CHAPTER SIX
CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
"it's impossible to ignore you"
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Long ago when European royals grew bored with palace balls, they took a page from the peons and added some pageantry. Contoure and canapés are just another saturday night, until you add a mask. But preparing for the ball is an event itself, which is why queens invented handmaidens.

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"What? You broke up?"

Amelia had finally decided to infrom the Humphrey's of her and Devon's breakup. It had scarcely been a few days, but once Jenny began talking about the boy in question, Amelia decided to be honest with them. There wasn't any particular reasoning behind not telling them, other then the fact that she wanted to process the situation before letting others know. That, and the fact that once you begin telling people, it all because oh so much real. The Hopper girl wasn't sure just how much of reality she was able to take right now, especially after seeing him with a new girl the same night of their breakup.

Speaking of that night, after Amelia and Dan had strolled on home to get to bed and Serena had gotten Eric back, Jenny had continued the shenanigans by borrowing Blair's keys to one of her mother's boutiques, breaking in and grabbing one of the jackets in display. Little did she know that the alarm system went off the second she stepped into the store, and the door locked automatically. Blair and her crew had ran away laughing as soon as it had happened, leaving scared little Jenny to figure it out herself. Shockingly enough the blonde managed to trick the police into thinking she herself was Eleanor Waldorf's daughter, and that she had only gone into the store to grab a jacket she had forgotten earlier on. Jenny had told Amelia everything upon questioning, at the promise that the brunette wouldn't tell Dan or Rufus.

Though suprised by the information, Amelia was happy for the Humphrey girl. She had not only caught the curve ball thrown her way by Blair, but she had thrown it back even harder.

"Yes, we broke up." Amelia repeated, puzzled eyes staring back at her.

"Why? What happened?" Dan queried, curious as to why the relationship had ended and why they weren't hearing about it before now.

"It doesn't matter." Amelia said, waving her hand dismissively. "All you need to know is that it's over, and that I really want those waffles." She grinned, pointing to the freshly made waffles steaming on a plate next to the waffle iron. Rufus happily sweared the girl her waffles.

"So, you're completely fine?" Doubt was evident in Rufus' voice as he inspected her face closely, looking for any sign of sadness in her eyes.

Amelia nodded. "Yup. Besides, now I have all the time I'm the world to focus on school and to figure out what I want to do with my life. I'm more than fine, actually. This is working out perfectly for me right now. I can have a guy dragging me down. I just want to focus on my future."

The Humphreys all shared an amused look, finding her little speech quite convincing. It wasn't that they weren't happy for her relief, but mere weeks ago she appeared to be head over heels for the guy, now? It was like he never exsisted.

"I have to get this dress to Blair's." Jenny informed, heading for the front door. The blonde was hoping that by stepping in as Blair's personal handmaiden for the ball, she'd land herself a dress, a mask and an invitation to the masquerade. Amelia bid the girl goodbye as she disappeared out the door, carrying way to much for her little body to carry.

"So. . . Where's your tux and mask?" Amelia queried, stabbing her waffle with a fork.

Dan gave her a puzzled look. "What?"

"Considering that it is Serena Van Der Woodsen that your dating, I'm making a wild guess that she'd like to attend the ball." Amelia explained.

The Humphrey boy simply shrugged. "I'm sure she thinks that I'd never go to something that pretentious. Which shows she knows me well."

Though he wouldn't admit it, Dan was waiting impatiently from a call from the blonde. Usually he didn't want to attend pretentious balls as extravagant as this one, but he did want the option to say now. He just wanted to know, to have the confirmation, that Serena was fully committed to him. He wanted her to want to bring him to all of those things. God, it all sounded like some pathetic puppy love, it almost made him nauseous to think about.

"I'm not saying I wouldn't go." Dan quickly continued. "If Serena asked me, I wouldn't deprive her of my company."

"No, that would be too cruel." Rufus and Amelia snickered at Dan, seeing right through his act. He was too busy rambling to even notice.

"But she hasn't asked me so. . ." He trailed off.

Amelia rolled her eyes, finishing the last bite of her waffles. "If you want to go with her, you should step up and make it happen. Put yourself out there a little."

"This thing happens in a matter of hours." Dan argued. "The window for bold gestures are officially closed." Suddenly his phone began ringing.

Rufus and Amelia peered over, trying to catch a glimpse of the caller ID. "Is that her?" Rufus queried.

Dan shook his head, confusion written on his face. "Eh, no it's, um, it's Vanessa."

"Vanessa? That's been a while." Rufus commented, watching Dan stare down at his phone. "Well, are you going to answer it?"

