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There was a screen shot of a Gossip Girl article announcing Serena and Noe's return and Noe's amnesia, with a picture of them at the Ivy League Party in 1.03.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Gossip Girl here. Your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite."

From 1.02 "The Wild Brunch", in Noe's room, Noe was sleeping in her bed, having nightmares, little flashes of memory. In the memory, William was driving, drinking from a vodka bottle. A car horn blared, headlights shining over them, the car about to wreck into them. The car hit them, making the car spin uncontrollably, glass shattering, tires screeching, tipping over, making Noe fall toward the open window, until they hit a brick building. Noe caught herself against the door, but her head crashed through the window, and a piece of glass embedded a little in her temple, leaving her to deal with the consequences she would have to face after the car crash.

Eric: (voice over from 1.01 Pilot) "Dad gets drunk and he wrecks his car and makes Noe lose her memory and leaves her for dead."

From 1.03 "Poison Ivy", in the VDW Apartment, Eric, Serena and Lily were talking.

"Noe was starting to remember the car crash," Eric told them. "So if she has another dream like that and freaks her out again when she's getting her memories back, I would like to be there to help her through it. And if she doesn't know what that memory means, I would like to be there to explain it so she knows a little bit more about her own life. And the lives of her family and friends."

"So would I," Serena agreed.

From 1.01 "Pilot", in flashback to the Shepherd wedding, Noe and Nate were hooking up.

Lily: (voice over from 1.02 The Wild Brunch) "You and Nevaeh were best friends since childhood, and I think she's always had a little crush on you."

Alex: (voice over from 1.02 The Wild Brunch) "Nate might have felt the same way."

From 1.01 "Pilot", outside the Palace Hotel, Nate and Serena were talking.

Serena sighed. "If you think that you can have a shot with Noe now that she's back, you're wrong, Nate. Look, Blair's my best friend, and you're her boyfriend, and she loves you. And right now, my sister is not capable of handling any of this right now. Just focus on you and Blair. I'll focus on getting my sister better."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", at the ball, Because of Carter trying to make her remember, Noe was actually seeing flashes of a memory, remembering a time when she had been making out with Carter on a boat, stunned and in shock, having to stop dancing from being so overwhelmed, breathing heavily, trying not to freak out. "Just... please, whatever you're trying to do, stop."

Nate saw this, walking closer, turning Carter to face him. "They might not know who you are, but I sure as hell never forgot."

Nate punched Carter in the face, making him fall.

Noe raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Nate, what are you doing?"

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", after the ball, Noe walked toward where Carter had an ice cold drink against the spot where Nate had punched him. "Look, I'm not gonna say I'm understanding any of what just happened, because I don't really understand it, because most of my friends and family are keeping secrets from me to protect me because they think that I need to be protected."

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in the loft, Rufus looked at Alison. "At what point do we admit, that no matter how much we want it or how hard we try..."

"It's just not working," Alison finished.

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in the loft, the Humphreys were gathered.

"You're going back to Hudson, aren't you?" Hope asked.

Alison looked up sadly, nodding. "Yeah."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", after the ball, Lily was on the phone. "Rufus, why are you calling?"

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", outside in the snow, Rufus was on the phone. "I miss you."

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in Thyra's room, Eric, Serena and Noe sat on Thyra's bed, looking at Lily.

"Mom, you cannot date Bart Bass," Noe told her. "He raised Chuck, Brooklyn and Dylan."

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in the VDW apartment, When Bart was proposing to Lily, Serena, Eric, Noe, Brooklyn and Dylan looked at them and each other in shock.

Bart opened the box to show the engagement ring. "Lily, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in Thyra's bathroom, Brooklyn looked at Vanessa. "I think you like Dan a little too much. Just thought I should let you know someone's watching."

