Chapter 5: Whoever makes you happy

Kelly didn't know what to say. Matthew had just told her what she had known for a very long time. She liked him, she was jealous when he was with someone… she loved him. She stood up and in the meantime let her mind race trying to find the right words to say. She couldn't think of any. She looked at Matthew, she was looking for a sign of compassion. She hoped he could at least understand why she hadn't let things get more serious between them in the past. But when she met his eyes he turned away, headed for the door and slammed it shut. He was gone.

Kelly sank down in her chair again. She covered her face with her hands and just sat there for a while. How could she just stand there? Why didn't she say anything? Why couldn't she just tell him how she felt? When did they stop communicating? The knock on the door went unnoticed by Kelly who was still hiding her face in her hands. 'Kelly, are you alright?' Kelly looked up. 'Euhm, yeah, I'm fine. Just a little headache'. With a worried look on her face Blake said: 'Oh, okay, I'm just here to tell you you're needed in make-up in ten.' 'Thanks Blake. I'll be out in a bit'. 'You sure you're alright?' 'Yeah, nothing to worry about', Kelly exclaimed while waving her hand as to erase the troubles that were consuming her mind. Blake left Kelly alone again. Her salad still untouched, she pushed it away, grabbed her Vogue magazine and for the second time that day she headed towards make-up.

Since she already had been in make-up that same morning, she didn't need to stay long. She decided to head towards the set and go through her lines once more. She had a scene with Ed, so she didn't expect Matthew to be anywhere around. She sat down on the couch of Lily's apartment. Ed walked in after a few minutes; Kelly put her lines aside, got up, walked over to Ed and hugged him. 'You look handsome as always', she said. 'And you look as gorgeous as ever', he replied. They were exchanging summer anecdotes when the director asked them if they knew their lines. 'What do you expect?', Ed asked. With that Kelly and Ed took their places and started their first dialogue of season 6.

Chuck stepped out of the elevator a moment after it 'pinged'
Lily: Charles, what a lovely surprise. How was your summer?
Chuck: Is my father here?
Lily: No, he left this morning for Brussels.
Chuck: I need your help.
Lily: What's wrong. You sound serious.
Chuck: It is.
Lily: Well, whatever it is, you know I'm here for you.
Chuck: I know.
Lily: So, tell me. What's going on.
She led him towards the couch to sit down.
Chuck: Bart.
Lily a bit taken aback: What is it?
Chuck explained to Lily how he has been kicked out of the Bass business by his own father. Lily was in awe: I can't believe your father would do something like this.
Chuck: Oh, he did. Didn't he tell you after the press conference?
Lily: No, we left for the Hamptons that same night. He never said a word.
Typical, Chuck thought. Chuck was getting more and more furious by now. He told Lily that Bart gave him an engagement ring as a test to see if he was still obsessed with Blair Waldorf, a girl who has done nothing but toy with him so far. At least, that's Bart's opinion.
Lily: You shouldn't let him get to you like that. Your father can be a bit harsh from time to time but you really need to stay calm. I'm sure he'll come around eventually.
Chuck: How can I stay calm? I have done nothing but work to protect my father's legacy and this is how he thanks me?
Lily: I can understand you're upset Charles, but …
Chuck: Upset doesn't even begin to cover it.
Lily sighed: What do want me to do?
Chuck: Nothing.
Lily: Well, I'm afraid there's not much I can do about all of this. I could ask your father…
Chuck interrupted her: I don't want you to ask him anything, Lily. I'm here to warn you.
Lily: Oh…
Chuck: You're the closest I've ever had to being family. My father, always away on business, was never there for me. Jack isn't exactly my favorite. And my mother... You are my mother, Lily, you have always supported me, you have always stood up for me when I needed it the most. I'm doing the same for you now. I'm worried my father is up to his old schemes again.
Lily: What does all of this have to do with me?
Chuck: I'm afraid he's going to hurt your feelings. He's already hurt mine after I got him out of hiding, after I got rid of his enemy. The man has no conscience. You deserve to be happy Lily, and I know my father can provide you with all the wealth and luxury you need. But is that also what you want?
Lily looked down without saying anything.
Chuck: Perhaps you could still undo the annulment to your marriage with Rufus.
Lily: I thought you weren't a fan of Rufus?
Chuck: I'm a fan of Rufus more than of my own father right now. Listen, Lily, I was there at the snowflake ball. I know you loved Rufus at the time and I know how happy he made you when you guys were married and I know for sure you must love him still.
Lily: Charles, I …
Chuck: Lily, I just want you to be happy. Think of all of your marriages and all of your husbands and then think about who made you feel happiest.
Lily looked down, Chuck looked at her, kissed her cheek and left, leaving Lily behind with her thoughts.
And in the softest of whispers she said: Matthew…