There she was again – at Cotillion. Jenny stood in a side room, looking at the young girl she had dressed. The 17-years-old blonde in front of her gazed over her review mirror.
"OMG, this dress is so outstanding. Thank you so much that you designed it for me on such short notice. I can't thank you enough for this, Jenny. It's the best dress ever!", she squealed out loud.
Jenny laughed. "You're welcome, Annabelle. I really hope you have fun tonight. And thank you for choosing me as your favourite designer. It's good publicity for me too. So go out there, and rock it!"
Annabelle dragged Jenny into a tight hug, and stormed out of the room. Leaving a laughing Jenny Humphrey behind. Jenny gathered her stuff together and made her way out of the room into the hallway. She was still placing a few needles back into the pincushion when she bumped into someone.
"Oh, I'm so sorry", she immediately exclaimed. "I wasn't looking where I was heading too. I'm really…", she stopped talking when looking up at the person she had run into. Her mouth dropped when she recognized the all to familiar face.
"Sorry?", he asked with a wide smirk on his face, cocking an eyebrow.
"Uhm, yeah. Nate? What are you doing here?", she asked confused and surprised at the same time.
"I could ask the same question. As far as I remember your cotillion was already a few years ago. I think I even escorted you, if I'm not wrong", he replied with a smile. "So, what's your excuse?"
Jenny smiled back at him. "Nice try, Mr. Archibald. But I asked first!"
He let out a short laughter. "Fine, Miss Humphrey. As you are obviously this curious – I'm escorting my girlfriend tonight."
Jenny knew that Nate was seeing a girl still going to high school. Nevertheless, it pained her to hear it directly from him. He had a problem with dating her, only because she was two years younger. But now he's seeing a girl which is even four years younger. So much to that theme.
"You're escorting your girlfriend. Wow… You really have a thing for cotillion, don't you? I mean, it's your third time now, isn't it? Pretty sure it's a record", she laughed out loud while mocking him. Trying to hide how much it hurt her that he was seeing a seventeen year old girl. Why do I even care? We weren't even friends in the past two years.
Nate put on a hurt face expression. "Ouch. That's harsh. But wait, isn't this also your third cotillion. First as a viewer and helper, then being introduced yourself and now … now what?", he teased her as well.
"Touché. I designed a dress for one of the girls. Quick cash, and good publicity for my line and me", Jenny let him know.
"Pretty sure that dress is amazing. You always had a good taste when it came to gowns", he complimented her.
Jenny blushed by his compliment. It didn't go unnoticed to Nate. He was pleased to see that he still had some effect on her. After their last encounter he wasn't so sure about it.
"Thank you, Nate", Jenny stammered. Her heart had skipped a few beats. Damn it, why does he still has this hold over me? He is not the only guy on this planet.
"No need to thank me. I'm just telling the truth. I still remember your cotillion dress. It was amazing. You were the only one to show up in black", he replied smiling.
Jenny laughed. "Yeah, and I was the only one without an escort. Thanks to Eric and my bitchy behaviour at that time", she reminisced the beginning of her darkest period in life.
Nate remembered that night clearly. Her call for help. Them on stage, dancing … why did I let her go? Why didn't I just hold on to her?
"But it all turned out good. Didn't it?", he asked, still smiling.
"You really want me to say it, right?", she teased.
Nate only cocked one eyebrow. "I don't know what you're referring too", he said in pure innocence.
"Fine, you saved the night, Nathaniel Archibald! If it weren't for you, it would have been a huge disaster. Thanks for saving me that night", Jenny retorted a little over dramatic.
"It was a pleasure, as always when you were in need", he replied laughing.
Jenny slapped his arm. "Hey! I wasn't such a mess. There may have been some moments…"
"Just some? I stopped counting after five 'cos there were so many", he kept on mocking her.
"Ok, one more word about it, and your girlfriend will need a new escort", she threatened him playfully.