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in the Christmas party, Eleanor made her adoption announcement. "I wanted to make sure that Thyra never felt like she was alone without family ever again. Which is why, it is official. As of tonight, the adoption is sealed, and the 14 year old is now... officially apart of the Waldorf family." Everyone was in shock but awe, some clapping, some cheering. Thyra was emotionally thrilled, tears in her eyes, smiling. Serena, Noe, Eric, Alex, Brooklyn and Dylan were smiling, cheering, applauding louder than the others. Blair and Wyatt had tears in their eyes from happiness and shock as well, wrapping their arms around Thyra, their now official adoptive sister. Alex embraced Thyra as well. "You've always been apart of this family, Thyra, but now it is official. This is our present to you, darling. Merry Christmas."

Thyra wiped her tears away, walking up to Eleanor so the two could embrace, laughing lightly.

Brooklyn smiled, placing the tiara on Thyra's head. Thyra removed a scepter from its gift case, handing it to Brooklyn. Thyra and Brooklyn smiled and laughed as the two embraced, with the crown on Thyra's head, and Brooklyn holding the scepter, and everyone cheered again.

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", on the roof, Dylan was in shock, mesmerized by the dancing colors. "Oh, my God. You got me fireworks?"

Wyatt smiled. "There is more." Next fireworks that shot into the sky spelled out Wyatt Waldorf is dating Dylan Bass. Dylan was in even more shock, his mouth hanging open in awe, because of how many people would be looking up at the sky due to the sound of fireworks, knowing that now everyone knew about them. "Surprise. We are officially public."

They laughed happily, hugging tightly, pulling away to look each other in the eyes, kissing passionately as the fireworks continued to burst into the sky and fade away, the sparks raining down as they went out above them.

Gossip Girl: (voice over from 1.11 Holiday Hope) "Spotted literally everywhere in the Upper East Side. Our golden boy and our bi player are officially out."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", in the ball, Hope and Alex were talking.

"I let CeCe Rhodes get into my head when I tried not to let her," Hope explained. "Saying how a girl like me doesn't belong in your world. That a girl like me doesn't belong with a guy like you. And she kept going on about how inevitably, one of us will get hurt."

"Hope, don't believe that," Alex told her. "You know I'll never hurt you."

Hope nodded in agreement. "I know that, Alex. I do. But you're getting hurt enough for the both of us when it comes to your family."

"Which has nothing to do with you," Alex told her. "It's not your fault, and has no connection to our relationship."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", in Blair's room, Chuck and Blair were laying down, making out.

Blair: (voice over from 1.11 Holiday Hope) "Chuck, you are not answering my calls."

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in Blair's room, Blair sat on her bed, on the phone. "Please, for the love of God, do not tell anybody about us."

From 1.11 "Holiday Hope", in the Waldorf apartment, Blair's phone went off. She walked closer to pick it up, looking at the text from Chuck. "Don't worry, B. Who would I tell?" Blair opened the attachment from Chuck, seeing a picture of Nate and Chuck hugging on a beach, looking worried.

In the closing, there was a screen shot of the Gossip Girl website, there were two pictures side by side. Brooklyn and Thyra were in the first one at the Christmas party, with the tiara and the golden scepter, kissing. In the second one, Dylan and Wyatt were kissing on the rooftop underneath the fireworks.

The headline read: What a way to come out.

The captions underneath the pictures read: The Christmas time was a lot jollier and happier for Thyra Diamond and Wyatt Waldorf than Thanksgiving was. With their newly revealed loves outted for the world to see, looks like twins Brooklyn and Dylan Bass are here to take care of the wounded Waldorfs. That's right, Thyra Diamond is officially a Waldorf, adopted by Eleanor on Christmas day. So Thyra is now officially sister to Blair and Wyatt, and still surrogate sister to Nate and Alex. Bryra and Dyatt as we call them now might have outted themselves, but wish it was that easy to discover whatever secrets they've been keeping. Has anyone noticed how secretive they, Blair and Chuck have been? Luckily for us, on the UES, secrets always end up being revealed whether you like it or not. Maybe their other secrets will be revealed like the fireworks that revealed Wyatt and Dylan's.

X•O°X•O

Worlds Colliding (Gossip Girl)

X•O°X•O

Day One

Night - Constance/St. Jude's School - Pool Room

(Song:) Ooh Yeah - Moby

Teenagers were sneaking into the pool for a party.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "On the Upper East side, it's easy to think that the world is as exactly as it appears. Refined. Elegant. Imposing."

