Hello out there! Sorry for the delay. I wanted to post at least one chapter each week, but due to work and private duties I barely managed to write lately. But I finally finished this chapter. The first one totally out of my crazy mind ;) Hope you'll like it. One scene really became my fave so far. I bet you'll know which one as soon as you read it ;) Thanks once more for all your comments. They are truly inspiring, and feel free to keep them coming. I always like to read what you think.
breaker99: I do have a storyline of where I want this story to go. So far I sketched it up to chapter 20 (not written though). Don't know how much it will be in the end. I already have a new idea for another story, that got me slightly distracted too.
But for now... here is the current chapter. Njoy sweets!
It was Christmas morning and Dan woke up to the wonderful smell of coffee and waffles. He stretched his body and opened up his eyes, only to find Serena sitting on the side of his bed looking at him with a wide smile on her face.
"Good morning sleepy head, time to wake up!", she cheered, "it's Christmas morning. Time to have some great breakfast and presents!"
She clapped with excitement her hands and gazed at Dan. He only shook his head and chuckled.
"Did you do this?", he asked her friendly. "It looks amazing and smells just... totally yummy."
She slightly blushed with embarrassment. "Well, uhm, to be honest, your dad did the waffles. But I boiled the coffee, got the fruits and set it all on the tablet."
Dan chuckled even more. "That's sweet. Thanks love!"
He got up in a sitting position and leaned forward to kiss Serena by brushing his lips over hers. "So, dad is already here?", he asked quite surprised.
"Already?", Serena laughed out, "Dan it's 10:30 am. We all had breakfast already."
Serena looked at him amused. Dan gazed over to his phone, taking in the time only to realize that she was right. He came over to Jenny's last night for dinner, and ended up staying with Serena over night.
"Who is we all?", he questioned, to get to know who else was already here.
Serena smiled brightly. "Well, your dad, Jenny, Jasper, myself... aaannnddd Eric!", she shrieked in total happiness. "He came in this morning. Only stopped shortly at mom's to drop of his luggage. He came then straight over to say Hello."
Dan smiled at her, knowing how much she had missed her little brother. At certain times he had felt exactly the same after Jenny had left town. He was totally happy that she was finally back.
"You really missed him, didn't you?"
"Of course I did. I mean, he can be annoying at certain times, but after all he is my brother. I really hope that he considers to come back to town like Jenny did", she replied while taking a chocolate strawberry.
"Hey, I thought it's mine!", Dan called out in mock hurt.
"Than you should eat faster, and besides... here is something for you", she handed him a white envelope. Her smile lit her entire face up.
Dan took it from her. "What is this?"
"Your present, jerk. Now open it up", she remarked impatiently.
Dan ripped it open and gazed at two flight tickets. "You got me flight tickets?", he asked incredulous.
Serena bounced on the bed up and down. "Yes, but they are just a part of it. We're going to Key West on vacations and while we're there not only you will see Hemingway's house, you'll also attend a very good writer program for one week. Your editor told me it's one of the best in the country", she explained totally happy, waiting for his reaction.
"You serious?"
"Yep, a hundred percent positive!", she answered right away.
He was totally speechless. "Wow, this is... just wow! That's amazing, I love it! Thank you so much!", he pulled Serena in his arms and kissed her passionately.
She giggled against his lips, pleased that she had found the right present for him. Even though they recently started dating again, she wanted their first Christmas as united couple to be something special.
"But wait", he moved back, gazing in her eyes. "What happened to 'we take things slow and see where they lead us, so we can make it right this time'? I mean Key West, vacations together – that's not exactly the definition of slow."
"Fine, I can take it back and get you a waffle maker instead", she replied teasingly. "Pretty sure Rufus will like it."
"A, no, no, no, we stick with Key West. Sometimes driving a bit faster is not the worst", he immediately gave in, causing Serena to laugh.
"So, I guess you want yours then too?", he looked questionably at her. "Well, here is yours", he handed her a scroll with a red strap around.
After Serena had finished reading his poem, she was overwhelmed by his words. "Wow, this is awesome… I don't know what to say."
"Well, that's not all. The poem will be published today on the Spectator, 'Ode to Serena', and... I also got you this." Dan handed her a small box. Her eyes grew wide when looking at it.
"Dan, you didn't… this isn't…", she stammered.
He snickered slightly. "No, it's not what you think. I keep my promise to start slow over, as we agreed on when you gave me that last chance. But… I want you to have this. Open it", he ordered friendly.
Serena did as he told her, and her eyes grew even wider.
"It's the key to my apartment. You can come any time you want. It's as much my home as it is yours", he explained while watching her expression. "I don't ask you to move in, but I want you to know that you're always welcome to stay with me."
In an instant she flung her arms around his neck, pulling him in a deep and passionate kiss. "This… is… wonderful. Best… Christmas… present… ever!", she said within kisses.
Dan laughed out. "I guess I should eat now, Jenny surely wants us to help for tonight, or?" Serena only nodded, still smiling like the Cheshire cat.
XoXoXo
Chuck was sitting in the living room when Blair entered and sat right next to him. "Merry Christmas, love of my life", she purred sweetly in his ear, and brushed a kiss on his cheek.
He turned his head around and gazed at her. "You call that a kiss, wife?"
Without giving her a chance to reply to his tease, he grabbed her head and pulled it close to him. Sealing her lips with his and kissing her passionately. After a few minutes he broke apart to catch some air. "That's a kiss, my love. And merry Christmas to you too." She smiled at him brightly.
"Can you believe it? This is our first Christmas as a married couple. It seems so unreal", she stated, while gazing down at her marriage ring and then back up in the eyes of her husband. "Is Nate here?"
"No, he left to pick something up. Guess he has a very special present for Jenny", Chuck smirked smugly. "He left early, and said he would meet us later for lunch. Hope it's alright for you?"
