A/N: Happy New Year Everyone! I am so sorry that it took me so long to update – real life has a way of taking over. I should have mentioned earlier, but the Eric in my story is a bit different from the current Eric on the show, however this is the Eric I remember from S1-3 and the one I prefer.
Again, thank you to everyone for reading and reviewing my story. I truly appreciate every review and I will try to get back to each of you soon. Also, thank you to everyone who has stuck with me and this story even though its been a while since I've updated.
I don't own anything.
Chapter 6
"Oh my god, I can't believe you two got married!" said a shocked Eric with a huge smile on his face. His hand instantly found its way over his mouth, as if he had let out a secret he wasn't supposed to but really he was just trying to cover his grin and surprise at his proclamation.
Immediately, both Blair and Chuck jumped to their feet and simultaneously shouted, "No, no, no," and "What!" They looked at each other full of panic that their secret, something so sacred to them that they had worked so hard to keep hidden, was now out in the open. Chuck then turned to Eric and reasoned, "I am not sure what you think you heard, but I believe you have misinterpreted the situation Little Brother."
"What I heard was you referring to Blair as Mrs. Bass. Multiple times," retorted Eric, now with a proud smirk on his face. He wasn't sure why, but the idea of Chuck and Blair being married made him incredibly happy.
"It is simply a term of endearment, Eric. Blair loves it when I call her Mrs. Bass," and when the words left his mouth he couldn't help that the corners of lips curled up and the subsequent smile, a true smile, that overtook his face. He instinctively reached back for Blair's hand and held it tightly, wanting to feel a connection to her. Even though his words were laced with denials, his actions were more of a confirmation.
The looks of pure, unadulterated joy that both Chuck and Blair were trying to conceal told Eric that it wasn't simply a term of endearment, that it was much more than that. "Then why was Blair talking about your marriage and saying 'I do's'?" he further probed.
"I was speaking metaphorically, talking about the future," Blair piped up, entering the conversation for the first time.
"Blair, you used the past tense. 'When we said I do' is exactly what you said. I'm not Serena or Nate, I actually pick up on things." Then Eric paused and his face contorted to one of complete shock and awe. "Oh my god, you're pregnant!"
"What! Are you drunk?" screamed Blair as she squeezed Chuck's hand, but Eric ignored her and continued on with his rant as he paced around the room, waving his hands. Both she and Chuck slowly sat down on the bed when they realized that knowing Eric, this was going to take a while.
"That would explain it. Honestly, we all know that you two are going to get married someday," Eric was talking to no one in particular, just airing his thoughts outloud for Chuck and Blair to hear. "Huh?" questioned Chuck as he turned his head to Blair with a questioning look on his face as they listened to Eric go on excitedly.
"I mean, who knows who Serena will end up with; one week its Nate, the next week its Dan. I'm not sure about Elliot and myself or even if Mom and Rufus are going to make it, but I always knew that you two were made for each other." At this comment both Blair and Chuck smiled at each other as he wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders and kissed her temple. He then whispered to her, "I think he's definitely had too much champagne. Listen to him ramble." At this they both chuckled while Eric continued talking, not paying them any attention.
"I just didn't expect you to get married so soon. The way you talked over Thanksgiving, I thought we would have to wait some time before the inevitable Waldorf-Bass merger. Plus, I assumed you two would have a huge, spare-no-expenses wedding. But a baby would explain everything," Eric stopped talking for a second and just started beaming. "I'm going to be an uncle!"
Chuck knew he needed to put an end to Eric's overactive imagination. "Stop it Eric," he demanded and Eric stopped where he was and just stared at Chuck. "Blair is not pregnant."
The giant smile that had been dancing across Eric's face disappeared before he sadly uttered, "Oh, that's too bad. I guess you're going to tell me that I was wrong about you two getting married too." He looked like a little boy who had just broken his favorite toy or whose puppy had died. The crestfallen look on Eric's face crushed Chuck, who gave Blair a pleading look, which she interpreted as him asking her 'should we tell him?' - she knew he was leaving that decision up to her. Soon enough Blair stood up and walked over to Eric, looping her arm through his. "Hey Eric, you'll be an uncle someday, we'll make sure of it," and she glanced over to Chuck on the bed to see him smirking. "Just not in nine months, okay?" and they both laughed. "Now, how about a hug to officially welcome me into the family?" She waited with her arms wide open to see how Eric would react, if he would catch her not-so-subtle hint regarding the change in their relationship.
