Disclaimer: I don't own Gossip Girl or Ed Westwick's pants.

3. Ante Bellum

.

Black heels clicked meticulously across the shiny, polished marble floors.

And Blair watched intently as a tall figure approached her desk right under the Reception sign. The girl was pleasantly thin, and had long legs...she observed. A bright pink floral top was tucked into her pinstriped pencil skirt. She appeared to walk with a sense of purpose, however her struggle was evident due to the fact that she was failing miserably at balancing a briefcase in one hand and two coffees in the other.

Blair made her way back to her desk, abandoning her current job of trying to revive a plant in the corner of the room.

Once she got closer however, she stopped abruptly. The mystery woman had a massive amount of blonde hair tied roughly into a topknot, if she didn't know any better she could've sworn the figure looked familiar.

Her pace quickened, but right before she could open her mouth, the figure turned around and her blue eyes opened wide in shock.

"Blair?" the figure now-named Serena stuttered. "Is that really you? Oh my gosh! What are you doing here?"

Blair masked the confusion on her face and instead took a deep breath and made a slight step to the right before Serena could lean in for a hug.

"Look Serena, I didn't call you…I don't know who called you. But I'm pretty sure neither a certain someone nor myself want to see you. So please just finish whatever business you came in here to do, and leave. Thank you and have a nice day." She said with a faltering smile before rushing quickly into the departing elevator.

She had to warn Carter.

Serena just stood there stunned, until she realized how oblivious she'd been. Baizen Enterprises? Really Serena?

. - . - .- . - . - . - . - . - . - . –

"Carter! Carter!" Blair yelled, running absentmindedly through the hallways.

Various office colleagues chuckled and laughed at her odd behavior and in return she glared at them each individually before finally making her way into 'Mr. Carter Baizen's' office.

To her surprise she found him studiously reading and browsing through different folders.

"You know how I adore the sound of you screaming my name Blair. But I'm actually kind of busy right now so would you mind telling me what's wrong so I can get back to work?" He asked pleasantly, admiring the flush in her cheeks as she attempted to catch her breath.

"Pig," she muttered.

"Now, now, now-don't get hasty, you're the one who-"

"Serena's here."

"Van der Woodsen?"

She nodded, and registered the way his eyes fell.

"Did you tell her to leave?"

"Carter! Of course I did, but I think she's still there! I just want her gone," she nearly screeched.

"Calm down Blair, gee we'll just ask security to calmly escort her out of this goddamn building," he replied, already dialing the number.

But before he could press call, in stepped this morning's catch. The Basshole himself.

"Chuck is there something we can help you with? We're dealing with eliminating impending financial problems here and it's critical that we're not disturbed," she emphasized and raised her chin high so that she was eye-level with him.

Chuck smirked; she never failed to amuse him. "Well you see Miss Waldorf, seeing as to how I make up a good third if not more of this 'business' it's critical," he taunted mockingly, "that I'm here to listen and assist you with any of your financial concerns."

She scowled and he laughed at her defeat.

"Well Bass, I guess your presence might be pertinent in some cases, however now we're just getting rid of some..." she paused looking for the right world, "trash."

Carter laughed.

"Well maybe my new secretary can be of assistance with that."

"Secretary? I thought the contract we signed explicitly said 'no whores until after hours'"

"Well actually Miss Van der Woodsen is around her somewhere, I'm assuming she's setting up her desk right now. Have you seen her?" He asked, looking around.

"Actually we've both met her and she needs to go," Blair stated firmly, struggling to maintain the upper hand in this conversation.

"And why is that exactly?" Chuck inquired, and took in her disheveled appearance.

Blair looked back at Carter, her eyes begging for help, nails digging into her palm. He cleared his voice.

"Well Chuck, I believe Miss Waldorf made it perfectly clear earlier…no whores until after hours."

He stated simply, and Chuck eyed them both inquisitively.

5 years ago…

Blair sat impatiently at her desk waiting for Ms. Carr.

Legs crossed, navy skirt and white-blouse tucked in, crimson headband with bow positioned meticulously to the right. Picture Perfect.

Yale.

