Chapter Two


This follows the episode Rufus getting married (3x05). I wanted a chapter where we really see Jenny bond with her family and this episode was a great one. After this chapter, we'll see more of Constance and the story will slowly start diverging from canon.

X

To say things were awkward between Rufus and Lily was an understatement. The tension between the two was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. Jenny and Eric had decided to put their latest plans regarding Constance on the back-burner until the two resolved their issues. It really was dampening everyone's moods.

"Hey, what's going on with Mom and Rufus?" Serena asked, just as Eric and Jenny had entered the room.

Jenny was surprised that the older blonde was clueless about the situation. "Oh, you didn't know? They've been in a cold war since the day you left," she explained.

"Over Brown?" Serena asked with a huff. Incredulity was written all over her face.

"On the surface, yeah," Eric said, nodding his head. "But, I have a feeling Mom's flipping out about other things, too."

"They could be in real trouble," Jenny added in concern. Even though she found the whole argument ridiculous, she knew Eric was right. It wasn't simply an argument about Serena, but other things lurking beneath the surface.

"We have to do something about it," she continued. "Dad and Lily really love each other and I don't want them missing out for the second time in their lives all because of one fight."

If there was anyone who deserved love and happiness, it was her father. And she would do anything to help him achieve it, especially after all the hell she had previously put him through. She kind of owed it to him.

"I agree," Serena said, standing up from her chair. "We just have to get them into the same room so they can talk things through."

"And how are we going to do that?" Eric asked. "If one walks into a room, the other walks out."

Serena smiled. It was a smile full of promises and mystery.

"I have the perfect idea. All we need is a restaurant, a reservation and one table. Oh, and call Dan. He'll need to be a part of this."


Hours later found the Humphrey's at their favourite restaurant. Jenny loved it there, they've been coming to Tony's ever since she was a little girl. It was located in the perfect vicinity between Manhattan and Brooklyn, between both of her worlds.

"This was a great idea, guys," Rufus said, picking up a menu. "I needed some family time. Let's order."

Jenny shot a glance at her brother, who discreetly shook his head. Needing to buy more time before the others arrived, she quickly blurted, "Uh, no. I'm still deciding."

"Jenny, you've been eating the same thing here since you were eleven," Rufus pointed out before eyeing her suspiciously. "What's going on?"

Luckily enough for Jenny, she didn't need to answer for the others had arrived just in time.

"If KC is texting you, you should go," Lily's voice rang out, clear as day.

"I will in a minute," came Serena's reply.

The Humphrey's all glanced up from their menus. Jenny noticed her father watching Lily with a pained expression.

"Well, the three of us can do a family lunch any time. Some other -" Lily trailed off once she caught sight of Rufus.

"You're kidding."

"I knew I let you kids watch the Parent Trap one too many times," Rufus muttered under his breath.

Dan ignored his father's sarcasm and said, "It's time for you to talk."

"You love each other!" Eric insisted to his mother.

"And it's not Rufus' fault that I made the decision not to go Brown," Serena chimed in.

Jenny gave both adults a pleading look and asked, "Can you please sit down? For us?"

It seemed their tag-team efforts had worked. The corners of Lily's mouth turned upwards as she admitted, "Well, I do love the Bolognese here."

As the adults sat down, the children walked away, smiling at each other.

"We make a good team," Eric announced, giving Jenny a high-five which she happily returned.

"Yeah we do. I can't believe that actually worked," Dan said, grinning at his co-conspirators.

Serena smirked, "I know, I'm a genius."


Things were looking up. Rufus and Lily were getting married that very day and no one could be any happier.

"Oh, Jenny, it's gorgeous," Lily exclaimed, staring at herself in the mirror. She wore a custom made pearly purple dress that her soon to be step-daughter had designed in such short notice.

"Thanks," Jenny replied with a smile, making some final alterations to the dress. When she was done, she took a deep breath and gazed at the woman in front of her.

"You know, Lily, it wasn't easy for me when my parents split up. And, uh, it was even harder when I realised my dad was in love with someone else," she paused, thinking her words carefully. It was so much easier in her head than having to say it out loud.

"But the truth it, I've never seen him happier than he is with you," she finished sincerely. Through the mirror, Lily's eyes met hers as she flashed her a grin.

"That is so sweet," she said, giving Jenny a kiss on the cheek.

"I can't wait for you to hear his vows. They're all about your future together, and … I don't wanna spoil them, but they're really beautiful."

Unaware of the inner turmoil Lily was currently facing, Jenny glanced at the clock. "I'm gonna go. You look amazing. See you out there."

Giddy with excitement, Jenny went to look for her brother and Vanessa. She was really looking forward to having Lily as a stepmother.


"Hey, Humphrey."