"Sure, he shouldn't be alone all day with his parents out of town. I really thought they would come in after the Captain was here lately", Blair replied indignant.
Chuck placed an arm around her body and laid his hand on her shoulder, stroking it slightly. "Well, Nate said they'll come early January in. Actually they want to spent some time alone, some sort of second honeymoon or so."
"Uhi, too much information", she cringed her nose. "And what was that comment about a special gift for Jenny about? You know something I don't?", she raised an eyebrow at him.
"Actually not", Chuck retorted, "he was very secretive about it. But trust me, he is up to something. I told him more than once to take action, and it seems as he finally does. But enough of those two, I have something that I need to show you. Ready to leave?"
"What? Why do we have to leave? I thought we would spend the morning here, us being alone on our first Christmas morning", she said seductively, placing a few more slight kisses on his cheek, collarbone and neck.
"Hmm, as much as I would love too, but your present is not here. So get up, we're leaving", he insisted. "Oh, and what you just started – I guess it's quite obvious we'll end it tonight." He smirked at her and got up from the couch, holding his hand out to her.
Ten minutes later they stood in a quite street with lot's of town houses. Some had lovely Christmas decoration, others had only simply signs wishing a merry Christmas. Blair gazed around, not sure why they were even here. They didn't know anyone living in this area of the Upper East Side.
"So, what are we doing here? Mind to fill me in", she asked when Chuck walked up to one of the houses.
He turned around, sending her a small smile and walked up the stairs to a white painted town house in old colonial style. When he reached the top, he motioned for Blair to follow him. She walked up the stairs too, standing next to him.
"What are we doing here?", she asked curious, not knowing the hell why Chuck had brought her here.
"Hold out your hand", he only said, and she did. He let a key fall into it. "Mind to open the door?", he asked.
She still looked confused at him. "Who is living here? We can't just walk in", she replied a bit terrified that they may could get in trouble with whoever was living here.
Chuck chuckled, and planted a soft kiss on her lips. "Just open the door, it's alright. I know the owner. Actually they are awaiting us."
Blair cocked an eyebrow. Why were they awaited? And who was waiting for them? This wasn't Jenny's place. She took a step forward and let the key slide into the slit, unlocking the door. She carefully opened it, and entered a huge hallway. To the left was a nice living room, right in front stairs leading to the upper floor.
"This is nice. So, who is living here?", she asked, when no one came to greet them.
Chuck smiled once more. "Mr. and Mrs. Bass", he said, looking intensively at Blair so he wouldn't miss her reaction.
Her head shot around, and her eyes had widened. "What?", she exclaimed.
"We live here. Well, we will live here as soon as everything got decorated the way you want it. This is our house", Chuck informed her. "This is my gift for you. Our own place to start our life and family. As much as I like Nate, I already have a pet", he chuckled with a grin.
Blair still couldn't believe it. "You bought this for us?", she asked amazed. "And you didn't think for a second to ask me first? What makes you think that I like this?", she turned angry and indignant to him.
For the first time in awhile Chuck felt a little insecure. Was she really not liking this house? He was so sure it would suit her style, and be exactly what she wanted. Had he been so wrong about it?
"We don't have to keep it, if you don't like it. I just thought..."
Blair burst out laughing, causing Chuck to be totally confused. "I love it, honey. I was just joking", she giggled and rushed over to him to pull him close. "I'd love to live here with you. And I can't wait to start our family."
It was 8 pm as Serena placed the last plates on to the dining table, while Jenny placed the wine glasses. Dan was taking care together with Jasper of the goose, and Eric had made his way into the storage room to get the wine. Chuck, Blair and Nate were on their way and should soon arrive. The entire loft was festive decorated. Elegant and not too much. Jenny had set up a Christmas tree with Dan, which was covered with a lot of their family decoration. Rufus had brought it over earlier, as he would attend a charity concert and wasn't really in the mood to set up a tree at all.
"Guess we're done. Just the last guests plus the food and we can have dinner", Serena said while looking at the full covered table. "It looks just wonderful, Jenny. Thanks for having us tonight."
Jenny smiled over to her. "Of course. I can't let you celebrate in a half empty penthouse. I know that Dan only has is bedroom made yet, and a little the kitchen and living room. I guess he is waiting for you to decorate the rest", she smiled even brighter and winked at her former stepsister.
Serena blushed a little. "You think? I mean, he gave me a key this morning, but I didn't expect…", she trailed off, thinking about Jenny's words.
"Well, he wouldn't say it now. You decided to start slow over again, which is good. But he does hope you move in one day. So I assume he is waiting with decorating to make it also your home", Jenny explained her view of the current situation. "You know how much he loves you, right?"
Serena nodded and reddened again. "So do I, trust me so do I", she replied and gazed over to her boyfriend who was bringing the first cups with food out. She walked over to Jenny's side. "And what about you?", she whispered just as loud that Jenny could hear her.
She gazed over at her brother's girlfriend in confusion. "Ohm, I know my brother loves me. Why shouldn't he?", Jenny asked dumbfounded.
Serena laughed out, only increasing Jenny's confusion. The older blonde held her belly, and was still giggling when she faced Jenny again. "I wasn't talking about Dan", she explained, still smiling.
"What is with me? And why were you laughing that hard? You're not making fun of me or telling embarrassing stories, Jen?", Dan came closer, eying his little sister.
She only shook her head, and stuck out her tongue to him. "I would never", she said innocently, while batting her eyes. Serena started to giggle again and patted Dan's shoulder.
"No worries, my dear. We weren't talking about you. Just some girls stuff, you definitely don't want to know about", she added sweetly, winking at Jenny, who still didn't understand what Serena meant.
