CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
GHOST OF THE PAST
"when i'm away from you
i'm happier than ever"
˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

In our modern age, when you can call someone and can't find them,
you can pretty much be sure they'll get the message.
But if they don't call you back, it usually means they don't want to be found.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

     One kiss is all it takes, apparently.

     At the start of this school year, the only person Amelia really had kissed was her former boyfriend Devon. Now? Well now she had kissed not one but two wealthy upper east siders who also happened to be ridiculously good looking. Julian had kissed before Jenny's upper west party had gone to shit. It had been short lived, especially considering how the girl ran out on the boy. She hadn't seen him since, thank god. Amelia had made sure to avoid both him and the Archibald for the time being. She was facing a dilemma. Which one was the better option?

     On one side, Nate was the perfect boyfriend on paper. He was romantic, charismatic, charming. He knew how to woo a girl, that's for sure. But after witnessing everything that had gone down between him, Blair and Serena, Amelia was questioning if he really was a good guy. Then again, they had so much fun together. Everytime Amelia found herself in his company, a smile coated her lips. Laughter filled the air. Nate was comfortable, he felt safe. And after everything with Devon, she needed safety.

     Julian was completely different. He was guarded and a complete piece of work. He scarcely ever let on who he really was. Instead, he hid behind his arrogant and cocky persona. He kept pestering and nagging her at the worst times, and sometimes he made the brunette want to scream into a pillow in frustration. But oh my was he attractive. Amelia was almost scared to meet his eye in fear that he'd decipher her filthy thoughts. After everything Serena and Blair specifically had planted in her head, she just couldn't look at the Murdoch boy the same way anymore. And he was so damn tall. And lean. And charming.

     Amelia shook her head, putting her thoughts to a halt. The last thing she needed to be doing right now was daydreaming over either one of the boys. She needed to make a desicion, because there was no way in hell she'd ever two time them the same way Devon had done to her. Even if her and Nate wasn't anything serious, it felt wrong pretending like nothing had happened between her and Julian. Yes, Julian had made the move to kiss her, and she hadn't reciprocated. But looking back she couldn't admit to hating it either. Which was why she was intending to tell Nate before anyone else had the chance to ( the truth always did have an odd way of coming out, but especially much so with gossip girl around ). Amelia wanted to get ahead of the story, but before she could, she needed to sort out her thoughts.

     Amelia's parents were fortunately planning to leave this evening. It had actually been nice to have them around, despite the incredibly tight packed apartment of hers. Everytime she got home the fridge was stocked, and dinner was ready and served. And no one made comfort foods quite like her dad. Besides, it was nice to have someone to rant about her problems to that wasn't a fictional character or Dan. The only thing annoying about ranting to her parents was the unwanted and unconventional piece of advice she'd receive in return. They always hit her with a 'if you just drop everything and come live like us, you wouldn't have these kinds of problems'. Amelia simply tuned them out when they spoke their piece.

     "And here I thought I had your schedule memorized." Amelia's mouth fell open in suprise when her eyes fell on him. His hair was the same striking blonde shade, and his eyes just as blue. He was leaning up against the entrance of her favorite coffee shop when he announced his presence. Amelia was stopping by to grab a hot chocolate on her way to work. The last thing she had expected to see was him.

     "Stranger danger." The girl flatly responded. Devon rolled his eyes as he pushed off the wall, following after her.

     "Wow, am I nothing but a stranger to you anymore? What about evening we shared." Amelia got in line at the cashier as her ex spoke.

     "Cut the crap. Why are you terrorizing me?" Amelia spat venomously. She was in no mood for bullshit, especially for him. Seeing him felt odd after all of these months. The last time she had seen him was the night they had to pull Jenny from that club, and Amelia had seen him by chance as she passed by. Somehow he looked exactly the same while at the same time not. He still carried himself with arrogance, his sly grin on display. His hair was a bit more messy than before. He usually always styled it to perfection, but here he was rocking the no product look. Amelia forced herself to look away from him, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of catching her staring.

     "I'm checking up on you. Figured you must've cooled down for now." He shrugged, shoving his hands into the pocket of his hoodie. Amelia rolled her eyes. His mere presence reminded her precisely of why she and cut him off to begin with. To him, the entire break up was an overreaction on her part. Overreaction or not, Amelia had absolutely no intention of giving him a second chance.

