CHAPTER TEN
LET THE BIDDING BEGIN
"i've never seen a diamond in the flesh"
˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

Hey, upper east siders,
it's that time of year again,
when the mere act of descending a staircase means you're a woman.
that's right —debutante season.
and from what we hear,
there's been some changes in the lineup. . .

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

Amelia's life could be considered as pretty uneventful, especially compare to that of the wealthy elite of the upper east side. But her life had never felt more dull in comparison than when she heard what had happened during thanksgiving dinner at the Humphrey loft. Get this; Lily Van Der Woodsen ( Serena's mom ) and Rufus used to date. Like, date date. Jenny had made the joke that Eric had 'Rufus looking roots' in his hair, several time, finding the entire ordeal slightly amusing. Serena and Dan were panicking, naturally enough wondering where this even left their relationship. Luckily they didn't share a sibling, now that would certainly put a toll on any relationship.

Amelia was sat with wide eyes as Jenny and Dan told the entire story in detail. Somehow even Blair had ended up at the dinner, happy to have someone else's family more screwed up than her own. Oh, and when the news broke of Lily and Rufus' past. . . entanglement, Alison was sitting right infront of them, realizing just how stupid she was to ever think Rufus had completely forgot all about his first love. Despite having rather unconventional parents, Amelia was eternally greatful they didn't complicate her life with stories of their youth. Quite frankly Amelia didn't want to imagine her parents having dated anyone other than each other, let alone to know who they had been messing around with before.

Amelia pitied her dear Humphrey friends, hoping the dust would settle soon for the siblings. With Alison having decided that she was staying after all, Jenny was over the moon. Dan? Well, he was a tad bit more hesitant about her decision to stay. It wasn't that he didn't want his mother at home with the family, of course he wanted that. But he was scared that somehow either one of his parents would screw things up again, hurting not only eachother but their children in the process. Dan, with the encouragement of Amelia, had realized that either way both he and Jenny needed their mom around. Especially Jenny at her age.

Amelia was currently dragging her feet against the concrete in protest. Jenny was dragging her to this debutant thing, and in turn Amelia was dragging Dan along. Besides, he would give any opportunity to see Serena, and she had promised to meet him there. Now, for those who don't know, debutant season was according to some every young girl's dream. The moment when you officially entered womanhood, and got presented to society gracefully. Amelia's parents really hated the old tradition, claiming it to be outdated and outright misogynistic. Amelia on the other hand really didn't have any opinions on the matter. She could see both upsides and downsides to the whole thing, the upside being wearing a pretty dress and dancing with a cute boy all night.

Jenny couldn't stop gushing the entire trip to the destination about how wonderful it all was, and how she couldn't wait for her own cotillion. "I don't understand why you don't get this, okay? A debutante ball is all a girl could ask for. It's gorgeous and formal and totally legendary." The blonde had a wide smile spread on her lips as she spoke about the event. Amelia couldn't help but to smile at Jenny's happiness.

     Dan on the other hand? Well, he appeared to be ready to squash it.

     "Don't forget out of touch and totally classist." The boy added rather somberly.

     Jenny rolled her at her older brother. "And if that's how you feel, then why are you even going?" She sassily questioned.

     "I'm not going and neither is Serena, actually." Dan revealed. "I'm just going to meet her grandmother to make a good impression, and, uh, take off before I put my foot in my mouth, like I usually do."

     Amelia chuckled at her friend, patting him on the back. "And I'll be there to make sure you don't either." The Hopper girl assured as the three entered the doors. The room was packed with people either there to dance, observe or to teach the dances. Amelia recognized a few from her school, but none spared her a second glance.

     Having been spotted with Nate hadn't been as bad as she initially thought it would be. At first when she returned to school, a few glances and snide comments were made, but nothing she couldn't handle. And after a couple of days some other news broke and everyone was moving on, fortunately. Jenny had made sure to squeeze as much information about her alleged relationship with Nate as she could, but Amelia wouldn't budge. She refused to even acknowledge it, and after a while both Dan and Jenny backed off. The only person Amelia was scared of running into now was Blair. She wasn't sure how the mean girl had reacted to the news, and quite frankly she didn't want to find out either. So whenever there was the tiniest of chances that she could run into the Waldorf, she would scurry off in the opposite direction.