A key on a velvet key chain fell to the tiled floor.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But sometimes, all it takes is a little key to open the door to the wild side."

Everyone was having fun in the pool or outside of the pool, some drinking, some not. Thyra was in the pool, smiling and laughing. Brooklyn was on the edge of the pool, dancing around, spinning, flipping into the water, landing with a huge splash. Thyra laughed, turning her head away so water didn't get into her eyes. Dylan and Wyatt were sitting on the edge of the pool, feet in the water, just watching and smiling.

Brooklyn noticed that her twin and his boyfriend weren't doing anything, splashing them with water. "Come on, Dylan. Come on, Wyatt. Do something."

"Very classy, Brooklyn," Dylan told her sarcastically.

Brooklyn tilted her head in response, smirking. "Classier than you, Dylan. Come on. What are you two waiting for?"

Brooklyn smiled, swimming away.

Dylan sighed. "Wyatt, you don't have to listen to her. Brooklyn's just out there like that. I mean, I know that a party like this is not even usually your scene."

Wyatt nodded in agreement. "You're right, Dylan. It's not. But I have to say, I was willing to take any venue as an advantage to go out on a date with you in public, where everyone now knows about us. It's our first public outing after I outed us via firework. And the first date after something like that being at a pool party seems kinda fitting, doesn't it?"

Dylan smiled, laughing, nodding. "Yeah. I guess it does. Thanks, Wyatt."

Wyatt and Dylan smiled, slipping into the water, kissing.

"It kind of feels weird to do that in front of everyone where they can all see," Wyatt admitted.

"Well, out here, we can take it slow," Dylan told him. "Whatever makes you feel better. No rush. Out here in the open or at home in private."

Wyatt smiled in relief. "Thanks, Dylan."

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

In the pool, Brooklyn and Thyra had been making out underwater, coming up for air, in each other's arms, smiling.

"You know what's better than breaking into the school for night swimming?" Brooklyn asked.

"It would be better with a little something to drink, Brooklyn," Thyra told her.

"Thyra, we're supposed to be making sure that you're not drinking as much as you used to, remember?" Brooklyn asked. "Because of your depression, your new medications, the fact that you want to get the chance to own your family business when you're old enough."

Thyra smiled, just resting in her arms. "Well, we're used to scandalizing. But you're right. I can't argue with your logic. And Brooklyn Bass coming in with logic and sound proof logic that is actually smart and safe is very rare." Brooklyn smiled, pushing Thyra lightly deeper into the water, making them both giggle and laugh teasingly. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Brooklyn pulled Thyra closer in her arms, while Thyra had her arms around her neck. "Then why don't you make it up to me? Come on, Thyra. Be the Diamond in the sky and shine like the star you are."

"And the star you are, too?" Thyra asked.

Brooklyn smiled, shrugging. "Neither of us have much going on lately, but we do have this."

Brooklyn and Thyra smiled, looking at the other happily, starting to kiss passionately.

Chuck was watching his brother and sister make out with their others from a chair up in front of the pool, smirking. "Dylan, Brooklyn, get a room. Or are you four no longer hiding anymore?"

"Bite me, Chuck," Brooklyn replied the same time Dylan said, "Go to Hell, Chuck."

The five of them laughed.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Noe was even here, drinking, looking around, seeming overwhelmed, seeing Nate walk in, standing, walking over. "Nate, hey."

Nate was surprised she just walked up to him given everything. "Noe, hi."

"Um, haven't really had much time to talk to you since you've been back after Christmas," Noe told him. "Or since the fight at cotillion."

Nate nodded awkwardly, sheepishly. "Sorry for ruining that for you."

"You didn't ruin it, Nate," Noe answered. "That was ruined before any fight happened." They chuckled. "Just, Carter Baizen was pushing too hard for me to remember because of a deal he made with my grandmother, since she was trying to make me remember who she wanted me to be, but you stopped him, but he did tell me that his brother James got us out of trouble once, so..."

