Chapter Nine

Waking Up

''Blair,'' Penelope stiffly sat next to her before first class started, gulping loudly. ''I have to tell you something.''

Blair promptly ignored her, doodling away in her notebook. She didn't forgive that cruel betrayal and couldn't fathom how this idiotic girl got the nerve to talk to her.

''B, it's urgent.''

Of'course, they only come when they need something. Once it's urgent, once she needs help, they come crawling back.

Blair gathered her books and went to sit somewhere else, where she couldn't be bothered.

''Fine,'' Penelope peevishly exclaimed after her. ''I tried.''

Blair rolled her eyes at ridiculously cryptic comment.

Classes rolled one by one. She made a mental note to go straight to Georgina. To see and hear what happened last night. It would be a lie to say she didn't dread meeting Chuck today. They didn't leave on a good note and him meeting Georgie would not be a good thing. It would be too risky. She could get exposed.

And worst of all, Blair hated the idea that Chuck could fall in love with Georgie.

As she was walking the hallway, she first noticed the music of their laughs. Nate had a camera in his hand and was filming Serena and one of their friends. Girls giggled, flipped their hair and kept puckering.

Blair held her head high, forming up a blasé attitude. In reality, she had no idea how to talk to Chuck or how to look at Serena without starting another fight. Her feelings were still sore and wounds fresh. However, she was left with no choice because he beat her to it.

''Going away already?'' He asked casually, intercepting her way, hands in his pockets. Despite previous events, her heart still sped up at the sound of his voice. Despite everything, she still felt keen to him.

''I'm done with my classes.''

Her reply was short and left no room for an answer. They stared at each other, both obviously suppressing whatever they actually wanted to say.

''Nate here,'' He gestured after a moment of silence at his best friend, ''Is doing a project. He is filming a short movie about night life.''

Nate directed camera at her and she turned back to Chuck with a look that said; So what?

''It's for a school cinema,'' He went on, ''A project he is doing in Tropic, my club.''

She nodded indifferently. There was an awkward pause where he waited for her reply. A question maybe, an observation, or a random thought. Blair merely inspected her nails, as if she heard nothing that would remotely pique her interest. Or see someone that would have her absolute full attention.

Revenge was a sweet, beautiful thing.

Chuck bit his lip, his voice lowering to a husk. ''Would you like to come with me?''

It took every ounce of self-control Blair currently possessed not to jump up with delight. Chuck Bass was asking her out. Of all the pretty girls, models, actresses, he chose Blair. It meant limo pick-up, endless champagne, personal service and a temporary share at the throne of Manhattan golden youth.

She wanted to know what would it feel like to be like them - for one night at least.

But most of all, Blair's heart quivered softly, a guy that she liked - asked her out.

''No,'' She answered curtly.

The refusal stunned him. It was obvious a guy like him was never used to hearing it. Chuck was failing hard at hiding his disappointment. Invitation to be at Tropic, especially when it came from Chuck Bass himself, was a thing no one on Manhattan would fathom to decline.

''That was a quick answer,'' He made an effort to regain his attitude.

''Did you want me to stall?'' Blair raised her left eyebrow, though the rejection hurt her as much as it affected him. This was probably one thing that she would regret for the rest of her life.

Blair would never be allowed to go out at night. Her parents had strict no-fun policy.

''I just wanted you to come,'' His dark eyes pierced her with a esoteric, velvety feeling she instinctively shied away from. She looked away, thinking he all of a sudden looked very much unlike glorious Heir. Now, Chuck looked like a boy who just asked a girl out and she refused him.

Something in Blair's chest constricted and swelled at the same time. A wave of affection surged through her heart. She did want to go out with him, often dreamed of it, but her parents would never let her. It was best not to give him or herself false hope. After all, she was definitely not cut out of his world.

Blair walked away, knowing there was no possible answer she could give him.

It was then that Blair decided to tell Georgina everything. She wanted her to know Chuck was and still kind of is part of her life. Maybe she should just say the truth and not hold back. The weight of her secrets was getting heavier with each lie. Georgina would understand. She had to, she was the only friend Blair had.