     Amelia hadn't really spoken to Julian since thanksgiving. The more time passed the more weird she found the entire day. She had bumped into Nate and successfully managed to dodge him, only to walk directly into spending the day with another male, rich upper east sider. And while he did get on her nerves and certainly was a douchebag, Amelia had enjoyed his company. It confused her, all of it. And she was trying her best not to think about any of it. She instead attempted to focus her attention on school, but unfortunately for her Jenny just wouldn't drop the fact that Amelia had hung out with Julian freaking Murdoch just like that. Jenny didn't relent as easily as she had with the entire Nate and gossip girl situation, so Amelia was forced to listen to Jenny gush about Julian at every godforsaken second of the day.

     To put it mildly, Amelia was growing sick of it. Even without being in her presence, Julian managed to get on her last nerve. It really irked the brunette.

"You're here! I'm so glad." Serena's bright presence blessed the three as soon as they entered, a gleeful smile planted on her lips. Not to throw any shade at the Humphrey boy, but Amelia couldn't help but to wonder how he had landed someone like Serena. She was so vibrant and charming, while Dan was more of the sulky type. "I can't wait for you to meet my grandma cece. You're just gonna love her." Amelia thoroughly enjoyed the blonde's warming presence. It was no wonder the girl was so popular, there was just something so naturally comfortable about hanging around her.

     Dan shifted awkwardly, smiling at his girlfriend. "I'm sure I will."

     Ending a phone call, Lily Van a Der Woodsen halted infront of the group off teens. "Dan, Jenny. Good to see you." Lily paused, her eyes moving on to the brunette. "And you must be Amelia. Nice to formally meet you."

     "Nice to meet you too, Ms. Van Der Woodsen." Amelia politely greeted the older woman. They have had a total of two encounters, and while they kind of had been introduced that one time at the Palace, the two didn't really feel like they had gotten a proper one.

     "Oh, hey, Jenny, Bunny, what are you two doing here?" Serena queried, not having noticed the two next to Dan before now.

     Before Jenny could announce her admiration for the debutant ball, Dan replied. "Oh, she loves these things, apparently."

     Lily smiled warmly at the blonde Humphrey. "Well, I wish serena did. It would make my life a whole lot easier." Amelia arched a brow, sensing tension.

     Serena rolled her eyes. "My grandma was the chairwoman for this event for 15 years, and now the committee's asked my mom to join." The girl explained.

     "And my daughter could not wait to go for ten years, and then suddenly, she's not even coming." Lily continued rambling. After that Amelia pretty much tuned them all out, and when they were all too busy conversing amongst themselves, she slipped away to check out the snack table.

     The ridiculously small foods did have some practicality to them at times, especially when sneaking them into ones purse to save for later. Making sure no one was looking, Amelia shoved a dozen of them into her purse, making sure to pop one into her mouth.

     "You know those are for the debutants and their escorts, right?" Amelia froze at the sound of the deep voice, realizing that she had been busted. She spun around eyes falling on Julian merely a few feet away from her.

     "Yes I do know that. That's why I'm taking some." Amelia swiftly lied, proud that she had thought so quick on her feet.

     "Oh really? You're a debutant this season?" Julian questioned, a smirk playing on his lips.

     Amelia nodded confidently. "You bet your ass I am."

     "Who's your escort then."

     "What?"

     "Your escort. You know every debutant has an escort, right?" Julian chuckled, one brow arched at the brunette.

     "Of course I know. I'm a debutant, duh." Julian motioned for her to go on. "Escort, erm, you wouldn't know him."

     Julian tilted his head. "I know everyone. Try me." He challenged.

     Amelia chewed on the inside of her cheek, considering coming clean about the lie. Before she could, a certain blonde upper east sider was at her side.

     "You're a debutant this season? Oh my god, I didn't even know you cared about this stuff!" Serena grinned widely at the brunette. She had desperately wanted to get to know the Hopper girl better, maybe she could use this as an excuse. "Do you have an escort yet? You know, I heard a rumour Carter Baizen is available this season, I'll just make a quick call and you've got yourself—"

     "She already has an escort." Julian interrupted the Van Der Woodsen, reminding her of his presence.

