Up for the next round? Well, here we go...
A week had past and Jenny had spent most of the time in the atelier of Marc or at her dad's place, so he could get to know Jasper. Jasper had flown home yesterday, he would return for Christmas. To her surprise and ease Nate hadn't shown up again. Even though he promised he would fight for her. Obviously those were just words.
She was now on her way home from Marc's and couldn't wait to jump into her bathtub. She so needed an hour to rest her head and body. When she walked in, she was greeted by the sight of Serena and Dan.
"Ah, just the girl I was looking for", Serena let out the second Jenny walked in.
Jenny looked at her in confusion. "And why exactly?", she replied curious.
"I just decided that we'll have thanksgiving at my place this year. Mom and Bart are out of town, and as much as Dan would like to spent it all alone together in here, I'd rather have my friends around me. And... it's a good time to come out of the closet that we're back together. So, would you help me to set everything up?", she asked with puppy eyes towards her former step-sister.
Jenny wasn't in the mood for a big thanksgiving. She had hoped that it would only be her, Dan, Serena and Rufus. "When you say friends, who exactly will be coming?", she asked.
"Well, there will be Rufus, of course. As Bart is out of town, we'll invite Chuck and Blair. And of course Nate. And Jasper and you", Serena told her with a bright smile.
Jenny frowned. "Apparently it will only be me. Jasper went home yesterday. He has some stuff to take care off and will be back for Christmas. So, what do you need me to do?"
"Yeha!", Serena squealed out. "As you're the designer, I thought you could do the decoration. I would take care of the food, together with Dan. Is that ok for you?"
Jenny sighed a little. Nate being there, wasn't her wish of spending thanksgiving, but how could she refuse. She had no other plans and Dan knew it. "Sure, fine with me."
"Ah perfect. I'll go by Blair's now, invite her over and then I'll upgrade our bird. See you later at the penthouse." Without a further word she grabbed her bag and dashed out the door.
Dan looked after his girlfriend and then over to his sister. "Sorry, it was her idea. I know you'd rather spent the day within the family. You don't have to come, if you don't want to", he assured her.
"Nah, it's really fine with me. Gives me time to catch up with Blair and maybe finally let bygones will be bygones. I haven't seen her since Cotillion. And the penthouse is huge …", she added.
Dan only nodded in comprehension. "Good then. I still have to do something. We see us later at the penthouse."
He walked up to her, pulled her in a short hug and left the loft as well.
Jenny remained in her spot. Wondering why she had said yes to all of it. The last person she wanted to see was Nate. Well, there will be others too. You can really catch up with Blair and avoid Nate's presence. And even if he wants to talk, everything was said. There's no future for us. Jasper is the right one. Or?
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Nate was sitting in the living room, going over the papers of the Spectator. Trying to find a way out of the mess he got himself into. But the more he looked into it, the more he had to realize that there was no way out.
Chuck's bedroom door popped open, and he walked out still as drunk as he was before he went to bed the night before. "Where is Monkey?", he asked hoarse.
Nate gazed up to his friend. Feeling terrible that he was responsible for his state. "I got Ivan from housekeeping take him for a walk."
"Why? Were you so busy betraying me that you couldn't take him yourself?", Chuck said sarcastic and disappointed.
Nate got up. "Chuck, you know how sorry I am. Bart threatened me to send me to prison for faking the numbers of the Spectator. I've been trying the entire morning to find a way out of this mess", he sighed.
"Good luck with it. Bart Bass is a grandmaster of manipulation. He has ruined me. My advice is to lay back and dream of Jenny", Chuck retorted while turning to his room again.
Nate couldn't believe his ears. How could he give up so easily? "Yeah, thanks for the help", he replied this time sarcastic.
Chuck stopped in his tracks, and remained shortly silence before he turned around to face his best friend in anger. "Are you serious? Do you really believe in that I would drink alone my sorrow away, if I had any chance to be with the woman I love?", he asked incredulous.
Nate gazed ashamed down to the floor. Of course Chuck would do everything in his power to be with Blair, just like him with Jenny. Although the last part still had to go in motion.
"I'm sorry Chuck. You know I didn't mean it that way. It's all just so frustrating. I just wished that things would have turned out the way we wanted. Instead my actions have made everything even worse."
His phone went off, announcing a new message. He shortly gazed it over and turned to Chuck again.
"Serena just texted. She's hosting thanksgiving dinner today. Lily and Bart are out of town, and she would love for us to come. Blair will be there too. You're in?", he asked.
"As much as I'd like to spent a national holiday with you folks, I guess I'd rather spent it with my dear friend scotch right here."