Jenny turned around only to find a certain poofy-haired brunette, in a purple suit, standing in front of her. She folded her arms across her chest and gazed at him warily.

"What do you want, Chuck?"

He gave her one of his weird smiles that wasn't genuine in the slightest. "Nothing," he said in an even tone. "I'm just bored."

She quirked a brow and said, "That's not my problem. Where's your other half? Surely she should be the one to entertain you."

"Blair's currently sniffing around Nate's latest toy, trying to find out any juice that she can report back to him," he said with a roll of his eyes.

"Then why don't you join her?" she pressed.

Chuck straightened his back. "I already know everything I need to," he answered back. He pointed to the bouquet she was holding. "Nice flowers, by the way."

"Thanks," she said, slightly confused by his attitude. She wondered why he was talking to her when there were loads of other people available. For instance, Eric and Dan were standing not too far away, engaged in a casual conversation that he could have easily joined. This was further proven when Georgina Sparks came marching up to Dan, capturing everyone's attention.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," she said, running a hand over Dan's shoulders.

Jenny watched on in confusion as her brother grabbed Georgina by the arms before steering her away. Eric moved closer to where she stood with Chuck, and no sooner were they joined by Serena.

"What is that psycho doing here?" Chuck asked, eyeing the back of Georgina's head in contempt.

"I have no idea, but I'm going to find out," Serena said before striding over to Dan.


The moment was finally here. The choir played the bride's chorus, the guests were all seated and Jenny stood at the altar with her brother and soon to be step-siblings. Within a few minutes, her father would marry Lily and they would all become the family they were always meant to be.

Things, however, didn't go according to plan. Instead of a bride and groom, there was an awkward pause.

Serena was quick to step forward and smooth things over. "Uh, I'm sorry, everyone. There's been a slight delay. Uh…"

At the sight of Georgina walking towards them, she trailed off.

"...I'm sure there's just a tear in her hem or something. I'll check and I'll be right back," Serena finished, right before following Georgina into the canopy of trees. Jenny, Eric, Dan, Chuck and Blair all followed suit.


Spotting their parents, the group hurried over towards them. Jenny noticed Scott storm away in the opposite direction. What on earth was going on?

Her question was eventually answered by Georgina of all people, who had exposed Scott as the love child of Lily and Rufus.

"Congratulations, it's a boy," the girl said haughtily before scurrying off.

No one chased after her. Instead, they all stared around, wide-eyed. It couldn't possibly be true, Jenny thought. Surely she would know if she had another brother in such close proximity to her.

But when she glanced over at Dan, she saw the guilt etched across his face, and suddenly she knew that Georgina had been telling the truth.


"Dan," Jenny said, taking a seat next to her big brother. "Why didn't you tell me about Scott?"

Dan shifted uncomfortably in his seat. With a sigh, he said, "I only just found out yesterday. With the way things were going, I thought it was best to wait until after the wedding."

She nodded, understanding where he was coming from. "It's just so hard for me to wrap my head around. We have another brother."

"I know," Dan said. "It's sad to think we've spent all our lives up until this point not knowing he even existed."

"And all his life he's been searching for his biological family," Jenny pointed out glumly. "I just hope Dad and Lily find him in time."

"Me too."

In a very Dan-like move, he placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

"At least I have you, Jen."


Jenny watched with a smile as her father and Lily read their vows in the loft. It really was as beautiful as she had imagined.

Standing next to Dan, the two were engulfed in a bear hug by their father. "I love you guys," he said affectionately.

"We love you too, Dad."

Next, came a hug from Eric.

"We're finally step-siblings!" he exclaimed happily and she laughed harder than she had all week.

The duo decided to look for their half-brother, and found him talking to Dan.

"See, I told you," Jenny said, pointing to Scott, who looked confused. "He has my nose."

"Uh, maybe, but those are my eyebrows," Eric shot back.

Chuckling, Jenny turned back to Scott, who seemed amused by their banter. "So, Scott. What do you think about board games?"

"Love them," he answered without hesitation.

Dan snickered. "Oh, he's definitely one of us."


The night was filled with festivities, dancing and laughter. Jenny danced with her father, Dan, Eric and even Scott. After talking to her half-brother for a while, she had to admit, he was a pretty cool guy. Too bad he had to return to Boston the following day. But he promised to visit soon and she held onto that. Jenny wanted to get to know him more after missing out for several years.

After tonight, she had felt closer to her family than she had in awhile.

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To the guest who left a review yesterday, thank you, I really appreciate it! And I agree with everything you said, I really do think Chuck and Blair played a major role in shaping Jenny into who she became. And yes, I cannot wait to write about Jenny and Eric breaking boundaries within the social hierarchy, it's going to be so much fun!