     "Oh, Julian hey. Eh, you're Amelia's escort?" Amelia's eyes widened, her glance shifting desperately between the two blondes.

     "Hey, Serena, Amelia. . . Julian." As if the situation needed another person, Nate entered the equation. This rehearsal thing was turning into a disaster. He glanced between the three, his eyes lingering on the brunette. He hadn't spoken to her since what happened at thanksgiving.

     Lately Nate had been too busy dealing with family stuff to focus on anything else, but somehow Blair Waldorf wouldn't stop plaguing his mind. There was something. . . different about her recently. She this glow to her or something. At the same time he couldn't help to wonder what a sweet Brooklyn baby like Amelia was doing hanging out with someone like Julian. It irked him for reasons unbeknownst to him. All he knew was that it just didn't sit right with him.

     Before Amelia could interfere with the events unfolding right infront of her face, Julian opened his mouth. "Yeah. I'm escorting her at her debut." He confirmed, sealing Amelia's fate. The girl had to resist the urge to grab the closest sharp object and stabbing herself in the eye. Not only did she have to attend this ball, but Julian was was her escort.

     Great, just great. Amelia made the mental note to never ever steal food again, and to especially not lie about it.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

Serena Van Der Woodsen,
looks like your invitation just arrived. . . with strings attached.
Oh, and a little birdie told me that our
Brooklyn baby is making her debut this Sunday as well.
Get out your popcorn people,
cause this is sure to be one for the centuries.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

     When Amelia had sealed her fate and made sure her Sunday would be spent making her debut to society, she had no idea just how much work it would be. Serena and Jenny was working overtime to make sure the brunette knew the dances, and the correct etiquettes. In all honestly she figured the most she would have to do was to put on a pretty dress and dance a little. This plan did rest entirely on Julian's claim that he was a strong lead, a claim he had made at the masquerade ball. Hopefully he was a strong enough lead to conceal the fact that Amelia was completely and utterly hopeless on the dance floor. Shockingly enough, Dan was a lot of help too.

     Serena's grandmother had been quite convincing, and made Serena change her mind about not attending the ball as a debutant. Currently, Amelia was sitting in the Waldorf penthouse listening to Serena's grandmother go on and on about this Carter Baizen guy, and he was going on and on about his recent adventures. Amelia found her whole ordeal horribly boring. To her, Cece Rhodes game was painfully obvious. She wanted to flaunt Carter in Serena's face to ensure he was her escort, not Dan. Dan sat by Serena's side, his hand in hers. He was very visibly agitated by the entire thing too, but held his tongue shockingly enough. Amelia was proud of his restraint.

     Carter Baizen was one of gossip girl's favorite men, she even had a map dedicated to the handsome boy on her website. Amelia had done a background check on him as soon as Serena had mentioned him, and boy was there a lot of stuff. She was almost impressed by the amount of things and adventures he had been on, if it hadn't been for his terrible arrogance stinking up the entire place.

     "—and I also  went pheasant hunting with the sheikh while I was there." Amelia tuned into the conversation just in time for yet another 'humble brag' coming from the Baizen boy. She remained unimpressed by the blue eyed boy, her focus shifting over to another pair blue eyes.

Julian was just as bored as she was. Carter Baizen was way more fun when he snuck Julian the alcohol he had stolen from his parents, or sold him his first ever joint. The Baizen had certainly dulled recently. The Murdoch boy was already staring at Amelia when her eyes fell on him. He grinned, happy about the fact that he had tricked her into letting him escort her to the debutant ball. Julian could tell it irked her, and she made sure to give him a piece of her mind at the rehearsal. It only amused him. Excusing himself from the conversation, the blonde boy motioned for Amelia to follow him towards the exit of the penthouse, having brough a gift for her.

"What, pheasant hunting isn't the most exciting topic you've ever discussed before?" Amelia joked as they were out of earshot. After the initial annoyance of having to attend the debutant ball with Julian had settled, she found herself slightly looking forward to spending the Sunday night in his company. Though she would never admit it out loud, she found him more fun to hang around than expected.

He felt the same way.