Before Nate could even reply a single word, Chuck had emerged the room back into his private bedroom.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Blair had agreed to Serena's invite, but wasn't pleased at all when she heard that her best friend was dating the Brooklyn brat again. She must be totally out of her mind. But I know exactly how to get this mess solved again.
She immediately picked up her phone and dialed a number. It didn't take long for the young girl to answer her call.
"What do you want, Blair?", Sage asked annoyed and uninterested.
"Oh, nothing, just want to help those less fortunate, like I do every thanksgiving. Unless, you're no longer interested in Nate", she replied innocently.
"I am, but I'm not stupid to trust you to help me get him", the young brunette shot back.
Blair only rolled her eyes on that comment. "Oh, that's too bad. Cause I think that Serena's thanksgiving dinner would be the perfect opportunity for you to reconnect with him."
Sage snorted. "I don't think that she will invite me, after I humiliated her in front of the entire New York society by screening her sex tape."
"Well, you have a point there. But Nate will never forgive you until you undo the damage you caused between Serena and your father", Blair yarned her scheme further.
"Except that I don't want them to be together", Sage stated matter of fact.
Blair got slightly annoyed by that girl's attitude. "You said yourself that he is miserable without her. And he's a man after all, he will probably go back to her anyways. I mean, she is Serena van der Woodsen. You should give it a shot. That will give you at least the chance to date Nate Archibald."
Sage thought about it and finally gave in. "Fine, tell me what to do, so I can get an invitation."
Blair smiled to herself and gave further instructions to the young girl. This will be a thanksgiving that Humphrey never will forget.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Jenny had started to set up the decoration together with the party service that Serena had ordered. It was strange to be back in the penthouse that she used to live in and where she had transformed into a person she truly hated. But for one day she would get past it. Cause that's what it was past.
Dan was in the kitchen, cooking the stuffing for the big bird that Serena would bring soon. All the sudden a very familiar voice spoke up.
"Something in here smells unbelievable good", Lily praised.
Jenny and Dan both turned their heads in astonishment towards the blonde woman which was followed by her husband.
Dan was totally caught off-guard. "Yeah, that must be Dorota's cooking, clearly not mine. Shouldn't you two be on a white sand beach, enjoying the sun?"
"Well, there is a tropical storm above the island, which got our flight delayed", Bart Bass replied dryly.
"So it looks like we'll stay for dinner after all", Lily added to the explanation. "If we're not intruding?"
Dan shared a short glance with Jenny. "Oh, no. Not at all", Dan answered right away. "I mean, we have plenty of food. We just need to rearrange the seat plan. Right Jenny?"
"Sure", she replied. "Not a big thing. I just place you somewhere in between." She smiled friendly to the older couple, but rather would have left. This wouldn't be good. Not only that Chuck would get mad as hell, she also didn't want to spent time with the woman who hurt her father.
"Mom, you're here?", Serena asked while entering the kitchen area of the penthouse.
"Well, we got rained out. Darling, did you go grocery shopping? I'm so proud of you", Lily said while looking at the shopping bags Serena handed over to Dorota.
Serena only smiled at her, when Dan spoke up. "It looks like we need two more places. Jenny got it covered."
Serena smiled a little nervously. "Actually make that four. Look who I ran into at the grocery store."
Jenny turned around and couldn't believe her eyes. Neither could Dan when he saw Steven and Sage walking up to them.
"Wow, that is a nice surprise. How are you?", Lily stated while walking over to greet the Spence family.
Jenny had remained in her spot, only looking at the entire scenery. What the hell is Serena thinking? Bringing her ex-boyfriend and Nate's ex-girlfriend here. Has she totally lost it know? She walked over to the kitchen counter and gazed at her brother.
"You alright?", she asked concerned.
Dan looked up from his phone. "Yeah, couldn't be better", he replied sarcastic.
Jenny snorted and shook her head. "Come on Dan, it can't be easy for you that she invited him. I'm your sister, you can talk to me."
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm not pleased with it. But what can I do? They are here and I can't throw them out. This is not my place."
"But you're both hosting this dinner. You could say that you're not feeling comfortable with this situation. Don't think that Serena would like it if your ex would show up. Oh wait, isn't that Blair?", Jenny smiled devilishly.
"Haha, very funny!", he said angry.
Serena walked up to them. "Why are you mad?", she asked him, looking from one sibling to the other. "Is it because the airport got shut down? There was nothing they could do."
"Lily and Bart are not the problem here", Dan gave back dryly.
Serena nodded slightly. "So you're mad that I invited Steven to dinner."
"Oh no, I'm totally thrilled to see him on our first hosted thanksgiving dinner", he replied sarcastic and huffy.
"Well, pretty sure that Nate will be thrilled as well to see Sage", Jenny added to the conversation.