"Yeah, of course, why wouldn't I." Dan flipped open his phone, answering the call. "Hello? Vanessa?"

Amelia found herself rolling her eyes. It wasn't that the two girls didn't get along, it was just that Amelia did really find Vanessa her cup of tea. It always felt like a competition between the two of which one was Dan's best friend, and it was exhausting. And last Amelia checked, Dan had confessed all of his feelings for the Abrams girl, which she had swiftly rejected. The girl was of course entitled to her own feelings, but the Hopper girl was never going to fully love someone who was capable of hurting her friend like that.

Amelia and Rufus both shared a look of confusion as Dan for to his feet.

"So what's up, how's Vermont?" Dan spoke into the phone. Suddenly a look of complete confusion clouded his face. "Uh, I don't know." He paused, feet carrying him to his room. "Okay, I haven't talked to you in over an year and you're calling me about an old book? It could be anywhere."

"Vanessa?!" Dan exclaimed loudly, finding said girl sitting by his open window.

Amelia quickly got to her feet, jogging into the room. Her face fell at the sight of the dark haired girl, shocked to see her back. Dan embraced the girl, hugging her tightly, a mixture of suprise and glee swimming in him as he let the girl go. Vanessa peered past Dan, a smile planted on her lips as she spotted Amelia.

     "Bunny, long time!" Vanessa pulled the girl into a hug, quickly letting go. "How have you been."

     Amelia bit down on her lip. "I've been great. You? Aren't you suppose to be in Vermont?" Amelia tried her best to sound sincere as possible, failing miserably.

     "I've been good. My parents finally agreed to let me stay in the city with my sister, finish high school. Home schooling, of course." Vanessa explained, neverminding wether or not the brunette was being sincere.

     Vanessa felt the exact same way about the Hopper girl as she did her. It was like they had come to an unspoken mutual agreement to dislike but tolerate one another for the sake of the Humphreys, mainly Dan.

     "So that means- it's mean your—"

     "I'm back for good." Vanessa finished, the words haunting Amelia. Still, she plastered on the most convincing smile she could muster, keeping her eyes from twitching at the news.

     "That is. . ." Dan trailed off, searching for the right words.

     "Awesome, I hope." Vanessa glanced between Amelia and Dan with uncertainty. She had expected the Hopper girl to be bummed about her return, but Dan? In all truth Vanessa expected the teen to be jumping with glee.

     "It's just unexpected." Dan admitted. "But, unexpectedly awesome."

     Vanessa grinned, giving the boy another quick hug before disappearing further into the loft looking for Rufus. Amelia approached Dan, one brow arched. "You okay Dan?" She questioned, finding his reaction to Vanessa's return to be odd.

     Dan nod slowly. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm just. . . processing. I haven't seen or spoken to Vanessa since. . . You know."

     Amelia offered the boy a sympathetic nod, letting him know she understood. She opened her mouth to offer words of comfort and reassurance, but Dan's blaring phone interjected before she managed.

     He quickly answered, his face lighting up at the caller. "Hey! Tonight? No, no nothing. Why?" Amelia creeped closer, attempting to eavesdrop. Dan swatted her away, earning an eyeroll.

     "Try me." Dan spoke into the phone. Vanessa's voice could be heard from the kitchen, and apparently all the way over the phone and into Serena's ear. "It's, uh, my sister and Amelia. They're being loud as usual." Amelia pursed her lips, wondering why Dan had felt the need to lie. She shrugged it off, chalking it off as Dan just not wanting to explain Vanessa's entire existence over the phone. "You were saying something. . ? Hello, is somebody there? You were about ask me something."

     A puzzled look fell on Dan's face as Serena made up some weird excuse about having to go before hastily hanging up. He pulled the phone from his ear, a frown deeply etched on his lips. Just on cue, Vanessa skipped back into the room, grinning from ear to ear.

     "So, what are we doing tonight?"

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Why is it that friends of Serena Van Der Woodsen have to search for her suitor? Have fables fallen so out of fashion that princesses have to do everything themselves? Call us old school, but sometimes the fairly take ending requires the knight to get off his ass and saddle up his steed.

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After the entire fiasco that Amelia deemed Vanessa's arrival back at in the City to be, she made a break for it and escaped the loft before Dan managed to trick the girl into hanging out just the three of them. It was obvious that Dan was cautious around the Abrams girl after how they left things a year ago, and Amelia had no intention to get sucked into that mess. Besides, they needed to be on the own, just the two of them. It was a private conversation that Amelia didn't want to mettle in, and if they were to figure it out, they needed to be just the two of them. Vanessa had been relieved when the Hopper girl excused herself. Dan? Not so much. He had tried shooting her a few desperate texts to get her back to the loft, but to no avail. Which was why he was having the awkward conversation with Vanessa while Amelia strolled down the New York street on the hunt for food. She wasn't sure what she was craving, she she was betting on stumbling upon a restaurant that would appease her cravings.