"Fine then, I get the goose before Jasper eats it up himself. He already tasted tons of times, I'm surprised he's still hungry", he grinned at his sister.
Jenny didn't reply to his comment, and turned her attention instead to Serena again. She had walked over to the other side of the table to take a seat. Jenny followed her.
"Mind to tell me who or what you meant when you asked me earlier what about me?", she asked inquiring.
Serena flashed her a smile again, and slightly wiggled her eyes. "Sure, I meant Nate… you know he loves you. So, do you?", she questioned Jenny about her feelings. "Dan told me about it. And I know Nate. Let's face it, if it wouldn't have been for me, you guys would have dated then. So, you're giving him another shot?"
Jenny's eyes grew wide – out of surprise and unbelieving. "Are you kidding? Serena, my fiance stands in the kitchen with your boyfriend!", she hissed out incredulous. "Yes, Nate told me how he feels, but it's too late. I'm with Jasper, and we're happy. There won't be a start over."
Before she could state more to the topic, she was cut off by the ring on the door. "I shall open. We know that Blair doesn't like to wait", she said and walked over to let her last guests in.
"Merry Christmas! Come on in. Food is already waiting for you", Jenny motioned towards her dining table. She stepped aside to make room for Blair, Chuck and Nate to enter her loft.
"Wow, this place looks very comforting and festive. And whatever smells there this awesome, I want to have some of it", Blair immediately stated smiling.
She took her coat of and handed it to Chuck, who already got rid of his ones. Blair was wearing a light purple blouse with a black velvet, knee long skirt. Chuck was dressed in his usual suit with bow tie.
"I can only agree with my beautiful wife. It all looks wonderful, Jenny. Thank you for the invitation", he turned to the young blonde.
"You're more than welcome, Chuck. I'm glad you came", she responded him.
"Why wouldn't we? As much as I like my mother and Cyrus, but longer than one hour a day with them is really too much to ask of me", Blair said smiling, "that dress looks beautiful. It totally fits you. Self-made?"
Jenny gazed down at herself, overlooking the red silk dress she was wearing. It was only knee long and had white lace snowflakes at the hem. The upper part was body tight and had spaghetti straps.
"Yeah, nothing special. Just been in the mood for some sort of Christmas dress", she answered casually, "but thanks for the compliment. I love that skirt. The shimmer of the velvet is amazing."
Chuck gazed at Nate and rolled his eyes, causing him to chuckle in respond. Nate patted him shortly on the shoulder. "Hang in there, you'll survive!", he mocked him.
"I might, but only with some scotch to blend out the facts. So while our ladies talk fashion, let's go and find the remaining men in here. I'm curious about that English lad and look forward to see Eric", Chuck replied dryly.
Jenny glared at him. "First of all you know we're not dating, and second his name is Jasper", she barked. "Could you please try to be nice to him?"
"Jenny, dear, I'm always nice. And it's good to know that you're not dating that guy anymore", he replied with a playful smile and winked at Nate.
"You know what I mean, Chuck. Don't play dumb. I'm still engaged to Jasper", she snapped annoyed.
"As I already said to my dear friend here, it's just a question of interpretation and consideration", and before she could even reply to him, he walked over to the dining table to greet Serena and Dan.
Jenny turned with a helpless gaze to Blair, who only looked apologizing back at her and shrugged. "You know how he is", she only stated, and followed her husband to greet her best friend.
Nate looked Jenny over. She was looking stunning, as always. He would have loved to hug her tight and kiss her right then and there. But to his disappointment Jasper was back from London. If only Chuck's words were true.
"You really look beautiful tonight. And thanks for the invite", he complimented her.
Jenny slightly blushed. She had been a nervous wreck all day. As much as she was looking forward to spent the evening with her friends, as much was she nervous as they all would get to know Jasper. And knowing that Nate and Jasper would meet today again, got her very edgy.
"Thanks Nate, you look great too. And I'm glad you had time to come. You're not spending Christmas with your family?", she replied and wondered why he wasn't with his parents.
"Maybe later. I spent way more time with you guys than I did with my parents. They do understand that this is more my family", he lied, just in case that he needed to get out of here later. He wasn't sure if he could take it to see her the entire evening with Jasper.
Jenny smiled brightly. "You'll always be welcome here, Nate. And greet your father when you see him next time", she retorted kindly.
"I sure will", he laughed, "he really likes you, you know. Last time we spoke he couldn't stop asking me about you."
Jenny blushed even more, and tried hard to push Howard Archibald's words aside, as they tried to come forward again.
"Hey you two, mind to come over? We're starving here", Eric called out.
They both turned towards the table, where everyone had already taken their places.
Blair and Chuck had seated themselves on the left table side, leaving one chair free for Nate to sit down. Opposites Dan and Serena had placed themselves next to Jasper. Eric sat on the table border, the other side was left free for Jenny.
They walked over to the table. Nate sat down next to Chuck, and to his pleasure next to Jenny. To his dislike Jasper sat vis-à-vis. The British boy nodded in recognition. Jenny remained standing, gazing over the table and her seated friends and family.
She cleared her throat a little. "Well, welcome to the first Christmas dinner together. A lot has changed since we all have been together like this. Blair and Chuck finally tied the knot. Dan and Serena are back together again, for the I don't know how many times. But we all do hope this time it will last forever. Nate is running successfully his own magazine, Eric is studying law in Harvard. And I'm sure not only I want him to transfer to Columbia", she chuckled while gazing at her old friend.
"And for myself... this was an amazing year. I got my own fashion line, which succeeded in a way I would have never dreamed of. And I found the love of my life", she added for herself.
Nate cringed at her last words. This was definitely something he didn't want to hear tonight. And seeing Jasper smile up to her, taking her hand, made him clench his fists underneath the table.