She went home, changed her clothes and grabbed something to eat. Her chews were slow and careful, thinking about her speech she would give to Georgie. She repeated it about hundred times, memorizing every single line. After prolonging the dreaded moment enough, Blair entered Sparks apartment.

''It's a shame,'' Her best friend mumbled while browsing Chuck's pictures with dazed look. ''One would think you lived miles away, instead of five floors down. I don't see you for days.''

''Do you know how many times I climb these five floors? Collecting trash?''

''You were collecting trash now?'' Georgina asked with disgusted look. Her nose wrinkled at the spot Blair sat on her silken sheets.

''Don't worry, I took a shower.''

''I didn't mean it like that,'' She quickly lied, smiling tightly. ''Anyway, I wanted to ask you something. We haven't talked in ages.''

Blair took a deep breath. ''I have to tell you something too. I-''

''Wait,'' Georgina interrupted her impatiently. ''Jenny told me you've been hanging out with Chuck Bass. She told me she saw you drinking coffee together. Lil J was surprised when she heard we were at the same hospital, but that you didn't introduce us.''

Her head swam for a moment. So Jenny told her? Of'course she did, Edward Murphy was right and always would be. Whatever could go wrong, would go wrong. It didn't even matter, she would tell her everything now. ''It is tr-''

''Georgie, darling,'' Mrs. Sparks stormed into the room, drowning the room in her heavy Chanel no.5 perfume. Blair closed her eyes, her heart being violently. She gripped the sheets with her fists, afraid her courage would abandon her.

''Ah, Blair,'' Diana muttered disinterestedly. ''Didn't see you there.''

''I was just telling B. about that time she drank coffee with Chuck Bass.''

There was a moment of silence. All of a sudden, Diana burst out laughing and fell on bed next to Georgina. Her step-daughter joined in, tears streaming down their faces, smearing mascara. Blair was flabbergasted, sitting still and staring at them.

''Look at that Jenny,'' Mrs Sparks continued through cackles. ''She's hilarious. Chuck Bass and Blair?''

Another wave of laugh erupted. Blair bent down her head, her fists balled up.

''Chuck Bass and Blair were meeting at that café around the corner,'' Georgie snickered, rocking back and forth with hysterics. ''Maybe Jenny saw Brad Pitt too.''

''And why not? If she's lying, let her overdo it!''

''Ugh, I swear to god she is doing that just to piss me off. As if we don't know who Chuck Bass is. Or as if we don't know who Blair is.''

Blair's courage didn't drop. It shot up to sky, rocketing among stars, exploding in the infinities of universe. Her calm frame barely held all emotions that this cruel conversation produced. Who was Blair? Who was she?

Blair. Blair. Blair.

Since when did it become synonymous with nobody? Was her name Nobody?

Who said she was insignificant little human?

Why could she not be equal to Chuck Bass, or even greater?

Who says she was not? Did she not make that famous Chuck Bass her own personal driver? Had she not heard him call her name over and over again, sometimes with affection sometimes with desperation?

She would show them the real Blair tonight.

''I have to go,'' She snapped, getting up.

''Blair,'' Diana giggled, wiping her tears. ''Don't get us wrong. We're not laughing at you, but at Jenny.''

Georgina barked a laugh in response but stopped herself shortly after. ''Oh, you wanted to tell me something. What was it?''

''Nothing important. Good night.''

Her step was brisk. Blair entered home with loud bang of the doors, waking Jane up from the couch.

''Mom, I'm going to Georgie's tonight,'' She declared with firmness in voice.

''Oh, Lord. Did you not just come from her?''

''I'm doing homework, I need her laptop.''

''Don't, sweetie. It's too late. It's rude.''

''It's not late, her father is not at home. If I stay too late into the night, I'll just sleep there.''

Jane shook her head, unwillingly letting her daughter. ''Fine, but come downstairs right after. Not a word to your father about this! He won't be pleased.''

