Blair was gazing at her mirror image, admiring the beautiful light rose colored dress. It was strapless and the upper part was body tight. The skirt was floor length and had three layers, each cut in different variations.
"It's really beautiful Jenny. I can't wait to see your wedding dress. And I'd really like to let you know that I'm truly sorry that it might have looked like I wasn't a good friend. It's just that I want the best for the both of you, and well... I thought it would you being together. But I do understand that you have to make your own decisions and as I said already two weeks ago, I'll support you no matter what", Blair apologized once more for her behavior. Assuring her friend that she was on her side.
"Thanks Blair, it really means a lot. It would have been weird to marry without you there", Jenny yelled out of her guest room where she was changing.
"So, what would you like to do at your bachelorette party? Serena and I have tons of ideas", she laughed out.
"Oh, honestly, I don't really want a party. I mean, it's nothing special. Can't we just hang out at home and do a girl's night here instead?", Jenny tried to get out of a wild night out.
Blair was surprised to hear that. But Jenny was the bride to be, her wish was Blair's command. "Sure, if that's what you want. A typical girl's night with games, make up session, tons of junk food and whatever crosses our mind. That will be fun!"
"Thanks Blair, I really appreciate it. I know a lot of people like to do something crazy and huge out of their bachelorette parties, but that's just not me. There may have been in a time when I thought it would be cool, but that's long gone. You know?"
"Yeah, I remember your sixteens birthday party, and I'm sure Serena does too", Blair smiled at the memory of their fight back then. At that time battling was all they did. "So, will Jasper have one too?"
"I don't know. Although I think Dan wanted to plan something. Jasper's friends are coming in two days prior the wedding. They don't have that much holidays", Jenny replied and emerged from the guest room. "So... what do you think?"
Blair looked over to the young blonde which stood now nearly in front of her. "Wow, Jenny, that dress is outstanding. Did you do it all by yourself?", she asked astonished when she walked around her.
Jenny let out a laugh. "No, the design is mine. But the production was all Marc with Joanna's help, and some interns. They wouldn't allow me to get near it, only for measuring. It's amazing, isn't it?"
Blair only nodded her head. The dress was just breathtaking. She could picture Jenny walking down the aisle in this wonderful dress. Only that in her mind it was Nate waiting for her at the altar.
The dress was also strapless. The upper part was also body tight and embroided with Swarovski stones and golden fibers. The fabric was white satin. The floor length skirt had beneath the satin chiffon and net lace to make him look more fluffy. From the hem upwards it was also embroided with Swarovski stones and golden fibers, showing different kind of ornaments and tiny flowers. The dress looked like a typical fairytale dress for princesses. (I thought of something like this: images/product_image/popup_ )
Blair partly envied her for this stunning dress, but she had loved hers as well. She still cherished it and it hung safely in her closet back home. "It's really wonderful Jenny. You really look like one of those Disney princesses, but in a very good way."
Jenny laughed about her comment. She had always hoped to wear such a beautiful dress to her wedding, and now she did. She took a long look into the mirror. This was really her, dressed up as a bride. And soon she would walk down the aisle, tying the knot. It scared the hell out of her.
"Will you have a veil to it?", Blair snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Uhm, no. Just two orchids on both sides of my hair, holding them out of my face", she answered right out.
Blair nodded again. Gazing her friend over. She looked so damn beautiful. Such a shame that this was all for Jasper. "So, what will Jasper wear? Not that I assume that he will outshine you, but he should at least look good too", Blair mocked slightly. Thinking that he would never be able to look as good as Nate in a tux.
"I think Marc got him a simple but elegant suit. He wouldn't tell, neither of them. Guess they want to surprise me too", she smiled.
Blair's phoned beeped. "Oh, that should be Serena. She was getting your present."
"Blair, I told you I don't want anything. Spending the day with you guys is all that matters", Jenny made clear once more. Not that they would ever listen to her.
"I know, I know", Blair waved her off, "but you only marry once, with luck. And therefore we wanted to get you something special that you could wear on that special day. You'll see then."
She gazed down on her phone to read Serena's message through. Good, she got all that we need. It's going to be perfect. "So about your party. How about doing it tonight? Or do you have plans already?"
Jenny gazed over to her. "No, nothing important. And it would be cool to spend the night with you. You know what... how about a John Hughes night? I always wanted a sister I could look those movies with. Dan might like movies, but he always needs to add his sarcastic statements", she rolled her eyes just of the thought.
