The morning after, Chuck woke up to an unfamiliar surrounding— the bed he was lying on has different sheets from what he had been accustomed to, the walls were painted a deep shade of blue. On the bedside, he saw a note saying: Had to leave early. Sorry I didn't wake you up. Got you breakfast. Feel free to lounge around the loft. Call you later. Alex )
He smiled at her curly handwriting and the smiley she added beside her name. He smiled at the note actually. Or maybe at her thoughtfulness. It was that definitely.
A girl never leaves him first; it was always him who leaves first. Either that or he was always the one throwing out girls from his suite first thing in the morning.
He went to the dining room and saw a cereal box, a bottle of milk, an empty bowl.
Chuck Bass has never had cereals for breakfast.
There was a first time for everything.
Blair Waldorf was nervously getting prepared at the make-up room for her first live interview on the Tyra Banks Show in NY. She was wearing a strapless multi-colored dress with matching gladiator sandals that's not too overpowering but dainty enough.
She heard Tyra introduce her from the stage. "Our guest for today has been on the cover of magazines like Vanity Fair, Elle and Vogue and she models for Victoria's Secret and a lot of big designer names such as Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Chanel and the likes. She's also a favorite endorser for Revlon cosmetics and L'oreal hair products. With her enchanting beauty and charming personality, one can never go wrong. Please welcome, Miss Blair Waldorf."
An assistant takes her to the backstage and Blair walks down the runway with a wide smile plastered on her face and her right hand waving. The audience are clapping and cheering her on. "Work it girl!" Tyra encourages her and hugs her when she gets to the sofa where the host motioned for her to take a sit.
"You even look more beautiful in person," Tyra gushes, taking her seat facing her.
"Why, thank you, Tyra and you too. It's such a pleasure to be here. I'm really, wow! I'm so overwhelmed and everything." She says, trying to make herself comfortable. Someone from the audience yells 'I love you!' and she beams and says 'I love you, too' back.
Now that the audience has settled down on their seats, Tyra starts to speak again, "Your new Victoria's Secret ad can be seen almost everywhere in New York, from busses to a Billboard in Madison Avenue… how does it feel to see yourself in those?"
"It feels surreal… And yes, it definitely feels good but honestly, I don't want to let it get into my head."
"A lot of people know your mother is a prominent and successful name in the fashion industry. We're talking about the legendary Eleanor Waldorf… Was she the one who pushed you into modeling?"
"It never came into my mind that I'd be in the same industry my mother is in but I wouldn't say that it just sort of happened. It was really more of my choice and no one pushed me to do it, not even my mother."
"So how did you realize that you wanted to pursue modeling? Was it something you've pondered on for a long time or was it something you instantly knew?"
"People might find it hard to believe but the truth is, I used to have low self-esteem and that was something I struggled with as a teenager. I know a lot of women can relate to that. I wanted to prove myself and others that I can become someone if I set my mind into it. Through modeling, I started gaining confidence in myself and that's when I've learned to let go of my insecurities and inhibitions gradually. It gave me a sense of my self."
"But we all know that the world of fashion can be extremely cruel. People will say bad things about you to bring you down and they wouldn't care about your feelings. How did you deal with all that?"
"If I had let it all affect me and led myself further into thinking that I wasn't beautiful enough or good enough, then I probably would still be insecure and unhappy and I wouldn't be where I am right now. The good thing is that I've managed to get through that although it didn't happen in an instant. I came to realize, bit by bit, that you have to believe in yourself first, before others would. Take notice of the good things you have and be thankful for it and have a positive outlook on life. I've tried to take critiques as constructive criticism."
Tyra nodded in agreement and asked, "Going back to your story, it was when you realized you wanted to pursue modeling that you made a decision to attend modeling school?"
"It's not exactly that, but yes, I've undergone intensive trainings under Madame Claudia of the House of Elle."
"And how was it? The researchers also told me that at that time, you went to Constance Billard School for Girls, an exclusive prep school for the elite. Did you find it difficult to balance your time with that and your schooling?
"Our trainings would only be taken once or twice a week; sometimes it would last for only four hours or as long as eight. We were taught how to walk, how to carry ourselves, how to pose and you know, model basics. It didn't really come as a hindrance to my schooling, per se because I was focused and driven in everything I do, I managed my time wisely." On a lighter note, she adds, "Come to think of it, watching episodes of America's Next Top Model have also taught me a lot of things in modeling. I may have learned more from the show."