Eric smiled and immediately wrapped Blair into a hug. "Now you really are my sister."
Blair responded by nodding and saying, "I know, isn't it great! I've always considered you my brother, but now it's official." She looked up and was struck by the expression on Chuck's face. He seemed really happy and proud, grinning from ear-to-ear. When their eyes connected, he got up and made his way over to Blair and Eric. He gently patted his brother on the back and put his other arm around Blair, as she snuggled into his chest.
"Eric, Blair and I haven't told anyone yet and we don't plan to,"
"But," Eric interrupted and he was silenced by Chuck raising his hand.
"We have our reasons," he quickly interjected. "Can we trust you to keep our secret? We are not hurting anyone by hiding our relationship. This is just something that we would like to keep to ourselves for the timebeing."
"Of course you can trust me, I won't say a word." Eric stuck out his hand to shake on it, an action that Chuck readily returned. Before he knew it, Eric had engulfed Chuck in a hug and quietly said, "I am so happy for the two of you. Seriously, this is the best decision you've ever made."
Without delay, Chuck agreed, "Believe me, I know it."
"Okay, I hate to break up this male bonding session, but Chuck and I actually need to discuss some new developments and strategic changes." Chuck eyed Blair questioningly, not quite understanding what she was referring to. "Actually Eric, we could use your help. Don't worry, you won't get your hands dirty. I just need to know where Serena's things are from when she stayed here before Thanksgiving."
"Only if you promise to give me all the details on your nuptials soon!"
After Eric showed Chuck and Blair what she wanted, he left to rejoin the party. Blair then told Chuck everything that Theo had overheard and the plan that Theo and Blair had concocted - it turns out that Theo knows a thing or two about scheming. They also informed Serena and Nate of their new gameplan, and the five set about putting everything into motion.
"Alright Serena, are you ready to get your bitch on?" Blair asked excitedly. They had decided that enacting revenge on Vanessa was up first, and Serena was actually pretty enthusiastic about taking the girl down after everything she had done to her over the past few months. "If you get stuck and need some inspiration, just think – what would Blair do right now and you'll be the perfect bitch."
"I am absolutely ready! Let's get this party started!" proclaimed Serena as she grabbed two glasses of champagne and made her way towards Vanessa, who was talking to Dan and Abigail. Blair trailed behind her, knowing that it would be best for her to make a delayed entry and for Serena to start things on her own.
"Oh there you are Vanessa. I was looking for you," Serena said with fake cheer.
"What do you want Serena?" scolded Vanessa, as Dan and Abigail stared at her surprised by her spiteful tone.
"Well, since you are at my mother's party, in my mother's home, I thought I would be nice and wish you a Merry Christmas," and Serena handed a reluctant looking Vanessa a flute of champagne. "And I wanted to let you know that I've arranged a sort of present for you." Serena then clinked her glass to Vanessa's and took a hearty sip of champagne.
"You really don't need to give me a present Serena," Vanessa replied with a shaky voice, unsure of what Serena could have gotten her. She took a sip of the drink that Serena gave her and when she settled down a little she continued, "After all, I didn't get anything for you."
"Nonsense. You've done plenty for me," and the threat in Serena's voice was clear, not only to Vanessa, but to Dan and Abigail as well. This was not a friendly gift, this was revenge, and Dan recognized it immediately. Not wanting Abigail to be witness to the upcoming scene, Dan discretely told her that she should get herself a drink and he would find her when this was finished.
"You see, I heard that you were in a bit of bind at NYU. You missed quite a few classes when you ran to Mommy and Daddy in Vermont with your tail between your legs after people found out about the lies you spread about me. Now your scholarship is in jeopardy, as well as your spot in the Tisch writing program. So, in the spirit of the holidays, I decided to help out your poor, unfortunate soul," Serena's eyes danced with malice as she spoke.