Nate started laughing. Looking her straight in the marvellous blue eyes. The eyes that he had always loved to look into, and which were still his weakness. He knew he should break the connection that had built up to find Sage, but that was the last thing he wanted to do right now. All he wanted was to stand here with Jenny and look in her wonderful blue eyes.
"Uhm, am I interrupting something?", a sharp, angry female voice asked from behind him.
Nate turned around and faced Sage, who looked very pissed.
"No, you're not. I was just talking to Jenny about our last cotillion", Nate explained without even thinking. "By the way, you haven't met yet, have you? Sage, this is Jenny Humphrey. Jenny, this is Sage Spence."
"Hello, it's nice to meet you, Sage", Jenny said casually, while holding out her hand to the young girl.
Sage only looked her over, not moving an inch to take Jenny's hand.
"Sorry, can't say the same", she replied harsh.
Nate was shocked by her reaction and behaviour. "Sage!", he called out. "What the hell? There is no reason to be rude to Jenny."
"Well, I would appreciate if you would stay away from my boyfriend. Then I have no reason to be rude", Sage explained.
Jenny tried hard to hold back the laughter that was coming up. This was too good to be true. A teenage bitch was marking her playground.
"Don't worry, girl. I was just talking to an old friend of mine. I'm not going to steal your toy", she answered smiling all over the face.
Nate looked at her in astonishment. Did she just called me a toy?
Sage snorted shortly. "I know who you are, Jenny Humphrey. Even if you would try, you wouldn't have the slightest of a chance to win him back. You were just a short encounter, but I'm the real deal."
Now Jenny really couldn't hold it any longer. She burst out laughing loudly. She had to laugh so hard that a few tears started to stream down her cheeks. Nate only looked at her confused, while Sage turned even more angry.
"The real deal?", Jenny barely brought out through her laughter's. "What kind of crap is that please? Oh gosh girl, you really need to grow up. If you really think that this has a future, you're even crazier than I thought. Enjoy your night, sweetheart."
Jenny turned on her heels, and left the couple behind. Nate was somehow flattered over the short cat fight over him, but the words that burned into his mind were Jenny's about the lasting of their relationship. What does she mean with 'if you really think that this has a future'? Does she want to get back with me? Is she still feeling something for me?
But he couldn't get any further with his thoughts, as Sage immediately burst out in rage.
"Who the fuck does she think she is? Just because the launch of her line was a success, doesn't mean that she is THE new star in New York. God, how dare she! Telling me that we are not to last! She is so transparent, so damn obvious that she only came back for you. Stay away from her, Nate. I don't care if you have a past with her, I don't want you near her!", Sage exclaimed.
Nate could only shake his head. Remember she is only seventeen. No wonder that she is reacting like a child, she still is one.
"Sage, we were only talking and that's it. Neither is Jenny into me, nor am I into her (is that so, Archibald?). But most of all, I don't like it when people tell me what to do. This is my life, Sage. I decide who I talk too or not. That's not on you to decide", he countered harsh.
"Seriously, Nate? You must see what she's trying to do here. You can't be that blind!", Sage yelled out frustrated.
Now it was on Nate to get angry and loud. "Back off, Sage. You're reading way more into it, than there is. We were only talking! I haven't seen her for over two years, of course we would catch up. And yes, we also have history – but as the word says: it's history!"
Without a further word Nate turned around and walked towards the main hall, where the event would take place. Not giving his girlfriend another look or the chance to apologize. Deep down inside he was hoping for to find Jenny asap, although he didn't want to admit it to himself.
Sage remained in her spot. More angry than she was before. She knew that Jenny Humphrey would cause trouble, the second she read that she was back in town. But now wasn't the time. She would deal with her later. Now she had another war to fight.
Annabelle and her escort were making their way down the stage and onto the dance floor. Just as Jenny had expected the people were in awe over the dress. It was a simple white dress, but very sexy and elegant.