"Come on guys, I only invited them because they had nowhere else to go", she defended herself, "what would you have done?"
"Honestly? Call up my boyfriend and best friend and ask if they are fine with it", Jenny said.
Dan only pointed his hand towards his sister to show that he agreed with her. He definitely didn't want to fight with Serena now, but it pissed him up that she decided over his head to bring her ex and his daughter over for dinner.
"It all happened so fast. I couldn't call. And honestly, I didn't think you would care", she directed her explanation towards Dan.
"Are you serious? You thought I wouldn't care about you bringing your ex here. The ex that you were close to getting engaged with at Cotillion?"
"I'm sorry Dan. It's just for today. And he means nothing to me anymore. It's you I want to be with. So no worries", she assured her boyfriend and placed a hand on his underarm.
"Fine, but don't blame me if I punch him the second he hits on you."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Chuck was sleeping his intoxication off when Nate burst into his room.
"Chuck, wake up. Come on, wake up!", he nearly screamed out. "Chuck!"
He barely moved. "Seriously Chuck, Bruce Kaplan is dead", Nate let the bomb drop on his friend in hope he finally would react.
Instead Chuck remained in his lying position. "That guy was a crock, so who cares?"
"You should. I just got off the phone with his secretary. He died only a few days after our last meeting. He fell from a yacht, which was provided to him by Bass industries. "
"Is there any point to it, that you're telling me all this and keep me from sleeping?"
"Chuck, your father probably found out that it was Bruce who tipped us with his illegal oil deals. And to assure that he wouldn't talk again, this so called accident happened. Do you honestly think that Bart had nothing to do with his death?
Chuck groaned heavy and got himself into an upright position. "Even if he did, Nathaniel, he clearly covered his tracks, so no one will be able to find out about it. He definitely made sure that no one will find any evidence. And now, get out of my room and let me get back to sleep."
Nate couldn't believe his friends reaction. What the hell was wrong with him? This is so unlike Chuck. There is a chance to get to Bart and he is not using it. Damn it, it's all my fault.
Nate's phone went off. A message from Blair, telling him to come down immediately. Why is she not coming up? Since when does she stay outside?
He gathered his jacket and belongings and walked out the door. Grabbing a coffee on his way to her. He hasn't even said HI when she already attacked him.
"What the hell took you so long? Did you take a trip to London before?", she exclaimed.
He sat down. "Good afternoon to you too, Blair. Always a pleasure to see you", he replied amused.
Blair didn't even pay any attention to his remark. She got straight to the point. "Chuck banned me from the Empire. He did banish me before, but that was something totally different."
"What do you want me to say? Chuck is on the bottom, totally not himself. All he does all day is drink, drink and drink some more. And when he is not drinking, he argues with Monkey", Nate explained to her.
Blair looked at him in surprise. "I had no idea that it was that bad."
"Yeah, it's more than bad. He even gave up on defeating Bart."
"No, we can't let that happen. We can't let Bart win. Besides … that would mean that we'll never be together. We have to re inspire him!", Blair decided.
"What do you think I've been doing this morning? I told him about the death of Bruce Kaplan, but Chuck doesn't care", Nate filled her in.
"Why should he?", Blair asked confused.
"Because Bruce was Bart's best business manager who happened to fall mysteriously of the Bass Industries yacht. That can't be a coincidence that the only people who knew about Bart's illegal deals die. If we could connect them, we could take it to the authorities", Nate explained.
Blair got up from the bench they were sitting on. "I have an idea. All I need is a good push-up bra and all of Bart's computer passwords."
Without a further explanation she started to walk towards the Empire, leaving a confused Nate to follow her.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
About an hour later, Blair entered with Chuck the penthouse. She was delighted to see that Steven and Sage were there. So her plan had worked, and soon Serena would send Dan back into the woods – or wherever he came from.
She walked up to her best friend and smiled. "Everything just looks wonderful. You really outdid yourself. Doesn't everything look wonderful?", she turned to Chuck to involve him in the conversation and distract him from the thoughts about his dad.
"The bar certainly does", he stated shortly, and left the two young women behind.
"Ok", Serena only said. "And as much as I appreciate your compliment, the decoration was made by Jenny."
"Of course it was. It shows her style", Blair gave back. "And is that your ex, that I see over there? Looking even more gorgeous and handsome then the last time I saw him", she changed the topic to her own scheme, "it's so generous of Dan and you to invite him in."
"I'm not sure that Dan feels the same way, but I couldn't let them spent thanksgiving with only a chicken", Serena explained her best friend the presence of her ex and his daughter.
Blair heard steps from the stairs and turned around to see how was entering the living room area. She was totally caught by surprise when she realized that Lily and Bart were coming in. She turned amazed to her friend again.
