After show = Aftermath
Jenny still couldn't believe how well and great the show went down. She had been so excited the entire days before, that she was totally sure something would totally go wrong. But it worked out just fine. She had been in town for quite a few days, and really did manage to stay under the radar. No one had spotted her, and it was a full surprise to everyone when she stepped on stage.
The surprise on the faces of her family and sort of friends was amazing. She always wanted to come back with a huge bang, and she clearly did. She stood backstage with Marc and all of the crew and models, celebrating her huge victory. But even though she had succeeded, there was one thing that made her inside churn – Nate's sudden leaving.
As much as she tried to deny it, it hurt her more than she would have expected. She had looked forward to see them all again, which also would include the encounter which pretty sure would come soon. And when she got on the runway, she immediately flashed her looks over to her family and former friends. They all had smiles on their faces, enjoying the show – even Blair seemed impressed. But mostly her eyes had stayed with Nate. He looked even more handsome than he did back when. Inside she slapped herself for drooling, but she couldn't help herself – he was still sexy as hell.
The second their eyes really connected, it felt like back in the times. It was just them. But then without a warning, he had turned and stormed out. It would have been to good to be true, if no one was still mad at her. And he was the first proof that she still had to do amends to a few people, if she wanted her new start to work out.
Jenny gazed over to the long curtain, which separated the backstage area from the main hall. The security had just let a few people through, and she knew those faces all too well. Dan came in followed by his father, and his new girlfriend, which seemed to have Dan's age. Behind them Blair, Serena, Chuck, Lily and Eleanor walked over. Some with smiles on their faces, some with disappointment, confusion and anger.
„So, when exactly would you inform us that you're coming back to New York?", her father started straight the questioning.
Jenny couldn't help but roll her eyes. He was still the same old Rufus. „It also took you some time to tell me that your girlfriend could easily be my sister", she replied sarcastic.
„Dad, I don't want to fight again. Can we all go over there, sit down and talk as adults, that we are?", she asked, while letting her gaze fly over all the people of her past.
Rufus had flinched a little over her statement concerning Ivy. She was right, they were all grown ups. They also should behave like that, and he should give her the chance to explain.
„Fine with me. Let's sit down and talk", he replied to her wish. Dan nodded in agreement. Blair wasn't sure, if she really wanted to stay and talk. She'd rather just hit her. But Serena as well as Chuck already followed Jenny to a near by lounge area.
They all sat down, and a waiter of the catering service brought them glasses and champagne.
„Ok, I know it's all weird and strange to you, but I can explain everything", Jenny started explaining. „It all started round about eight month ago. As you know I became a student at St. Martins design school in London. There was a competition held which included Marc as a judge. We had to design three outfits – one evening gown, one normal street clothes, and one for business. He liked my designs so much, that not only I won the competition but also he wanted to meet me in person. The main price was to design a gown for our female president for a royal event that she would attend. But due to my meeting with Marc – well, it all came a little different then."
She took a short sip from her champagne glass, looking at the familiar faces. They all hung on her lips.
„Marc was so amazed by my designs, the ones that I had presented during the competition as well as the ones I had in my sketchbook, that he decided to tutor me. I became his protege. He offered me to teach me everything I need to know about running my own line, when I present my first three collections under his name. Lady J. Humphrey by Marc Jacobs. It was my big chance and I grabbed it. I would have been stupid not to do it. Anyways... I started working on my first collection, mainly in London. But one week ago I came to New York. Why I didn't tell anyone? It's simple – first of all, I wanted to surprise you, and second, there are still some issues unsolved and I really hope that we can put it past us tonight."
Jenny sighed heavily. „Look, I know I have messed up massively before I left. I hurt all of you, well pretty much all of you. I never meant too, but I didn't see any other way back then. I was just a kid, totally lost and confused, and I wanted my old life back. The one I used to know and loved – my Brooklyn life. Yes, I know it sounds strange and it doesn't make any sense as I did everything to become a part of the UES, but truth is … the more I tried, the more I changed. And I started to hate the person I became. I couldn't recognize my own mirror image anymore. That wasn't me, neither was dad himself. I know you loved Lily, but you gave up yourself by doing so. We moved from Brooklyn to the UES. You started to wear formal clothes, even tuxes. You went to events, you would have never attended if you weren't married to her. We both have changed massively, and I … I wanted our old selves back. I'm sorry if I hurt anyone while trying."
Rufus sighed out loud. „Why didn't you tell me back then, Jenny? Why did you act out like that instead of talking to me?", he asked confused and sad.
„Honestly dad, even if I would have told you, nothing would have changed. You were so in love with Lily, you would have never given up on her. And you also wouldn't let me move alone back to Brooklyn with only Dan as my watchdog", she laughed a little.
„Dad, I'm sorry that I tried to break you and Lily apart. I always wanted you to be happy. But at that time … I have turned into a selfish bitch. I only thought about me, and I know that was wrong. Although with things standing today, I guess I wasn't so wrong...", she stopped mid sentence and gazed over to Lily, who shifted a little in her seat. Still looking as graceful as always.
