She woke up to the sound of his breathing and she looked at her side and saw his face dropped down with his arms sprawled acting as head support on the bed beside her. An IV line was attached to her left hand and she immediately knew where she was when she also recognized the white walls, the fluorescent lights and eerie silence one could observe in a hospital. She ran her other hand through his disheveled dirty blonde hair, gazing at his sleeping figure.

He woke up to her touch as she sat up and brushed her hair with her dainty fingers to make herself presentable, even though she knew she must have looked paler and her eyes looked hollow.

"Hey," he said in a whisper loud enough for her to hear.

She smiled at him in response.

"Are you okay? Do you want me to get you anything?" His eyes looked at her in concern.

A few hours ago, the doctor told him that she has just had a miscarriage and that she will have to stay for a day or two until she's recovered. After hearing the news, she sobbed as quietly as she can and he comforted her by hugging her, stroking her back soothingly and whispering comforting words to her until she fell asleep. He couldn't bring himself to be angry at her despite the fact that she didn't even inform him about her being pregnant. He blamed his self for what had happened to her and the loss of their unborn baby.

"Can you get me some water?" She said in her tiny voice, pulling the blanket towards her.

He stood up to get her a glass of water from the table beside her bed. Handing it over to her, he softly spoke, "Your mother just left while you were sleeping. She said she'd be back in the morning. Lily and Vanessa also came to see how you were. We want you to get better."

She only nodded in response. He moved closer to her and asked her how she was feeling.

She turned to look at him and gave him a slight smile. "Just feeling a bit weak and tired but I'll be fine. You?"

He gazed at her for a while and started fondling her dark brown locks. "I'm okay but I'll be better until you're out of here."

A long silence came in between them. He was just sitting there, she was lying on the bed and both of them were clearly absorbed in whatever it is that's on their minds.

She recollected her thoughts, carefully mulling over the right words to say. She then stared at him, blinking her eyes a couple of times in a minute, "I found out a week ago—that I was pregnant I mean…" She paused, her hands shaking a bit and tears were welling up in her eyes. "I was waiting for the right time to tell you and I was planning on telling you yesterday…" She paused and in a regretful tone, she said, "I'm so sorry, Nate."

During the past few weeks, he had noticed her unusual mood swings; she'd get easily irritated at the smallest things that didn't bother her before. He just thought it was 'that time of the month'. She'd complain to him about her feeling nauseous and faint every morning but he just assumed it was only due to stress because she wasn't getting enough rest from working too much. Everything made sense to him just now and he wished he'd realized it sooner.

When it had been three months since she got her last period, she thought her cycle's been irregular for quite a while and decided to go to her OB-Gynecologist for a check-up. It never crossed her mind that she might be pregnant, even when she was feeling a bit fatigued (like Nate, she thought it was just stress), gaining weight, weirdly eating foods she never liked before. When she learned that she had been thirteen weeks pregnant, she felt relieved knowing that there was nothing wrong with her at all. She was scared and happy at the same time at the news. Scared because she thought she wasn't ready yet to become a mother and about the changes that are going to happen, happy because she was carrying Nate's child and knew he'd be there to support her.

Placing his left arm over her waist with his right hand grasping her left hand, he just kept silent for a moment or two until he spoke again. "If there's someone who should be apologizing, it's me. I've been hard on you, Blair. This never should have happened if I had been less temperamental and more understanding. All I wanted to do was to protect you and make things easier for you… And with what just happened, I felt like I failed miserably."

For a moment, she thought that he was going to be mad at her for not telling any sooner and was relieved when he didn't. She touched his face with both her hands, swayed her head from side to side and then looked right through his eyes. "Neither of us wanted this to happen so don't you blame yourself on this. There are just some things in life that we can't have control of. This is one among many."

He merely nodded, comprehending her words.

Having his full attention at her, she went on saying, "You were right. I should've told you about everything. I never intended to hide things from you but I was just scared you might react the way you did when you found the box filled with our mementos… That's why I didn't mention anything about it."