"What are they doing here?", she asked demanding.
Serena looked at her mom and back at Blair. "A tropical storm stopped their flight. Hopefully Chuck can hold his tongue til after the party", Serena explained.
Blair felt with every second going by more unease. "Have you seen Nate?"
"No, not yet, but he should be here soon", Serena said while turning around to the kitchen. "Could you excuse me, I should look what the caterer is doing there."
She left Blair behind, who immediately texted Nate to get to know where he was and when he would arrive. But mainly to update him that Bart and Lily were still in town. This clearly wasn't part of their plan.
Nate got in only a few minutes later. He was greeted by a view he definitely didn't want to see today – Sage. What the hell is she doing here? Bad enough that Bart and Lily are still around, but her. Why did Blair not mentioned her too?
"Hi", the young brunette stepped in his way, greeting him. He gazed over the room, but couldn't find the person he truly wanted to see.
"I know I'm the last person you want to see today, but my dad and I ran into Serena at the grocery store and she...", Sage explained her presence, being interrupted by Nate.
He was quite annoyed. "And obviously she couldn't help than to adopt a couple of roamers for thanksgiving."
"Pretty much", Sage answered slightly embarrassed. "Can we talk?", she asked him hopeful. "Don't worry, I'm not pregnant, I just miss you", she tried to light up the atmosphere with a joke.
It didn't work on Nate's side, only got him even more annoyed. "Sage, look now", he started to turn her down, but being interrupted when hearing his name being said by Bart Bass who was approaching them.
Seriously? Is it really too much to ask for to have my peace at least on a day like this?
He was already preparing himself to find an excuse for both of them, when he heard footsteps coming down from upstairs. When he turned around, he found Jenny descending the upper floor. She looked more beautiful then ever.
She was wearing a black and red mini-dress. The red dress was strapless and tight to her body, the skirt ended shortly under her butt. It was covered by a black lace dress with ¾ arms and V-neck, only a bit longer than the red dress underneath.
She had her hair pinned up in a romantic wedding hairstyle. Only individual wisps were hanging out at the side. Nate loved this hairstyle at her. He loved her entire appearance. Damn, if only I could take her upstairs and kiss her breathless. This girls is so damn stunning.
Knowing that Sage as well as Bart were still waiting for an answer, he acted on instinct. "Jenny", he said while approaching her and leaving the others behind, "there you are. I was already looking for you. So, what's the emergency that you could need my help at?"
He hoped she would understand his wink and help him out. Thankfully Jenny did understand him, when she gazed over the entire situation.
"Yeah, I have to do this very important interview with NBC soon, and I'm nervous as hell. I mean talking to press reporters is one thing, but live on TV. I was hoping you could give me some good advice or so", she caught on and gave him an excuse to get away from Sage and Bart.
He smiled at her in relief. "Sure. How about we go upstairs? I can give you some tips and if you like we could even pretend an interview."
"Sounds good. Thanks Nate", she replied and turned on her heels to walk up again. Being followed by Nate who was more than thankful that he was able to get away from Sage and Bart. But also that he could spent time with Jenny alone, if there only wasn't the mission Blair had sent him on.
They went into Bart's office. Jenny went straight to the couch and sat down, looking at Nate who walked over to Bart's desk.
"So, you're going to tell my why I had to give you an alibi to get away from Sage and Bart? I mean, I do understand Sage, but Bart? What's going on?", she questioned him.
Nate looked up and over to her. God, she is so damn beautiful! He smiled. "I sometimes forget how damn smart you can be."
Jenny looked at him indignant. "Sorry? I'm always smart. Maybe not always by my choice of crush, but most of the time I'm bad ass. My current collection is the living proof."
Nate chuckled. Her side blow didn't go unnoticed to him, but he also couldn't blame her for it. He had been an idiot and douche. "Things are going good for you?", he caught on to the last subject.
Jenny smiled brightly. I so missed this smile of her. It makes her even more beautiful.
"Indeed it does. Marc and Joanna informed me last week that my collection is totally sold out. All big fashion houses bought pieces. We have to produce even further items to get everything delivered to them. It's so crazy. In only two weeks people will be able to buy my clothes in some of the biggest stores of New York. Can you believe that?"
Nate looked at her amazed. She sounded just like the five-teen year old girl that crashed the gala back in the days. "I totally can. I always knew you would make yourself a name in fashion. I never doubted your talent, neither should you. You're amazing, Jenny!"
Jenny blushed at his compliment. Why is he always so sweet? How am I supposed to make up my mind when he always gets under my skin this easy? "Thanks Nate, that's too kind. But I'm not the only one in here who brought it far", she replied by gazing over to him.