Everything was running smoothly right now in her life. Except for one thing.

Yale.

She needed to get in, however one little thing was stopping her and that was a teacher recommendation.

She had everything else. Archibald/Vanderbilt boyfriend. Supportive best friend. Dead parents. Baizen back-up. Old-money name. Flawless grades.

Everything but…a teacher recommendation.

Yale.

Which in normal circumstances wouldn't be too hard to attain, but she needed one from Ms. Carr. Considering the fact that she was the only teacher who took a genuine interest in her and didn't regard to her as "The Baizen's Pity Project."

"Blair," Ms. Carr walked in, startling her.

"Hi Ms. Carr," she smiled, standing up, "how are you?"

"I'm fine thank you, is there something you needed Blair?" she asked, motioning for her to take a seat.

Blair refused however, "Oh no thank you this won't take too long. Actually I had a favor to ask you."

"Oh…ok."

"I'm pretty sure you're aware that my ultimate dream is to go Yale. I mean…I've practically hinted at it at least a hundred times," she paused for dramatic effect, "As you know my deceased father went there, and ever since then I couldn't imagine myself going anywhere else. So my point is that I can't go to Yale unless I have a stellar recommendation…and that's where you come in!"

"Oh."

"Oh? Ms. Carr I'm sure there are 25 other letters in the alphabet you could use. Can I interest you in a Y?"

"I meant "oh" by I wasn't expecting this. Well Blair I guess I could muster something up, evidently you are one of my most dedicated students and I think I could portray that perfectly on paper.

"Thank you so much Ms. Carr! You won't regret it!" she beamed.

Yale.

"I'll give it to you in a week, during that time I expect full participation from you in class. And I want you to stay after school on Wednesday to tutor a new student."

"Fine…fine! Anything! Thank you," she smiled, picked up her bag, and made her way out of the classroom and into the courtyard where Serena and Nate were waiting for her.

The two blondes were giggling uncontrollably, and she couldn't fathom why until she saw Nate holding up a freshly rolled joint.

She smacked it out of his arm.

"Hey! What was that for?" he flinched.

"I told you before, no smoking on school grounds. Anything you do badly reflects off of me too," she scolded, but couldn't contain her giddiness.

"Oh B! You're smiling! Does that mean you got it? Is she writing you the letter?"

Blair nodded in excitement and Serena couldn't contain her shriek, "Ahhhhh! I'm so happy for you! She couldn't have said no anyway…you're like perfect!"

"I know, I know," she admitted, basking in her accomplishment. Nate leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.

"Hey, I know somewhere we can go to celebrate tonight. Mark is throwing this huge party at his house, and everyone's going. Doesn't that sound like fun?"

"Uhhh…actually,"

"Oh my gosh, YES! That sounds like super mega ultra fun! Doesn't it B?"

"Well I guess one party won't hurt anyone. I'll just tell Mrs. Baizen to reschedule my celebratory dinner for Monday night," she grinned, grabbing her phone out of her bag to text Dorota (who had been recently hired by the Baizen's) and inform her she'd be staying at Serena's tonight.

"By the way does my brother know you're attending this party?"

Carter hated it when Serena went to parties. He knew how irresponsible she was, and even though they'd been dating for over a year now he didn't fully trust her.

It was kind of shocking really at first that Carter fell for Serena. Surprisingly though their dysfunctional relationship somehow managed to work out.

That didn't stop Blair however from wanting to gag every time she caught them together. Which was unfortunately quite often.

"No…"

"Serena!"

"Come on Blair! Just one party please! You'll even be there to chaperone me," she winked.

Why did Serena have to make everything seem so easy?

"Fine."

"Yay," she clapped enthusiastically!

"See ya later," Nate said, leaving Blair with a departing kiss.

"Can't wait," she smirked.

Yale.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The music was blaring loudly as they stepped in. Serena was all dressed up in a short, stunning royal blue cocktail dress. While Blair chose a low back, dazzling beaded Badgley Mischka.

Both the girls' eyes shone in anticipation. Before Serena could run off though, Blair latched onto her arm.

Serena turned around and pouted.

"What's wrong B?"