Of course Jenny knew how things have went downhill between Lily and her dad. She tried to keep up with her family by skyping with them as often as she could while being in London. After the unbelievable return of Bart Bass, she had called her dad every day. Somehow Jenny had the odd feeling that his marriage to Lily wouldn't last any longer, and that Lily would go back to Bart. To her own disappointment Jenny turned out to be right.
„Don't worry, kiddo. That is all past, and we shouldn't live in it, right? I'm proud of you. Those designs, they were awesome. And if you want to come home, there is always a place for you. You know that", Rufus said smiling. He leaned over to his daughter and got her into a tight embrace.
„Thanks dad, but I'm not coming home – at least not to Brooklyn", she replied simply. „I do appreciate your offer, and I'd love to take it for lunch or dinner invitations, but not for living. I think it's time that I stand on my own feet, as I already somehow did in London. So I decided to get me my own place. Marc helped me to rent an amazing loft in Tribeca, close to SoHo."
Rufus was caught off guard by this announcement. He had hoped that Jenny would stay at the loft, if she really would return to New York. But even though he felt a little sad, he was also happy that his little girl would return to town.
„Oh please, Blair. Not everyone can be so snotty to live at the UES. I thought your time at NYU got you a little grounded, guess not", Jenny stated, when seeing the disgusted look on Blair's face over her future living situation. „Take it from the positive side, you won't see me everyday round your corner."
Blair only snorted shortly. „That brings me to a very good point, Humphrey. Didn't I make myself clear two years ago, that I..."
„...you want me out of town", Jenny interrupted her. „Yeah, I remember that speech clearly. But you know what – I don't care anymore. I have obeyed back then, cause I wanted to leave town myself. But now, different time – different story and person. I was born and raised in this city, just as you were. I have every right to be and live here, and not even you Blair Waldorf will hold me back on doing so."
Jenny held her hand up, to bring Blair to a stop when she saw that Blair was about to interrupt her.
„I know you like to believe in, that you have the saying in this town. But if there is anything that I have learned in London, than that I'm the only person deciding how my life will take place. This is my life, and I let no one – ever – take over it. I'm gonna live it the way that I think it's best for me.
Look, I know I did a very horrible thing to you. And I'm truly, truly sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I hope you believe me. Do you remember the night when you came here to Brooklyn? You told me that Nate was in love with Serena, Chuck with you, and Dan with Vanessa. That nobody would love me, not even my own father. Those words of yours … they stung so deeply. They were like poison to me. I had to proof them wrong, so I went to find the only person where I hoped he would proof them wrong. But as you know, he wasn't there. Instead I found Chuck. We were both in a miserable state – lost, alone and hurt. I can't take back that night, but believe me – I wish I could. It meant nothing, to neither one of us. It was a huge mistake, and we both knew it straight after."
Jenny turned her head towards Chuck. „I'm sorry, that I messed things up for you. But mostly that I used you as my ticket out of town."
Chuck looked at his former step-sister, and nodded only. He did admire her, back at the Kiss on the lips party. But he was a different person then, and had screwed up big time. He always thought that she was an attractive girl, today even damn hot. Chuck never understood Nate for not going after her. There might have been issues, like Dan, her dad or the age difference. But this girl was clearly worth the fight. The more he got to know her during their sort of family time, the more he believed in that she was just the kind of girl Nate needed.
„It's all right. As your father said, it's past. And things have mainly turned out the way they should be", Chuck gazed over to Blair. „Maybe this entire mess even deepened our feelings for each other. We've been through so much by now."
He squeezed her hand, ensuring her that they belong. Blair only replied with a smile. She then turned to Jenny. Her look first harsh and stern, then turning soft and kind.
„I always knew you could pull up a huge show like this. Your dad is right, your designs are outstanding. I really don't know how to compete with it. But nevertheless, I'll try. And I would be pleased if you would join the Waldorf show in two days as our guest. Am I right, mother?"
„Sure, my dear", Eleanor replied immediately. „That was a wonderful show, Jenny. Your designs are marvelous. You're truly talented, and you will go your way. Honestly, I wished it would have led you to Waldorf Designs." She sighed slightly after her last words.
„True to that, mother. But we should see it positive. With Jenny in our back, we have to work even harder to be better. She will be our fashion enemy number one", Blair laughed out.
Jenny wasn't sure what to think about the latest comments. Of course she was flattered and honored that they liked her designs that much, but she wasn't quite sure if Blair was honest about it. Or if this was just another game to her.
„Anyways Jenny, you're right – we should put everything past us. This is as much your hometown as it's mine. I appreciate your apology and accept it. You have changed while you were gone. You've grown up. Keep it up, Humphrey."
With that she got up from her chair, gazing at Chuck. „I still have a lot to do for the show, so I keep going now. Do you want to stay and catch up, or are you coming with me?"
„I'll come with you", he got up as well. „Jenny, it was a pleasure to see you again. Congratulations on your line. Maybe we can all meet after Blair's show for a come together so we can all catch up on each others lives. Only if you want, of course."