"What did you do Serena?" Vanessa asked, now more than slightly scared about what Serena may have done.
"Well, I followed your lead and wrote to one of your professors on your behalf. I told him that you would be willing to do anything," strongly emphasizing the this word, "to maintain your position at Tisch."
"You bitch – how could you?" Vanessa seared. She didn't know what Serena had written to her professor, but she could only imagine that it wasn't good.
"Actually, it was quite easy. I took a page from your book. Wait, let me rephrase that – I took a page from yours, Juliet's, and Jenny's book and I stole your phone. From there, I simply emailed your professor using your address."
"Whoa, wait a second," Dan interrupted. "What do you mean by a page from Vanessa's, Juliet's, and Jenny's book? What are you accusing my sister of?"
"Oh Dan, I forgot that you don't know everything that your vindictive ex-girlfriend/roommate and your scheming sister did. Maybe you should ask Vanessa about it," seethed Serena as she glared at Vanessa. The connotation Serena made was evident and Vanessa realized that Serena knew the truth.
"Vanessa, what is Serena talking about?" Dan turned and questioned Vanessa, not understanding what Serena could be referring to. "I know about the mishap with Juliet and the message to the professor, is there more?"
Vanessa had two options; she could lie and take a chance that Serena didn't know all the details, or she could tell the truth and risk losing what was left of her friendship with Dan. She decided to go with a third option and avoid the discussion at all costs. "Dan, can we talk about this later? I don't really want to get into it in the middle of a party."
"If you don't want to tell him Vanessa, I can," warned Serena. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Blair nodding, encouraging her, and then peered to her left and saw Nate standing there with Chuck. "Look, there's Nate. I think it might be good for him to hear this too," and she gestured for Nate to join their little group.
"Hey, what's up?" Nate said as he came over and patted Dan on the back.
"Serena, please. Not here," begged Vanessa.
Serena ignored her and started talking as if she hadn't said a word. "Vanessa was just about to tell us about her most recent foray into the world of deceit and deception with Juliet and Jenny. Isn't that right, Vanessa?"
It was now Nate's turn to play his part in their plan, so he pretended that he didn't know what Serena was talking about. "What does this have to do with me?"
"Oh, I'll let Vanessa tell you and Dan what she did along with Jenny and Juliet."
"Vanessa, if you don't tell us right now I'll get Serena or my sister to tell us the truth," Dan said vehemently. He wanted to know what the hell was going on that could possible involve Serena, Vanessa, Jenny, Nate, and himself.
Realizing that she was backed into a corner, Vanessa begrudgingly began to speak. "Juliet and I asked Jenny to help us get revenge on Serena. So Jenny stole the card from Serena's phone and we may have used it to send a few texts claiming to be Serena."
"When was this?" Dan demanded while Nate asked, "Who did you text?"
Vanessa had been hoping that her vague story would be enough to placate Dan and Nate, but obviously it was not. By the looks on Dan's and Nate's faces, as well as Serena's, she recognized that she was going to have to tell them everything. "It was the day of Chuck's Saints & Sinners party," and the significance of the date registered with both Dan and Nate – it was the date when Serena had agreed to meet with both of them but stood them up. Vanessa could tell that they knew what this meant, but they were waiting for her to continue. "Jenny is the one who sent you the text messages agreeing to your dates."
"Vanessa, why did you do that?" fumed Dan and Vanessa looked devastated.
Serena stood to the side with her arms crossed in front of her, grinning like the Cheshire cat, before she interjected, "Wait, don't answer that yet. You haven't even gotten to the best part. Tell them what happened at the party," insisted Serena.
"But that wasn't even me," Vanessa pouted, her hands rolled into tiny fists.
"Maybe it wasn't, but you were involved so why not just confess everything. Cleanse your soul," teased Serena with a patronizing tone.