"I can see that you've really done a great job. Let's take a look of a few pictures of you in the Victoria's Secret ad." A photograph of her was shown in the Plasma screen then another one, with her as the cover girl for Vogue. "And you only started modeling after graduating from College, is that correct?"
The brunette nodded and Tyra went on saying, "Blair actually graduated at the top of her class in high school and went straight to Yale University. That's really impressive, I must say. What did you major in?"
"Business Management. I thought I was going to follow my father's footsteps and stay away from the shadows of my mother but eventually, I ended up taking this path."
"So how did your career in modeling come about exactly?"
"I've been rejected in a lot of go-sees, the designers would say that I'm short or I'm not the look they were going for. So it didn't exactly help that my mother was Eleanor Waldorf, designer extraordinaire. I started with having advertisements for Seventeen magazine and it was only when I had this spread in Teen Vogue when people had become aware of me. Ford modeling agency eventually hired me and then I've received more and more campaigns, projects. I'm proud that I have reached where I am right now because of my own hard work and perseverance."
"That's really outstanding. Isn't she down to earth and alluring?" The audience applauded and Tyra said, "We'll be right back with more of Blair Waldorf."
Tyra and Blair were chitchatting about the nature of their work and other things during the commercial break.
After a few minutes, they were back on air.
"Here with me right now is the gorgeous Victoria's Secret model, Blair Waldorf." The audience applauded again and Tyra inquired, "Now, Blair, you've been told to have this Audrey Hepburn-esque feel to you. You're smart, sophisticated and totally Upper East Side. How did you hone yourself to become who you are right now?"
"Growing up in an environment where people always have their eyes on you, as if they're waiting for you to make a mistake or break under the pressure; I acted accordingly to what people had expected of me and even more so to the point that I tried to be as perfect as much as I could ever strive to be. We were taught how to behave ourselves in a certain way that would please people. It might seem pretentious but uhm, you'd find out that it wasn't the way it's supposed to be. Not that I'm saying that we should forget about our manners, but you get the drift of what I'm saying?"
"That what's more important is that you remain true to yourself and at the same time, be sensible and sensitive enough to how others may respond, not exactly disregard what others might think."
"Yes, it's a clever way to put it." Blair nodded in agreement, crossing her legs at the same moment. "The environment we were brought up in play a huge role in a person's growth and personality. Given my background and upbringing, the kind of people who surround me and the experiences I've had in my life, those were primarily the factors that had made me into the person I am right now. Like everybody else, I am also striving to become a better person each day."
"What you said is so true. We're constantly learning and growing to improve ourselves." The former supermodel went on saying, "It could be said that the whole world was given to you on a silver platter, being privileged and seemingly having everything you ever wanted at the palm of your hands, but other than what you said earlier, what do you think is the hardest thing that comes with it?"
"It's rare to find someone genuine, someone you can trust and who'd understand you without judging. I'm lucky to have found a true friend in Serena."
"Serena Van der Woodsen?"
Blair nodded and began describing her friendship with the statuesque blonde.
"It doesn't really matter how many so-called friends you have, just as long as you have two or three closest people you can always count on to," Tyra remarked. "What's a model day like for you?"
"Well, my schedule is even more hectic during fashion weeks. I'd have three photo shoots (at the most) during the day and a fashion show at night. Then there are these parties for promotions or celebrations and client meetings so basically, I follow a plan but it's different from a nine-to-five job."
"You don't really have a say in it. It's like tomorrow you have to be on the set at exactly three in the morning, and believe me, that happens you guys, and the next day you'd have the chance to wake up late because you won't be needed until let's say, after lunch."
"Sometimes you have to go straight to the shoot just after you got off the plane and it doesn't matter if you haven't had any sleep. It's a lot of hard work and sacrifice but if you really feel passionate about what you do, then that's all that really matters."
"You're not only undeniably beautiful, but you're also one of the most insightful people we've had on the show."
"Why, thank you Tyra. I also admire you for your being opinionated and honest; your boldness to dare tackle sensitive issues that one has to have strong guts, your dedication to empower women. It really is such a great thing."
"We'll be right back with more revelations from Blair Waldorf as she talks about love and relationships and scandals."
It was another commercial break and she knew that the next part of the interview is going to be all about the rumors and her relationship with Nate and a questionable one with Chuck. She didn't really exactly feel comfortable opening up about her private life to the public (and she already did at the start of the interview) but she knew that it's one price to pay for being famous and successful.