Images of what happened and the bad things he did flashed through his mind. He felt a sense of regret and disgust at his self. "I caused you all this and I really am sorry for the way I had treated you, for not trusting you enough. If I had only known how to control my anger then none of this would've happened."

"No, Nate. It's partly my fault as well. I placed you in that position. I gave you a reason to be jealous and angry. Even if my intention was only for us to mend our relationship with Chuck, I didn't even consider what you'd feel about the whole thing..."

"He seemed to be eager on repairing our friendship and he didn't really do anything bad the last time we were all hanging out together… Then again, I can't help but think that he'll go sneaking behind my back to see you and try to do something to take you away from me especially when things go wrong between us."

"If that's how you feel, then I guess we shouldn't force it."

"All we need is just a little more time to completely let go of the past and by then, when the timing is right, I'm sure we'd be able to be good friends with him again like we used to before."

She nodded in agreement to what he had said and it took her a few seconds to start speaking again, "I'm really sorry about the baby, Nate. I know you would've been ecstatic to find out you were going to be a father…"

"It's sad and to be honest, I was very disappointed… I mean… who wouldn't, right? But right now, what we have to worry about is your health. I hate seeing you like this. I wished you could give me the load of what you're bearing." He placed his hand on hers, his other hand over her waist.

She smiled at his thoughtfulness and resolved, "I'm going to be fine. We're going to be fine." She clasped his hands firmly in hers.

When Chuck heard the news from his secretary in New York, he immediately released a statement to the press denying the rumors of his alleged affair with Blair. He told the reporters and everyone, through a letter sent to every newspaper, magazine and TV stations, that his relationship with Blair was only platonic adding up the fact that they have known each other since they were little and grew up together. He thought that people had been ridiculous to think that there was something else going on between them but understood that people just love making up stories and scandals. He also pointed out that he respects their relationship as a couple and that he can only be happy for his friends. He defended her saying, "I know she's protective of her reputation and she doesn't deserve being treated the way she's being treated. Blair's the most honest and genuine person I have ever come across with in my life. She's one of the very few people I know who can keep a monogamous relationship and remain faithful. In this world we live in right now, it's very rare to find someone like that. Nate's lucky he found her. Both of them are."

He knew that he should just stay away and let them be but he really was worried and when he still called to ask how Blair was, Nate said that they were coping with everything and had thanked him for his gesture. Nate also said that he thought Chuck acted like a gentleman in the entire thing. Their conversation had been very brief in a civilized manner.

He didn't know that his stepsister and brother-in-law are honeymooning in Italy so when he called her about it, she'd been shocked to hear the news and worried about her best friend.

Serena called Blair to ask how she was. Blair told her not to worry because she's fine and asked her about their time in Italy instead. Serena asked about the kids. She knew her friend well, she knows that's something's wrong. It was Nate who told her about Blair's miscarriage. He had paid off the reporters to keep the public away from knowing about Blair's condition. She told him that they'd see Blair as soon as they get home and wishes she gets better.

A week and a half later after the unpleasant incident, the Humphreys found themselves in the Archibald-Waldorf loft for a family dinner. It was Nate who called her the day after they arrived.

"Hey, Serena. It's Nate. Blair asked me to invite you over for dinner this Sunday. Bring the kids, she says she misses them. They'll make her feel better."

"Alright, sounds good. We'll bring in dessert. How's Blair doing anyway? We were supposed to go shopping and she just texted me saying she's not feeling well. She wasn't answering my calls."

"She's in bed, taking a nap. I have to go to school today and take care of some things. Could you come over to look after her while I'm gone? I just can't leave her by herself."

"Sure, I'll be there in twenty minutes. Is she going to be fine?"

"Well… I'm not really sure. She's putting up this strong front but her actions say otherwise. She doesn't wanna go back to work just yet so she extended her sick leave. She sleeps longer, takes long naps in the afternoon and if she's not, she just watches TV without actually paying attention to it."

"She sounds depressed. Why don't you take her to a therapist? I'll call my mom to ask if she can refer her to someone."