"Serena didn't kiss either of you at the party – it was Juliet dressed up like Serena." Dan and Nate looked at each other and then at Serena, who simply smirked back at them as if to say 'I told you so!' Then Vanessa turned to Serena and said, "Are you satisfied now? Your perfect image is back in place."
"I'm not even close to being satisfied. You not only wrecked my relationships with Dan and Nate, but you also tried to sabotage my friendship with Blair by telling Nate's mother that I was interested in the Girls' Inc. foundation."
As if on cue, Blair strolled over to the foursome, "Did someone say my name?"
"Great," Vanessa sighed. She knew she was in trouble now. Serena on her own was enough, but Serena and Blair together spelled disaster. And just when she thought the night couldn't get any worse, Chuck Bass approached the group with his devilish smirk on his face and a look in his eyes like a predator about to eat his prey.
"Hi B, I was just about to tell Vanessa here about our little surprise for her. You know, since she was so helpful with our applications for the Girls Inc position," remarked Serena slyly.
"Oh, that's right, S. I almost forgot to thank Vanessa for that," Blair replied happily, clearly enjoying watching Vanessa squirm. "Vanessa, thank you so much for being such a good friend to Serena and I," and Vanessa rolled her eyes because she knew it was a blatant lie.
"Serena, what did you mean by 'little surprise'?" Vanessa shyly probed, visibly nervous with the increasing size of the group, as well as by the threat that both Serena and Blair posed. The three gentlemen realized what was about to happen, and none of them did anything to stop it.
"Well I didn't get to finish telling you about it earlier when we got sidetracked by your confessing to stealing my phone, sending Dan and Nate on fake dates, and telling us how Juliet, not me, kissed them both at Chuck's party," raged Serena. She quickly composed herself and carried on, "As for the rest of your surprise, I was having a hard time thinking of what I could do to help you keep your spot at Tisch, so I asked Blair to help me. I knew she still had contacts at NYU and Tisch, plus she has a way of convincing people to do things," she chuckled as she looked at Blair, who was smiling widely now.
"Yes, V," Blair's voice was laced with contempt, "you're lucky that I still have some connections at NYU which I used to help you out. I was able to convince the people at Tisch that you would be willing to write, film, and star in a public service announcement out of the goodness of your heart. In exchange they have agreed to let you maintain your scholarship, as well as your place at Tisch."
"Okay, that doesn't sound too bad. What's the catch?" Vanessa asked timidly, knowing this was too good to be true.
At that both Blair and Serena couldn't help but laugh. "Oh Vanessa, why do you think there is a catch? Do you really think that is something I would do? Can't you just accept that Serena and I are trying to help you?" Blair implored.
"No, I can't," Vanessa answered honestly.
"You're a smart girl Vanessa," Serena cut in. "Surely you know we weren't going to let you mess with us and get away with it." She was now at her wits end and she was having trouble containing her anger at Vanessa.
"S, calm down," Blair interrupted, putting a soothing hand on Serena's arm. "Why don't I finish telling Vanessa about her assignment?" and she flashed a mischievous grin at Serena and then Chuck.
"Good idea B."
"First, I thought that you could be the face for Girls Inc, and make a PSA to show young girls about women's empowerment. However, when I spoke with Anne Archibald about it and gave her your resume, she simply said 'Vanessa Who?' – right Nate?" and Blair turned towards Nate who only nodded his head up-and-down in recognition. "It seems like you made a real impression on Nate's family when you two were dating," Blair chuckled. "After Girls Inc. was ruled out, we had to think of a new topic for your project. That is when I ran into Chuck and we started discussing potential themes for your PSA. He came up with a really great idea and your professors agreed to it." Both Chuck and Blair were nodding in agreement. An overwhelming feeling of hopelessness overcame Vanessa as she could not even begin to imagine what sick and twisted game Blair and Chuck had planned for her.
"Vanessa, I don't know if you know, but a few years ago a medical grant for teens with genital herpes was established in my name," said Chuck smoothly and Vanessa's eyes displayed her recognition of the fact, considering it was she who set it up. "Well, in an effort to make myself look more charitable, I have invested more of my personal funds in this grant. After talking with Blair, I decided that you would be perfect as the public face of a genital herpes 'foundation'." Nate and Dan's faces dropped at Chuck's words, while Blair and Serena smiled in agreement with Chuck's statement.