"Nothing, it's just that you forgot your cell phone tonight, and I don't want to lose you," she lied, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. The overwhelming scent of pot and narcotics lying all over the place made her uneasy.

"You know what B, you know what I think? I think you need to relax! Let's go get a drink? Alright?"

"Sure," she agreed, following her over-excited best friend.

They took a seat. "Two Kamikaze's please…" she giggled and the hired bartender all but rushed to complete her order.

"Where's Nate?"

"Hmm?"

"Nate!" she shouted, hoping her voice would be heard over the loud music.

"Oh I don't know…do you want me to go find him?" she asked, suddenly standing up.

"Oh no no no….you don't need to do that!"

"But I insist," she laughed, "here! You can even have my drink." She said, pointing to the bright-colored shot glass that had been placed in front of her.

"No Serena!"

But before she could stop her, Serena had already disappeared into the hot and sweaty crowd.

It was useless really now.

"Ugh," Blair groaned and swallowed the drink whole. She started to massage her temples in order to soothe away her impending migraine and that's when someone sat down in front of her.

"Hello there beautiful."

"If I'm beautiful, then who are you?" Blair sat up straight in order to catch a better glimpse of this man.

"Well in this case I'd be the beast," he grinned.

"Ha-ha very funny. But really, I don't recognize you from anywhere."

"That's because I'm not from here."

"Where are you from then?"

"A little place I like to call Belgium."

"I see…" she shrugged, he wasn't too intimidating. Cocky, yes. Decent looking, sure. And even friendly, perhaps?

"My name's Damien," he finally said.

"Blair," she smiled, hoping she didn't look like too much of an outcast at this party.

"You don't really go to these types of things, do you?" he asked.

"Is it really that noticeable?" she asked, eyes falling in disappointment.

"Only a little," he offered, smiling.

She glared at him, and then back at the crowd of people recklessly 'dancing' in hopes to catch sight of Serena.

"Hey, you still got a drink left."

"Oops, guess I do" she giggled, and drank it unhesitatingly (not wanting to appear that out of place).

"You wanna dance," Damien asked suddenly, which caught her by surprise.

"Come on, you're not going to have any fun sitting here by yourself."

"Fine," she agreed, and Damien took her hand and led her out to the dance floor.

It's not like Serena and Nate are looking and or thinking about me anyway.

She moved around uncertainly at first, but slowly fell into the trance that everyone else appeared to be in.

While dancing, Blair looked at all the bright lights and pretty colors and decided that this wasn't too bad after all. She also noticed that Damien's hands were starting to roam a little too far, but decided to let it slide.

What she hadn't noticed though, was the white powder that had been previously floating at the top of her Kamikaze.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Carter sat awkwardly between his mother and father at the dining room table.

No one said anything, except for his father who often commented on 'how good the food tasted' and 'man work's been hectic.'

He was just about to excuse himself when his phone beeped, and he picked it up only to see that it was an alert from Gossip Girl.

"Would you please turn that thing off son, it's very rude."

"In a second…"

Carter opened the message; only to be greeted with a picture of Serena and Nate caught dancing in a compromising position on top of a table.

He fumed.

Guess Mark S.' end of semester party is a hit…and so are S and Golden Boy! Let's hope C doesn't see this…I'd love/hate to know what happens next! And speaking of musketeers where's their leader, Bitchy B?

XOXO,

Gossip Girl

"Dorota…" he began.

"Yes, Mister Carter," the maid asked from the corner of the room.

"Where'd you say Blair was?"

"With Miss Serena, why?"

"Nothing…I'm just going to go pay my little sister a visit."

"Carter!" his father shouted. "We're having a family dinner, this can wait."

"Actually it can't so if you'll excuse me," he said, moving to get his coat.

"Carter, your father's right. He's only going to be in town for a couple more days anyway and we have to make the most of our time together."

"Please," he scoffed.

But before either of his parents could protest, he put on his coat and made his way out.

This could not wait.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The music was getting louder…or so it seemed like to Blair.

Her head was pounding, and she could hear her heartbeat in her ears.

"I don't feel so good," she murmured, hoping Damien would listen and let her sit down.