Blair didn't want to argue anymore. She got into her room, locking it behind. Opening the closet, she took out one of the bags and put small makeup bag inside. Her hands were no longer trembling, her vision was clear, she was high on adrenaline. This was wrong, but felt so right. Lastly, Blair pulled a pair of golden heels and Georgina's brand new dress.

The bottom part of the dress was short and light, white layers of sateen reflecting magnificently in light. Top part was embroiled with stripes of golden threads. Little golden cap sleeves were there to cover her bare shoulders.

Blair eyed the dress, fire igniting in her eyes.

She carefully folded it and put it in bag.

''I'll see you later mom,'' She called out as she swiftly left the house.

Instead of going up to Georgina's apartment or going out to city, Blair entered the elevator. She pressed the button to hold right after the doors closed shut. Quick as a lightning, she changed her outfit, her shoes, put on make up, forcing herself to break the mascara-lipstick ritual by adding some blush, shimmer, shadow and rouge, color of the red wine.

She let her hair down, beautiful tresses sliding over exposed neck, and breathed in deeply.

''This is where the night begins,'' Deep voice spoke, directing the lens of the camera towards dark hallway and ascending stairs that led outside. After the mysterious introductory, camera turned towards the filmmaker himself. ''And where it ends.''

''Nate,'' Serena sang, her blond hair up in a messy bun. She clutched Chuck's forearms. It was a ritual of theirs to hang out in hallway before actually coming inside of the club. This was how they got to see who came and when. This was way to greet friends and sneer at enemies. ''Do us, do us!''

Nate dramatically turned the camera towards them, ''The shining stars, the beautiful couple!''

Serena laughed at the camera with her thousand-wattage smile, waving enthusiastically. Chuck stood hunched, not even noticing what was going on around him. His eyes ever so often flew towards the doors, as soon as a petite brunette would walk in. He inspected every face, searched for that swing of the hips.

His jaw clenched, forcing himself to look away from the damned gates that led straight down to this hell. As if Blair would ever be seen at this Gomorrah. She wasn't like them and he wasn't good enough reason to descend down into this pit of devils.

''I'll go get us a drink,'' Chuck muttered, thinking he'd drive himself crazy if he didn't cloud his gloomy thought with alcohol.

''Nate!'' Serena moaned, still clutching Chuck, not letting him go. She was outraged at the lack of attention from both parties. ''Do more shots of us.''

Unfortunately, Nate's camera was following only one person. A shadowed figure stood at the top of the stairs. The lens followed her graceful movements, the move of her hips and bounce of her hair. The figure came into the light and Blair flashed a full smile as she beheld a pair of surprised, onyx eyes.

Never did she look more glorious, more beautiful, more happy.

''No way,'' Nate's jaw dropped, completely put off by the turn of the events.

''Bass,'' She purred as she sauntered over to Chuck, seductively moving hair behind to expose the pale neck. His eyes darkened, following every movement with look of a hawk.

''Cat got your tongue?''

He gulped, manging to say after indeed finding the missing tongue. ''You came.''

''I did.'' Underneath the flashing light, among the flowing crowd and moved by the deep music, they shared a smiled, a moment so intimate and pure. Blair couldn't look away from his gaze, something deep and sensual stirring in her bosom.

''You're beautiful,'' He breathed out, captured with glow radiating from her. He noticed a change in Blair, something in her soul shifted, something he couldn't keep his eyes off of.

Instead of shying away, she winked at him. It was then that she acknowledged Serena's presence with a mere look at the blond.

Serena was fuming silently, but still very much shocked.

Serena was always the center of Nate's and Chuck's attention. Not Blair.

Serena was the femme fatale of night life. Not Blair.

''Welcome to our movie,'' Nate smiled from behind camera.

Serena was the star of that movie. Not Blair.

''Let's go inside,'' Chuck offered his arm.

Not to Serena as usual, but to Blair.

Nate laughed as they walked away. ''Cut!'' He turned off the camera, absolutely thrilled with turn of the events.

Serena sat in the booth without anybody paying attention to her. Nate was too busy playing Tarantino. Chuck was sitting too close to that little princess, holding her hand, looking like pathetic Romeo. Didn't he know she was here just to use him? Didn't he know he would get hurt?