A neck holder kept the two strings together, which led over her front to cover her breasts only to meet the floor length skirt at her hips. Her entire back as well as her left and right waist were bare, so was the small corridor from her throat down to her belly button and a little lower. The skirt had on both sides long leg slits, which revealed Annabelle's long legs whenever she took a step.
Jenny couldn't help but feel proud when they made their way through the crowd. Annabelle beamed over to her with a huge smile across her face. This girl definitely enjoyed her night.
The next girl announced was Sage, escorted by Nate. Although Jenny tried to get used to that sight, she couldn't.
"Nice dress, Jenny. Shall we see if mine can compete?", she asked playfully. "Sage is wearing one of my designs." Blair popped up to her right side.
"Why am I not surprised? You always liked Cotillion", Jenny smiled back at her.
"True. And as I see, you still do too", Blair countered. "But with all honesty, I never thought I'd see Nate a third time walking down this road."
Jenny couldn't hold back her laughter. "Neither did I. Guess he is just as addicted to it as we are."
"Or even worse, maybe he would love to be introduced to the society too", Blair joked while joining Jenny's laughter.
Jenny enjoyed this little goofing with Blair. She never thought that they would get to this point. But all the sudden the entire atmosphere changed in an instant.
"OMG, you've got to be kidding me!", Blair exclaimed.
Jenny, who had shortly looked at Blair, returned her gaze to the stage area. She looked at the screen, and couldn't believe her eyes. There – for all to see – was a sex tape running. And to her surprise she knew both of the actors.
"Are these Dan and Serena?", she brought out in pure shock.
"Of course it's Serena. Do you know anyone else who would sink so low?", Blair sarcastically flipped back at her.
Before Jenny even could reply to her, Blair had spun around and made her way to wherever. Jenny looked back at the scenery in front of her. The video was still running (although people tried hard to stop it), the audience was whispering and chattering about it, Nate seemed pretty confused and angry by the latest event, while Sage seemed to enjoy every little bit of it. Guess I know who is responsible for this.
Just as she wanted to walk up to the young girl to confront her about it, Jenny heard loud voices behind her. One belonged to Dan. Instead of going after Sage, she decided to check on her brother, who stood together with Blair and Serena (what are they even doing here?).
"I can't believe you did this to me – again!", Blair spat in Serena's face. "Do you really hate me this much? And you? You claimed to love me, but than you sleep with her. Was it all a lie?"
"NO, no, it wasn't!", Dan brought out. "She seduced me. I didn't know there was a camera 'til it was over. You said you deleted it", he turned to Serena.
"I did! Someone must have gotten a copy. I'm so sorry, B. I didn't want to hurt you", she apologized.
Blair snorted. "Sure you wanted. Like you always do. You can't stand when I have more success than you, or when I get something that you want. Why can't you be happy for me, just once?", Blair said sad.
"I do want you to be happy, B. I always wanted that for you. You're my best friend", Serena tried to explain herself.
"You've got a crazy way of showing that", Blair retorted sharp.
Serena sighed. "I'm sorry. But it was Dan. I never thought … I don't know. I got jealous, I guess. I always thought that he would be mine, somehow. I never thought he would fall for you. I'm deeply sorry, B."
"Wow, you are with Steven, but also you want Dan? Or at least you don't want him to be with anyone else than yourself?"
"No, this all happened before I met Steven. It has nothing to do with him. And no, of course I want Dan to find someone to be with …"
"Just not me, I assume", Blair interrupted her. "Got it. Message received loud and clear."
Blair spun around again, and left within seconds.
"Blair, wait please. Let me explain!", Serena yelled after her friend, but she didn't bother to give her another chance.
"This is a nightmare!", she let out frustrated.
Dan, who had watched their encounter silently, came back to life. "Oh, you really think so?"
"Dan, don't go there. It's not only my fault. We both did this", Serena replied annoyed.