Which was why he was currently shoving a big box with a bow on it into her hands. "What is this?" Amelia questioned, confusion clouding her face.

"What does it look like, Brooklyn baby? It's a present." The boy stated matter of factly.

Amelia struck a grimace at the nickname gossip girl had given her. "Why?"

"I figured I had to make up for being such a menace to you. Now shut up and open it." Amelia obliged, carelessly throwing the box open. Her mouth fell agape at the sight inside the box.

"There's no way I'm—"

"Let me sto you right there. Consider it a loan, you'll return it after the ball. I'm sure you understand that if I'm going be your escort, I need you to uphold a certain image. Wear the dress, return it, we both win." Julian made up an excuse as to why he had gifted the girl with such a lavish and expensive gift.

For once, Amelia refrained from making any further comments, simply smiling and nodding.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

Spotted: Nate Archibald learning you don't know a good thing
till it's gone and found someone else.
This just in— we hear there's a cold war brewing
between lonely boy and a certain blue blood.
But our money's on Brooklyn for the win.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

     Standing in a dress worth ten times as much as Amelia's apartment made her feel uneasy. She didn't really care that Julian had enough money for a hundred of these dresses, or that he had gifted it for her and it was hers to do whatever. Amelia was very much scared shitless that she'd somehow manage to either spill something in the expensive dress, or that she'd manage to ruin it somehow. The brunette was dead set on making it through the night unscaved so that she could return the dress to the Murdoch and thus return to not being indebted to him. Of course she greatly appreciated the gift, but it was just entirely too much.

But she was trying to remain as happy as she could possibly manage throughout the night, which started by being greatful to be wearing such a stunning dress as the one she was currently cladded in. Jenny and shockingly enough Vanessa had did quite the nice job doing her hair, and Amelia had happily done her makeup. It wasn't anything special, considering she heavily lacked talent in the makeup department, but it was enough to make her look presentable.

     Drama had been filling the Humphrey loft lately, Jenny being the reason. Now that Alison was back, things where different. Jenny felt stupid for assuming everything would go back to normal after her mother's return. The only thing the blonde wanted to do was to attend the debutant ball and watch one of her best friend's debut, but no matter what she said or tried, Alison wouldn't budge. It just happened that the opening of the art gallery she and Rufus had been working on was opening at the very same night and according to her parents the Humphreys showed up for family. Of course Jenny wanted to support her mom, but was it really that big of deal she just arrived a little late?

     Jenny had originally decided she would go to the opening and support her mom, that is until she found out that Dan was going to the debutant after all. How was it fair that her brother got out of the art opening, but Jenny got grounded for even suggesting it. Therefore she was currently sneaking out, tagging along with Amelia to the debutant ball. As far as Amelia knew, Rufus and Alison had changed their minds and allowed the blonde to go. At least that was what Jenny had told her.

     "You nervous?" Jenny questioned. She was wearing one of her own designs, which was a pretty dress, but she couldn't hide her admiration for the dress clinging to Amelia's body. Maybe there was a slight bit of jealousy there as well. Over night the Hopper girl had went from boring book girl to hanging out with Nate Archibald and Julian Murdoch, and was now going to be a debutant. She was even on gossip girl! Jenny loved her friend dearly of course, but she couldn't help envying her sudden surge in popularity.

     "Are you kidding me? I'm about to sweat right though this dress. I don't know how I even got myself into this situation in the first place! I mean, me dancing infront of a bunch of strangers to show off? No thank you. And I'm willing to bet that I'll trip and break my neck going down the stairs." Amelia rambled nervously, the train of thoughts in her head pouring out.

     Jenny chuckled at the rather spastic girl. "Calm down. You're gonna look great and you're going to do great. I'll be there the entire time. Besides, if you trip I'm sure Julian will catch you. At the very least you'll be put out of your misery if you do break your neck."

     Amelia laughed. "Good point, very good point."

     As soon as the two stepped into the ballroom Amelia could feel the strong urge to turn around and run, but before she got the chance to, Serena spotted her. "Amelia, you're here!" The blonde squealed happily, rushing over to the brunette. "And you look great! That dress is stunning on you!" Amelia appreciated the compliment, especially from Serena. The blonde was dressed in a gorgeous golden gown, stunning enough to turn everyone's eye. Her confidence radiated off of her as she sported the dress. Amelia found herself hoping the confidence would run off on her. "Come on, we have to get ready."