"Blair doesn't really believe in therapists, you know. She thinks it's pointless, a complete waste of money and time."

"Well… A change of atmosphere might do her good, don't you think?"

"I already asked her if she wanted to take a vacation, go to the Hamptons or something. She doesn't; she says she just wants to take a time off to rest."

"I'll talk to her later, then."

When Serena arrived, Nate moved to her bed side and kissed her on the forehead saying, "I'm going to leave you with Serena for a while, okay? I'll call you."

"Hey B." Serena entered the room, giving her one of her radiant smiles.

"S." Blair sat up on the bed, acknowledging her.

"Get dressed. We're going to lunch. There's this hot new restaurant that just opened up in Madison Avenue. It's called Rush."

"Sounds like a night club."

"Great food. Nice ambience. Let's see if we could get seated immediately without reservations. But I'm sure with you around, we would." Her attempt at humor failed.

"I'm not feeling well."

"Are you sick?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm going to be fine. I just wanna rest."

"Tell me, Blair. Tell me what's bothering you. I'll just listen."

"I've nothing to say to you."

"Whatever you're going through… You either let that thing torture you or you can just snap out of it. You're not helping yourself get better by being idle."

Blair sat up and thought things over. She finally stood up, took a shower, got dressed and everything. "I think I'm in the mood for sushi and some retail therapy now."

Nate was setting up the table for dinner, Dan was at the living room with the kids and Serena and Blair were in the kitchen preparing the food.

"Next week, I'm going to LA for the fashion week." The brunette told her friend while mixing the salad with the dressing.

"You're going back to work? Good for you, B! For all I know, you have a lot of photo shoots piled up to do."

"Which is gonna be boring. I hope we could exchange jobs for a month or something."

"That'll be interesting." Serena said with a glint in her eyes. "Come to think of it, I've only done an ad for Gap and that was like years ago. Modeling seems exciting and fun. I wasn't really shocked when you said you were going to be a model."

"Well… It's not as fun as you think. You have to get used to a lot of strangers touching you. The hair and make-up take a lot of time to finish… To others, it may seem superficial but when you're the one wearing high heels fully made up, posing for pictures in front of the camera and after quite a while, your ankles would feel sore but you still have to look good, you know? It's not an easy job. Not that I'm complaining. Every job has its downside."

"In my line of work, I have to deal with a lot of demanding and impatient clients. You worry about details and getting things right because you'd want to meet your client's high expectations and it really gets frustrating and exhausting at times. On the other hand, you get to meet a lot of interesting people and it's always fun and exciting and unpredictable. So I think that just as long as you're doing something you love, it's all worth it."

Nate came up to them, pouring white wine on his glass and taking a sip of the drink. "Everything looks delicious," he said taking a piece of the roasted chicken with his fork.

Blair saw him and told him in a commanding tone of voice, "Nate! Just take the salad to the dining room." Nate did what he was told to do without complain.

Serena set the mashed potatoes and stir fry vegetables on the table while Blair brought in the roasted chicken.

"Dinner's ready, everyone!" Blair called their attention, looking proud at the dinner she's prepared.

"Andy, Pau, go to the sink with your dad and wash your hands first." Serena commanded, pulling a chair in front of her.

Nate sat at the head of the table with Blair sitting next to him. "You know, I've nothing more to ask for. You've got it all, sweetie."

"Well, I wished you knew how to fold your shirts properly. It saves closet space. Nate can iron his own clothes but he always just put them on a hanger."

"Dan's like that, too!" Serena said amused.

"Like what?" Dan asked, coming from the kitchen with the kids. Paulo and Andy find their way to the seats opposite Blair's.

"Like how it's weird that you guys can iron your own clothes but can't fold your shirts properly." She replied, rolling her eyes at him.

"I'm better at doing the laundry."

"And the dishes."

"So, I leave you with nothing to do at home."

"Oh my god! Serena! You have Brooklyn Boy whipped." Blair said, laughing.

"That is not true. I am still the man of the house."

"Yeah right. I don't even remember a time you disobeyed my orders."