He really wished that she would be right, but as much as he wanted too, he couldn't forget about his latest and biggest mistake.
Nate was trying to get access to Bart's computer by using all the provided passwords that Blair had given to him. No one had worked so far when Chuck came in.
"You found anything yet?", he immediately asked.
"No, I tried all of the passwords Blair gave me", Nate responded. "This isn't going to work. It must have at least nine characters."
"Try this one, maybe this will do", Chuck said while showing him a password on his phone.
Nate typed it in, but the access was denied once more. "We tried all the related passwords we could find. There are no more."
"So that's what you're up too? Trying to get access to Bart's computer", Jenny spoke up.
Chuck gazed over at her. "I need some information which could be on here. So yes, we try to hack in here."
"Which ones did you try already?", she asked curious.
"Pretty much everyone we know which could be possible. But none had worked", Nate replied frustrated.
Jenny got up and walked over to them. Looking Nate over the shoulder by leaning down a little. Her scent nearly drove him insane. He had to concentrate on their task, while his head had totally other things in mind. And non of them contained hacking a computer. Neither were they youth free. She is so damn tempting.
"He was totally into your mom, right? And he also loves Lily. Maybe it's something combined with those two. Like their names, or birthdays, marriage days", Jenny mused.
"Hmm, not bad, Humphrey. Get up Nate, I want to try some things", Chuck said while hushing his friend out of the stool. "And by the way, she's a keeper."
Jenny's eyes grew wide. "Excuse me? We're not dating, I'm engaged to Jasper", she bristled over his comment.
"That's a problem that can be easily solved", he only stated, while trying some more combinations. "Got ya! Humphrey, you're truly a genius!"
Jenny was still mad over his latest comments, but it was Chuck after all. Did she really expect anything different than that? She walked back over to the couch and sat down again. Nate followed her.
"Sorry, you know how he can be", Nate apologized.
She only smiled at him. "Yeah, not a big thing. You mind to fill me in why you're hacking into Bart's computer?"
"Well, we nearly had proof for his illegal business deals, but sadly they got destroyed. So now we're trying to find other proof of his involvement in two mysterious deaths. Both were men who knew about Bart's deals. Can't be a coincidence that they both die in accidents."
"This sounds quite James Bond like. That first proof – was that in the painting?", she asked curiously, remembering how badly Chuck wanted it.
"Yes, but thanks to your dad and Nate it's gone for good", Chuck stated, barely paying attention to the two.
Jenny looked surprised at Nate. "What?"
"Look Chuck, I already told you how sorry I am. I didn't mean too, and pretty sure Rufus wouldn't either if he had known what was on those microfilms. He only did what he thought was the right thing to do", Nate made clear.
"I still can't follow", Jenny said.
"Ivy got hold of the microfilms", Nate explained to her. "Rufus somehow got them, and handed them over to Lily. She burned them", Nate explained.
"Did she know what was on them?"
"Yes, she did. But she didn't mind anyways", Chuck said offended. The thought of Lily betraying him still hurt massively. He couldn't believe that she took the side of his father and was so blind not to see what a bad man Bart really was. They needed to make her see, and Blair had already started phase one by telling Lily about Bruce's death.
"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that Chuck. Dad told me that Lily had changed, but I never thought it would be this bad. Covering illegal deals, it so doesn't sound like her. If you need any help", she let the last few words hang.
Nate only smiled at her, while Chuck gazed over to her. "Thank you, Jenny. You already helped me here, but I'd might come back to your offer at a later time. She really is a keeper, Nate. Don't blow it again."
Nate's head shot towards his friend. His eyes shooting darts at him. Could he only shut his mouth for one time? "Chuck!", he only replied in a warning tone.
"Oh please, as if she doesn't know that you're pining after her. He was a mess when you left, and all this time during your leaving and very sudden return. And all he can think about now, is you. Do us all a favor and release him from his pain. We all know you guys are destined to be", Chuck remarked nonchalantly.
Nate couldn't believe his friend. What the hell is he thinking? He totally lost his mind. Jenny was still sitting next to him. She hadn't moved during Chuck's short speech, but she had tensed up. Not because she felt uncomfortable by hearing it, but because it affected her way more than she would allow herself too.
To hear that Nate felt miserable because of her leaving, made her heart churn. Chuck was his best friend, he definitely knew how his friend feels and thinks. Did he really think about me during those two years? Was I really on his mind this entire time? Why didn't he come for me if so?
"Well, uhm, I think I should go downstairs again and help Dan and Serena. They're probably already wondering where I am. See you in a bit", Jenny said edgy, while getting up and leaving the room.
"Thank you, Chuck", Nate turned annoyed to his friend. "If there had been any chance for us to rekindle again, you pretty sure just blew it."