"They say that Christmas is the time of year where we shall come together with the ones we love and care about. And I'm more than happy and pleased that I'm allowed to do that tonight. I wish you all a merry Christmas and now let's get started, as I'm starving as hell", she laughed and rose her glass for the toast.
They all nodded in agreement and took a sip of their wine. A few moments later plates were filled up with food, conversations were spreading and everyone was enjoying the good meal and atmosphere.
XoXoXo
After the dinner they remained seated at the table, still in conversations. During dinner no one had questioned Jasper, but now... Chuck was the first to speak up and start the interview.
"So, Jasper, how do you like New York so far?", he started with a simple question.
"It's a great town. I really like it here. Dan and Jenny showed me around the last few days. I'm really amazed", Jasper said, turning his attention to Chuck as he was in conversation with Dan before.
"I bet you do. New York has definitely its charms, not to think of our dear Jenny. So how exactly did you meet? To be honest, Jenny hasn't told us much. In fact we only found out about your engagement because of your surprise visit a few weeks ago", Chuck inquired more information about their relationship.
Jasper gazed at Jenny surprised. "You didn't tell your friends that we're engaged?", he asked incredulous, looking her straight in the eyes in unbelieving.
Jenny slightly squirmed under his stare. The evening had been so good so far, of course Chuck would make it uncomfortable by asking questions. Nate had watched and listened most of the evening. Seeing Dan bond with Jasper got him slightly on the edge, but seeing now how shocked Jasper was that Jenny didn't tell them right away about him, quite amused him. You can always depend on Chuck.
"Not right away, but not because I was ashamed or so", Jenny explained him immediately. "Look, it was already a huge surprise for them that I am back in town. Launching my own fashion line. Guess it would have been some overload to tell them the same night: hey, I'm going to get married. It was already quite the shock for dad and Dan. I wanted to tell them, but you popping up…"
"So now it's my fault you didn't. I told my friends shortly after I proposed to you", he replied a little furious, glaring even more at her. Nate had to work hard to hold back a grin, that wanted to appear on his face.
"I'm not saying that it was your fault. But it's a matter of fact that I wasn't in town for over two years. I didn't speak to anyone of them during that time. So before telling everyone that I'm engaged, I first had to rekindle things. I told you that when I left it wasn't… easy, to say the least. I'm sorry if it hurt you, it wasn't my intention. But so far there hasn't been time to tell them everything that happened since I went away", she answered excusing.
She placed her hand on his, and looked him straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry, honey. Things were a bit complicated when I returned and I had to do amends, so I couldn't just drop this bomb on them", she said soothingly.
He smiled weakly, intertwining their fingers. "Guess I was a bit overreacting. I'm sorry too", he apologized.
Nate was close on throwing up. He had hoped for a bigger fight, maybe even a break up. Of course it wouldn't happen.
"And, how did you meet now?", Blair stepped in. Looking at the young couple in curiosity.
"It's nothing spectacular. I was out with some of my friends, so was Jenny. We ended up at the same pub. She played pool, and the second I saw her I knew I wanted to get to know her. I mean, look at her – which guy wouldn't want to date her?", Jasper asked in the round.
Hidden glances from his friends flashed over to Nate. He sat calm and silent on the table, following the conversation and inwardly cursing himself that he ever let Jenny go. He hated to admit it, but Jasper had a point – guys who wouldn't want to date Jenny must be totally nuts. And to his own dismay, he used to be one of them.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not reducing her to her looks", Jasper added, "she has an amazing personality. But it were her eyes and legs that caught me first." He chuckled slightly. Dan gazed over to him, not sure if he shall agree or punch him.
"It took me two hours to find the guts to talk to her. Man, I was such a jerk that night. Couldn't get one simple straight sentence out. She made me nervous as hell", this time he was fully laughing, while Jenny started to giggle on the memories.
"That's true", she confirmed his words, "it took him nearly fifteen minutes to tell me his name. Not to think of what he wanted."
Chuck sat in silence, eying the young British man. He wasn't moved by their story at all, neither did he think it was amusing.
"Sounds like a real wimp to me", he stated nonchalantly, "and what are your plans with our dear Jenny? Except from the obvious."
"Chuck!", Jenny called out.
He only looked amused at her, while Jenny glared at him. She couldn't believe what he just said. What was wrong with him?
"So, Jasper, what are your intentions?", Chuck asked again without replying to Jenny at all.
Jasper was a little taken aback by the sudden attack, but he was willing to stand his ground. "With all respect Chuck, but I don't think that is any of your business", he answered kindly.
Blair snorted on his comment, and Serena shook slightly her head. They all had been curious about the young man dating their friend.
"Well, with all honesty – you're an idiot if you think so. Jenny is our concern, as she is family or friend to all of us. She used to be the stepsister of Serena, Eric and me. She is Blair's and Nate's friend, not to think of that she is Dan's sister. Of course we care about her, and we want to assure she will do fine when being with you. So whether you like it or not, all of her concerns are ours as well", Chuck replied nonchalantly. Jenny still couldn't believe him. She only rolled her eyes and sighed.
"You've got to be kidding me?", Jasper asked dumbfounded.
Chuck gazed strictly at him, no sign of amusement or joking in his eyes. "You hear me laugh?"
Nate was still watching the entire scene. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he truly enjoyed how Chuck started to grill the British lad. He also wanted to know what he was up too.
"So what will this be now? Instead of a nice Christmas dinner it's going to become an interview of mine?", Jasper questioned.
"Not at all. But you must understand that we'd like to know a bit more about the guy who will become the husband of our friend", Serena stated matter of fact. "It's not that we question your person, we just don't know you and we'd like to change that."
"I question his person", Chuck said bluntly. "No offense, I barely trust anybody. I'm still not sure about Humphrey."