     The Hopper girl thanked the cashier as she got handed her drink, briskly brushing last Devon to continue on her merry way to work. She had hoped he took her hostility as a hint, but alas he didn't. Instead he trailed behind her like toilet paper stuck to a shoe.

"Ah, see, I know what this is because I know you. I hurt you, I get it. You're giving me the cold shoulder, I deserve it. But give a few weeks of me nagging you, and you'll come around." Devon boasted on. The statement made the brunette reeled around in anger. She slammed her finger into his chest, rage burning in her eyes.

"I'm not just hurt, Devon, and I won't come around. This is not like any of the other times. You fucked up, and I'm done with you. We are never, and get this through your head, ever getting back together." She yelled, neverminding the bypassing people. "Now leave me alone!"

Taken aback by her outburst, Devon remained stuck to the ground. He watched her storm away from him. The boy was beginning to realize that after all this time, getting back in her good graces wouldn't be so easy. . .

The girl practically stomped on the pavement as she headed to work. The mere sight of the boy sent her heart thumping in rage and blood boiling. How dare he show up like that? Even more so, how dare he talk to her like that. What, did he think showing up with that stupid grin of his would have her swooning? All forgiven and forgotten? It really, really set Amelia off.

And unfortunately for her, someone had managed to snap a picture of the two at the coffee shop, and Gossip Girl would have field day with this one. . .

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

It appears our Brooklyn baby has quite the type; first Julian, then our very own golden boy, and now this mystery hottie? Thanks for the tip, Abby_96. I'll let you guys run ramped with this one. I've got a feeling this one's gonna spark my type of dish. . . drama. Hopefully served steaming hot.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

Amelia was at work when she read the blast.

     Five hours into the shift she got her ten minute break in. Despite popular belief, working at a nursery home wasn't all slow and boring. Some days, like this one, we're very busy, and Amelia had been running around the entire shift. Which is why she hadn't seen the blast nor the numerous text messages she had received during that time. Dan had seen the post, and it led to him allowing text messages to hail down upon her. He was stunned, to put it lightly. Was Amelia really back with Devon?

     The second Amelia got off work she called Dan to explain the picture. He believed her, thankfully, but that didn't stop him from reminding her just how dirty Devon had done her. Amelia didn't need the reminder. She was very much aware of how much of a jerk her ex had been to her, and she didn't need anyone to remind her of that. Nontheless, it comforted the Humphrey boy to know that he had done his bidding in keeping his friend safe from possible heartbreak.

     Amelia arrived at her apartment to find her parents packed and ready to leave. Apparently the both of them had been saving money for a spiritual trip to Asia where they'd be spending the next few months. The Hopper girl didn't bother asking about the details, only demanding a phone call a few times a week. Her parents had happily agreed to the deal.

The Hopper girl was currently waiting for Nate to meet her at a coffee shop nearby her apartment. Guilt had been eating her up since Julian had kissed her. Despite knowing they in no way, shape or form were official or had agreed upon anything, it didn't feel right keeping the kiss from him. It had caught her by suprise, and she wouldn't have ever entered the room if she'd known that's how it would end. Amelia figured the best thing to do was to get ahead of the 'media' ( the media being Gossip Girl and all her little minions ). The truth would come out one way or another, her best bet was to get ahead of the curve.

     Her mind was still a complete mess. The whole Julian thing confused her more than it should have. Amelia had found herself enjoying their small encounters every now and then at school. And besides the whole 'itch situation', Amelia hadn't thought of their shared chit chat as anything but platonic. As well as that, she never would have imagine anyone like him or Nate would ever consider looking twice her way. Now that she was faced with these options, she didn't really know what to think.

     Hopefully this conversation with Nate would help her sort her thoughts out.

"Bunny, hey!" His voice alerted her of his presence. He was wearing a pair of slacks and a navy blue sweater. "Are you cold? Let's go inside."

"Wait." Amelia held up her hand, halting the boy. He shoot her a puzzled look. "I need to tell you something, because if I don't, I think I'm going to die of guilt." She began.

"Is this about that blast this morning? Don't worry about it, you don't have to explain—"

"It's not about that. But now that you mentioned it, that was my ex harassing me." Amelia cleared up. "Something happened. . . At Jenny and Asher's party."

Nate tilted his head in confusion. "Okay. . ?"