"Yeah, that sounds like a great plan. We can watch Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink... and while we do, we can manicure us, eat popcorn and chocolate. Honestly, I can't remember when I did that last, or if I ever did it at all", Blair mused, which caused Jenny to giggle.
"Well then it's set. It's time that Mrs. Bass gets to know the Humphrey movie night marathon. And I'm not talking about Dan's boring nights, it's the fun one", Jenny stated.
Blair laughed out loud and smiled brightly at her. "Deal Humphrey! Shall we get out of these dresses before we ruin them with ice cream or chocolate?"
"Better it is. Marc would kill me if I ruin his precious dresses. He made it pretty clear how hard he worked on them", she laughed while remembering one of Marc's zillion speeches about how much time he had invested in them.
XoXoXo
Dan was at the same time at the Empire, meeting with Nate. He walked out of the elevator and entered his friend's apartment. "Nate? You're here?", he called out when he wasn't able to find him right away.
"Give me five!", he heard him shout back out of his bedroom. "Get yourself whatever you want."
Dan plopped down at the sofa, gazing around the room. Of course it was cleaned as always. Housemaids were a nice invention. Just a few papers were sprawled over the table. Even though he was curious, he didn't take a glance.
Nate came into the room. Just wearing some sweatpants and a tank top. "Hey man, sorry, just got back in from a run. Thought I still had time to get a shower. How are you?"
Dan gazed up at him. "Good, can't complain. Moving is so far over. Just a few boxes left, but I'm pretty much settled now."
"That's great, man. Planning on a house warming party?", Nate asked while getting himself a bottle of water. "You want something to drink?"
"Nah, I'm fine. And no, I haven't really thought about a party. Maybe I'll do it. Actually I came because of something else. I first wanted to talk to you about it", he started to explain his real reason why he came round.
Nate came back into the room and sat down on the other end of the sofa. "Oh, ok. So what is it?"
"Look, I don't really know where to start...", Dan stammered.
Nate chuckled slightly. "Just let it out. I won't judge", he teased.
"It's nothing like that", Dan shot back. "It's more about Jenny... and Jasper", he finished carefully.
Nate tensed up. He hadn't talked to Dan about his sister in awhile. Dan had given him green light to try with her, which meant a lot to Nate. But more than that hadn't happened, especially as Jenny wasn't talking to him anymore.
"What about them?", he asked stiffly.
"Well, Blair and Serena are organizing a party for Jen, and as Jasper's friends won't come in anytime soon... I was thinking of..."
"...of throwing him a party as well", Nate finished the sentence for him.
Dan only nodded in reply. Gazing at his friend's reaction, knowing all to well how he felt about his little sister.
"Dan, you don't need my permission to throw him a bachelor party. Yes, I hate the fact that she gets married to him, but I can't change it. I tried and I failed. I want her to be happy, that's all that matters", Nate said and got up to walk over to the window.
"So you give up fighting for her?", Dan asked incredulous.
Nate turned to face him again. "No, I'll never give up on her, Dan. I love her, even if she doesn't believe me. But I think I need to give her the space she currently wants."
"You are aware of how stupid that sounds, or? She will marry him next month Nate. It's not even four weeks from now on. Do you really just want to sit and wait?"
"I can't force her to be with me, Dan. I made my move. I told her how I feel more than once. What else can I do? If you know any way to make her believe me, please enlighten me."
Dan looked at him, not knowing what to say. Nate was right. They all had tried to make Jenny see what he felt for her. But she hadn't listened to anyone. She may have heard them, but she obviously didn't care. Or just too stubborn.
"I'm sorry, Nate. It's just... I don't know. I kind of feel like it's my fault. I should have supported you back then", Dan admitted silently.
"It isn't, it was all me. I messed up. I hurt her so many times in the past. It's surprising that she was even willing talking to me. I guess, I just have to live with it now. I hate it to see her with him, but he seems to make her happy. Although...", Nate remembered the brunette.
"Although what?", Dan questioned immediately, registering the frown on Nate's face.
"I don't know. Maybe it was nothing, but I saw him with some brunette on the Spectator party. And before you ask, I told her. That's why she refuses to talk to me."
