I just wanted to thank everyone for all the reviews! I really appreciate it and thrive on all the feedback that I get. Anyway I know this chapter is kind of iffy, but I had to put in some filler before I could have another scene with Blair and Chuck. Well hope you all enjoy. R reviews are always appreciated, and suggestions are more than welcomed. Thanks a lot everyone! Happy Readings!
"Are you kidding me? Are you telling me that you're still marriage to that heinous idiot?" Serena asked incredulously as she stared down at her best friend who was laying in the blonde's bed.
"Imagine how I feel, S. I can't believe this. What am I going to do?" Blair asked, looking and feeling helpless for the first time in years. The last time she felt like this was when she left Chuck and when they were going through the whole divorce. For some reason the man was deadly to her. She hated that he could make her feel like this, hated even more that he was the only one that could make her feel this way.
"Blair, I think you need to get a lawyer and get this thing resolved. I mean who does he think he is not putting the paperwork through.? What if you had found someone else? What if you had plans to get married and then found out at the last minute that you were already married? He's such a jerk!" Serena was horrified by this turn of events. She should have known Chuck had ulterior motives for coming back into their lives. Chuck Bass wouldn't just show up and hang back in the shadows. Oh, no, he'd be sure to make a big splash now that he was back. Serena's heart reached out to her friend who looked completely disheveled and lost.
Blair sat silently as Serena continued to pace the room. "Yep, that's what you need. I can ask my mom to refer us to a good lawyer that can take care of this whole mess. I'm sure it'll go through quickly. My mom has the best divorce lawyer in the state right in her Rolodex. We'll ask her over brunch. Well not in front of Bart, but we'll do it ASAP. Don't worry, B," Serena soothed as she sat next to her friend who was surprisingly quiet.
"B?"
"Oh God, why did he have to come back? I was doing so good without him around. I finally felt like I was getting my life back on track. I hate him for doing this to me!"
"Don't worry, this will be over quickly. Before the lawyer even has time to cash the check, your divorce will be over."
"No it won't, Serena!" Blair said vehemently. "Nothing is ever easy with Chuck. I know he's going to make this difficult."
Blair stood and went to retouch her makeup at Serena's vanity mirror. She'd be damned if she looked a mess because of Chuck's midnight visit. No one would see just how much he was affecting her. "Let's go, Serena. I'm sure everyone's waiting."
Serena stood up and led the way to the dining room table. Blair followed closely behind until Serena stopped mid step into the dining room.
"Serena...what's wron-" Blair's words died in her throat as she spotted Chuck sitting besides his father and Eric at the table.
"Blair, honey, it's so nice of you to join us." Lily stood and hugged Blair. Noticing the frozen, tense body beneath her arms, Lily turned to the direction of Blair's stare and spotted Chuck staring at Blair just as intensely. "Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry if this is awkward for you. But Chuck is part of the family, there's nothing I could do." Lily felt Blair's shoulders slump as she stared up at her and attempted to smile.
"It's ok, Lily. Thanks for having me over."
"Of course dear. This is partly a celebration for your graduation!" Lily said excitedly as she led the two girls to the table.
Serena sat next to Blair, who sat across from Eric at the table, and she took the seat opposite of Chuck. They sat and ate in silence, everyone feeling the tension in the room. Bart finally decided to break the uncomfortable silence,
"So Blair, what are your plans now that you've graduated? I've heard you might take a position within your mother's company."
Blair felt Chuck's gaze travel to her. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, not wanting to look up from her plate, but her manners would not allow it.
"Ummm, why yes, Mr. Bass. My mom offered me a great position, but I'm not sure if I'm going to accept her offer." Blair continued eating her salad as she avoided Chuck's gaze. Lily began to ask questions and Eric began to have a side conversation with the men. But the entire time that they sat at the table, Blair could feel Chuck's eyes on her.
After they all finished eating, the two friends excused themselves and Serena took Blair back into her bedroom.
The girls chatted for the better part of the afternoon. At around 3pm, Serena's phone rang and it was Nate calling to make plans for the evening. Serena excused herself and went outside to take the call. Soon after, Nate arrived and the three friends headed to the kitchen to grab a snack and talk. As expected, Chuck made an appearance and was greeted warmly by Nate. The women however, automatically became silent and stoic.
"Chuck, I'm so glad you're back. I missed you all these years. I want you to know that as soon as Serena and I decide to get married, I want you to be the best man," Nate said as he hugged Serena and planted a kiss on her cheek. Serena smiled at Nate and then gave Chuck a cold stare. Nate as always remained oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the room.
"Well, Nate, those are decisions that are yet to be made. We're not even engaged," Serena said.
"Oh, honey, it's only a matter of time."
Chuck smiled at Serena and then took a seat next to Blair. As there were no other seats, Blair was forced to stay where she was.
"So, Blair have you shared the news with our friends?" Chuck asked as he stuck his hand in Blair's dish and pulled out a piece of fruit that he quickly popped into his mouth. Blair glared at him with more hatred than he'd ever seen, but he just smiled his Chuck smile and continued.
"Well, I guess you mustn't have. At least not to Nate. I know my sister dearest must already know. Some things never change, huh?"
"Know what?" Nate asked.
"Well, Blair and I, we're still married."
"What?" The shock was evident on Nate's face. "Are you serious?"
"Of course. Why does no one take me seriously when I say this. It's not something to joke about," Chuck said as he made a move to reach into Blair's dish again. She quickly swapped his hand away and dragged her dish to the other side of the counter.
"Well considering it won't hold true for long, you shouldn't go around spreading the news, Bass." Blair spat out.
"Oh, please, don't be ridiculous Blair. You know you're ecstatic to hear that we're still married!" Chuck teased. Going back to their witty banter, that's how he would take control of this situation and win Blair over. He knew just how to work her over.
"Ecstatic? Ecstatic? Try pissed off. Annoyed, mad as all hell!"
"Blair," Chuck soothed, "Don't make a scene."
"Umm, I think Serena and I will leave you guys alone. I think it's best if you guys talk. You obviously have some issues to resolve," Nate said as he took Serena's hand and led her out of the kitchen.
"Serena!" Blair begged, not wanting to be alone with Chuck.
"Sorry, B. He's right. You guys need to talk."
And with that they were alone again.