"Dearest Nathaniel, don't be so over dramatic. Don't act like a drama queen. I just did you a favor. To hear from your best friend how much she means to you, is the best thing that can happen to you. It proofs to her that your words were real, and still are. Trust me, just a little more encounters between you two, a few more words and she is all yours again. She may say that she is engaged, but it's obvious that she is still into you. And now, could we kindly change the topic, 'cos I think I just found something."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Dan, right? I'm Steven", he approached Dan, who was doing the last settings to the dining table. "I hope there is more than one place card for Serena's exes."
Dan had to breathe deep in. Just the sound of his voice and his presence already got him aggravated. "You know, apparently I'm not her ex anymore. We got back together", Dan explained.
Steven shrugged and replied in disbelieve. "You're kidding?"
"No, no, not at all. This is our thanksgiving dinner together", he answered.
Steven started laughing a bit. "Well, I hope you will enjoy it, 'cos I really have the feeling that this will be your last", he remarked self-confident.
Dan had to calm himself down again. He really wanted to punch this dick unconscious. But it was thanksgiving, and he would try to be a good host for Serena. Nevertheless he had to ask to be clear. "What did you just say?"
"Do you need me to spell it out for you? Come on, it's obvious. The sex tape blew up, and we broke up. The next thing she did, was running back to you. It's not because she loves you, she is just terrified to be alone", Steven explained his theory to Dan.
Dan only got even more annoyed by this guy. "You don't know anything about Serena, or should I say Sabrina?"
Steven only chuckled by Dan's cheap try to offend him. "Look young man, I know that she needs someone to take care of her, and I know that you're not the one who will be able to do so."
"But you think you and your empire can? And just to get that clear, she is a strong woman who doesn't need anyone to take care of her", Dan stated.
"I did all summer, and we were great together. And I do believe we still can be. So, happy thanksgiving", Steven clapped Dan on the shoulder and left him alone.
Steven walked straight up to Serena, whisking her to the side. "I wanted to thank you again for inviting us in. It means a lot to Sage and to me", he explained.
"Yeah, of course. I just hope you have enough to eat. I forgot that you only eat gluten free and the caterer brought only normal food", she apologized to him.
"No, don't worry. I'll find something to eat. I'll be fine. You know I'm more concerned about you", he tried to change the topic to her and Dan's relationship.
Serena was a bit confused about his comment. "Why? I eat everything, no reason to worry."
"I'm not talking about the food. It's about you … getting back together with Dan? I mean, I know I hurt you. But he, he represents everything you were trying to escape from this summer. And now you're back together? He wrote all those horrible article about your friends."
"Yeah, but he didn't write one about me. He has made his mistakes, but we all did. Including me."
"Me too", Steven answered. "The biggest was to push you away. I should have talked to you, hear you out. I still love you, Serena. We deserve another chance and we should try to start over new. Don't you think?"
"I'm sorry, Steven", she replied without any hesitation, "but there is no more us. I'm in love with Dan, I always have been."
"No, you're not. He is your rebound from me. You only believe in it, because I hurt you and pushed you away."
"You're wrong. You were my rebound from him. I only left the city because I thought that Dan was in love with Blair. He was my first love, and he always will be", Serena cleared the situation.
Steven only gazed down to the floor. Thinking about her words. "Well, I guess I chose the right path after Cotillion." Without a further word, he brushed past her and out of the apartment.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Jenny walked over to the table. She had been quite surprised to see that Georgina had shown up too. Obviously this was a dinner with a lot of surprise guests. She knew that Dan worked with Georgina on his book, although she couldn't really understand why.
She went over to the table and placed her plate down on it. Only to realize that the name plate to her left said Nate Archibald. Perfect brother! You really had to sit me next to Nate?
Dan walked up to the table with Georgina in tow.
"Really? You couldn't find another place for him?", she hissed silently.
Dan gazed at her and shrugged his shoulders. "I could have sit him next to Sage, but I thought he as well as you wouldn't like it."
Jenny only shot him a look and sat down. Waiting for the rest to join the table so the thanksgiving dinner could start.
Blair and Chuck sat on the left side of the table, joined by Nate and Jenny. Opposites of them were Georgina, Dan, Serena and Sage. To Jenny's surprise Lily, Bart and Steven were nowhere near. She obviously missed a few things while being upstairs with Nate and Chuck.
Serena grabbed her glass to give a toast. "I just want to thank you all for joining us to our first thanksgiving dinner together as a couple. Even Georgina, who I didn't invite, but anyways … welcome. So, to many more years of love, happiness and good friends!"
"Cheers!", they all said in unicorn. A ring tone announced a message coming in for Georgina. She shortly gazed on her phone and got up.