"I swear I didn't mean to or agree to anything, but Julian kissed me." She rushed out, averting her gaze as she prepared for yelling. Instead, laughter filled the air. Amelia looked up at the Archibald in confusion. "Wha-what's funny?"

"You're this stressed out over a kiss? We've hung out a few times, kissed twice? We're not exactly official or had any conversation concerning that. Remember what we talked about the other day? If there's anything, we'll talk about it. Like right now." His words practically made her heart melt.

     "But why do I feel so guilty?" She queried, genuinely wondering why the kiss had her freaking out this bad.

     Nate smiled down at her. "Because you're a good person. Look, I appreciate you telling me. I just broke things off with Blair, and you're stealing healing from your ex. How about we go slow and see where things go. I don't think either one of us are ready to jump into something serious. And when we feel like things might change, we'll talk. How about that?"

     Amelia felt a weight lift off of her, a smile finding its way into her face. "Yeah." She nodded. "Yes, absolutely."

     "Now, let's get you inside. I'll buy you as many hot chocolates as you want." He offered, placing a hand at the small of her back.

     "Oh Nathaniel, you know me so well."

     "Yeah well I don't want you freezing out here."

     "Freezing? Nate, it's summer. How on earth could I be freezing in this weather?"

As chance had it, the golden boy received a phone call the second he went to open the door for her. He excused himself, accepting the call. Amelia waited patiently a few feet from him. A frown fell upon his lips. "Hello? Yeah. Yeah, okay, I'll be right there." As he spoke the words, Amelia found herself frowning too.

Nate hung up on the call. "Look, I'm sorry. I gotta go. . ." He trailed off apologetically.

"So I heard." The girl replied, the creeping fear of him ditching her because of the conversation they just had getting to her.

"No, no, no. It's not what you think. It's just. . . What are you doing tonight?" He suddenly asked. Amelia shrugged.

"I was thinking of helping Rufus and Vanessa out at this Lincoln Hawk concert. I promised weeks ago I'd help with setting it up, and I kind of owe Rufus after raiding his fridge twice a week." She joked.

Nate grinned. "Can I meet you at the concert?"

"Can you be there at 7:30?" Amelia questioned.

Nate nodded. "It's a date."

Amelia arched a brow. "A date? Really?"

"A unofficial official date." He replied. The brunette girl laughed. "Text me the address."

"I will, see you tonight!"

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

Watch out. Just because you finally tell the truth
doesn't mean there won't be consequences.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

     After speaking with Nate, Amelia felt about a thousand pounds lighter. Every word he had spoken to her aides in comforting her. Her guilt had vanished at his reassurance, and somehow every negative thought in her mind had left along with it. Knowing that they could keep things simple and fun, while at the same time communicating, really helped ground her. She didn't need to stress over ever little mistake she was making, nor did she have to worry about what he was doing when she wasn't there. After Devon, Amelia didn't think it would be possible, but here she was, trusting Nate Archibald. And it felt so damn good.

     Amelia figured she owed a certain Murdoch boy an explanation too. He deserved to know why she had sprinted out on him like that. Which was why Julian was currently at the top of her list of people she wanted to talk to this very day. But she didn't have time. Between the concert and meeting Nate later on that night, she didn't have time to pencil the boy in. He did have a habit of penciling himself into her schedule, which was probably why he just happened to show up at the location of the concert when she was hauling guitars from the van and into the venue.

"Just the way I like to see you; sweating." His voice spooked her. A squeal escaped from her lips at his sudden presence.

Amelia was stunned to see Julian standing a mere few feet from here. Though she had been meaning to talk to him, she couldn't help but feel anxiety grip her. She wasn't good at these types of conversations. . . In fact, she had never had one before.

"Julian, hi. . ." The girl couldn't even feign anything but exactly what she was feeling.

"Woah, that bad, huh?" He queried, stepping closer.

"I was meaning to talk to you." The girl spoke solemnly.

"Let me stop you right there. I'm sorry." Julian spoke.

A look of suprised washed over her features. "What? That's what I was going to say. That I'm sorry for just running out on you."

"You don't have anything to apologize for. I know it's not an excuse, but I was feeling down because of— well, you know. I don't know what came over me, really." His apology felt genuine. Amelia nodded, accepting it. This and her conversation with Nate had both gone way better than she had ever expected. She wasn't about to question neither one of them, so she simply smiled at the Murdoch boy.

