Before Lily knew it, Serena had come home from her date with Dan and she had once again gotten into the same argument they always had. The "why the hell are you marrying Bart Bass?" argument.

"I can't even begin to fathom, why, of all the millionaires you could marry you have to choose Chuck Bass's father!"

"Serena, it really isn't any of your concern. I'm at perfect liberty to marry whomever I'd like."

"But it's not even as if you love him! Seriously mom, that makes you no better than a whore. Why are you marrying him for his money?"

"What in the world makes you think I don't love him?"

"All he is another notch in your lipstick case. A number: number four. You marry men because you're bored then you divorce them, leaving Eric and I with a stability level of zero. Do you even understand what love is because I really don't think you do?" Serena's voice was raised now. The lobby could probably hear her.

"Serena, I'm very sorry you aren't happy about the choices I've made. I'm sorry that you don't want to be Chuck's stepsister, but that's your problem. You made your decision." Shit, she hadn't wanted to bring that conversation up because it hurt like hell.

"I made my decision? Are you serious, Mom? What did you expect me to do? Break up with Dan there's a slight possibility that you love Rufus. Yeah right. You wouldn't know love if it hit you in the face."

"I don't want to discuss this anymore, Serena." It hurt too much.

"Whatever," Serena replied as she stalked out of the door.

Lily sat on the couch, her hand instantly fluttering to her throat. Usually this was her nervous habit, but right now she was just attempting to prevent the tears from falling. She hated fighting with Serena, but why did her daughter have to make this ten times more difficult for her? It was bad enough that Lily couldn't be with Rufus upon her daughter's request. Did Serena really have to say how terrible it was that Lily was marrying Bart? Bart wasn't a bad person. He tried with Serena and Eric. He'd even spent Christmas with them all. She did love him, in a way. Sure, it wasn't as passionate as her love for Rufus, but she still did have affection for him.

Just then, Eric entered the room, putting Lily's thoughts on hold.

"Hi, Mom," he greeted, "is something the matter?" He could tell she wasn't very happy.

"No. Everything's fine. Just a little disagreement with Serena…" she forced a chuckle.

"I should've known. Speaking of Serena, I need your advice involving her."

"My darling, what's the matter?"

"I know something that Serena should probably know, but it'll probably cause a lot of drama and a lot of hurt. Do you think I should tell her?"

"I'm assuming you can't tell me what's going on?"

He shook his head.

"Alright. Well, she's your sister. You should tell her. Secrets aren't ever good things to hold onto, anyway."

"Okay. Thank you, Mom."

"Anytime, dear," she replied as he grabbed his jacket and walked out the door to find Serena.

Knock Knock.

I wonder who's at the door, thought Lily. She slowly got up from the couch, quickly wiped her face free of tears and opened it.

"Bart?" Lily said. She, if truth be told, looked a little disappointed.

"Yes, it's me Lily." He gave her a kiss, right smack on the lips.

She kissed him back coldly though.

"I thought you weren't coming back until next week?" she said brightening up slightly.

"I wasn't. I missed you though,"

He really was a great guy. She just didn't love him. All she had been thinking about while he was away was Rufus.

"I missed you too."

Lily Van der Woodsen wanted to scream. She wished she could be with Rufus. She was stuck. Emotions flowed through her and suddenly the tears came.

"Lily, what's the matter?" asked Bart worriedly.

"Nothing. I just...need to be alone for a little bit." She continued, tears trickling down her face.

She ran into her bedroom hurriedly to get away.