"Aah, that's why. And I was already wondering why she would give me these independent speeches and that she can take care of herself. You know what, I'll throw this party for him. Maybe his tongue will loosen with all that alcohol. And maybe we get some answers."
"You think that will work?"
"We have nothing to lose, or? I will invite Eric, Chuck and you over. We'll grab Jasper and go on a man's night."
"Dan, I really appreciate your help, but I doubt that he wants to party with me. I'm the last person he wants to see, matter of fact."
"Ah, don't worry. We'll work it out. I will head to Chuck's. He pretty sure has something in mind that can help us. Can you message Eric?"
"Sure, I will. Will we meet up at your place later?"
"Yeah, how about 8pm?", Dan suggested.
Nate nodded in agreement. "See you later than."
XoXoXo
Blair shortly got home to pack some stuff together for the night. She was upstairs in the bedroom, packing a few clothes for her overnight stay when Chuck walked in. He gazed her actions over.
"What? You're leaving me already?", he mocked. "I just ordered to bring the rest of my clothes over here. Guess Nate will be happy to get me back."
Blair looked up and poked her tongue out. "Funny Bass, as always. I'm just getting some clothes for my overnight stay at Jenny's", she explained him.
"Overnight stay? I must have missed something", he replied amused.
"Instead of a party, we'll stay at her place, watch movies, eat some junk food and do whatever crosses our crazy minds. Just us girls, you know?"
Chuck thought about and put on a dirty smile. "Please tell me that it will contain pillow fights and underwear."
Blair threw a shirt at him. "Get your thoughts out of the gutter. That's not what it's about. Although... we may shower together", she teased him back with a seductive voice.
She could see his eyes darken. "You better not walk down that road, wife. You might not leave this house than."
"Is that so?"
"Oh, hell yes", Chuck retorted and started to walk over to her. Before he could reach her the doorbell rang. "You've got to be kidding me!", he exclaimed.
"Go get it, sweetheart. I still have to pack my stuff from the bathroom", Blair ordered him and went path him into their bathroom.
Whoever was disturbing his pleasure, that person would regret it soon. He went downstairs in no time and opened the door, of course it would be a Humphrey.
"I hope you have a damn good reason to show up here right now", he answered him grumpily.
"It's nice to see you too, Chuck. Guess I interrupted something, sorry. I need your help, may I come in?", Dan replied with no hesitation.
Chuck monitored him. "As you obviously have nowhere else to go. Try to make it quick", Chuck gave back and stepped aside to let him in. They walked together into the living room.
"You want anything to drink?"
"No, thanks I'm fine. We'll get enough tonight", Dan said.
"Tonight? We? Serena will be at Jenny's as I just got to know from my wonderful wife. So who is we?", Chuck demanded to know.
"Nate, Eric, you and me. Not to forget my sister's fiance."
"You're kidding, right? You give a party for that bloke? And Nate is attending? Do you want them to murder each other?", he let out unbelieving over the just heard words.
"No, I don't. And yes, I do – the party part, not the murder part. Look, Jasper's friends are only coming in two days prior the wedding. And trust me, I don't like to party with him, but as Jenny is getting a party tonight I thought it might be nice if we give him one too. First to proof we are good friends, and second to find out about that brunette. Nate told me", Dan closed his reasons for throwing Jasper a party.
Chuck pondered a little about it. It was a very good way to get some info. "Humphrey, sometimes you're smarter than you seem. Getting that boy drunk to get answers out of him. Very smart. Where will we meet up?"
"It's always a pleasure to live up to your expectations and even sometimes to overcome them", Dan replied sarcastic. "We'll meet at my place first, but I thought we could then head over to the Victrola. If you don't mind?"
Chuck smiled deviously. "Not at all. Apparently I wanted to suggest to go there. Who would have thought that you would start to think my way when you moved your ass into the Upper East Side permanently. I'll make a call to shut it down for tonight. They will only open for us. Lot's of drinks, lot's of nice ladies. That should work."
"Thanks Chuck. Oh, and no word to Jen. She only get's to know we're celebrating at my place."
"My lips are sealed. When do you want me to come over?"
"Nate and I agreed on 8pm."
Chuck gestured in agreement and walked Dan to the door. "See you then."
He walked back up, only to find his wife still packing her suitcase. He had to smile over the sight, as it seemed that Blair was leaving for a holiday trip that would at last take two weeks or longer.
"Sweetie, you are aware you're only staying for one night at Jenny's. Or are you planning on moving in with her?"