"Are you ok?" he finally asked, after about what seemed like forever.

She only shook her head.

"Ok, here let's take you upstairs."

"Upstairs?"

"Yeah don't worry I'm friends with Mark, he won't mind…" he winked.

She tried to move away from him, it was useless though because he was already leading her up the staircase.

Everything was dark and blurry, and she couldn't process what was happening. She struggled climbing up the stairs, and Damien grew aggravated.

Once upstairs, Damien started fumbling with the handles on the doors but most of them were locked.

He cursed under his breath, and Blair's knees went weak. She stumbled.

Still holding on to her, he finally managed to bust open a door.

"Aha!" He exclaimed.

However, neither of them were prepared for what they saw next.

There in the center of the room, were Nate and Serena in a state of disheveled undressed. Serena wrapped desperately around Nate, as he moved frantically back and forth against her.

Out of shock, Blair started to slowly regain her consciousness.

It would take an idiot to not realize what they were doing, but she still couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Nate.

She bit her lip in order to fight off the tears.

Before she could cry out or scream, Damien clamped his hand over her mouth and dragged her out.

"Shh…shhh!" he whispered, and she bit his hand hard.

"Ow!"

She tried to run away then, but he grabbed her waist.

Blair started flailing her arms and kicking uncontrollably but it was to no avail. She finally started to register the gravity of her situation.

Why am I always so naïve?

Damien pulled her into the next room, which unfortunately happened to be unlocked, and threw her down on the bed.

She screamed, but doubted anyone could hear her.

His weight suddenly pinned her down, and after realizing that there was nothing she could do, she started to cry.

Tears fell down her face as she thought of her best friends betraying her in the next room, and her dead parents, and her stupid stupid stupid life.

She tried to scream again, but Damien secured his hand over her mouth and started to sloppily kiss her neck.

His breath smelled bad.

Right as his hands started wandering further down, there was a knock at the door.

Blair wanted to shout, but he gave her a look that practically said 'she'd regret it later' if she did.

"Who is it?" he called out.

No answer.

Then another knock.

"Who the hell is it?" Damien finally shouted, getting up from the bed.

Blair cowered in the corner.

Before either of them could register what happened next, Carter came busting through the room and grabbed Damien tightly by the collar. He shoved him forcefully into the wall.

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing with my sister Dalgaard?"

Damien struggled for breath, "Your sister? Is this the oh so famous 'charity case?' Carter trust me I didn't know."

Carter's fist came into contact with his face.

"Bullshit! You knew, you disgusting scumbag."

Blair watched frightfully from her corner of the room as Carter's fist slammed repeatedly into Damien's face until he collapsed on the floor.

"Come on Blair, let's go," he called and offered his arm.

She took it gladly, and rushed out of the room with him.

Everyone stared at them as they came down, even Serena and Nate who fortunately happened to be done with their previous activities.

Blair couldn't have felt more embarrassed, but Carter seemed to pay no attention.

"Party's over, nothing to see here, you can all go home now!" he yelled.

However no one was moving toward the exit except them.

Once outside, they entered Carter's awaiting limo. Blair got in first, making sure there was enough space between her and Carter as possible.

This was not going to be pretty.

He climbed in after saying something to the driver, and violently slammed the door shut.

"What the hell were you doing at that party Blair?" he finally managed.

"I didn't know…"

"You didn't know what? That there are drugs at these types of parties? People that take advantage of you? Apparently not…"

Blair looked down shamefully

The 'oh so famous charity case.'

Is that what Nate thought about her too? Did he just pity her?

"I'm sorry," she finally whispered.

"There's nothing to be sorry about. Sorry isn't going to fix anything. Life goes on. You just have to be thankful now that I was there to stop whatever was going to happen before it did," he emphasized.

"How did you know I was there anyway?"

"Gossip Girl," he muttered. And suddenly she realized the solemn look on his face.

"Serena and Nate!" she gasped.

"I know, there's no need to mention it anymore. It's done."

She nodded, realizing that he was right.

I mean, it was bound to happen at some point. Those two blondes couldn't go gallivanting around secretly forever.