Amelia had yet clean out her apartment for everything Devon related. The brunette had put it off for as long as possible, as it meant she had to text him to come pick up his stuff. Knowing him, he'd try convincing her to give him a second chance. And knowing her, she would easily slip back under his spell. Amelia was pathetic when it came to love, especially with Devon. She had a sweet spot for him, this wasn't the first time he had messed up badly. It was simply the first time Amelia had decided to take herself and her feelings seriously and dump him once and for all. Which is why Jenny and the others had been this surprised by the news. Amelia was confident that she wouldn't fall back into her claws, and she was willing to take every measure to ensure the safety of her heart.

As Amelia strolled down the street mindlessly, she spotted a familiar golden haired boy further down the street. Nate Archibald wore a somber facial expression, hanging up his phone before shoving it into his pocket. Amelia found herself panicking at the sight of the Archibald, desperately scanning her surroundings looking for a hiding spot. But before she managed to hide from sight, his eyes fell on her.

"Hopper! Hey!" Nate waved, already approaching. Amelia cussed in her breath, plastering a fake smile on her lips. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

     Amelia shuffled awkwardly on her feet. "Hey the Nate, didn't see you. . . I'm just, you know, hanging around."

     Nate arched a brow. "Hanging around? On the street? At the upper east side?" He said, tone clouded with uncertainty.

     "Yeah when you say it like that it sounds odd." She defended, rolling her eyes. "More interesting question is what are you doing here?"

      "Me?"

     Amelia nodded. "Yes you. Is there a reason for you to be here or do you just find it fun standing on the street by yourself, brooding."

Nate feigned being insulted by the comment. "I'm not brooding."

"Really? Is that so?"

"It is so." Nate replied. He was in fact brooding. But he had good reason to. He had only hours earlier stumbled upon cocain that without doubt belonged to his father, and the whole thing was making his head ache. He had notice his father being extra. . . odd lately, but drugs hadn't crossed his mind.

"You're like a book, Archibald. I can read you from a mile away." Amelia said, making it obvious she didn't believe him.

     "I don't know if this is weird to ask, but you aren't hungry per chance?" Nate questioned. He had called Blair needing to vent about his father, but had received her voicemail. And Serena wasn't even taking his calls.

     Amelia weighed her options. On one hand she wanted to avoid the golden boy desperately. He was associated with everything she didn't want to be, not to mention the fact that he was dating Blair Waldorf. But she was hungry, and she had up until now enjoyed his company. And it wasn't like she had a better offer. Dinner beat wandering on an empty stomach.

     "What did you have in mind?"

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     How Amelia ended up laughing till tears spilled down her cheeks with Nate Archibald over a delicious meal of Greek takeout was beyond her, but nonetheless she was sat in her apartment in the floor eating takeout with the Archibald.

     "That hilarious." Amelia laughed, the story Nate had told her completely cracking her up. Nate chuckled, enjoying the sound of her sweet laughter. "I feel like you've done so much with your life, the furthest I've been is Rhode Island at my grand parent's."

     "Yeah, I've been lucky. . ." Nate had no idea why, but whenever his privilege handed him opportunities in life, he'd feel so guilty. The golden boy didn't exactly work his ass off for anything, nor did he have any passions.

     "You make it sound so horrible." Amelia observed, putting down the food.

     Nate rubbed the nape of his neck. "I just. . . I feel so guilty for not having a passion. Dan had his heart set in Dartmouth, he knows what he loves and what he wants to do with his life. And Blair wants to go to Yale. It's like everyone's got it all figured out except me." 

     Amelia paid close attention to the boy as he spoke, founding herself surprised that the two related.

"I get that." Amelia agreed.

Nate gave her a puzzled look. "What? But you've got the highest gpa in the entire class!"

Amelia chuckled. "Yeah, because I have no idea what college I want to go to. I want to keep my options open. I have no idea what I want to do with my life. Right now I'm working at a nursing home, which is okay, but it's not something I want to spend entire my life doing." Amelia admitted.

     Nate found himself, for once in his life, feeling understood. Chuck and Blair never really got it, nor did his parents. But this seemingly random girl from Brooklyn understood and related to exactly what he felt.

"I've never felt this understood in my life before." Nate declared, finishing his food.

