A/n: oh gee, the third installment of this epic tale. This chapter is going to have over a thousand words, I've decided. Review if you are so inclined.

On the cab ride home from Brooklyn, the tension between the three Van der Woodsens was immense. Serena kept shooting glares at Lily, like it was her fault that Serena's boyfriend's father also happened to be her ex. Her past was really none of her daughter's business, though Serena was sure to have a different opinion on the matter, one that she would not hesitate to voice. Sometimes Lily could see so much of herself in her daughter. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

"Serena, I've had about enough of this. Rufus is in my past, I can't change that, and I won't have you angry at me because of it."

"You should have told me."

"And why is that? Did you ever think that maybe it's not something I particularly like to talk about?"

"What, are you still in love with him or something?"

"Did I say that? This conversation is over. Whatever past I have with Rufus has nothing to do with you and Dan."

"Are you kidding me? This has everything to do with Dan and me! My life would be so much simpler if you'd stop whoring around."

Lily's mouth dropped open at that, and tears began to gather at the corners of her eyes. She turned her head away from her children as uncontrollable tears slid down her cheeks. Her own daughter calling her a whore was not really something Lily was prepared for. She didn't really have the strength for this battle with Serena right now. Luckily, the taxi pulled up at the palace a moment later, providing Lily with the escape she so dearly needed. She quickly got out of the cab and hurried to the elevator without looking at her children.

Once she arrived in their suite she hid herself away in her room and quickly dialed Rufus' number. It probably wasn't a good idea. She did it anyway. Dan answered the phone.

'Great, just what I need,' she thought.

"Is your father there?" She asked, willing her voice not to shake. She needed to talk to him.

"Hello?"

"Rufus."

"Lily? What's wrong?"

"We just had a very strange and dysfunctional Thanksgiving together. The kids found out about our past because I couldn't keep my stupid mouth shut. Serena called me a whore." She blurted out, "And I know she's angry because our past complicates her life and all, but it hurts, you know?"

"Oh, Lil, calm down. You can't let her get to you. Teenagers say things they don't mean all the time; she was way out of line."

"That's just it, though. She's right, isn't she? I was a groupie for god sakes. And she doesn't even know about that! She's just going on the three marriages, apparent illicit affair with you, and… Bart."

"Lily Van der Woodsen! Since when do you care what anyone thinks of you?"

"Since my daughter called me a whore! And if my own daughters thinks that way about me… imagine what everyone else thinks. Jesus Christ, I probably have a reputation, how did I not see this before?"

"Lily, I'm sure people have better things to gossip about than your love life."

"I hope so…"

"So, is your freak out over? Do you need me to come to Manhattan to console you?" He asked her, half joking.

"Oh, no no no. That would be a very bad idea. I'll be fine. Sorry."

"No problem. Now, about that coffee you mentioned? How about we make it a lunch?"

"Sounds good to me. Just don't tell your kids, because they'll tell my kids, and I've heard enough of their opinions about my love life."

"Oh, so I'm part of your love life now?"

"What did I tell you about being cute, Rufus? You know what I mean."

"Yeah, yeah. So noon tomorrow?"

"Looking forward to it."

"As am I. Bye, Lil."

"Bye, Rufus."

As Lily hung up the phone, she wondered if she was making a mistake. Usually, when you want to forget about your feelings about someone, you don't have lunch with them. But really, it was Rufus, and she didn't think she had enough of a spine to refuse him. He had always been different from all the others. It had nearly killed her when she broke it off all those years ago, and she had regretted the decision as soon as she made it. She hadn't been strong enough then, to face the reality that was being with Rufus. She wasn't sure if she was now either. Back then, being with him had meant disappointing her mother, which she didn't much care about, but also losing her inheritance and the life she was accustomed to. It was shallow and selfish of course, and she had been disgusted with herself.

Now, being with Rufus meant disappointing and angering her daughter, the most important thing in the world to Lily. She wasn't sure if she could do it, and have Serena look at her the way she had today on a regular basis. If only she could see how much Lily loved Rufus, but she probably wouldn't understand.

As a most interesting Thanksgiving drew to a close, Lily Van der Woodsen sat in her suite in the palace hotel and made a decision. If she was to see Rufus Humphrey and have a relationship with him, romantic or otherwise, it would have to be kept a secret.

On the other side of the bridge the same Rufus Humphrey made a decision of his own. He would make Lily Van der Woodsen, the love of his life; see that they were meant for each other. It would be no easy feat, Lily was one of the most stubborn and impossible people he had ever had the pleasure of meeting. She would fight him every step of the way, he had no doubt about that. He would get through to her somehow. Oh, and he would send his so-called "wife" in Hudson divorce papers as soon as possible.

Spotted: Lily Van der Woodsen practically running into the palace, apparently in tears. Who could have melted the ice queen of the Upper East Side? Could it have been Mr. Lonely Boy himself, or was it S and E, seen arriving shortly after, looking slightly guilty?

I'm intrigued.

XOXO

Gossip Girl