Tyra reoriented the audience again to what today's episode was all about. "Everyone already knows about your engagement with Nathaniel Archibald… and he's actually here right now. Let's bring him out."
Nate came out from the backstage, handing her a bouquet of flowers and giving her a soft kiss on the cheek. He opted for a casual look— wearing a pair of jeans and a shirt underneath the black blazer. He looked like a rock star.
Blair was surprised and whispered, "You told me you weren't coming." In which, he only responded with a shrug and a sheepish grin.
"So anyways, he actually proposed to you in McDonald's with the ring dipped on melting strawberry sundae?" Tyra said the latter in amazement.
She lets out a laugh and replied, "I was actually surprised when he showed me footage of the entire thing he found on the net and I was glad about that… at least, I could keep it as a remembrance but anyways, I always tell him that we should have a take two on the proposal thing. What he did was sweet and everything a girl could want nevertheless." She smiled at the memory of how he proposed.
"We actually found a clip, so here it is." Tyra showed a clip with Nate going down on his knee and asking her to marry him. You can hear a lot of awwwws and ooooohhhhs from the audience as they watch it from the plasma screen.
Blair blushed and said, "I still feel the same thrill and happiness I felt when I was in that precise moment."
"It was a perfect moment. A lot of people are curious and would want to know about how you two met each other and all that." Tyra asked.
"Well… we've known each other all our lives… We dated since we were in kindergarten until junior year in high school when we broke up. After three years, we saw each other again and we've been together ever since, for five years now and still counting."
"As they say, love is sweeter the second time around," Nate added, placing his right hand on her knee.
Blair jokes, "And he always tells me I'm the mushy one."
Tyra commented, "Aren't they the most good looking and adorable couple?" The audience again applauded and cheered. "But uhm, there has been rumors flooding around recently about your alleged affair with Charles Bass, the hotel mogul. How did you feel about that?"
"None of those rumors are true and as much as I know myself and I'm not doing anything wrong… It hurts to have people say you're this and that especially if what they're saying is wrong and in a way, it's already affecting your loved ones. But you see it also depends on whose point of view you're looking at. People are so easy to judge, so easy to take sides, especially when they don't know the whole story. Or when they hear inaccurate details. It's so easy to judge. I'm not trying to convince you to think that I'm the victim here. I'm just saying...it's easy to judge."
"And what about you, Nate? What was your initial reaction?"
He broods over what he was going to say before speaking, "I confronted her about it and to be honest, the whole confrontation had been ugly, and I'm not going into details but we've gotten past the entire thing and that's what's important. We've been through so much stuff before and what doesn't break our relationship only makes it stronger. I don't think I'm ever going to get used to her being faced in a situation like that but I have come to accept that this is how it's going to be and I try to be more understanding of her world… our world now actually. It's not fair to her but I'm dealing. "
"Chuck came into her defense and said, '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.' What was your reaction to that?"
Nate answered, "I thought he acted like a gentleman would in the situation and I really appreciate what he did, clearing the rumors. I couldn't agree more to what he said about Blair and us."
"How would you describe your relationship with Chuck? Did you two become more than friends at one point?" Tyra asked Blair. The latter was shocked at the straightforwardness of the question. She didn't know where the host got the idea from. She practically made it known that Nate and her had dated all their lives, except for that three-year-gap. It was inevitable to tell the truth now.
"She dated him after we broke up back in high school," Nate replied for her. "It's all in the past now. The truth is we hardly get to see each other anymore now since he's been flying in and out of the country for business trips a lot."
Blair nodded in agreement, not wanting to add anything more.
Taking this as her cue to change the topic, Tyra asks, "So, do you have a date for the wedding already?"
"We were thinking about having it after he's finished with grad school and when everything's settled but lately we've been talking about having it sooner so we're not so sure anymore."
"Blair wants to have it intimate, with only our family and closest friends, a beach wedding probably. On the other hand, I want to give her the grand wedding she deserves as my princess. Hopefully, we'll compromise but in the end, it's always her decision." He lets out a laugh. "She's the boss of me."
"Well, good luck to your endeavors and everything. It's a delight having you both in the show. Don't forget to spill us the details about what you've decided on. We'll be right back."
After the interview, Blair and Nate both hug Tyra and said their thanks.