"Well, I saw you starting to freak out on the dance floor," Nate told her. "Carter Baizen's a creep that messed with me and Alex in the past, who constantly needs James to get him out of trouble, and then he was messing with you, though I didn't know it was because of what your grandmother told him to do, so it just kind of set me off."

Noe nodded, looking away. "Because of us being best friends in the past before I lost my memory."

Nate chuckled in amusement. "Why don't you seem convinced that's the only reason behind that?"

"Well, is it?" Noe replied. Nate didn't know how to answer, chuckling. Noe shook her head, smiling a little. "Don't worry about answering. I know Serena's been making my friends keep stuff from me because she's trying to protect me so I don't have a meltdown, so..."

"Right," Nate agreed. "She's very persistent and protective when it comes to you, your memory."

"And bitchy," Noe added. Nate laughed. Noe smiled. "But I've been drinking a little bit, hoping that can help with my memory some."

Nate took her drink away. "Yeah, but you also told me that drinking too much could effect your mind. Glass, skull, brain thing. I think that's enough risk taking for one night."

Noe chuckled. "You're probably right. Don't wanna overdo it."

Nate shook his head in agreement. "No." They both smiled slightly. "Who are you here with?"

"Just Serena," Noe answered. "She's keeping an eye on me. You?"

"Uh, Blair," Nate answered. "But she's been avoiding me."

"So you two are back together?" Noe asked.

Nate sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know, honestly."

Noe nodded awkwardly, smiling thinly. "Good luck figuring that out."

Nate chuckled. "Yeah."

Noe walked away. Nate sighed, hanging his head.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Blair walked up to Chuck. "Enough with the blackmail. Aren't you bored already? I can't avoid Nate forever. Noe and Nate are already out there, and since Noe's remembering faster, only a matter of time before they--"

"Are you sure you care if you lose Nate to Noe once Nevaeh gets enough of her memories back?" Chuck asked. "I thought Nathaniel bored you. And I didn't say forever. Just until the sight of the two of you together doesn't turn my stomach."

"And when will that be?" Blair asked.

"Only time will tell, I'm afraid, but I'm hoping long enough for Nevaeh to remember enough," Chuck told her.

Blair nodded sarcastically. "So you can make sure I lose him for good."

"Nevaeh doesn't need to remember to make you lose Nathaniel for good," Chuck pointed out. "All that he needs to know for you to lose him for good is how you lost your virginity to me in the back of a moving vehicle. So I encourage patience and restraint."

"Isn't there someone else you can torture?" Blair asked.

Chuck put his sunglasses on, getting down from the chair. "Probably, but I choose you." He walked past her. Blair turned after him, scoffing. Noe walked along, lifting her shirt over her head, revealing the black one piece bathing suit she had on. Chuck walked toward her. "Nevaeh van der Woodsen, the girl everyone is talking about."

Noe gave him a look. "Noe."

Chuck chuckled. "If I call Nate and Alex Archibald 'Nathaniel and Alexander', I would definitely keep calling you 'Nevaeh', Noe, whether you like it or not." Noe rolled her eyes. "Why don't I turn that, uh, one piece into a no piece?"

Noe scoffed. "Find a floatie to talk to, Chuck."

"Oh, so you remember me," Chuck taunted. "I thought you were a little girl who didn't remember her own name?"

"That was way back when," Noe told him. "This is now."

"You know, if my dad and your mom come back from South Africa tomorrow engaged, you, Eric and Serena will be siblings with me, Brooklyn and Dylan," Chuck pointed out. "Me and you, brother and sister. And you know what they say. The family that plays together stays together."

Noe nodded sarcastically. "Ah, incest, the universal taboo. One of the, um, only ones you haven't violated."

Chuck smirked. "Well, I'm game if you are."

Brooklyn and Dylan saw that Chuck was messing with Noe, sighing, about to do something about it, but they didn't have to. Noe leaned her head forward as if to kiss Chuck, hitting his drink out of his hand onto the floor, walking onto the diving board, bouncing twice, flipping through the air, falling into the water, landing with a huge splash to get him wet too. Noe broke through the surface, looking at him with a smug smirk that said "I won", swimming away. Chuck wasn't even mad, more amused than anything, chuckling, shaking his head. Brooklyn and Dylan smiled, impressed, clapping and cheering.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Dan and Hope were doing homework and eating at the table.