His eyes scanned his surroundings. Amelia's apartment was small, but cozy nontheless. The kitchen, living room and bedroom was all cramped into one small sized room, the bathroom being separate. The entire apartment smelt of her mango scented body lotion, which by the way Nate only knew because he mistakenly used some when washing his hands earlier on in her bathroom. It was a nice change from the moist air in the hallways that stunk of mold. The Archibald boy found himself suprised by how cozy the apartment really was, especially judging by the exterior of the building. He figured that the tiny apartment probably came off as warm because of the interior design. Amelia had worked with very little when she cladded her apartment with furniture, posters and rugs, but she had made the entire thing tie into a cushy home.

Despite the drastic difference in size, Nate preferred the place over his current home. His childhood home was big and extravagant, way too big for three people. Every wall was decorated with the finest of art pieces, the lamps resembling chandeliers. Though he loved his home, it was because of the memories it hosted, not because of the 'cozyness' of it all.

The constant vibration of a phone pulled Nate from his thoughts.

"I'm sorry, Jenny's blowing up my phone about this masquerade ball." Amelia groaned, grabbing her phone to shut the blonde down. Just like the kiss in the lips, Jenny was desperate for her female friend to attend the party with her. She was apparently dress shopping or something with Vanessa right now, the ball mere hours away.

"Oh, you're going to that?" Nate questioned in suprise.

Amelia shook her head dismissingly. "No, no. Don't think so. It's not exactly my thing, these extravagant parties. And I don't have anything nearly as classy enough to wear. I'm sure the Constance uniform in my closet is the most elegant piece in my entire closet." Amelia joked, earning a chuckle from the Archibald. "And we all know how the last upper east side party I attended went. . ."

"I think you should go. Who knows, maybe you'll have fun." Nate tried convincing. He was looking especially forward to tonight, but he hoped the night might be a little less painful with the brunette around.

Amelia snorted as if the golden haired boy had made a joke. "Doubtful, very doubtful." She responded. "Shouldn't you get going? The party is in, like, two hours."

Nate nodded. "Yeah, yeah I defiantly should." The boy got to his feet, letting Amelia show him to the door.

"I'll see you around." Nate said, smiling genuinely at the girl.

"Yeah, see ya."

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On the upper east side, appearances are often deceiving, from friends to hair colors, there's always more than what meets the eye. Oh, yes, the other part we love about a masquerade? When the mask finally comes off and the truth is revealed to all. . .

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"I can't believe you're making me go to this."

Amelia scoffed loudly as Vanessa ushered Jenny and Amelia out of the taxi they had climbed into. Somehow, don't even ask how, Jenny had managed to convince Amelia to attend the stupid masquerade. And to top it all of, her and Vanessa had managed t squeeze the Hopper girl into a dress so puffy it made her feel like a mushroom. Her hair had been also been forced out of her face, but she had out her foot, or heel, down when Jenny and Vanessa had attempted to apply a shit ton of makeup on her face. It wasn't like Amelia wasn't for makeup, she just hated the thought of ending the night with make remover. She was always too lazy for that stuff and ended up falling asleep with the products still on her face, making sure she broke out the day after. She had also made the compelling argument that she was suppose to be wearing a mask all night, so there was simply no need for the makeup. The most she'd do was lipgloss.

"Will you stop whining like a baby and appreaciate now totally good you look?" Jenny said, handing Amelia her mask. Rolling her eyes, the Hopper girl accepted the black lace mask, pulling it on.

"You both do. Now go." Vanessa complimented, rushing the duo in the back door.

Jenny smiled brightly at the Abrams girl. "Thank you for this, V. Really, thank you, for all of it. I'm so happy your back." Jenny gushed, pulling the dark haired girl into a hug. Amelia offered a curt nod, before her and Jenny disappeared into the party. Vanessa sighed in defeat, wishing Dan was just as happy for her return as Jenny was.

"Woah." Amelia gasped as they stepped into the party. The entire thing was by far one of the most pretentious and extravagant event she had ever laid eyes for. The decorations alone was probably worth more than her life. "Jenny have you— you've got to be kidding me." They hadn't even been there for a minute, and the Humphrey girl had already abondoned her. Amelia huffed in annoyance, hiking up her skirt to make it easier to walk over to the bar.

"Hey there sexy—"

"Absolutely not." Amelia immediately shut down the guy approaching her, sending him to the next girl. The Hopper girl stomped her way to the the first available seat she spotted, grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She plopped down in the seat, chugging the drink before putting it aside.

     Amelia would've appreciated the effort Vanessa and Jenny had put into her dress and hair if she hadn't been so dang pissed off. Why was it so important for Jenny to have 'emotional support' when she was planning on ditching Amelia the moment they stepped into the party? And why couldn't Vanessa just go with her? It made no sense and it pissed her off.