Blair glared shortly at him, then taking in her packed clothes. Realizing herself how much she had packed in, she blushed slightly. "It's a bit much. But I don't know what we'll do tonight. So, you can never have enough clothes, just in case. Who was on the door?", she changed the topic.
"Dan. He's giving a party for Jasper tonight. He came to invite me over and discuss a certain matter", Chuck informed her.
"A certain matter?", Blair cocked an eyebrow. "What's going on Chuck?"
She knew him all to well. He totally loved that about her. "Remember the brunette Nate told us about? He also told Dan and Dan thinks that tonight is a good chance to find out about her. I agree with him. We'll take Jasper to Victrola. Drinks, ladies... that should loosen his lips and we'd might get to know more about that British lad."
"That is a great plan, sweetie. I'll distract Jenny in the meantime. Serena and I will make sure she doesn't check her phone or so", Blair immediately stepped in.
"I'll let Humphrey know that you like his plan. It was his idea", Chuck confessed to his wife.
Blair's eyes widened a bit. "Wow, never thought he would plan a plot. But on the other hand, he was damn Gossip Girl. We really shouldn't be all that stunned that he can come up with such plans."
"True words. Get ready for your night. I'll keep you updated. Have a wonderful night, my love", he said sweetly and kissed her forehead.
Dan had only set up a few beers for starter. Nate and Eric already arrived and they were sitting in his living room. Chuck was on his way, so was Jasper. The last one was very surprised over Dan's call earlier. He didn't imagine that he would plan a party for him, as they only knew this little. It was a nice gesture of his future brother in law and he couldn't say no. Although he wasn't pleased that also Nate would be there. But for one night he would be able to go along.
Nate tossed a bottle towards Eric and sat down on Dan's couch. "So, how come you're still here? Thought you had to get back to school by now", he asked the young man sitting opposite him.
Eric chuckled, and opened the beer to take a sip. "Yeah, you know I wanted too. But I changed my mind. I'll transfer to Columbia. My sister needs me here, so does my best friend. She is... to say the least a bit confused and can need some guidance", he explained to the Archibald heir with wiggling eyebrows. "I hope you know that I'm rooting for the both of you. Jasper seems nice, but he doesn't fit to her. We'll make sure she will get to see that."
"Thanks man. And glad you'll be back. New York truly missed you", Nate replied kindly and toasted over to him.
Eric giggled even more. "Careful man, I might think you start to hit on me."
Nate joined his laughter. "Sorry E, but that place in my heart is captured by another blonde."
"Good to hear. And hopefully it will be reality soon. My sister is definitely to young to marry", Dan joined their conversation and plopped down on the sofa.
"Word", Eric spoke up and toasted towards Dan. "I mean, I somehow get why she likes him and why she rejects Nate. No offense, man. She is scared and insecure that things may not turn out as she wants them to be. From what she told me, Jasper always made clear that he wants her. Guess that's what she always missed with you. You chose other girls over her, never really showed her what you feel. But I don't understand why she is rushing into this marriage. That's insane!"
"I made lot's of mistakes, I know. Trust me, I wished I could take a lot of it back. But I don't know how to make her believe me. I really thought the bracelet would work, but I guess I only fooled myself", Nate said defeated.
"Please, you didn't. She loves you Nate, as much as she is denying it. I know her. Wearing that bracelet to your party was the living proof", Eric told him.
"Wait what? She wore it to my party? I didn't see that", he called out astonished.
"Yes she did. And your declaration has moved her more than she is willing to admit. Dare you to tell her that I told you. But she was crying afterward, more out of joy than sorrow. I know my sister, she does love you. Only god knows why she is holding on to Jasper", Dan pointed out.
He wanted to continue but the elevator announced a new guest. Jasper walked into Dan's apartment, gazing over the three men waiting for him. "Hey guys, thanks for the invite. Much appreciated", he said friendly.
"Of course, man. It's only fair that you also get your chance to party. Pretty sure you'll like what I planned", Dan replied and patted him on the shoulder after he had walked over to greet the young man.
Jasper looked at him skeptical and nervous. "Please tell me that you didn't plan some stupid games or want me to wear some crazy outfit outside. I'm more than happy that I got away with it as my friend's won't show up on time to make me do that", Jasper answered in a half warning and half anxious tone.