"What?" Vanessa challenged.
"Its not a difficult concept Vanessa," Serena condescended. "You are going to be the star in a televised public service announcement on genital herpes, and because of that you get to stay at Tisch. Isn't it great – we all win!" Serena was openly pleased at Vanessa's humiliation. "Everyone, raise a glass to Vanessa and let's congratulate her on the role of a lifetime, the stigma of which she'll never be able to get rid of, kind of like genital herpes," and then Serena, Blair, Chuck, and Nate all clinked their glasses together, along with Dan's and Vanessa's, to toast a job well done.
When Dan started to confront Vanessa about everything he had heard, the scheming foursome started walking away, knowing their job was done. Once they were a few steps away from the Brooklynites, Blair was the first to speak, "That went very well, if you don't mind me saying."
"Yeah, Serena, you definitely earned MVP honors for that one. Remind me never to get on your bad side," joked Nate. "Now, if you guys don't need me anymore I think I'm going to call it a night." He then left Chuck, Serena, and Blair behind to meet up with Kristen and Amy.
"God, that was such a rush! It feels so good to take that backstabbing bitch from Brooklyn down," Serena exclaimed.
"Me-ow," Chuck drawled, but he couldn't hold back his laughter. "It's so nice to see you revel in Vanessa's public humiliation, Sis. Now I think its time to commence a second round of retribution tonight. What do you say ladies?"
"Let the games begin," Blair replied maliciously and the three of them looked across the room at a group of seven people deep in conversation.
While everyone was playing their role in Vanessa's disgrace, Theo was left to begin working his magic on the second half of their plan; the takedown of Jenny Humphrey. He made his way over to Eleanor and Cyrus, because he knew they would be helpful in getting him the introduction he needed. It was Cyrus who saw him first and called out to him, "Theo, my boy, are you enjoying yourself tonight?"
"Yes, Mr. Rose, much more than I expected too," he replied truthfully. Scheming with Blair and Chuck made for an interesting evening.
"Well, I noticed you talking with Blair and Charles, earlier. I hope he wasn't too rude to you. He can be a bit possessive when it comes to Blair, but you shouldn't pay him any attention," Eleanor said.
"I don't really understand what you are implying Mrs. Rose, but Chuck was very nice. We talked for a while about Columbia and we might even get together later in the week to play some poker. Anyways, I was hoping that you or Mr. Rose could introduce me to some people."
"I'm sure that won't be a problem, I know just about everyone here," Theo could hear the pride in Eleanor's voice as she spoke. "Now who would you like to meet?"
"The van der Woodsens," and Theo tilted his head towards a group of people made up of Lily, Rufus, Eric, and Jenny. "My father went to medical school with Dr. van der Woodsen and he often tells stories about the fun times they had together. I believe my parents know his ex-wife Lily van der Woodsen, so I thought it would be nice to meet her officially."
"Of course. Come with me Theo, although you should know that it is Lily Humphrey now," and Eleanor and Cyrus walked Theo in the direction of Lily.
The introduction went well, and soon Theo and the Roses settled into a comfortable conversation with Lily, Rufus, Eric, and Jenny. They talked about college, as Eric was still trying to decide where he wanted to go for the next four years of his life, and after talking to Theo he decided to look into Duke. They talked about being in NYC for the holidays, about how life in Paris was treating Eleanor and Cyrus, and how designing was going for Jenny and her hopes for going to design school next year. Suddenly, in the middle of their conversation, three boxes, one large and two small, and an envelope arrived with Jenny's name on them. This attracted everyone in the group's attention and they all encouraged Jenny to open them up. Inside the envelope, there was a card with a variation of a Christmas carol written on it and Jenny just stared at it, slightly confused.
"Go ahead Jenny. Read it outloud for all of us to hear," pushed Lily.
"It's just the words to 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' but some of them have been changed," Jenny said dismissingly as she read the card over again, trying to figure out who sent it and why. She didn't really want to share its message with people until she understood it herself.