"WE BOTH? As far as I remember you dragged me into that room and seduced me! You filmed it all by yourself. The second I realised what you did, I left. You promised that you would delete the video, and now your saying that somehow someone must have gotten a hold on it. Just perfect, Serena. It's totally perfect."
Before Serena could snap at Dan, Jenny brought out her suspicion. "I know it's not my business, especially as I wasn't here when it all happened. But what could Sage have against both of you?"
"Sage?", they both answered in unicorn and surprise.
"Yeah, I know it's weird. But she seemed to enjoy the entire scene. Could she be behind it?", Jenny asked hopefully. Even though she barely knew that girl, she already hated her.
"I don't even know her", Dan replied. "I mean, I know she is seeing Nate, but that's it."
Serena looked quite pale. "She is still trying to break us", she sighed.
Jenny and Dan looked at each other in confusion, and then back at Serena.
"She is trying to break who?", Jenny asked kindly.
"Steven and me", Serena stated matter of fact.
Jenny was even more confused now. Why on earth would she try to break Serena and her boyfriend up? She was with Nate.
"Sorry, but I don't get it. Why would she try to break you up?", Jenny replied.
Serena let out a short laugh. "Because Steven is her father, and Sage hates me. He wanted to propose to me tonight. Guess she doesn't like that idea. Oh gosh … I need to find Steven. I need to explain everything to him."
She twirled around, and ran out of the ball room. Leaving a stunned Dan and Jenny behind.
"Ok, just to get that right. Steven, Serena's boyfriend, is the father of Sage, which is Nate's girlfriend. Man, and I thought I already saw everything in the UES", Jenny let out.
"Obviously not. There is always a new bomb waiting ahead", Dan only stated.
"Yeah, that brings me to the recent dropped bomb. What the hell, Dan? I thought you were into Blair, why did you sleep with Serena then?"
Dan only sighed, and dropped his head to the floor. "I wish I knew the answer, Jen. It's complicated. I don't want to talk about it right now. Could I stay at your place? I recently lived at Blair's, but I guess after tonight she doesn't want me there any more."
Jenny looked at her brother in concern. "Of course you can. I have a guest room, make yourself home there. Stay as long as you want. But for what it's worth – you need to talk to them. Find out what you want, and then go for it."
"When did my sister become the wiser of us?", he teased her.
"I always was, Dan. You just didn't want to see it", she mocked him back.
He laughed a little. "Yeah, maybe. Shall we leave?"
"Hmm, I'll follow later. I want to check on Annabelle. See if the dress is still all right. See you at home."
Nate had watched the entire fight between his friends from afar. He couldn't say that he was happy about it. The video reminded him way too much on his first time, and how much it hurt Blair back then. Today, she didn't look any different. Sage looked quite pleased, and that disturbed him even more.
Georgina walked up to them. "I assume you have something that belongs to me", she composed herself in front of Sage. "Stealing someone's phone, not very classy."
"Sorry, I just borrowed it, as I needed something. Not that you would mind, right?", Sage replied with a sophisticated smile.
"Actually, I do. Don't try that again, little girl."
Georgina grabbed her phone out of Sage's hand, and left them behind.
"That was you? You played the video to the entire society of New York. How could you?", Nate asked disappointed.
"Nate, I had to do it. Dad was about to propose to Serena. I had to show him the real her. I couldn't just stand aside and let him run into it."
"Are you serious? You just humiliated two of my best friends, Sage!"
"Please, as if you guys never got on each other. And may I remind you that Dan recently humiliated you when he wrote that article about you. How can you still call him a friend after that? They both got what they deserved."
"You really believe in that? I thought you were different, but I guess I only fooled myself - again."
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"Quite simple", Nate stated", that means, we're done. For good. You went too far this time. It's one thing to lie about your age, but this – I don't need this crap. I'm done with high school. Have a nice life, Sage."
"WHAT? You can't just break up with me", Sage exclaimed irritated.
"Just watch me do. Cause I can, and I do so", Nate only replied, and left her standing in the hallway.