Dan and Eric started to laugh, Nate only eyed him. "Aah, don't worry – no games, no outfits. At least not on us", Dan pointed out.
Jasper cocked an eyebrow in confusion. Gazing over to Eric for explanation.
"He means the burlesque ladies. You know, Chuck owns this nice burlesque club – The Victrola. He shuts it down for us tonight. No word to Jen, she would definitely freak."
Jasper started to smile brightly. "No word from me. Are you serious about it? He is shutting the entire club down?"
"Indeed I do. Apparently it's already done. The limo is awaiting us downstairs. So if you guys don't mind – we can leave", Chuck announced as he had walked in in silence.
"Cool, let's go", Eric exclaimed and got up with his beer in hand.
Nate just looked at him amused, and shook his head.
"What?", Eric asked him baffled.
"I don't know, it's just funny that you're so excited about it. You're aware that the club has only female dancers, right?", Nate mocked him while getting up himself.
"For the record Archibald, I may be gay but not dumb. And once in awhile I do like to look at nice female bodies too. They may not attract me as much as they do with you guys, but sometimes they are nice to look at. And if you might think I get bored, feel free to strip for me", he teased back and wiggled his eyebrows once more.
Dan and Chuck burst out laughing, Jasper joined them short after. Eric smiled deviously at Nate, still having this seductive face expression.
Nate chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Keep dreaming E. But I'm more than honored that you chose me to strip for you and not Dan."
"Seriously? Serena walked down that road, I don't have to follow my sister's every path!"
"HEY! Just for the record, she enjoyed my stripping for her", Dan said slightly offended.
"Too much information!", Nate, Chuck and Eric replied in unison.
Jasper only watched their banter. He first thought this wasn't a good idea, but he started to enjoy this evening. They obviously were close to each other, and maybe with time he also could be a part of it. Although he already knew that he wouldn't become friends with Nate. Not as long as he was in love with his Jenny.
Chuck put his arm around Jasper's shoulder and forced him to walk towards the elevator.
"Don't worry, E won't make any of us strip. I got him one or two distractions of his own..."
"I LOVE YOU, BROTHER!", Eric yelled out from the back. "I knew you wouldn't let me down."
"...and for the rest of the night, we'll just have fun. So welcome to the Upper East Side, Jasper", Chuck said in his nicest tone and walked behind him into the elevator, followed by Dan, Nate and Eric.
XoXoXo
They arrived twenty minutes later at the Victrola. The bar manager greeted them in front and led them in. They followed him to a nice round sofa in the middle of the club with a perfect view to the stage.
"Everything is set as you wished, Mr. Bass. The show will start soon, champagne for starter", he said and took the bottle out of the cooler, filling their glasses. "Gentlemen, if you want any further drinks or cocktails, please just let us know."
Therewith the manager left their table. Dan took his glass first, the rest followed his action.
"Well, to a good party. But mostly to Jasper... who will soon tie the knot with my baby sister. I'm not quite sure if you know what you're doing there, as I lived with her for a loooong time. But I wish you all the luck in the world, you'll need it", Dan laughed through his toast, "cheers man!"
"Cheers", they all echoed and drank from their champagne.
"Thanks Dan, much appreciated and I'm very aware of what I do. Can't wait to start my life with her", Jasper remarked and glanced slightly at Nate, seeing him fierce over his statement. Maybe this will be way more fun than I thought. Naked girls and drinks. But mostly, teasing Nate and rubbing in his face that I'll be with Jenny – priceless. It will be a pure pleasure seeing him suffer.
The music started to play and the lights went lower. The guys sat down on the couch and watched as the first ladies made their way onto the stage. Among with them was one guy especially for Eric.
They enjoyed for quite awhile the show, ordering more and more drinks. They had skipped the champagne. Chuck and Nate went with their favorite scotch, while Dan had decided to keep it with beer. Eric had tried all different kind of cocktails, saying he was in the mood for experiments. Jasper was rotating between scotch and beer.
After one and a half hours he was pretty drunk. Some of the ladies had joined them on their table, due to Chuck's command. Chuck, Nate and Dan had stopped drinking when they had realized that Jasper was on a good way. They barely touched their drinks, only Eric was still in the game. But they all believed it was for the best, so Jasper wouldn't get too suspicious.
He was taking a swig of his beer and held on to one of the dancers when Chuck decided to start questioning him about the brunette.