"I appreciate it. Thank you." The girl expressed her gratitude. "Now, what brings you down here? You're not above slumming it with the rest of us?" She joked.

"What do you mean? Eh, Lincoln Hawk is my favorite band of all time." He joked, reading the name off of Rufus' band from a flyer in Amelia's hand.

"Oh really?"

"Yes really." He retorted, pretending to receive a text. "Ah, sorry. I would love to stay, but my mom needs me at home. She doesn't see the appeal." Julian elaborated on his joke. Amelia chuckled. "I'll see you around, Bunny."

"Yeah, see you, Jules." With that, the Murdoch boy left the scene. Amelia smiled to herself. Pleased with having cleared the air with the Murdoch boy, she intend to continue hauling equipment into the venue. But a certain Abrams girl interrupted her.

"Wow, you've really gotten popular with the boys." Vanessa stepped out from behind a corner, a judgmental expression on her face. Amelia rolled her eyes.

"What's that suppose to mean?" She questioned, folding her arms over her chest.

     "Between Nate and Julian it's a miracle you have time to come down here and help us out." The dark haired girl replied. Amelia narrows her eyes at the girl.

     "Vanessa, if you've got a problem, just say it. If not, forever hold your peace." The Hopper girl spat, eyes locked on the Abrams girl. Normally, Amelia let comments like these pass in the name of keeping the peace for Dan. Right now, Amelia didn't feel like letting Vanessa get away with them anymore.

     "I don't have a problem. I just think it's weird how you have a great guy like Nate, yet you're throwing that away for some arrogant upper east sider." Vanessa shot.

     "What do you know about what I'm doing and not doing? Why do you even care?" Amelia questioned.

     Vanessa glared at the girl. "I care that you're messing around with a really nice guy."

     "What? Are you talking about Nate?" Vanessa nodded." First of all, I'm not messing around with anybody. Check your facts before making ridiculous accusations. Secondly, when did you and Nate suddenly get all buddy-buddy? Last I checked you were all 'anti anything upper east side'."

     "Last time I checked, so were you." Vanessa fired.

     "Are you in love with him or something?" Amelia accused. What was her problem? Why did she suddenly care so much about Nate?

     "No!" Vanessa quickly replied.

     "Then why do you care?" Amelia pressed on.

     "I don't. I just don't think what you're doing is okay." Vanessa stated.

     Amelia let out a dry laugh. "Quite frankly, Vanessa, I don't give a rats ass what you think. I'm done with this conversation."

     Vanessa opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted before she could. "Hey, you girls coming?" Rufus popped his head out from behind the entrance door, smiling at the two girls. Amelia nodded, pulling a guitar case along with her as she entered the building.

     What the hell was that? Amelia wracked her brain for an explanation as to why the Abrams girl had suddenly blown up on her. Her phone suddenly blared loudly, her ringtone earning a few stares. She excused herself, stepping aside to answer the phone.

     "Hey Bunny, it's me." Nate's voice flooded through the phone causing a smile to erupt on her lips.

     "Hey. You're not calling to cancel, are you?" Amelia queried. "Because waiting twenty minutes before the concert maybe isn't the best way to let a girl down."

     Nate chuckled. "No, I'm calling to let you know I may be ten minutes late because— drumroll, please— I'm actually gonna take the subway to the show!" Amelia couldn't help but to grin at the tone of his voice. He sounded so proud of himself.

     "The subway, really? Nate Archibald, man of the people!" She joked. "I am very proud of you for overcoming your crippling fear of public transportation." Amelia laughed, recalling the time she saw him in the buss a few months ago.

     Nate laughed along. "Oh, well, thank you."

     "Uh, and your name's on the list, but if you don't see me, just look for Dan and that girl Sarah. He insists on dragging her along everywhere."

     Nate paused for a moment. "Wait, Sarah's there? With Dan?"

     "Yup. You'd think Dan would be over the whole Lincoln Hawk thing after all these years, but nope. Despite his many jokes, he secretly adores them." Amelia rambled.

      "No, no, no. I'm not talking about Dan. I'm talking about Sarah." Nate corrected.

     "Oh, yes well she is friends with Dan. I have mentioned her, haven't I? Actually, maybe not. I only met her once, she seems nice. But if you ask me, I'd say a little too nice." Amelia continued her ramble.

