat, quickening her step.

''I know why you're angry.''

''Oh, really?'' She exclaimed, sarcasm dripping like honey on hot summer afternoons. She stopped in tracks and laughed humorlessly. ''Tell me, why? Why, Chuck?''

''We were just talking about the car-.''

''You don't know anything,'' She whispered forcefully, shaking her head. ''You don't know those people. Those poor people are your main gossip theme. It's rude, unfair and downright pathetic. ''

Not to mention it was her very own family. It was personal, she wanted to say, but couldn't. Chuck would never understand. She tried to walk away once again, but he wasn't finished. Chuck blocked her way, intent to stand there until she hears him out.

''That man that I know nothing about, I've entrusted my car and he destroyed it,'' He said darkly, his eyes narrowed. ''Is that fair?''

The students passed them, throwing curious glances at this newly forged alliance. Is the new prey on sight for great Heir? Would Blair succumb to charms of great Chuck Bass?

Blair stared back at the people around them, avoiding his eyes because he was right. She replied nothing because there was no answer to be given. He was right. What Dan did was wrong.

''I only wanted to get off easy,'' He sighed with relief at her silence, thinking whatever problems they had were put aside.

''I thought you only do that at night,'' She couldn't help but to snap, her upper lip curled.

No matter how much she tried to not care about him, Blair couldn't do it. The fact that he slept with his ex girlfriend was a blow she wasn't expecting to hurt. Why did it hurt? Why did she care? Who was Chuck Bass to her, besides potential court opposition?

This time she brushed past him and he let her.

A/N: Weeeeeeell, well, well. An extra long chapter for my darlings. Here comes our little ray of sunshine, our genuine Blair. Stay tuned for some intense make up fluff in next chapter ;) Thank you all for your reviews, to every single one of you. I read them like twice a day, and actually ponder your advice. I love you all!