"You know, it was really nice of you to come to the Spectator party lately", he addressed over the music to the young man in question.
Jasper gazed over to him, still holding on to that girl. "Ah that, it was nothing. Jenny begged me too, it meant a lot to her. So I did it", he babbled.
Chuck nodded his head. Nate only noticed that it meant a lot to Jenny, it made his heart skip a beat. So she really still cares. It's not them just saying so.
"Yeah, still, it was very nice. So, you enjoyed the party? I think they are sometimes very... stiff, to say the least", he continued.
"It wasn't really my scene either. I didn't know anyone, except for Dan. I prefer pubs", he stated matter of fact.
Dan observed him while Chuck kept pressing on. "You didn't know anyone else?"
"Nah, except from you folks. Never been to New York before, never been outside the UK before."
"That sounds... a bit boring. You know... I thought I saw you talking to some girl, but maybe I was just mistaking", Chuck went on, hoping Jasper was too out to realize what he was doing.
"Girl?... Oh, you mean Alina. Yeah, she is my ex. Funny that I ran into her", Jasper said nonchalant, taking another swig from his beer and peering at the girl next to him.
Dan, Chuck and Nate looked at each other stunned. "His ex girlfriend? What the hell?", Nate mouthed to them.
"Your ex is in town? That really is crazy. She lives here?", Chuck wanted to know.
Jasper turned his attention half back to him, as the girl had started to nibble on his ear. Dan was close on exploding, but Chuck held him back. Gesturing that this was their plan after all.
"No, not that I know. I think she wants to move. I don't know, we didn't talk much that night."
Yeah, you tell me, you son of a bitch, Nate thought and his fists clenched up.
"You didn't catch up with her? I mean, it sounds like your somehow... still close", Chuck kept going on. He wanted to hear from that dick what he did. Maybe he had met her behind Jenny's back.
"No need to catch up, we are in regular contact", he said and turned his gaze back to the girl on his side who had started to suck on his neck now.
XoXoXo
Jenny was sitting on the couch with Blair in front on the floor, doing her nails on the feet. They were half through Sixteen Candles. Serena had laid down with a bowl of ice cream on the couch opposites them.
"You know, when you keep eating that, I doubt that you'll fit in your bridesmaid dress", Blair taunted.
Serena just waved it off. "Oh please. This night is about fun and not counting calories. And just for the record, I can eat what I want – I don't get fat", she returned while sticking her tongue out.
Jenny snickered and took a huge hand of the M&Ms in front of her. She plopped them into her mouth and started chewing. Blair looked at her in disgust. It only caused Jenny to smile at her widely, showing her teeth plastered with chocolate.
"UGH! Jenny, that's totally disgusting!", she yelled out.
Jenny burst out laughing. "Oh, come on, Blair. Did you never let your manners go for one single night? Just do what you feel like to do. We only live once, and that's suppose to be fun. It's just the three of us here. Serena and I won't tell, promise!"
Jenny held her hand up and gazed over to her brother's girlfriend. She copied her gesture. Both girls looked expectantly at Blair. Both with a wide, genuine smile on their faces. Daring her to join the fun and to let herself fall.
"I had fun before. And I'm not always stiff, you both know that", she shoot back.
"Proof it", Jenny said. She leaned forward and grabbed a bigger bowl. Placing two scoops inside. She took the chocolate sirup and put it on, as well as some M&Ms and waffles. She handed the bowl to Blair. "Eat up!"
Blair's eyes widened. "You can't be serious?!" She gazed over to Serena, who only smiled at her and pointed to the bowl.
"Fine, you're both crazy but I'll do it."
Blair took the bowl from Jenny and started eating. "Hmm, oh fuck, this is delicious. I need to get some for Chuck and me. What sort is it?"
Jenny and Serena started laughing even more. They both couldn't believe their friend.
"It's Karamel Sutra by Ben & Jerry's. Don't tell me you never ate it before?", Jenny replied bewildered.
"No, I didn't", Blair responded in between two spoons, "it's amazing!"
"It is. But please don't let us know why you need it for Chuck and yourself. Pretty sure that would give Jen and me nightmares for at least six weeks", Serena mocked.
"Ha, ha, very funny. At least WE do have fun", Blair immediately returned the ball.
"Don't worry, we either", Serena smirked.
"UGH! Girls, too much information!", Jenny shrieked out.