"Stop laughing, Blair! It's not like you don't have Nate whipped."

"So, you're involving me now?" Nate remarked, passing the salad to Blair.

"Well, he is."

"Our dearest women have emasculated us," was all Dan can say.

"And there's nothing we can do about it," said Nate sighing.

"How adorable it is that they finally admit it," said Blair smiling with Serena. "So, uhm, how was Italy?"

"I've brought our pictures from the trip. Everything's just amazing. You'll see for yourself later." The blonde said.

"We may not be eating spaghetti anytime soon, though," said Dan.

It was four o'clock in the afternoon when Alex was sitting in front of Jake outside a small café. She crossed her legs and took a sip of the cappuccino she had ordered.

"How's work?" The tall and handsome man inquired her, taking a puff of his cigarette.

"Well… I just opened the boutique and I'm trying to sell the clothes… Argh… You know how it is. What about you? How's everything?"

"School's boring. Let's just talk about other stuff."

"Do you remember the guy I was with at the airport?"

"Yeah, what about him?" He eyed her in curiosity.

"He went to visit me at the boutique a week ago and we sort of made out and you know… Ever since then, he didn't call me or whatever like he said he would. Do you think he's no longer interested or that he's just busy?"

"Just reserve that kind of stuff to your girl friends."

"I just moved in here. I have no friends so you have to bear with me. What do you think?"

"You told him where you worked and you just met him on the plane? You shouldn't give out information like that to strangers. Who knows what he's up to?"

"I didn't! I was surprised myself. He likes me enough to have done some research, apparently."

"So you guys made out and that's it?"

"Yeah. It was like a spur of the moment kind of thing."

"Interesting. I never thought you'd do something spontaneous like that."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. How was it?"

"Totally mind blowing."

"Well… The way he had been eyeing me the last time, it really seemed like he's interested. Most guys are up to the challenge, more so if they think they've got competition."

"But no guy's ever too busy to call someone he's interested in, right?"

"Maybe he didn't enjoy your last rendezvous just as much as you did. Ergo, as that book says, he's just not that into you."

"Wow. Thanks. That's refreshing. It's his loss anyway."

"As they all say."

"I just can't believe he's led me on. I mean… The first time we saw each other, we were instantly attracted to each other and when we've gotten to know each other given the small time we spent with each other… I ended up not having any sleep throughout the entire flight… There's like this obvious connection between us." Alex paused and sighed for a dramatic effect. "Such a waste… He seems like a really great guy… And it doesn't hurt that he's hot… But whatever… Like I said, it's his loss anyway. I mean, c'mon, just look at me."

"From what I remember, he has this messy dark brown hair and pale skin, smirks a lot…"

"Yeah… Captivating eyes… Sexy raspy voice… Astonishing wit and a wicked sense of humor…" She says dreamily.

"Well… It must be your lucky day 'cause he's standing right behind you. Anyways, it was good catching up." He said, looking at his watch. "I've to go pick up Sandy." He stood up, got some money from his wallet, placed it on the table and left, leaving a speechless Alex with a reddened face.

"I couldn't help but overhear what you're saying." Chuck Bass was standing behind her the entire time she was talking about her and him. He gave her a mischievous grin.

"Of all the timing in the world and places you could show up, you chose to appear right here and right now. London's too small for the two of us, I say."

"I was on my way back to my hotel then I saw you from where I was at the limo and you were right, I mean, c'mon, just look at you." He was imitating the way she it. "Kinda not hard to notice a beautiful girl even from fifty feet away."

"You must have a bird's eye view."

"'Cause I'm preying on you."

"Right, right. But I really am surprised to see you here… I mean, how infinitesimal are the odds of meeting up with you again like this…"

"At the exact time you've been saying how perfect we are for each other." He smirked.

"I didn't exactly say that."

"Too bad, 'cause I might be beginning to agree."

She smiled at him and he smiled back, just like before. It was only much better now since they feel comfortable, with a sense of familiarity. And yes, there's definitely a connection there.