"Thanks Chuck. Always a pleasure", Dan retorted sarcastically, "but he is right, at least somehow. I mean, I got to know you a little during the past days. But you've never said anything about the future or your plans."
"Cos there is not much to say yet, Dan", Jasper answered him honestly, "I mean, we know that we want to get married, but we haven't decided where we'll live or work."
Nate looked at Jenny surprised. He was pretty sure that she had said that she would stay in New York. Now everything was on the open again?
"I don't get it. Jenny, you told me that you would stay here and only go back to London for short times", Nate asked her, still confused.
Jasper's head shot round, gazing straight at his fiance. "You said what? You never said a word to me. So you made your mind up already and didn't think that I should know too?"
"Of course, it's just… when I got back here, everything was so overwhelming. To be back in town, be with my family again and the success of my line. It came all so fast and emotions just hit me. At that time I couldn't think of being anywhere else. And yes, I'd love to live here again. I mean, I like London – I really do. But it's not my home, it never was. I love New York – I always did, always will. I'm sorry, Jasper."
"Don't be sorry, honey. I understand that. But you need to talk to me when you make such decisions. We had talked about living in both places, now you say you only want to live here and visit London on casual times. I need to know such things if we want to plan our future together. You can't shut me out", he took her hand and stroke her palm. "I already told you in London. We're in this together, whatever may come. I'm with you."
Nate felt like throwing up again. He never thought that such words could make him feel sick in an instant, but here they were. And to see Jenny melt while hearing them, didn't make it any better. She believed every word, it was written in her face. Hopefully his words and present would have the same effect on her.
"I promise, I will include you in my future decisions. It won't happen again", she smiled brightly. "Anyone wants wine? You can continue your interview another time, I'd like to celebrate Christmas now. If you don't mind?"
She smiled at her friends, who returned her smile and nodded. But neither Chuck nor Blair were convinced that Jasper was the right man on Jenny's side.
XoXoXo
"I'll just get the wine. You can start with the karaoke if you want, don't need to wait for me", Jenny yelled over her shoulder, before walking into her storage room next to the kitchen. She turned on the lights and gazed around where she had placed the wine bottles for tonight. All the sudden she heard a silent click behind her, which indicated that the door had shut down. She turned around again, only to face Nate.
"Nate? What are you doing in here?", she let out surprised.
"I didn't give you your present yet. And you know how Blair and Chuck can be, and I don't know if Jasper would be amused. So I thought it would be best if I give it to you in private", he explained to her.
Nate took two steps closer to Jenny, who immediately backed away. Nate was astonished by her movement.
"I'm not going to hurt you, I just want to give you this box", he said kindly while holding a red jewelry box out to her. Jenny's eyes widened.
"Nate, you shouldn't", she stammered, "you really shouldn't have."
"But I wanted too. Open it up", he replied sweetly.
Looking at her with shiny blue eyes. His entire face reflected the love he felt for her. He couldn't wait for her to see the content of the box. She took the box with trembling hands and opened it. Her eyes widened even more when she got the view of a wonderful golden charm bracelet.
"Nate…", she gasped out. He smiled all over the face.
"I take this reaction as an 'I like it' ", he chuckled.
"I… I don't know what to say. It's so beautiful, but I can't except it. It's really too much", she barely brought out.
"Yes, you can take it, 'cos I won't take it back. It's yours, I want you to have it", he remarked calm.
"Look, this bracelet is not any kind of bracelet. It tells a story – have a closer look at the charms on it", he described the gift to her. Jenny did as she was told, and was totally taken aback when she took a closer look at the charms hanging on the bracelet.
"That is… you didn't…it's not…", she started to stammer again, not capable of addressing a clear sentence. He smiled at her politely. This was just the effect he had hoped for. She was speechless and overwhelmed.
"It's our story. Yes. Look, the first charm is a mask. Our first encounter at the masquerade ball. I kissed you by accident, but it was the best kiss of my life. As that kiss changed my life, and I got to know you afterward. The second is the couch I was sleeping on while Rufus, Dan and you helped me out when I was nearly homeless. It was the first time in a while, and also last time, that I felt like being a part of a family. And during my stay I was able to get to know you, and massively fall for you. Although I tried hard to deny and fight those feelings then. The taxi stands for our make out session outside Max's apartment. The first time we really kissed, and only the honking taxi could tear us apart. Just the touch of your lips was a pure sensation. It was by far the best make out session of my life", he explained smiling to her.
"This needle and yarn speaks for itself. Your guerrilla fashion show, the second time we really kissed. And the night it started to fall apart. The fifth is my letter to you. I wished you would have gotten him properly, like it should have been. But well… it wasn't meant to be. The last is the one where I wished it would have turned out different. The snowflake – I've been such a jerk that night. I should have never chosen her over you. But sometimes it takes us a while to realize the truth. And I know it took me way too long", he sighed out, gazing down at the bracelet in the box.
He moved one finger over the tallest charm in the middle of the bracelet. A golden heart with an engraved lock and key. "This is my heart, and I'm handing it over to you. You have now the key to it. You're the only one, I want to be with."
He opened the little golden heart to reveal the picture inside. Once more Jenny found herself speechless. The locket contained a picture of Nate and her, the picture from Gossip Girl – them kissing on the gala where she held her guerrilla fashion show. Nate gazed down at her. Her eyes had started to shimmer, she was close on crying.
"I told you that night that I'm with you, whatever you decide. I meant those words, and I still do. I love you, Jennifer Humphrey. Nothing will change that. It's on you to decide whether you want to be with me too", he said sweetly while looking her straight in the marvelous blue eyes.
Jenny couldn't hold it back any longer. She had listened to his words in awe and amazement. Now tears started to stream down her face like fast-flowing streams. She sniveled and started to tremble heavily. Nate looked at her worried, putting both hands on her sides to steady her.