Vanessa walked closer, recording them with her camera. "Dan Humphrey, Age 17, and Hope Humphrey, newly turned 16, enjoying an exotic meal of Cheerios on an exciting Saturday night in. Come on, be interesting. You don't want me to move back to Vermont, do you?"

"No, but if your whole future depends getting this grant for your documentary, I--I really, really think you should find a new subject," Dan answered.

Vanessa sat next to them. "Absolutely not. The outsiders go inside, two likeable everyman's pursuit of their dream boy and girl begins their descent into the bowels of Hell. This is mystic stuff." They heard Rufus playing his guitar from his room. "Okay, not big on the soundtrack. Whatever movie he's scoring sounds depressing."

"Yeah, I think it's a biopic," Hope told her sarcastically. "Try listening to that for three weeks straight. But before Christmas, our dad hadn't finished a song in years, so I really don't have the heart to ask him to stop."

Vanessa stood. "Well, I do."

"You know, if you wanted some action, you should have recorded the hot air balloon date that Alex Archibald took me on, then the picnic and ice cream after, before we had to go to this club to where Blair, Brooklyn, Thyra and our sister Jenny broke Noe out of Ostroff so they could have fun, where Dan started a fight that caused Noe to hit her head again and start to get her memories back," Hope told her. "Or the date that I took Alex on on Christmas Eve when we pedaled a boat across the Brooklyn river and played paintball while it was snowing."

Vanessa pointed at Hope. "Yes, that is the kind of action we like to hear and see. Why can't we get some of that tonight?"

Hope noticed that her phone was ringing, seeing it was Alex calling. "Maybe we can. Speak of the devil." She answered the call. "Hey, Alex."

Dan smirked. "Yes. Finally some action."

Alex was at the pool party. "Hey, what are you up to, besides missing me?"

"Oh, uh, just wondering if you're missing me," Hope told him.

"Well, of course I am," Alex told her.

Vanessa smiled, recording Hope while she was on the phone. "Aw. Yes, even while Alex Archibald and Hope Humphrey are wild and adventurous, they are so sweet."

Alex sat down. "I am at this party that would be a lot more fun if you were here."

"Party?" Hope repeated. "I thought it was a quiet night with Nate, Chuck, Dylan and Wyatt, just an all boys' night?"

"Yeah, we were, and then Brooklyn, Thyra, Blair, Serena and Noe showed up, and we all went out, and we ran into some people and then ended up here," Alex answered.

"Where--where's 'here'?" Hope asked.

"719 East 82nd Street," Alex answered.

Hope thought for a moment. "Wait a second, that's, um, that's school, is it not?"

Alex smiled. "Bring your bathing suit."

Alex hung up.

"You're swimming?" Hope asked. She heard the dial tone. "No, you hung up." She turned to her brother. "What will it be, Dan? Cheerios and Chaucer or an illegal party at our prep school pool with our high society girlfriend and boyfriend and their cohorts?"

Vanessa smiled, excited to be filming now.

Dan called out. "Dad? Hope, Vanessa and I are--are going out."

Hope looked into the camera, smiling, winking, walking toward the door to leave. Dan and Vanessa smiled, following.

X•O°X•O

Constance/St Jude's School - Pool

(Song:) Someone Great - LCD Soundsystem

The party was still going on strong. Dylan and Wyatt had boosted Brooklyn and Thyra on their shoulders so they could push at each other until the other two would fall into the water. Everyone was cheering them on and laughing. Brooklyn and Thyra started to make out, sinking underneath the water. Wyatt held a champagne bottle. Dylan tilted his head back so Wyatt would pour some into his mouth, both of them laughing. Dan, Vanessa and Hope walked in. Vanessa was still recording on her camera.

"Well, uh, if you wanted to get the perfect shot of me and Dan feeling like outsiders, then we are ready for our close ups," Hope told her.