"Well if you're not going to read it to all of us, then I will," and Eric grabbed the card from Jenny's hands and started reading it to the group.
"You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Your Secret Santa has come to town
She's making a list
And checking it twice
Gonna find out if Jenny's naughty or nice
Your Secret Santa has come to town
She sees you when you're sleeping
She knows when you're awake
She knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
Oh you better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Your Secret Santa has come to town
Your Secret Santa is going to take you down."
"Surely someone is just having a bit of fun with you Jenny dear," Cyrus giggled. "Now come on, I want to see what's in those boxes. Open them up," he said.
"Oh yes, I can't wait to see," persuaded Eleanor and it was now unavoidable – Jenny would have to open these gifts in front of everyone, even though she was quite nervous about what their contents might be.
Jenny opened the smallest of the three boxes first. The look on Jenny's face was priceless as she viewed the contents - it was full of coal.
"Jenny, just so you know that's coal – not eye makeup!" mocked Eric.
"Ahh Jenny, have you been a naughty girl this past year?" teased Theo.
However, before she could answer Theo's question, she was told by the rest of the group to open the next gift as they were already bored with the coal. It was about the size of a shoebox and wrapped in paper with tiny pictures of the Grinch on it. What they didn't realize was that Jenny was becoming increasingly nervous at the prospects of what could be in the final two boxes, if the card and the coal were any indication of the way things were heading. That is why when Jenny took the lid off the box, her face dropped at its contents.
"What is it Jenny?" Rufus asked and Jenny slowly pulled out her gift for everyone to see.
"Oh, what a charming mask. Such lovely lace," gushed Lily as she reached for the mask. It was the exact mask that Serena had worn to the Saints & Sinners party. The same mask that Jenny had worn that evening when she was pretending to be Serena. Jenny quickly scanned the room for Juliet, knowing that she was the only one besides herself and Vanessa who knew the significance of this mask. She didn't see her anywhere and her attention was brought back to the group by Eric when he said, "Look there is another card in the box."
Hesitantly, Jenny removed the card from the box and read it.
"I know what you did. You can't hide behind your mask forever. xoxo Secret Santa."
"Well that was a bit ambiguous, if not a little creepy. So, what did you do Jenny?" asked Eric as he eyed the young blonde carefully.
"I have no idea," Jenny replied softly, and an uneasy feeling began to overtake her. Suddenly she had a strong suspicion that she didn't want to open the last gift.
"Pay no attention to that note – I'm sure someone is just trying to rile you up. Now I want to see what that gorgeous mask looks like on you," insisted Eleanor, as she grabbed the mask and walked behind Jenny in an effort to put it on her.
"No," Jenny shouted abruptly and everyone's eyes were upon her again. "I mean, look at it, it doesn't really go with my outfit!"
"Don't be silly. We just want to see how it looks on your face," Lily chuckled. Before Jenny could protest further, Eleanor was tying the mask in place and everyone marveled at the lace mask on Jenny.
"You know," Eric interjected. "That mask looks very familiar, but I'm not sure where I've seen it before. Have you worn it or one like it previously?"
"No, not that I remember," lied Jenny, who was obviously uncomfortable standing in front of the group with the mask on.
When she went to take it off, Theo stopped her and said, "It looks nice. Leave it on, at least until you've finished opening the final gift." Discreetly, Theo glanced to his side and noticed that Blair, Chuck, and Serena were now watching the events unfold, waiting for the final blow to occur. He smiled in their direction, acknowledging them and silently letting them know that everything was going according to plan. It was amazing, Theo marveled, that he had hardly had to do anything to ensure the execution of their scheme – the rest of the group was doing that for him.
"Not enough, I say, not enough," Cyrus cheered as he gestured to the final present. "You have one more present to go."
With everyone watching, Jenny reluctantly opened the final box. It was much larger than the other two. As she removed the lid, she heard a few gasps before she even saw what was inside.
"Oh my god, it's beautiful," Lily admired as she touched the fabric inside the box.
