Thanks for the reviews! And for the name suggestions. I might use a couple of those names in another story I'm about to write. Hope you guys enjoy this! xoxo

...

When Nate woke up the next morning he felt like someone was stomping on his chest. He grabbed his phone and called Blair, "I don't know what to do. Please help."

"Um, hello to you too. Help with what?"

"With Serena?"

"What about her?"

"I think I broke up with her last night even though she said she wanted to be with me. I'm confused. Just tell me what to do."

"Nate. I love Serena but we both know she's going to leave anytime now. I don't want you to get hurt again."

He rubbed his temples with his free hand. "So you're saying I should just let her go?"

"For now. She's so busy. She has her career and everything and you're just starting yours."

"I guess. I'll talk to you later."

He saw an envelope slipped under the door and opened it. It was a letter from Serena:

"Natie,

Remember when we were little and my mom found a new boyfriend and would run go away with him? I'd have to alternate between sleeping at your place and Blair's. You would put your arm around me and tell me that you were there for me no matter what. Likewise, never forget that whatever you need I'm here for you. Even if we're not together. We could ever not be a part of each other's life. You're my best friend. Love always, S."

Nate smiled to himself and put the letter in his bedside drawer. His phone rang. It was his grandfather calling, he was late.

…

It was ironic that no one had said a word to Nate, even though they were talking about him for the past hour. He was starting to feel invisible. He had cleared his throat a few times but it hadn't made a difference. He got up and picked up a medal that sat on the bookshelf in his grandfather's study.

They talked about campaign strategies and PR stunts as well as organizations that Nate should be "passionate" about. It was all in preparation for running for Congress the next year. He looked at his reflection in a glass award that was on the wall.

"But I do support gay marriage. Why would I not comment on something when I know exactly where I stand?"

His grandfather looked at him crossly. "The point is to not alienate any potential voters. Besides, you're a Republican. Most of your constituents are conservative."

"I'd consider myself an independent."

"This is a bi-partisan country, Nathaniel. Did you not go to law school?"

"That's an overly-cynical point of view."

"I'm a realist. You're too naïve for such views. Now sit."

"I'm going to grab some coffee. You two don't seem to need me anyway." He slipped out of the study room and opened his phone.

He didn't realize who he called until he heard his voice. "Nate?"

Serena sounded surprised. He paused before answering. "Hey. I got your letter. Thanks."

"Of course." She heard the frustration in his voice. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just my grandfather being himself." He waited for her to say something but then went on when she was silent. "They're planning photo ops and shit for my campaign."

"Well, that makes sense."

"I guess. I just wish I were included. They haven't spoken to me at all. Apparently my personal views have nothing to do with the kind of politician I will become."

"Do you even want to do this?"

Nate was silent. His grandfather never asked. "I have to."

"That wasn't my question." She paused. "Do you ever feel like our lives have been planned out for us?" She smiled to herself. That was a classic Nate quote.

He laughed. "Thanks for hearing me out. I should get back."

"Alright. Call me if you need anything else. And Nate, don't me afraid to confront him. William Vanderbilt is human too."

…

"Have you heard from Serena?" Chuck asked Blair over dinner.

"Not at all. She hasn't returned my calls. She's probably left again."

Chuck shrugged. "She didn't say bye?"

Blair scoffed. "When has she ever said bye?" Blair couldn't help being bitter. But her best friend had been running for the past decade without so much as a text message.

Chuck ate quietly.

"At least we never have that awkward moment when a couple in a friend group breaks up. We don't have to try to manage our time between Serena and Nate because she's not even here."

Chuck smirked then suddenly something caught his eye and he got up. "Sorry I'm late."

Blair's eyes widened. "Oh, hey! I didn't expect you to come."

Chuck looked at his best friend. "Nathaniel." They both sat.

Nate gave them an empty smile and called the waiter over so he could order food.

Blair looked at him. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Blair."

She smiled. "How about all three of us go away next weekend? The Hamptons? It's become a post-break up tradition."

Nate couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah. Sadly it has. Let's go tomorrow morning. I'll get the next few days off work."

Chuck looked at him. "Uh…sure. I can move some things around."

Blair was a little confused. "Um, okay. Sounds good. I can move some things around too."

Nate looked at them blankly. "Cool."

…

Serena stopped by Blair's penthouse early the next morning. She was surprised to see a suitcase in the hall. "Hey Dorota. Where is Blair going?"

"Hello Miss Serena. Miss Blair is going to Hamptons with Mister Nate and Mister Chuck."

Blair walked in from the other room. "Serena! Wow I can't believe you're still here!"

Serena gave her a confused look. "Still here? I just walked in like 5 seconds ago. So you're going to the Hamptons with Chuck and Nate?"

Blair nodded. "It's what we always do after you guys break up."

Serena gave her a dirty look. "Really? How come I didn't know about that?"

"Well you're usually gone. Which is what I meant when I said I couldn't believe you were still here."

Serena crossed her arms. "I wouldn't have left without telling you."

Blair's tone was cold. "That would've been a first."

Serena frowned. "Enjoy the Hamptons."