Both elder girls turned their gazes to her. Time for the chick chat.
"Come on, you don't want to tell us that Jasper and you never made it", Blair said bluntly.
Jenny's eyes grew wide. So here is the grill time. I knew I couldn't avoid it. Damn it! "Of course we had, we just don't talk about it with others."
"We're family, not others", Serena replied smiling. "Soooo, how is he?" Both girls looked at her curiously.
"I'm so not gonna answer that question! But, … I can't complain. Although, I can't really compare", she admitted silently.
This time it was on Blair and Serena to grow wide eyes. "Wait, are you saying that Jasper is your second?", Blair asked right out. Trying not to remember Jenny's first.
Jenny reddened and gazed down on the floor. "Third", she mumbled.
"That's nothing to be ashamed of. Honestly, I wished I could say that I only had three or four. People thought for years that I was a slut. Well, can't blame them, I sometimes acted like one", Serena replied with a sad look.
"But you've never been one, and we know it. All you wanted was to be loved, like all of us", Blair said kindly to her. "So, who was the third?"
Jenny looked back up at her. "Some guy in Hudson during my senior year. I thought he liked me, but well... he obviously thought I was easy to get. The New York girl, you know. As soon as he had what he wanted, he dumped me for some other girl", she confessed.
"I'm sorry Jenny, you deserve better than that", Serena retorted sincere.
"And she sure did", Blair added happily. Although her statement was referring to Nate and not to Jasper.
Jenny smiled at both of them. "Yeah, I sure did. Jasper is amazing. He was so shy when we first met, it was too cute. With him I feel save, 'cos I know he's not playing some stupid games. He's always so honest."
Blair and Serena shared silently a knowing look. Blair had told Serena about Dan's and Chuck's plan for tonight. It seemed as he wasn't that honest after all.
"Is that why you want to marry him so soon? I mean, you know just a year. Don't you think it's rushed?", Serena asked carefully.
Jenny still kept smiling, she knew what Serena meant. Her dad had questioned her more than once about it. "I know it's hard to understand, but I'm sure about this. He is the one I want to spent my life with. When you know, you know."
"That sounds like Jasper", Blair responded. "I know, I promised I wouldn't bring it up anymore, but I have to ask. What about Nate?"
"That's past, long gone", Jenny replied sharp.
"Really? Is that why you're wearing his bracelet again tonight?", Blair pointed to her wrist.
Jenny gazed down at it and sighed. She didn't even remember when she had put it on or why, but there it was.
"What do you want me to say?", she questioned defeated and silent.
Serena got up from her place and walked over to her two friends. She sat down next to Blair on the floor. "How about how you feel. Jenny, if you still love Nate, you can't marry Jasper. You can't become the wife of someone if you heart is still hung up to someone else."
"Why not? My dad married my mom although he was massively in love with yours", Jenny reasoned why it wouldn't be a bad idea.
"You can't be serious. Look where it got them. You're parents are divorced, and so are ours", Serena clarified.
"What S wants to say is, if you still feel strong for Nate, you have to push your doubts aside and give it another try. Jenny, you will never know if it will work out with you, if you don't go for it", Blair joined in.
"I can't trust him anymore", Jenny defended her decision towards Jasper and against Nate.
"Yes, you can. It may take some time to built it up again, but you'll be able to do so. All you have to do is to give Nate a chance. S and I know him for years, and we've really never seen him like this before. He truly loves you. Way more than he loved any of us", Blair assured her. Serena nodded in agreement.
Jenny sighed. "I got hurt so massively. I can't go back there again."
"It is past, Jenny. He has changed a lot since then. He wouldn't do that again. To love means to open up your heart and maybe even get hurt. I also learned it the hard way. I guess, we all do at certain times. But to be loved and to love back, is the most amazing thing on earth. Don't close your heart to him because of past mistakes. You both know what went wrong then, you can do it better now", Blair established her point of view.
"Do you still love him?", Serena inquired.
Jenny gazed with sad eyes at her. Tears started to built up. "I thought I was over him", she started weakly. "But seeing him again, and being near him again... it brought all back. His declaration and this bracelet... I don't know if it's love, but yes, I think about him way too much than I should. So yes, I guess I have fallen for him again."
Both elder girls smiled at her genuinely. They got up on the couch, to both sides of her and pulled her in an embrace.