He walked straight out to catch his town car when he got the sight of a familiar female body, trying to hail a cab.
Nate first thought of just letting go, and drive home. But when he saw that no car would stop and she was freezing, he decided to give her a ride. They were friends, right?
When he reached her, he took his jacket of and placed it around her shoulders. Jenny jumped slightly when he did it.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. You looked frozen, so I thought you could need a jacket", he explained, when Jenny had turned around to face him.
"Thanks, always a gentlemen", she replied smiling.
God, I missed that smile so badly. "Well, at least I try to be", he smiled back. "You need a ride? My car is waiting. I can take you home."
Jenny shifted a little, unsure to take his offer. "Uhm, I don't know. Don't think your girlfriend would like it, and I'm so not in the mood for more fighting after tonight."
"My ex-girlfriend. I just broke up with her, after I found out that she was the one who leaked the video. So no need to worry", he explained and pointed with his arm towards his car, while placing the other in Jenny's back to lead her over.
His hand felt like it was on fire from the second he touched her body. Although there was his jacket and her dress between his hand and her skin, he could feel her heat radiate through them. After all these years she still had this hold over him. Just face it Archibald. You only locked her away in the most darkest place of your heart, but you never stopped feeling for her. Just admit it!
"I'm sorry", Jenny said, when she started to walk over to his car. "It must have been hard to find out about it. Blair was shocked as hell, and very pissed. Can't say that I'm amused about it either. Never thought that Dan would do something like that."
"Well, you can know someone for years, and somehow you still don't know that person at all. Whatever … I wasn't happy when seeing the real Sage, true, but on the other side. I don't know, I should have seen something like that coming. After all, she is only seventeen. I guess I didn't really thought it through. Anyways… how is Blair? Or Serena?"
He opened the door for her, and Jenny slipped in. Followed by Nate, who told his driver to drive towards Tribeca.
Jenny looked at him in surprise. "How do you know where I live?"
"Shannon did a great report and interview about you. Remember? I always read the articles through before I approve them for publishing. That's my job", he said smiling at her.
"Sure the article. Yeah, I kinda forgot about it. Been quite busy", she trailed it off. "Well I don't know how Blair is doing right now. She was very mad when she left the event. I guess she thinks that Serena did it on purpose."
"What? That's crazy, she wouldn't do something like that", Nate immediately defended his friend.
Jenny gazed over at him. Trying to read if he was only being a friend or if there were still feelings left. He may have said that they weren't meant to be, but maybe he only said it to please her.
"Dan said, she seduced him that night, and that he didn't know about the camera", Jenny gave back what Dan said earlier.
"And you believe him?", Nate scoffed.
"He is still my brother, Nate. Why shouldn't I believe him?", Jenny replied sharp.
"I'm sorry, you're right. It's just … he did some quite questionable things lately. I don't know, it seems as if he has changed. And not for his best", Nate tried to calm her down again.
Jenny slightly shook her head. "I know you all believe that, but I think he is still the old Dan. Yes, his articles were … they were explosive and harsh, but also true. Be honest Nate, do you think that he was only spreading lies?"
Nate looked her in the eyes, and he knew that she really had a point there. He admitted it to Sage and Chuck before that Dan mostly wrote the truth about him. He wouldn't lie to her now.
"No, he wasn't. He wrote the truth about me, and about your dad. I tried to understand why he did it, but I still don't understand where he is coming from, or where he is trying to go with it. It makes no sense to me", Nate tried to explain his thoughts about the older Humphrey kid.
Jenny laughed a little. "There were quite a few times in the past where I didn't know where Dan, you or any of the others were coming from or going to. We can't read peoples minds, all we can do is accept their decisions when they take them. Even if they may hurt us as hell and seem to be all wrong. (Nate was pretty sure that she was talking about him here and not Dan any more). Nevertheless, I think Dan is still trying to find out where his place is."