     "Sarah is not her real name. It's Georgina." Nate interjected with a serious tone. "Serena just told us this really messed up story about her. Just do not trust anything she says, please."

     "You do realize how horribly cryptic and mysterious that sounds, right?" The girl replied in confusion.

     "Listen, I'll tell you what I can when I get there, okay?" The Archibald assured.

     Amelia pursed her lips in worry. "Okay?"

     "Okay. I'll see you soon."

     "Yeah, bye—" He hung up. Amelia pulled her phone from her ear in confusion.

     This night just kept getting weirder and weirder.

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

Spotted: Blair and Chuck, reunited to defend Serena's honor.
With friends like these, who needs armies?

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

"Vanessa."

Amelia approached the Abrams girl with a quick pace. Vanessa opened her mouth, no doubt to spit out some venomous comment. Amelia was in no mood, and quite frankly didn't have time for it. "Shut your cake hole, I have to tell you something and I need you to stop and listen." Vanessa closed her mouth, nodding. "Nate just called me and told me that Sarah isn't really Sarah."

A look of confusion washed over Vanessa's face. "What do you mean."

"Apparenlty her real name is Georgina or something, and she's got history with Serena. Now I've only met her once, but you've been hanging out with her, right?" Vanessa nodded. "Right, so could you find her and Dan and just figure out what the hell is going on?"

"I'll get on that." Vanessa confirmed.

"Thank you." Amelia did leave room for any more comments. The second she was done talking she abounded the Abrams girl to do what she had asked. Thankfully Vanessa had the decency to put their squabble to rest while they dealt with this Sarah-Georgina girl.

"Nate!" Amelia exclaimed when her eyes fell on the golden boy. Her smile faded when her eyes landed on the two standing next to him. "Blair and Chuck." Amelia looked over at the Archibald. "You brought your friends."

Blair stepped forward. "Where's Georgina?"

Nate tugged at Blair's arm. "What are you gonna do? You heard what Serena said."

"Yeah, like we care." Chuck rolled his eyes.

"Vanessa's looking for her—"

"Georgina left. Blair." Vanessa informed as she approached the four.

"Left for where?" Blair interrogated.

"I don't know, she just took off. If I could only find Dan. . . He's around here somewhere. . ." Vanessa scoffed, looking around for the boy in question.

"We should spread out and look for them." Amelia suggested.

Nate nodded, grasping her hand in his. "Yeah, I'll go with you."

     The blue eyed boy tugged her away from the crowd of people gathered to watch the show. In one swift move, he had her pinned against a wall in a secluded area backstage. Amelia looked up in suprise. "I've missed doing this." His head dipped down as he pressed his lips against hers. Her finger automatically combed through the hair the back of his head.

     He pulled away, a cheeky grin on display as he leaned his forehead against hers. "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

     "Tomorrow? No, I don't think so. Why?" Amelia wondered, her hands resting at the back of his head.

     "I kinda need a plus one to the Van Der Woodsen wedding, and I figured I owe you for completely blowing tonight." He explained.

     The Hopper girl grinned widely. "Well, you didn't blow it completely. . ."

     "Yeah?" Nate stared deeply into her eyes. "I'm looking forward to it."

     "Me too." Amelia agreed. "So, how was your first ever subway ride?"

     "About that." Nate rubbed the back of his neck, pulling away from her. "Because of this whole Georgina thing I ended up not taking the subway."

     "Well then. Now is a better time than any!" Amelia announced.

     "What do you mean?"

     "What, you weren't going to let me take the subway all by my lonesome tonight? I sure would love some company." She grinned. Nate nodded.

     "It would be my pleasure."

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

If I were you, S, I'd be worried. In the city that never sleeps,
a lot can happen in one night. . . Sweet dreams, Serena.
x.o.x.o , Gossip Girl

˚✧₊⁎*⁎⁺˳✧༚

word count; 4400
a/n

here we go, chapter seventeen finished and done ! only one more chapter to go before we're done with act one ! i'm feeling so happy, and proud and excited all at the same time while i'm also so tired and drained for working overtime to get these chapters out to you guys ! i really loved writing this book and amelia's story and i honestly cannot wait to continue her story in season two ! comment and let me now if ur team julian, team devon or team nate ! i'm  so excited for u guys to read chapter eighteen , stay tuned cuz it's coming soon ! bye for now !

Follow|Vote|Comment