"Well, I too have something to be grateful", she announced celebratory. "Freedom over the press. If you all check your phones, you will soon realize that my protegee Daniel Humphrey has recently released his latest chapter. A chapter of our very own Serena."
Jenny only looked astonished at her brother, Blair immediately grabbed her phone.
"The right chapter, thank you dearest", Georgina whispered in Dan's ear while sitting down again.
Serena gazed at him in confusion. "What is she talking about?"
"Serena van der Woodsen, golden girl falls from graze", Nate read out loud.
"A fall love story", Blair added.
Serena couldn't believe her ears. She got straight up from her stool and left to her room, where she picked up her tablet to read the chapter herself. Dan followed her a little later.
"Serena is nothing, she is a golden shell. Give her love and she'll do whatever you want", she read out disappointed.
"I know your upset, but let me..."
"I would have understand if you would have written this in spring, but now? How could you?", she asked deeply crestfallen.
"Why not writing it now? It's no less true as it was then", Dan pointed out.
Serena was totally taken aback. "Ok, I must be totally confused or dumb. Does that mean that everything that had happened since Cotillion had been a lie? Did you just play everything? Did you ask someone to even stop the elevator that we were stuck in?", she asked angry.
"Vanja", Dan sighed out. "But everything I said about how I feel is true."
Serena still couldn't believe her ears. Her whole world, which recently felt like heaven, crashed down around her. "No, no that's definitely not possible. You wouldn't be able to write such a horrible story about me, if you were honestly in love with me. I opened my home, heart and my world to you, and then you humiliate me."
"You see, that's exactly the issue – my world", Dan gave back.
Serena groaned frustrated. "Oh, come on. It's a figure of speech."
"No, it has always been your world and you never let me forget it. I've always been the guest here. The poor little boy from Brooklyn, and you never let me forget it. You never saw me as equal to you", Dan made clear.
"So, this is your payback? Do you feel better now? After making a fool of me for all of New York to see", she asked disappointed.
"What I did, is nowhere worse to what your friends and you do to each other every day. You nearly ruin each others lifes, but still you sit down for thanksgiving and call each other family."
"You were supposed to be different", Serena said with a weak voice, close on crying.
Dan looked at her. "I used to be, but it got me nowhere. So now, I'm the same."
They gazed at each other for a brief time, before Serena got up from her bed. Brushing past him, only saying a silent: "Bye Dan"
Meanwhile Jenny had finished reading the article. "I can't believe he wrote this about her", she said unbelieving.
"It's not that I didn't tell you that he changed", Nate answered. He was mad as hell. Just a few days ago, he had forgiven Dan for his writing. He really had thought that he was sorry, but this chapter proofed what a good liar he was.
"Nate, I get that you're all mad now, but Dan is not that kind of person. At least he didn't use to be. I don't know why he wrote this mean article, but he clearly must had a reason", she tried to defend her brother.
"And what could that be? That he had a bad day? Or that he thought after dragging all of us through the dirt, he could also let his girlfriend join us?", Nate snapped at her.
"Your brother is obviously a very jealous ass", Sage added.
Jenny gazed at her with hatred eyes. "I would recommend that you stay out of this, little girl. You don't even know my brother good enough to state anything to this. And as we already speak plain text, it's more than pathetic to show up at a thanksgiving dinner just to try to get your hands back on your ex. You must be quite desperate", Jenny taunted her.
Sage flinched by her words. "Even though it's non of your business, but my dad and I got invited by Serena. Who just got massively humiliated by your brother", she replied angry.
"Yeah, might be, but it's nothing that you haven't done before, sweetie. May I remind you of the sex tape you blew up on Cotillion. And as we speak of your father, where exactly is he right now? I haven't seen him since you both got here. So, if I had to guess, it wasn't a coincidence that you walked into Serena today, or?"
Jenny fixed her eyes on the young girl. She could see that she wasn't feeling well in her skin anymore. She obviously hit the nail on his head.
"I don't have to sit here and listen to this crap. You're beyond crazy", Sage snapped huffy.
Jenny only chuckled. "Nobody is forcing you to stay. I don't even think that anyone in this room wanted you to be here in the first place."
Sage looked at Nate, who had followed the fight between his ex and the girl he loved. He didn't respond her look, neither did he say that he wanted her to stay. Sage got up hurt.
"Well, then I shall leave", she said and went straight for the elevator.
Nate gazed over to Jenny. "Was that necessary?"
"Excuse me? She attacked my brother. If you guys do it, fine I understand. But her? She met him how often? Once, twice? Who the hell does she think she is to judge him?", Jenny said aggravated.
"Ok, you're right. But nevertheless, there was no reason to be so harsh to her", he replied mildly.