"Jenny, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry, or even break down. I just thought you'd like this gift."
"I do… I really do", she sobbed, trying hard to get the control over her body again. "It's just…you know…", she started to find the right words.
She breathed a few times through. Finding her balance again. "Nate, this present is beyond amazing. I would have loved to hear all of this two or three years ago. And I would have said immediately yes, but now…"
She moved a little back from him. This closeness couldn't let her think straight. His scent and his hands on her body drove her literally crazy.
"Look, I still care about you, a lot. And I do want you in my life, but not… not like this. We tried it once, and it didn't work out. And you were right then, we're better off as friends. It took me quite a long time to understand it. I'm so sorry Nate, I don't want to hurt you, but Jasper is the one for me."
Nate swallowed hard. He had hoped that the gift and his words would change her mind, and that they would have a chance to be together as a couple. But she had made up her mind. At least he had tried.
"Ok, it's not what I had hoped for, but I understand you. I'm sorry for all those times I hurt you. Jenny, I do love you, I really do. I want you to be happy, to live your life the way you think it's best for you. And if you believe that Jasper is the one you want to share your life with then… then I'll let you go. Even if it will kill me to watch you marry him and live happily ever after. But if it's what you want, then I'll let you go. The greatest love is the waiving. I really hope you'll become happy. You deserve it. Merry Christmas, Jenny!"
Nate moved a little forward and kissed her slightly on the cheek. "I will always be with you", he whispered in her ear. He moved back, gazed once more at her and turned to leave the room.
Jenny remained in her place. She couldn't move, even if she wanted too. She still held the jewelry box in her hand. She gazed down at the bracelet. Still in awe over the charms and their meaning.
I can't believe he did this. I can't believe that he placed an order to get this produced. This is the sweetest and most romantic thing anyone ever did for me. It's so… it's so damn beautiful and I idiot let him go. Am I totally insane now? For years I wanted him to say these three words, and now he did – more than once. He even laid his heart into my hands, and I let him go? What's wrong with me? I always wanted him to want me, and now that he does I push him away…
The tears had started to fall again. Jenny wasn't able to hold her balance any longer. Her knees were too weak, she had to give in. She fell to the floor. Her mind spinning. Jasper…Nate…Jasper…Nate…Jasper…Nate
"Jenny, you're still in here? OMG, Jenny! What happened?", she heard a female voice shriek concerned. "Jenny? Jenny, can you hear me darling?"
Blair tried hard to snatch Jenny out of her trance. The young girl was sitting on the floor, crying her eyes out. Not only that it pained Blair to see her in such a state, she didn't know the hell why she was doing this.
"Jenny, what happened? Why are you crying?", Blair asked again.
She gazed over the girl, if she had any injuries, but couldn't find any. Instead she found the box in Jenny's hands. Blair looked at the wonderful golden bracelet inside. Taking in the charms a little closer and it dawned her. This must have been Nate's present for her. That's why he didn't placed it under the tree, it was too personal. Blair looked at Jenny again. Obviously it had affected her massively.
"Jenny, dear. What did Nate say? What happened when he gave you this?", Blair tried once more to bring her back to life.
"He…he said…", Jenny started, but barely able to speak up.
Blair had sat down next to her. Holding the young girl in her arms, caressing her as good as she could.
"Take your time, dear. We have nowhere to go. I'll find a good excuse for later", Blair assured her.
Jenny breathed through a few times. At least she tried. It felt as if her heart had stopped beating, but at the same time it was racing so fast that she was sure it would jump out of her breast any second.
"He told me that this bracelet stands for us, and that I would have his heart. That I'm the only one he wants to be with", she said weakly.
Blair smiled when she heard the facts. So finally Nate came to his senses and fought for her. Was about damn time!
"He told me that it was on me to decide, but I couldn't chose him. I just couldn't, so I told him Jasper is the one and he… he set me free. He let me go."
Blair thought she didn't hear right. "Wait, what? You said what and Nate did what?", she asked confused and a little annoyed. What the hell are they doing again?
"He said he wants me to be happy, so he set me free. Even though it will hurt him to see me with Jasper", Jenny explained to a puzzled Blair. "I don't know what to do, Blair. I don't want to hurt Nate. Although he hurt me tons of times. I don't want to pay him back. This present is the best I've ever gotten", she said desperate. "What shall I do?"
"Nothing dear, you already did", Blair answered her sad. "You made your choice, and Nate excepted it. Whether you like it or not – the damage is done. You can't turn it back again. Now I understand why Nate left this fast."
"Wait, he left? Like he went somewhere else?", Jenny asked incredulous.
"Yes, he said his parents were waiting for him, and he only came by to have dinner with us. Chuck and I both knew it was a lie, his parents are not even in town. They called him earlier though. Anyways, we knew it had something to do with you. That's why I came looking for you", Blair said kindly, while stroking Jenny's hair.
"Can I talk honest with you, Jenny?", she asked right out.
Jenny looked up at her, smiling at her former idol. "When did you ever didn't do so?", she mocked the brunette.
"True, my tongue always finds a way to speak the truth", she smiled back. "Honestly, I don't understand why the two of you are doing this. I mean, dancing around each other. Pretending that you're just friends. Let's face it, you're not. Nate loves you! That bracelet is the living proof. And your reaction to it, shows that you still love him too. Dare you to deny it! Jenny, I understand you're scared, but don't you think that you're doing a huge mistake here? Nate did one once when choosing Vanessa over you. And now you're doing the same mistake by choosing Jasper over him. How many times do you guys still want to hurt each other 'til you finally give in to each other?"
Jenny sighed. Blair had a very huge point here. She definitely felt more than friendship for Nate, she always did. But being a couple?