     Deciding to get another glass of champagne and make an attempt at finding the blonde, Amelia got to her feet. Fortunately for her the waiter passed again, the girl swiftly grabbing another glass. Then, rushing past her in a hurry, was the last person Amelia expected to see; Dan.

     "Hold up, Dan?" Amelia grabbed his arm, her suspicions confirmed once she got a better look at the masked stranger. "What are you— hey, wait up!"

     "I can't right now, I have to go. I'll explain later!" He exclaimed before speeding off. Apparently it was Humphrey tradition to leave the girl stranded at upper east side parties.

     Amelia huffed as she downed the second glass of champagne. The brunette needed to get the edge off a little, these shoes were killing her. At the very least the whole thing was helping her to keep her mind off the breakup.

     After Nate had left, Amelia had found herself greatful for his company. Though uncertain and hesitant to begin with, she was happy they got takeout and ended up back at her apartment. It was nice to have a friend, if she could even consider them that yet. The Archibald was a nice change of pace from the Humphreys. Their interaction was so much simpler and superficial, yet had the potential to become raw and honest. Amelia had to remind herself to be more cautious around the boy. It was a miracle they hadn't been snapped a photo of and ended up on gossip girl. The Hopper girl really didn't want any attention or drama, and being associated with the golden boy was sure to bug at least one certain brunette. . .

     "You look lonely." A voice announced the presences of another next to Amelia. "I can fix that."

     The brunette sighed in annoyance, people couldn't seem to leave her alone. "Nope, not lonely. Not even a little bit." The girl replied.

     The guy didn't take the hint, instead taking residence next to her. He was tall with shaggy blonde hair and striking blue eyes. If it hadn't been for the fact that Amelia had just gotten out of a relationship, she would've found the guy incredibly attractive, but this wasn't the time for her to get into anything new, physically or emotionally.

     "I'm Julian." He introduced, hand extended.

     "Amelia." The brunette replied, shaking his hand. "Don't you have anything better to do then hang around here doing nothing?"

     Julian chuckled, not at all phased by her. "Don't you?"

     The Hopper girl pursed her lips. "Touché."

     "So. . ." Julian readjusted his mask. "Would you like to dance with me."

     "I don't think so. I'm not much of a dancer." She excused.

     "Not to worry, I'm a strong lead." He assured.

     Amelia snorted. "You don't give up, do you?"

     He shrugged. "I'm persistent."

     "Annoyingly pushy I'd say." Amelia fired. The blonde tilted his head, amused by her response.

     He placed a hand over his heart, feigning insult. "Ouch, you wound me."

     "I'm sorry, I can't help it. When strange guys won't leave me alone I go prickly. It's my fight or flight response." Amelia joked. Julian chuckled warmly at the girl.

     Suddenly, a certain blonde stormed past the two, her familiar dress catching Amelia's attention. "Sorry, I have a bone to pick with that blonde." Amelia excused, cutting her interaction with Julian short. She hurried after Jenny the best she could in the painful heels. "Jenny! Wait up!" Amelia called, watching Jenny turn a corner. Amelia rounded the corner, immediately halting in her step. Her breath hitched in her throat when her eyes fell on them.

     Nate Archibald held her cheeks close, his lips firmly planted on hers. Jenny quickly pulled away when she came to her senses, slapping her hand over her lips. Nate looked up, his eyes falling on the brunette watching them, realizing his mistake. Before he could utter another word, Amelia rushed over, grabbing Jenny and dashing to the exit.

     This night couldn't possibly get any weirder.

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A mystery girl seen fleeing the scene, mask securing her anonymity. I have a sneaking suspicion this one lacked an invitation. But isn't it obvious that the party isn't really a party until someone crashes? I'll bet B has something to say about it. Speaking of, rumour has it our golden boy wasn't up for the task tonight, B's ladies in waiting, well, waiting all night for nothing. Doesn't he know a princess doesn't wait around forever? Better yet, that the flower doesn't remain unplucked until the end of time? We'll leave it up for him to find out.

You know you love me . . .

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word count; 4657
a/n

and here's chapter six for ya ! been updating a  new chapter every day, and it's so fun having this inspiration last this long. i've got work today so i'm note sure if i'll be able to write and post a totally new chapter tomorrow, but with that said, i'm going on a road trip which leaves me plenty of time to be writing if i don't get too sick. with that said, i do really hope this chapter was up to standards, and i'll see you guys in the next one ! stay tuned

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introducing julian's face claim: chad micheal murray