     The blonde pulled Amelia from Jenny, heading towards the stairs where everyone else was getting ready for their debut. Amelia could feel her palms sweat, resisting the urge to wipe them on her dress. What made the brunette even more nervous? The fact that Serena was pulling her towards Blair. The Hopper girl stared at the ground as soon as they halted infront of Blair. The Waldorf opened her mouth to speak, for was fortunately cut off by a woman approaching.

     "Serena, uh, miss Erich needs to know how to pronounce that word in your presentation statement." The woman handed Serena a note. "I assume it's a family name." Serena stared at the note, disbelief washing over her the more she read.

     Stepping up behind her was Carter Baizen, immediately sensing the tension. "Hey beautiful. What's wrong?"

     Serena scoffed. "I didn't write this, my mother did. 'Serena hopes to continue to
live on the upper east side, devote her life to volunteering for the nature conservancy, and junior league and have two wonderful children'." Serena read from the note, annoyance laced in her words.

     "Let me see that." Carter swiftly took the note from her, pulling out a pen.

     "Hey, you look stunning." Julian grinned knowingly as he approached Amelia, enjoying the fact that she was wearing a dress he had supplied her with. The Hopper girl smiled in response.

     Approaching the group was a rather agitated Nate Archibald. Thanks to Chuck, he had gotten it in his head that Carter was sleeping with Blair, and it was making his blood boil. Not to mention the fact that Amelia and him still hadn't talked. Their small 'friendship' was short lived, but he desperately longed to talk to someone other than Chuck, someone who understood him. But instead she was making friends with Julian Murdoch of all people. This night was really getting in his nerves.

     The golden boy brushed past Carter, making sure to whisper something in his ear. Then he moved along, doing the same to Julian. The Murdoch shot the Archibald a dirty look, the entire incident sliding by unnoticed by Amelia.

     "Hello and welcome to the annual dispensary cotillion and debutante ball." Amelia could feel her stomach doing flips as she and Julian got into position. It was time. "Katia farkas, daughter of Jonathan and Rose Farkas, escorted by Richard North, hopes to major in neuroscience and will continue her family's legacy as supporters of the new york public library and lincoln center." Kati made her debut with her escort, gracefully walking down the stairs. Amelia took a deep breath, praying that she wouldn't trip. "Blair Cornelia Waldorf, daughter of Harold and Eleanor Waldorf, escorted by Nathaniel Archibald, plans to be a member of yale's class of 2013. She will continue to summer in southampton and volunteer her time to children's charities."

     Upon hearing Blair and Kati's presentation, Amelia was beginning to realize just how ridiculous it was for her to even be there. No one knew her parents, and she didn't even know what she wanted her future to look like. "And now I'd like to present Serena Celia Van Der Woodsen,  daughter of committee member Lilian Van Der Woodsen, granddaughter of chairwoman emeritus, Celia Catherine Rhodes, escorted by Carter Baizen. Miss Van Der Woodsen hopes to bed as many billionaires as she can before settling down to—oh, my god—sorry."

     A gasp went through the crowd as Serena's presentation got read out loud, the girl herself simply laughing at what Carter had read. Amelia was eternally greatful; the scene had lifted the tension off of her. "Amelia Hopper, daughter of Allen and Miriam Hopper, escorted by Julian Murdoch, plans to be a member of Princenton's class of 2013. Miss Hopper hopes to devote her summers teaching children in South Asia english." Amelia could feel Julian squeeze her hand, noting her anxiety. They looked eyes and Amelia could feel herself calm down. They stepped down the stairs, Amelia making sure not to trip, and soon enough the worst part was over with. Now all she needed to do was to get through that stupid dance.

"Miss Isabel Coates, presented by Raymond North,daughter of Arthur and Iris Coates—" The Hopper girl tuned out the presentation of the next girl, instead letting Julian escort her to the dance floor.

Once the dance started, Amelia focused all her energy on moving gracefully along the floor, greatful that Julian was indeed a strong lead. "I guess you're more of an honest guy then I thought you were."