"Blair, you don't understand. I can't risk to lose him. I'd rather have him as a friend in my life, then not at all."
"Okay, that is totally crazy. Why should you lose him?", Blair replied confused.
"What if it doesn't work between us? Or if he realizes that he wants to be with someone else? Maybe you were able to become friends with him after, but I know that I couldn't. And that would mean that I'd lose him for good. He was right when he only wanted to be friends. At least we can be there for each other than", Jenny enlightened Blair about her thoughts.
"Still crazy", she only retorted. "No one knows what the future will bring. I do believe in that I'll spent my life with Chuck. Do I know for sure? Of course not, cause nobody knows what life is holding for us. All we can do is to let us fall in and try to enjoy it as much as possible. And the most important part is to be with the ones we love. Cause they are the only people who really count."
"Blair, you don't need to tell me. But what shall I do? I love Jasper, and I don't know what I feel for Nate. I know it's not only friendship, but I don't know whether I truly love him, like I used to do. And mainly, I don't know if I can trust him again. I really want to, but I got hurt so many times in the past. I don't want to go there again. It was just too much. It nearly broke me entirely", Jenny sniffled while trying to explain what was going on inside of her.
The older brunette knew exactly where the younger blonde was coming from. It sounded just too familiar to her. Only she had been down that road with a different man. Pleasure, pain, love, hurt, joy, sorrow – it came, it went, and sometimes it remained. She finally found her happiness, but she had to fight really hard for it. They may say that the best things in life are free, but they should also add that they are sometimes very hard to get.
"You know, I understand what you're going through. I really do, Jenny. Nate hurt you so many times. He chose twice other girls over you. Of course it's hard for you to trust him fully again. But you should also remember that he was always there for you. He always rushed to your side when you were in need. Didn't he?", Blair tried to convince Jenny to believe in Nate's intentions.
Of course she also had a personal agenda to it. She truly liked Jasper, but he wasn't the right guy for Jenny. And Nate was one of her best friend's, she wanted him to be happy. Not even to speak of Jenny. Blair may have disliked their connection back when, especially when Nate was dating Serena. But now she had to admit that they truly belong to each other.
"I do remember. But just because he had been there, doesn't change the fact that he also hurt me then. Blair, I get what you want to say. I do believe his words. This bracelet is more than a proof of them. But how can I be sure that he really means them? And not only temporarily? Jasper wants to spent his life with me. He never let me down since I got to know him. He never hurt me…"
"Well, not yet. You only know a little over a year. But you know Nate nearly six years now", Blair interrupted her. "Don't you think you're rushing things a little with Jasper? Don't get me wrong, he seems to be a nice guy from what I was able to see tonight. But still, you barely know each other", Blair said protectively.
Jenny sighed. It was quite sweet that Blair sort of acted like a big sister, but at the same time it was quite annoying. Why does everyone think I'm still a little girl? That is so crazy.
"I understand your concern, but I'm not rushing anything. Yes, we only know each other a little over a year. But we spent most of that year together, partly even living together. I know what it will be like to live with him. And as much as I appreciate your worries, Blair… it's a matter of fact that I'm not a little girl anymore. So please stop treating me like one."
Jenny managed to get back on her feet.
The worst part of her break down was over. She found her strength coming back to her.
"Yes, I'm confused. I won't deny that. I'm torn as well. I love Jasper, and I currently can't describe what I feel for Nate. But yes, it's more than friendship. I don't know what's going on right now. Nate is massively messing with my head and heart. It was all clear when I got here. It was just Jasper, I wanted to be with, but now… I don't know. It's so confusing... But I also made up my mind, and that is that I'll stay with Jasper. 'Cos I know it's for the best. Sooner or later Nate and I would destroy each other. It hasn't worked in the past, and I don't think it will in future."
She walked over to the door. But before leaving the room, she turned to Blair again, who also had gotten up from the floor.
"Thank you for listening to me, and being there. It means a lot to me, especially considering our past. I'm glad that we were able to leave that behind us and move on. I get that you want the best for Nate, but please understand that I can't walk down that road again. I've been there before, and it nearly destroyed me. I have to leave that behind too."
With no further words Jenny walked out the storage room, leaving Blair alone. The brunette wasn't pleased about the latest events. But she understood where Jenny was coming from. Nevertheless she had to find a way to stop this nonsense and make sure that her two friends would find a way to each other.
Even if Jenny couldn't see it right now, and believed in that Nate and her weren't meant to be, Blair knew it better. These two were destined to be, and she would make sure that it would become reality. No chance in hell that I'll watch them ruin their lives. Sorry Jasper, but you're flight back to London is leaving soon.
XoXoXo
Blair walked back into the living room, where the rest of the gang was trying to sound as good as possible at karaoke. Dan and Serena were belting out "Don't go breaking my heart", while Erik, Chuck and Jasper tried hard not to laugh to hard about them. Chuck gazed over to her, the second he felt his wife was back in the room. His movement was noticed by Erik, who immediately looked over to her too.
"Where is Jenny? I thought you went to get her", he questioned.
"Yeah, I did. And I did find her. She went to the bathroom shortly. Drinking lots of wine can make you use it a bit more often. And we also had a short chick chat. You know girl things", she replied sweetly.
Erik only chuckled, while Chuck only looked at her knowingly. He was always able to tell when his now wife was up to something, and she clearly was.
"Chick chat, hmm?", he only stated.
"Ok fine, I tried to convince her to make me her maid of honor", Blair lied to cover up for Jenny, "come on, you guys know how much I love weddings."
Serena laughed out loud. "True words. But remember if Jenny takes you, it's her wedding not yours. So try to fulfill her wishes", she said mockingly.
"Ha, ha, ha, very funny, S. I shall remind you of the fact that our sweet Jenny will be married before you do", she teased back and gazed over to Dan, who immediately had a shocked expression on his face.