Nate was stunned by that explanation. "What do you mean where his place is?"
"Look, you all have your places in the UES, always did, always will. Whether you like it or not. Serena is a van der Woodsen, Chuck a Bass, Blair a Waldorf, and you're an Archibald. You always knew were you came from and where you belong. And yes, some of you tried to fight it", she smiled kindly.
"But face it Nate, in the end you all remained where you belonged. Chuck was running Bass industries, til Bart came back. Blair took over Waldorf designs. You may have not followed your families way, but your running the Spectator. Serena does whatever she wants to do. And my brother – well, he had a successful book. But that fame kinda vanished as fast as it came. He is still unsure where he belongs. Still trying to proof that he can cope with all of you."
"Jenny, that's crazy. He doesn't need to proof that. He is…"
"…one of your own? No, he isn't. Neither am I. You guys may have granted us entrance to your world, but you've never accepted us as one of your own. It's a true fact, Nate. If you aren't born into the UES, you don't belong. Even if I would win a huge lottery jackpot, it wouldn't change a thing. I may have enough money to live in the UES, but I'd never be part of the inner circle."
Nate thought about her words. And as much as he wanted to protest, he knew she was right. The UES was always a very elite circle, and you couldn't buy yourself in. Even if you tried.
"Nevertheless, it's no reason to treat your family and friends the way he is doing it right now", Nate replied.
"True, and I'll find out what it's all about. He moved in tonight, so I can bond with him again like in good old Humphrey times", she laughed out.
"He moved in? So he isn't staying at Blair's any more?", Nate asked surprised.
"No, after tonight it's quite obvious that Blair doesn't want to see him any more. Dad and Dan are still on the edge. They did talk, but not everything is solved yet. So, he is staying with me for awhile. Never thought I'd see that day coming", Jenny laughed even a bit harder.
Nate joined in. "Guess he didn't either. So you're really staying in New York? No more London?"
Jenny gazed out the window, they were driving trough SoHo towards Tribeca. She truly had missed this city.
"New York has always been my home, it will always be. But I still have a room in London though. Marylyn, my room-mate there, keeps it for me. I might head over once in awhile to work or get new inspiration. But for my line, it will be home here – where I belong."
Nate was relieved to hear that. He wouldn't like to see her leave again, not after he finally had her back. The ride proofed him once more how deep their friend/relationship was. And this time he wouldn't mess it up again. He would take his time to rekindle things with her, and at a certain point he was quite sure they would be together.
He may have been a confused and disorientated kid when they got to know each other, but he wasn't any more. And if he was honest to himself, he knew all those years which girl he truly wanted at his side.
"Good to hear. New York needs you here", he remarked.
Jenny turned her face towards him. She was pretty sure he wasn't talking about New York, which led to a huge amount of butterflies flying around in her stomach.
"Thanks, I'll try my best not to disappoint them again", she answered truthfully. "We're there. Thank you for the ride home, Nate."
She handed him his jacket back, and opened the door to exit the car.
"You're welcome, Jenny. Any time again."
He watched her walking into the building, disappearing out of his sight. Seconds later he was on his way to the Empire with only one thought in his mind. I'll get her back!
I hope you enjoyed reading just as much as I enjoyed writing this chapter. I'd like to take the time and chance to thank all of you who follow this story. This really means a lot to me. So thanks to: Andrea Ann, Donna L. Crawford, Dr. Holland, KatieRHastings, Nelson0987, Randichele, Rosa03, Sarina02, Silver Griff, Elizabeth Mary Stark, harrypotterfanatic22, isaacdarlahey, jpink3125, kit147, loveinstantstar and msboskiera.
I have the upcoming chapters already in my head, at least I know in which direction I want to go ;) Due to my new job I can't write as often as I want too. But I do hope that I'll be able to upload at least one chapter per week.
If you have any suggestions or feel like something is missing – feel free to leave me a comment. Maybe I can work it in. I'm always glad to read your opinions and views.