Serena squealed when she saw them, running closer. "Dan! Hope!" Dan and Serena smiled, embracing. "Oh, hey. Hey, and Vanessa."

Vanessa waved. "Hey."

Alex walked over. "Hey, Hope. Dan. Vanessa."

Hope smiled, kissing Alex on the cheek when he embraced her. "Hi."

"Come on, guys," Alex told them.

Everyone was having a lot of fun. Up until a guy wrestling with another boy named Andrew Collins pushed him into a beam, making him hit his head, falling into the pool. He was facing down underwater, not moving.

(Song Ends)

Noe saw this first and swam closer, seeing blood float through the water. Nate, Alex, Hope, Dan, Serena and Vanessa walked closer. Dylan, Wyatt, Brooklyn, Thyra, Blair and Chuck were in the pool, freezing when they saw this. Girls screamed.

Noe pulled Andrew's head over the water, pulling him toward the edge of the pool. "Help!" Nate ran closer, diving into the pool, swimming closer. "Help!"

Alex, Hope, Dan, Vanessa and Serena ran closer. Nate and Noe held Andrew up to them so they could pull him out. Wyatt, Dylan, Brooklyn and Thyra swam closer to help out, climbing out of the pool. Blair and Chuck got out as well. Everyone else was making a run for it.

"Call the ambulance!" Nate called.

Alex, Hope, Dan and Serena drug Andrew out, laying him down. Vanessa was recording all of this.

Dan looked around. "Someone call 911."

Nate helped Noe out of the pool. Alex was performing CPR on Andrew.

Hope called 911. "Hi, hi. We--we need--we need an ambulance. Yeah, a--a kid, he--he hit his head, and--and he fell into the pool." She knelt next to them. "It--it's 719, uh, East 82nd street."

Alex was still performing CPR on Andrew. Everyone was watching. They heard a siren wailing in the distance. Everyone got their clothes and got the hell out of there, except for Serena, Blair, Nate, Chuck, Dan, Vanessa, Noe, Hope, Alex, Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Wyatt. Chuck stood by a table, picking up the key to the pool.

X•O°X•O

Day Two

Morning - Constance/St. Jude's School - Meeting Room

Most of the people from the pool party were in the room with Prescott and the new headmistress, Queller, and everyone was looking at the pictures from the night before at the pools. The boys from St. Jude's sat on one side of the room while the girls from Constance sat on the other, all looking at the pictures. The first picture was of Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra with Kati, Isabel, and two girls named Penelope and Hazel. The next picture was of Noe and Serena smiling and hugging.

"Thanks to the cell phone that somebody left behind..." Prescott trailed off. Nate, Alex, Chuck, Dylan and Wyatt were in the next picture. Dan, Hope and Vanessa were in the next picture. "We've got plenty of evidence of who was at that party. Lucky for you, Andrew Collins is going to be fine. Unlucky for you, we need to hold someone responsible. Ms. Queller?"

Queller stood, walking forward. "Hello. I'm Ms. Queller, the new headmistress at Constance. It's unfortunate that we meet under these circumstances, but I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you. I've already talked to your parents, at least those I could reach, and look forward to reading your personal essays. 10,000 words describing how you came to be on school property after hours, using alcohol and drugs, where a fellow student almost died. In other words, what the hell is wrong with you? I'll also be conducting one on one interviews until I discover who broke into the pool and initiated the party. That person will be expelled. If that person is not identified, the you'll all face expulsion."

The students all reacted in shock, hating this. Noe and Serena exchanged a look.

X•O°X•O

Outside

Dylan, Wyatt, Blair, Thyra, Brooklyn, Nate, Noe, Serena, Dan, Hope, Alex and Chuck were standing together on the steps.

"So we all know how this works," Wyatt told them.

"Look, no one talks," Brooklyn told them. "No one gets into trouble."

"Including you, Nevaeh," Chuck told her.

Noe gave him a 'what the hell' look. "Why are you signaling me out?"

"Sorry, amnesiac girl, you're the one we have to worry about," Chuck told her.

"Oh, and I'm sure that has nothing to do with me turning you down," Noe told him sarcastically, scoffing. "You know why I won't tell."