''They're in love,'' Page groaned, sitting next to her, downing a shot of tequila.

''Hey, Blair,'' Serena called out to her, absolutely irritated by mere sound of her name. ''You left your mom home tonight?''

''I left everything behind tonight,'' Blair dodged the attack gracefully, stroking Chuck's palm of hand with forefinger. Disgusting. ''I couldn't let certain someone spend his night sulking.''

She threw an amused glance at him and Chuck buried his neck in her shoulder, smiling against her skin. Waiter came with a champagne and poured everyone a drink. Chuck handed a glass to Blair and they cheered, looking each other in eyes as only lovers know. Serena was sick to her stomach.

''What's up, Blair?'' She prodded later on, waiting for an opportunity to stab her here and there. ''You don't like the company?''

Blair has been fidgeting for past few minutes, crossing and uncrossing her legs, taking Chuck's hand then letting it go, wiping palms on her dress.

''I'm just not used to alcohol, I'm bit dizzy.''

''Do you want to get out of here?'' Chuck asked immediately, taking her hand.

''Absolutely not,'' Blair smiled back at him, squeezing his palm in return. ''This is our night.''

Serena shot up and went to ladies room, completely disgusted and annoyed with turn of events. She was thinking about throwing her drink on that slut when she bumped into someone.

''Carter? When did you get out?''

''Who says I got out?'' Carter drawled with drink in his hand. Last month he ended up in forced rehab after gambling away his fortune and spending inheritance on cocaine. ''I escaped.''

She deeply regretted hooking up with him, shivering at the remembrance of his sloppy kisses and groping hands.

''Do you want some?'' He asked, taking a small bag of pills from his front pocket.''For the good ol' days?''

''Are you crazy?'' She whispered furiously, but her face showed fear. Serena turned around to look if anyone heard him. Hardly anyone knew of her deviant, hedonistic past. Carter just laughed, spilling drink all over his shirt.

''I'll get Chuck to kick you out right now. You know he hates you.''

''Wait, wait ,wait,'' He quickly grabbed her forearm, laugh abruptly ending. ''Let's not get too hasty. Here, just get some. My treat.''

After initial reaction to refuse, an idea popped up in her mind, most malicious smile spreading over her face.

''I'll need some, actually. For a friend.''

Five minutes later, she was back in the booth. Mustering all good-will, she managed to produce most friendliest smile and voice she had in her power.

''Blair, I'm going to get myself a drink. Wanna come with me?''

Blair looked carefully at Chuck. He nodded encouragingly, squeezing her thing. She was surprised at this peace offer, but took it for sake of Chuck. Serena was his best friend after all.

On their way to a bar, Serena met a friend and got caught up in conversation. Blair didn't want to be left waiting, so she took the opportunity to signal the blonde she would visit the ladies room.

Her head was throbbing. Loud music and alcohol gave her severe headache. How did these people endure such tortures every night? How do they not go deaf? Blair gripped the sink with both hands, shutting eyes to block out excruciating fluorescent light.

''Are you okay?'' A girl that just walked in asked, worriedly putting a hand on her shoulder.

''It's just a headache.''

''Ah, I often get migraines too. Let me give you some aspirin, it will help.''

Blair was skeptic at first. Her parents warned her about boys putting strange pills in girl's drinks to drug them and use them. However, this was a girl and she didn't look like psychopath at all. Her smile was shy and looked genuine. Blair was in serious pain, but she wanted to use this night to spend it with Chuck. Now that she was here with him, she didn't want this night to end, she didn't want to ever go home.

''Sure.''

Blair just about chugged the pill down with water when Serena entered the room.

''Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you feeling okay?''

''Yeah, I'll get better.''

''Don't worry,'' She smiled viciously, her eyes flashing dangerously. ''The night just began.''

As Blair exited the ladies room, Serena imperceptibly nodded to girl with Aspirin. The girl nodded back, throwing away small empty plastic bag from her purse.