"Oh, there is really no need to hurry", he let out without even thinking.
Serena's head shot round to him. She looked at him with wide eyes. "So, you don't want to get married?", she asked incredulously.
Dan immediately regretted his last words, realizing what he had done. "NO… I mean, yes I want to marry one day, but not like now. We just started seeing each other again, and it's way too soon. We should take it slow, don't you think?", he tried to save the situation.
Serena's face softened. She started to smile her typical Serena smile. That smile which could easily let all icebergs melt in an instant.
"Of course. It just sounded like you don't want to get married at all. Like never", she explained and gave him a short kiss on the lips. "Taking time sounds good to me. Just let's see where things will take us."
"From what I would say, tonight into his bed", Chuck replied smugly, causing Erik and Blair to laugh.
"Very charming, Chuck", Dan retorted. "Hey sis, finally decided to join us again? So Blair didn't force you to flee from here."
Jenny walked up the floor into the room. Standing right next to Blair. "Yeah, I just needed to go to the bathroom", she replied confused, "why would I flee out of my own apartment?"
Chuck slightly chuckled and joined his wife's previous explanation for their long abstinence. "Because she was trying to convince you to be your maid of honor. And as I know my wife, she wasn't all to kind by doing so, right?"
"Actually not, Chuck", Jenny answered in an instant, knowing this was their cover up for her long storage room visit. "Blair had quite good points to become my maid of honor. So I will consider it", she said kindly while looking at the girl to her left.
"That is great. I have nearly all my best men together", Jasper let them know. "It's going to be a great day with all our family and friends."
Blair looked at him, before gazing shortly at Jenny, who looked quite uncomfortable in the moment.
"Sure it will", Blair retorted to him. "And you really have all your best men together already? You guys don't even have a date yet."
Jasper laughed a little. He got up from the couch and walked over to Jenny and Blair, taking Jenny into his arms. "Actually, we do have a date. It's going to be the 15th March. That's when we date exactly a year, and know each other one and a half", he dropped the bomb on the entire gang.
Serena gasped in shock, while Dan thought he wasn't hearing right. Erik only looked at them aghast. Chuck's expression wasn't readable, and Blair had to control herself not to burst out.
"March? Like in three month?", she asked concerned.
"Yeah, I know. It's quite soon, but we know we belong. It just fits, you know?", Jasper replied while placing a kiss on Jenny's forehead.
This is not good. Definitely not good. I have to work fast to assure that Nate and Jenny end up together.
Nate was sitting on the couch when he heard the elevator arrive. He gazed over to see Chuck and Blair emerge.
"Hey, how was the evening?", he asked as casual as possible. In truth curiosity killed him.
"Quite... interesting, to say the least", Blair replied. "I saw your present. Very charming and very... romantic."
Nate growled slightly. "Yeah, it did so well that she decided right away that she wants to be with Jasper", he said frustrated and sarcastically.
"True, and we really have to work on that. Especially as they have set their wedding date, but..."
"WHAT?! They have a date?", Nate nearly screamed into Blair's face.
She sat down next to him, looking him straight in the eyes. The hurt was showing. "Yes, I'm sorry Nate. We were all surprised when Jasper told us. It's the 15th March. But don't worry, it's not going to happen. Not if we have a saying in it, and we do", she told her friend while taking his hand into hers.
"Look, it may seem like you've lost for now, but it's not over yet. Jenny still feels strong for you. After you left, I went to find her. She was crying heavily. Your present reached his goal. She may have been sure about this wedding when she got here, but I doubt a lot that she still is now. She may say so, but her reactions speak a different language. Don't give up now."
Nate sighed and gazed at his friend. She smiled at him and he couldn't but join her smile. "I appreciate your help Blair, but I already told Jenny that I set her free. If she wants to be with him, she should be."
"What a bunch of crap", Chuck inserted bluntly. "Nate, if you let that girl slip a second time through your hands, I'll kill you personally. You want her, and even if she can't admit it right now – she wants you too! You're both my friends and I'm not just gonna sit aside and watch you idiots ruin your own lives. Time for my wife and me to go to action. And I think I already have a great idea."
Nate looked skeptical at Chuck. He always hated those plans, and he had hoped with Gossip Girl gone and Bart too they wouldn't need any anymore.
"Chuck, please tell me it's nothing illegal", he begged his friend.
Blair started to laugh. "Oh dear, no! Not even close too. It's something very simple, very old fashion but truly effective."
Nate couldn't follow her anymore. "That would be?"
"Jealousy, my dear friend. Jealousy!", Chuck stated and took a sip from his whiskey glass that he had poured himself.
"New Year's eve is ahead. We all made a plan tonight to go to this new in club, and you will join us as well", Blair explained to Nate.
"Sure, cos I'm dying to see her making out with that British douche. Of course is that my biggest dream for the next year", he replied sarcastically.
"Very funny, Archibald. But no, as you won't attend the party alone. As Chuck said – jealousy is the key. Just as much as you hate it to see her with him, she will hate it to see you with someone else. You told her that you set her free, now you show her that you are willing to move on. Just as she wants", Blair continued with the plan.
Nate listened to her and thought about it. Somehow it made sense, but somehow it just sounded totally stupid. "You want me to date some stranger to get Jenny jealous? And what if she doesn't? What if she is glad that I do move on?"
Chuck chuckled. "You serious? You told her you love her. You got her that bracelet. Even if you told her that you set her free, it's the opposite that she wants now. Sharing you with someone else, not an option. It will work. We just need to find the right person to trigger her reaction."
"Already on to it, my love. What we need is a girl that looks slightly like Jenny and has the same interests as Nate. Or at least is working in the same area. Something that connects them, so that it does make sense that they date each other."