Blair was the first to let go. "Jenny, we can't tell you what to do, and we won't. But for what it's worth – you have to sort your feelings out. If Nate still means this much to you, you can't marry Jasper. We'll be on your side, whatever you decide. But whether you like it or not – you have to choose."
XoXoXo
All four men were still in shock about the recent outcome. Nate couldn't believe what he had just heard, neither could Dan.
"What do you mean, you're still in regular contact? Are you seeing your ex behind my sister's back?", Dan asked through clenched teeth.
Jasper looked with glassy eyes at him. "What? No. We sometimes talk. Look, Alina and I split on good terms. We realized we're better as friends than a couple. So we still talk once in awhile."
"But you did kiss her, didn't you?" This time it was on Nate to question him. He wanted the truth.
"She just broke up with her boyfriend. It was just a friendly kiss."
"With your tongues interacting?", he exclaimed loud, getting even more aggravated.
"Could be. It meant nothing. Jenny knows, so what's your issue? Can't stand that she is going to marry me and not you?", Jasper replied mean.
Chuck held Nate down on his shoulder. He knew all too well that his best friend would love to punch him unconscious.
"Jenny knows?", Chuck asked instead.
"Yeah, we talked about it. Straight after, when we went home", he lied.
"She didn't mentioned a word to me about it", Eric pointed out.
Jasper looked at him surprised and then bemused. "Since when does she have to report everything to you? There are quite a few things you don't know about us, if you know what I mean."
Nate got on his feet, so did Dan. Chuck and Eric had both a lot to do to hold them back. They dragged them over to the bar, leaving Jasper behind with two of the female dancers.
"Come on, he isn't worth it. Stay calm! He won't remember a thing tomorrow", Chuck smoothed them down.
"I really don't get how she can like that douche", Nate let out frustrated.
Dan patted him on the shoulder in sympathy. "Trust me, after tonight I really hope this wedding won't take place. Who kisses his ex because of her breakup with some guy?"
"Didn't you kiss my sister while she was somehow with Nate?", Eric asked.
All three looked at him like he had grown a third head. "What? You did! That's all I'm saying. I'm not on his side, but if he told Jenny and she forgave him... what do you want to do? You can't force her to leave him."
"Eric is right. If Jenny knows about it and stays with him. There is not much that we can do", Dan agreed to his displeasure.
Nate sat down on one of the bar stools, looking more worked up than ever. "I lost her. I lost her for good."
"Come on, Nathaniel. It's not over yet. She hasn't said 'Yes' yet, and as long that isn't the case – you still have a chance", Chuck tried to cheer up his best friend.
"And what shall that be? I already told her that I love her, that I want to be with her. I gave her that bracelet. I even set her free. What the hell can I still do?", he shouted out annoyed.
"There is no other choice than to talk to her again", Eric remarked.
"Oh yeah, 'cos that had worked so damn well the first times that I tried. Eric, even if she listens, she is so damn stubborn. And she made it clear that she doesn't trust me, but she trusts him! How the hell am I suppose to proof to her that she can trust me? They will marry in not even a month, and she refuses to talk to me. Remember?"
"That really could be a problem. But she is talking to Eric and me. We could try", Dan stepped in to help his friend.
Nate sighed heavily. "I appreciate your offer. But trust me, it wouldn't change anything. She probably would only get pissed even more that I'm sending you to work things out. No, I guess the only thing I can do is to accept that I lost her for good and watch her becoming happy with that bloke", Nate replied sadly.
"Or maybe not", Chuck looked up from his phone. He had read the latest message from his wife. "Blair just wrote that Jenny admitted that she has fallen for you again. She is considering to cancel the wedding!"
I'm sorry this chapter is shorter than usually, but I decided to make this an extra chapter. So things are getting heated up and we're close to a romantic wedding ceremony - or maybe not? Jenny finally admitted to the girls. So will she call it off, or will the gang stop her from making a big mistake? Guess you have to stay tuned to find that one out ;)
Once again I'd like to say thanks to everyone who is reading, following and reviewing my fic - means a lot to me. And trust me, I'm damn sure you'll love the upcoming chapters. I hope you enjoyed reading this one, love to hear/read your thoughts about it. I'll start with the next one now, before it's time to watch my boys play at the world cup tonight (yeah, I'm a soccer freak, guess we Germans inhale it with the mother milk *lol*)
Have a great weekend sweets!