"I believe that is a Carolina Herrera dress," Eleanor noted. At that comment Jenny looked at the gift and her heart sank in her chest. It was the same dress that Serena had worn the night of Chuck's masquerade, the same dress that Jenny also wore that night when she was masquerading as Serena. "I hope you realize what a nice Secret Santa you have, Jenny. This dress is fabulous. We should see what it would look like on you."
Jenny watched as Eleanor reached into the box and pulled the expensive light blue dress out by its tiny sleeves. It was then that she saw another note inside the box. She quickly reached down and snatched it, reading it before anyone else could grab it. It said.
"I think its time that I drop the curtain, shine the spotlight, and let everyone see the real you, Little J. xoxo, Secret Santa."
As if everything was happening in slow motion, Jenny saw the coming car crash that was her life. Rufus had taken the card and read the message outloud, while Eleanor was holding the dress to Jenny's front so that everyone could see how it would look on her while she was still wearing the mask. Only, Jenny wasn't paying attention to any of them. She looked up to see her brother walking away from a crying Vanessa and when her eyes caught his, he simply shook his head in disgust. Devastated, Jenny then glanced to the side of the room and saw three people watching her. Blair was standing there grinning like the cat that ate the canary, flanked on one side by Serena whose cold eyes were boring into Jenny and on the other side by Chuck Bass whose dark eyes were filled with so much hatred that the younger blonde felt herself shiver. She looked back at Blair and they locked gazes, and Jenny accepted at that moment that Blair knew everything she had done and wasn't going to let her get away with it.
Jenny was brought out of her daze by the sound of Eric's voice. "Now I know where I've seen that mask before. Serena wore that exact dress and mask to Chuck's Saints and Sinners party last month." He realized that Jenny was focused on something else and when his eyes followed hers, he saw his sister, brother, and sister-in-law standing there glaring back at Jenny. Then Blair raised her glass of champagne to Jenny, nodded in her direction, and drank the glass dry, while Chuck and Serena silently applauded her actions. When Jenny finally turned and acknowledged Eric, he had a somber look on his face and said, "Shit Jenny. What did you do now?"
With shaking hands, Jenny quickly reached behind her head and tried to untie the mask unsuccessfully. After Theo helped her remove the mask, she brought her face up, and with tears glistening in her eyes she said to the group, "Excuse me." Six pairs of eyes then followed her as she made her way across the room to where Blair, Chuck, and Serena stood.
"Hello Jenny. I almost didn't recognize you modeling that dress with that mask on," taunted Blair. "For a second, I thought you were Serena."
"What do you want Blair?"
"I thought I had been blatantly clear in the past when I said that I never wanted to see you set foot on this island again, yet for some reason you keep showing up. Not only that, but you always seem to try to hurt myself or the people that I love and I can no longer allow that to continue. I meant what I said in my note Little J, I think its time for people to see the real you. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to tell Lily, Rufus, and Eric all about your involvement with Vanessa and Juliet."
"Please Blair, don't," begged Jenny. "They are my family. They're all I have left."
"You should have thought about that before you attacked mine," Blair seethed back. "You know what's funny Little J," and Blair laughed a sadistic laugh, "technically Serena and Chuck are your family too."
"Fine, I'll do whatever you want," pleaded Jenny and a tear escaped her eye. "Just please don't tell my dad."
"I want you to go to Hudson and never come back. I want you to stay out of my life, Serena's life, Chuck's life, and Nate's life or I guarantee to make yours a living hell," threatened Blair as the Jenny nodded in agreement with tears loomed in her eyes. Once Blair was satisfied and told Jenny she was free to go, she leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Oh I don't think that you have to worry about me telling your family about what you did. Now that Dan knows, I'm pretty sure he will tell them everything." With that Blair turned, looped her arms through Chuck's and Serena's, and walked away from Jenny who simply stood there frozen as the tears finally fell.
Another A/N: I had a really difficult time figuring out how to go forward with the takedowns of Vanessa and Jenny – I hope they didn't disappoint. The genital herpes reference goes back to 'School Lies' in S1. Anyways, we'll be back with more Chuck and Blair fluff in the future.