"What do you mean?" Julian queried, leading the girl to the beat of the music.

"You're a strong lead." She reminded him. He grinned widely.

"Guess you'll just have to believe everything I say from here on out." Julian teased.

Amelia rolled her eyes. "Easy there now. Baby steps."

Suddenly Julian and herself got parted, the couple switching dance partners. Carter Baizen grabbed Amelia's hands, his bright blue eyes peering down at the brunette. "I don't think we've been formally introduced yet. You were at the Waldorf's the other day, right? I'm Carter."

"Amelia." The girl replied shortly.

"I don't feel like I've seen you around before." The Baizen stated, hoping to learn more about the girl.

"I don't feel like I've seen you around either." The girl quipped, earning a chuckle from him.

"You're not too easy to get to know." He observed.

The girl shrugged as she let him lead the dance. "I'm an enigma." Amelia joked, earning her another chuckle from the Baizen.

Soon enough it was time to switch partners again, and none other than Nate Archibald grabbed her hands. Amelia glanced up at the golden boy, noticing how visibly tense he was. Her brows knitted up in confusion. "Nate, are you okay?" His eyes were glued onto someone else. The Hopper girl followed his gaze, her eyes landing onCarter and Blair, and before Amelia had the chance to react, Nate dropped her hands, charging right at the Baizen. Her eyes widened at the sight.

"Nate what are you doing?" Blair exclaimed as the boy pulled Carter from Blair.

"She's my girlfriend!" The Archibald yelled, throwing a punch square in Carter's jaw. Amelia's jaw almost dropped open at the sight, not having expected the Archibald to attack Carter. Yelling and commotion immediately followed the punch, Nate being dragged off as well as Carter, Blair wailing about her nor ripped dress. The only one who didn't seem distraught was Chuck Bass. Infact, he was grinning ear to ear, finding the whole ordeal amusing.

"Hey, do you want to get out of here?" Julian landed a hand on Amelia's back. She nodded, letting him pull her off the dance floor and towards the exit. Just as they were about to leave, Amelia spotted Nate. The security told him too cool of, leavin him to calm down on his own. Just as he was about to, his eyes fell on Amelia and Julian leaving.

"Hold up, Amelia!" Nate called out for the girl, making his way up to the duo. "What, are you leaving with him? Bunny come on. You can't be serious."

Julian stepped infront of the girl, eyes locked on the golden boy. "You got a problem, Archibald?"

Nate glared back at the Murdoch. "She's not leaving here with you. Don't you think I know exactly what your up to, Murdoch? It's not happening." The Archibald barked at the blonde.

"What are talking about?" Amelia questioned, growing impatient of Nate's behavior.

"Look you might not see it, but guys like Julian are only in it for one thing—"

"Okay and? Have it ever occurred to you that I might be in it for only one thing? Quite frankly Nate, it's none of your business. We're not friends, I don't need you playing big brother or whatever. So unless you're going to throw yet another punch and create another scene, we're leaving." Amelia brushed past the Archibald, directly headed towards the exit.

Julian smirked at the golden boy. "You heard the girl. Now why don't you go back to your girl, Archibald, and mind your business."

With that, Nate was left standing by himself, watching Amelia and Julian disappeared out of sight, wondering why even did care to begin with.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

It's often said that no matter the truth, people see what they want to see.
Some people might take a step back
and find out they were looking at the same big picture all along.
Some people might see that their lies have almost caught up to them.
Some people may see what was there all along.
And then there are those other people
—the ones who run as far as they can
so they don't have to look at themselves.
and as for me? I can see clearly now.
x.o.x.o., gossip girl.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

word count; 5103
a/n

this was quite the interesting chapter to write. don't know if u guys notice or care, but i do see a lot of books and authors who tend to go with the whole 'i'm a book loving nerd who hates everything girly and the debutant ball is the worst' thing for their female oc, and though at times that does fit the oc's personality, i didn't want to go the usual route with amelia. besides, i really love the debutant ball on gossip girl it's always so fun and entertaining, so why the hell not make my girl a debutant ? hope u enjoyed this chapter, stay tuned for more.

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