„That sounds good, Chuck. I'd like to do that. And Blair, thank you. I really hope we can start over again. If not now, than maybe someday in the future."
„We'll see. Goodnight, Jenny. Mr. Humphrey, Dan, Ivy, Lily, it was great to see you tonight. Serena, mother, are you still staying? Or shall we give you a ride?"
Mrs. Waldorf turned over to her daughter. „I think I'm gonna stay a little longer. I want to talk to Marc a bit, and a few others of the industry. I get me a car later. But thanks sweetheart. Don't work to long."
Serena stood up from her chair, wanting to leave the event as well. Jenny got up too.
„Serena, I was hoping we could talk shortly. Do you have few minutes for me, please?", Jenny asked friendly.
Her former step-sister looked over to her. Actually she rather wanted to leave. The last encounters with Jenny weren't the best, and she totally understood why Nate had left the event so early. She should have done it too. But on the other hand, she had to admit that Jenny had changed. And if Blair was able to forgive her and start new, why shouldn't she?
„Sure, I can spare a few moments. I take a later ride, we see us tomorrow, B?"
„Of course. Just come over anytime. Unless Steven needs you", she smiled knowingly.
Serena just shook her head, while slapping Blair's arm shortly.
„Very funny, B. So what do you want to talk about?", she turned her attention towards Jenny.
„I wanted to apologize to you too. I know, I did some very horrible things to you, when all you ever did was being kind and a great sister to me. Serena, I can't tell you how deeply sorry I am for what I did. Trying to break Nate and you up, joining Juliet's game – and I swear I didn't know that she had planned to drug you. If I had known, I would have never went along. I'm so, so sorry.
I do understand, if you might not be able to forgive me right away. But I do hope, you'll be able to do so in future. I never meant to hurt you. I hope you know that."
Serena gazed at the younger girl in front of her. She looked like the Jenny, she got to know when she first started to date Dan, just a little older and more grown up. She clearly wasn't the bitch anymore, that she was while living with them.
„Well, I appreciate your apology too. But I think it's going to take some time. Yes, it has been over two years since, and truth is – my relationship with Nate, it would have come to an end anyways. Guess we never were made for more than friends. Nevertheless, I haven't forgotten what you did. We'll see where this is going to", she turned to go, but stopped in her tracks a bit after.
Serena turned around once more. „Can I ask you a question, out of curiosity."
Jenny frowned a little. „Uhm, sure. What is it?"
„Why did you come back? Is it really just to build up your line here in New York? Or is it because you're still in love with him?"
Jenny was taken aback by her last question. She knew that people would ask why she had returned, but she didn't expected anyone to name Nate as a reason.
„No, he is not the reason. Yes, I loved him way more than it was good for me. It took me quite a while to realize it. But I did move on. I'm really just back for launching my line. And of course, being with my family again. As much as I enjoyed being in London, I did miss them. This is my home – it always was, it always will be."
Serena nodded. „Good. Nate has built up a good life for himself, and I don't want you to mess that up for him."
With that she turned around, and left the backstage area. Jenny was stunned by her words. She would never do anything that could hurt Nate or his company.
„Jenny, we want to go back to the loft. Will you join us, or do you have an after show party to attend?", her father snapped her out of her thoughts.
Jenny looked over to him and his girlfriend. It was so weird to see him with such a young girl at his side.
„Uhm, actually there is a party. Don't you want to come?"
„Well, I don't think it's our circle of friends", her father chuckled. „We can celebrate tomorrow. You should enjoy your night. How about lunch?"
„That sounds just great, dad. Where has Dan gone?", she asked, gazing around to find her brother, but couldn't spot him anywhere.
„I don't know. Guess he went to ruin someone else's life", he replied coldly.
Jenny was shocked by her father's reaction. She had read the article on the Spectator. Yes, it was harsh, but Dan also wrote the truth.
„Dad, I do understand that your angry, but don't you think you're a little over reacting here? It's not like he wrote lies. You are dating Ivy, and you somehow turned into Lily's puppy. Whether you like it or not. Yes, you always worked hard to help us live our dreams – and we are both grateful for it. But while being with Lily, you gave up your old life. Matter of fact. You can't blame Dan for that", she summed her opinion about it up.
„Maybe you two could talk about it tomorrow? During the lunch?", she asked hopefully.
„I'll invite him, but I can't promise that I'll forgive him right away", Rufus stated. „So, if you're moving back to town now, does that mean you won't attend St. Martins any longer? I thought we agreed that you would go to college before starting your own line."
Jenny rolled her eyes again, and sighed. „Dad, this is a chance of a lifetime. I got to work with Marc Jacobs, one of the best designers out there. He loves my work, and is willing to help me build up my own line. You don't throw a chance like that away. But for what it's worth, Marc is close to the people of Parsons. There are a few courses that I'd like to attend. We'll work on a plan so that I can do both – building up my line, as well as going to college and graduate."
Rufus was amazed to hear this. „Ok, honestly now, who are you and what did you do to my daughter?"
They both burst out laughing, reaching for each other for another tight embrace.