The limo finally came into a stop in front of the Baizen's townhouse, and Carter made Blair get out first.

"What about you?" she asked, turning around.

"After the night I've had, don't you think I deserve a little break?"

"I suppose," she agreed, making her way into the building. Luckily there was a spare key in one of the potted plants near the door so she wouldn't have to wake anyone up.

She sighed.

It was dark and quiet inside the house, and suddenly she felt out of place.

Everyone was right.

She was a charity case.

Damien thought so. Her teachers thought so. Nate apparently thought so as well.

The Baizens had been using her for far too long, in order to enhance their philanthropic image to the public. But not anymore.

She rushed into her room and began packing and shoving everything she could into a small luggage. Money, clothes, photographs of her parents.

Oh, Dorota was going to be heartbroken.

But she was going to make a name for herself, even if it killed her. She wouldn't rely on anyone. She'd succeed on her own.

Even living on the streets beat having any connection to the Upper East Side.

After writing a short note, Blair took one last glance at her room and left.

When the Baizens woke up the next morning, they looked into Blair's open room only to find it a wreck. Carter couldn't believe his eyes. How could she just leave?

There was however a note placed carefully on the center of the bed which read:

Thanks – BW

And that was the last anyone ever heard of her for the next three years.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Present Day

"I'll have you know that I've known Miss Van der Woodsen for a while now, and although she does look…hmmm…you could say 'out of place' she is anything but a whore."

"Well I must be thinking of a different Van der Woodsen then Bass, because the one I know is…now if you'll excuse me."

Blair pushed passed him, and made her way out of Carter's office.

Chuck raised his eyebrows at Carter, but he only rolled his eyes in response.

"Whatever Bass, just leave me alone," he said, shooing him away.

Blair walked quickly past all the employees and made her way around the corner into the small hallway that lead to the bathroom.

Before she could go in however, Chuck intercepted her.

"Chuck, I know you're new here but I believe I've informed you multiple times that the men's bathroom is on the other side of the building."

"Well Blair," he smiled, "that's funny, because I was going to tell you the same thing."

She scoffed.

"Ha ha. Now if you would please move-" she began.

"Actually I had a question to ask you."

"And what's so important that it can't wait?"

"Am I bothering you? Or is my new secretary bothering you? Because maybe if you told me what's wrong I could try and fix it."

She laughed out loud at that one.

"Oh this is too good! Fix it? You can't fix something that's permanently damaged. But thanks for trying."

He looked at her questioningly, and for a second she thought she could see…concern?

Oh no.

"Actually, you know what. Forget what I said…everything is effing perfect. Life has never been better!"

But he still wouldn't budge. So she decided to opt for the easy way out and kick him in the shins.

He winced.

"Thanks for the help Bass," she winked.

"Anytime."

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

5 years earlier

Chuck Bass sat impatiently in an empty classroom, while waiting for his new English teacher to make a call.

He didn't understand why he had to stay after school anyway; it wasn't like he was incapable of catching up on the work himself.

He didn't need a…tutor. He almost shuddered. What could a poor, ill-looking girl teach him anyway?

"Ehh hem," Ms. Carr finally cleared her voice.

"What?" he asked.

"Well it seems as if Blair-your tutor-isn't attending Constance anymore. Her parents signed her out unexpectedly."

Yes!

"Oh that's too bad," he agreed, seeing the distraught on Ms. Carr's face.

"Yes it is. You can go home now Mr. Bass. Sorry to keep you waiting, hopefully I'll find you a replacement by next week."

"Take your time," he replied, practically running out of the classroom.

Hey guys! Looooooooong time no write! Sorry for being so slow with this update! I've been so busy! Will you forgive me? And maybe to show me that you're still reading you'll review too!? I mean that would be amazing! Sorry if the flashback scenes weren't to your liking but at least you now know the start of why Blair is working for Carter & YOU ALSO know how Chuck knows Serena and all of them...sort of...more will be revealed in the next chapter which will hopefully be released by next month! :)

THANKS SO MUCH TO MY LOVELY REVIEWERS: alyxoxo821, nlizzette7, guest, rf, cat8000, sallysally, sparkleyangel.