I'm not a review whore or anything like that. But when you get absolutely zero reviews for an update, it's not exactly encouraging. Here's chapter 5, and after that I'm not sure when this story will be updated again. Thanks to all those who read this though, and I hope you enjoy.

And a moment of clarity...

Serena strolled down the hallway, into the kitchen. She noticed that there was no coffee in the maker, and figured that Chuck and Blair must not be awake yet. She glanced at the Cartier watch on her wrist and winced. 7:27. This Naomi person sure as hell didn't waste anytime in the morning.

Serena opened the cabinet she knew would contain an array of Colombian coffees, and selected a particularly strong one. She went through the motions of putting it in the coffee maker, and when she turned around, she was facing Blair Waldorf.

"Oh my god Serena! You're here!" Her best friend gushed, running over to her and pulling her into a hug.

Serena just smiled into Blair's shoulder.

"But wait, when did you get in?" Blair asked, pulling out of the embrace

"I got in last night." Serena said slowly, watching a puzzled look form across Blair's pretty features.

"Last night? I don't understand. Where did you..?" Blair stopped, a realization dawning onto her face. For the first time, Blair took in Serena's slightly dishevelled appearance and crumpled clothes, and smiled.

Serena knew that look on her best friend's face, "No, not that Blair! I just slept in his bed, nothing happened. I only did it because I didn't want to wake you and Chuck up."

Blair smiled knowingly. "Whatever you say Serena."

The two best friends were catching up when Chuck emerged from his and Blair's bedroom.

"Welcome home sis." Chuck smiled slyly, not at all surprised at the blonde's sudden re-appearance after four years.

"Thanks Chuck. It's good to be back."

"Does Nathaniel know you're here?"

"Uhhh…" Serena faltered to answer.

Blair cut in, "No he doesn't. I think he's still asleep. In fact, I think I should go and get him up, seeing as Ann is stopping by in –" Blair checked her watch, "-less than ½ hour."

Blair left to go and wake Nate up, leaving the half brother and sister alone.

"I really am glad you're back S." Chuck said leaning against the marble counter-top. "You know, Nathaniel really hasn't been the same since you left, and now you're back, hopefully he'll come to his senses and dump that seriously annoying, little preppy –"

Blair re-entered, interrupting Chuck's little rant, "Nate's getting ready now, and I suggest you two do the same. Ann will be here soon."

Ann had been watching Serena quietly pouring herself a cup of coffee. For the first 2 seconds that she had seen her, Ann had been angry with Serena. Any mother would be when the girl her son is in love with leaves him in a hospital bed.

But it soon faded, and she realized she wasn't mad. She realized that Serena's return might just be the answer to everything. Because she would have bet her house, her car and her job that Nate didn't really love Naomi. Which wasn't too hard to figure out. Naomi was, to say the least... difficult.

Ann smiled when Serena turned around. She looked so nervous. "Hey Serena." She said warmly.

Serena discarded the coffee and turned to fully face Nate's mother.

"Hi Ann." Serena responded. "I'm so-"

Ann shook her head. "Water under the bridge." She said with a smile. Just then, heels clicked into the kitchen. It was Naomi. Serena was caught completely off guard. Naomi? Why was she back? Hadn't she left over an hour ago?

"Good morning Ann." Naomi said briskly. She looked Serena up and down, obviously appraising her. Serena stood coolly in front of her, with raised eyebrows. She did not let Naomi make the first move.

"Serena van der Woodsen." She said, extending her hand.

"Naomi Bergendorf." She said, shaking Serena's hand. "Are you a friend of Nate's?"

Ann couldn't help but watch in amusement as Serena grinned slyly. "You could say that. Actually, I grew up with Nate. I used to live here on the Upper East Side. I'm Blair Waldorf's best friend."

A bit of comprehension seemed to dawn on Naomi. "Oh." She said stiffly, withdrawing her hand. "And when did you get in?"

Serena grinned again. "Late last night. You know how it is - red eye from Europe."

"Yes." Naomi agreed. "I hate planes, but I have to travel on one this weekend. I'm going to Seattle, wedding plans. There is just so much to do." She said condescendingly. She looked Serena up and down again.

"I bet." Serena said, smiling tightly.

"Speaking of, where is my lovely husband-to-be? I left my purse in his bedroom when I visited him earlier this morning."

"Is this it?" Serena asked, holding up a black Gucci purse.

"Yes, that's it." Naomi said grabbing it hastily out of Serena's hands as if they were somehow contaminating it or something. "Well, lovely to meet you. Bye Ann."

Ann watched Serena intently, who remained motionless until Naomi clicked out the front door. Serena let out a shaky breath. "God, she's horrible!"

Ann saw the tears reflecting in Serena's eyes, and she opened her arms. "I know. Come here sweetie." Serena hugged Ann, and cried a little bit.

"Why her?" she whispered to Ann.

"I have no idea."

Nate winced from his bedroom. The door was open ever so slightly, and he had heard parts of the exchange. This was not going to be pretty. He was about to push open the door and ask his mom for a private word with Serena, but he stopped himself.

Nate sighed. How did his life become so fucked up in the span of 24 hours?"

Chuck and Blair were not big Naomi fans, that much was clear. And he was sure Blair had something to do with Serena's re-appearance. On top of that, his mom was already comforting Serena from Naomi's bruises.

Nate retreated back into his room and sank down in a chair. He ran a hand through his hair. He felt like he had clarified something, hearing that whole scene unfold, but he couldn't figure out what it was.

Maybe he was so lost in thought that he didn't hear Serena slip in the door, or maybe he was half expecting her, and let her get the element of surprise. Regardless, when she grabbed his hand, he gasped.

She gently pulled him out of his chair, and kissed him. It was a long kiss, and Nate felt like it was giving him everything that he needed. When she finally pulled away, Nate felt distinctly light headed and breathless. Serena smiled.

"Take all the time you need." She whispered earnestly, before bringing their lips together again.