"Whatever. If you feel that someone should caress her, I'm not holding you back", she stated.
Nate looked at the young blonde in front of him. She still looked as stunning as she did a few hours ago, when he saw her first. He didn't want to fight with her, neither did he want her to believe that he still felt something for Sage. That wasn't the truth. He never really loved her.
"You know it's not like that. She means nothing to me", he said convincing.
"Well, and you know it doesn't matter to me. I'm still with Jasper."
Jenny got up from her stool, when Dan came back into the room. "I think it's better if we leave now. They are not amused by your latest work", she filled him in.
Dan only nodded and followed her towards the elevator, when Nate spoke up.
"Hey Dan, before you go", he got up from his stool, walking over to where Dan and Jenny had stopped in their tracks. Only to punch Dan right in the face. "That was from all of us."
Jenny looked at him incredulous, while Dan was holding his hand up. "Let's go Dan, we really have no reason to stay here", Jenny said furious, looking straight at Nate.
They went further to the exit of the apartment. Jenny pushed the button to call the elevator up. Dan was standing right behind her, when Bart Bass approached the two.
"Daniel. I must say, I was quite impressed with your latest literary outburst. You've restored my faith in your generation. If you ever need anything, give me a call", he said while handing Dan his card.
Jenny was close on vomiting, she truly hated that guy. Hopefully Dan wouldn't be so stupid to ever call him, but who knew. The doors opened up, and she walked in the elevator, followed by a stunned Dan.
"Do not leave me alone with them", Georgina spat out, when she walked in. "The last time I ended up somewhere in the middle of Siberia."
"Couldn't get any colder than here", Dan remarked. "Do you think they hate me?"
"No sweetie, they fear you. Welcome to the Upper East Side", Georgina declared.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
An hour later Jenny was sitting at her sketching table, when Dan came down to grab something to drink. She turned around to face him and looked at him interrogative.
"What?", he asked annoyed.
"Nothing. I was just wondering when you will fill me in about the master plan of yours to win back Serena. Cos from what I've seen today, it totally blew. How could you, Dan?"
"Do you remember a few days back, when we talked about your dilemma being torn between two guys? You asked if it was worth it. This is still part of my plan."
Jenny reminisced that talk. "Well, if this is your way to earn her respect, it's damn dangerous. You might have lost her forever, and also your friends. I mean, Nate punching you. It's not like him. He was really pissed, so were Blair and Chuck. Do you really think, it will work?", she asked worried.
"Well, you've heard Georgina. They fear me now", he only stated.
Jenny huffed slightly. "And you believe her? Not to think of, do you think it's good that they fear you now?"
"Jenny, we always wanted to be a part of their lives and world. And don't say you didn't. If we really want to fit in, we have to be equal. It doesn't matter how much success we have with our books or designs. Let's face the truth, they would never accept us as one of theirs. So yes, I think I finally have a chance."
Jenny shook her head a little. "I hope you're right Dan. Cos it could also go the other way round, and that would mean that you just lost all of your friends including the girl you love."
Dan gazed at his sister. Of course there was a lot of truth in her words, but he didn't want to think about this right now.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
At the same time in the Empire Nate was lying on his bed. Reminiscing the events of the day, but mainly the end of the thanksgiving dinner. He would never forget the expression on Jenny's face after he punched Dan.
Hopefully I didn't blew it to the fullest. I should explain to her why I did it. She has to know that I don't hate him, that I was only disappointed and felt betrayed again. She should understand that you're not doing something like that to the one you love. She has to understand it!
While he was musing how to explain it best to her, his phone started to ring. In hope that it would be her, he immediately grabbed it. His upcoming butterflies turned in an instant to rocks when he saw the caller ID.
"Nathaniel, remember when I said I would ask for your help in the future? Meet me in my office first thing tomorrow. Unless of course, you'd rather like to have a wake up call from the feds. Your choice", Bart Bass let out unaffected.
Nate felt his entire inside churn and twist. "I'll be there", he barely brought out, hanging up the phone straight after.
And once more he found himself longing for the one person that could definitely ease his pain. But she was probably the last person on earth, who would help him now.
How the hell did I got myself into this mess?
Ooh, it was so much fun to write this chapter, already working on the next. I hope you enjoyed reading and I wouldn't mind to hear/read your thoughts about it - so keep the reviews coming ;) Thanks once more to everyone who is following this story - it really means a lot to me. You guys are awesome!
So after enjoying this wonderful sunny day, and realizing there is nothing good on TV tonight, I'll get back on writing. Can they defeat Bart? Will Blair and Chuck get their happy end? Will Nate be able to convince Jenny to forgive him for punching her brother? Has Dan really lost all of his friends? The story continues here...so stay tuned!