"Oh, please," Chuck said. "Even if you're so determined to keep quiet, who knows when you're gonna freak out next and spill everything?"

Noe glared at him.

"Hey, leave her alone," Nate told him. "Who did break in, anyway?"

"Yeah, Nate and I made it to the party late," Alex told them. "Who?"

Dylan smirked. "I guess we don't have to worry about Nate and Alex cracking under pressure."

"So are we all agreed?" Thyra asked.

Everyone nodded.

"Agreed," Serena answered.

"Look, Blair, I know you have your sights set on Yale, but this skull and bones stuff is a bit much, don't you think?" Hope asked.

"Maybe," Blair answered.

"But it works," Brooklyn told them. "Every time."

Everyone headed in their different directions, except for Hope, Alex, Serena and Dan, who remained on the steps.

"You know, when someone says 'every time', it sounds like--like--like more than a few times," Dan told them.

"Everything's gonna be fine," Serena told them.

"Were you just in the same assembly as us?" Hope asked.

"Do you really think she's gonna expel two thirds of the junior class and some of the freshman and sophomore class?" Alex asked.

Serena looked between them. "Look, I got you into this. I'm gonna get you out of it, okay? Trust me."

Serena and Alex walked away. Hope and Dan were left worrying about what would happen.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "There's a weak link in every chain, and while Chuck was worried it would be Noe, no one ever thought it would be Dan and Hope, and it's just a matter of time before one of these three snaps."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Headmistress Queller's Office

Blair was sitting across from Queller. "I'm innocent. Well, except for a crime of passion. I did something stupid with someone, and even worse than doing that stupid thing, I did the same stupid thing with someone else and pretended I had never done that stupid thing before. You look confused. Should I walk you through it?"

Queller shook her head. "Let's stay on point."

X•O°X•O

Later

Wyatt was here, a little nervous since he had never been in a situation like this before.

Queller was interviewing Wyatt. "I reviewed your record. It's pristine. If St. Jude's has a shining star, it's Wyatt Waldorf. No one in Constance is on your level. They got close, but you always seem to win. I would never have expected this from you."

Wyatt nodded, pressing his lips together. "I know. I'm the perfect one."

Queller sighed. "Mr. Waldorf, who broke into the pool?"

"Like you said, my unfortunate participation in said party was entirely out of character," Wyatt told her. "I don't know anything about it."

"If word of this gets around, you might lose a lot," Queller warned. "Do you want that?"

"I'm sorry, but I know well more than enough to know how that sounds like, and that sounds like a threat and blackmail," Wyatt told her.

"Why would I threaten you?" Queller asked. "We are just talking."

"Question, Miss Queller, how long have you been in the board of the school?" Wyatt asked.

"Not too long," Queller answered. "Why?"

"Well, I've been president of the student council even before I became a freshman, so I have a lot of contacts and experience in the board," Wyatt answered.

"Are you threatening me?" Queller asked.

Wyatt used her words. "Why would I threaten you? We are just talking. Right?"

"Mr. Waldorf, as much power and influence you might think you have, you are still a teenager," Queller told him.

"You're right," Wyatt agreed. "I am a teenager. I'm not the head of the board. Speaking of which, do you know him?"

Queller sighed. "Not personally. He is always busy, but I'm trying to get a hold of him for a while now. Why?"

Wyatt smiled. "Yeah, you're right, he is always busy. He doesn't like to waste his time in unimportant people that are not worth his time. He talks about that all the time when we meet."

"You've met with him?" Queller asked.

Wyatt nodded. "Oh, yeah, every Sunday, we discuss a lot of the matters of the school when my mother invites him over to our apartment, and and I have something that makes me trustworthy with him, but again, you're right, I'm just a teenager. I don't know anything." Queller was confused but somewhat knew of the veiled, innocent threat for her to leave Wyatt alone. Wyatt smiled innocently. "Can I go now?"

X•O°X•O

Courtyard

Nate was sitting at a table, writing a letter.

Alex walked outside, joining Nate at his table. "You're taking that paper seriously."

"This isn't a paper," Nate told him. "It--it's a heartfelt letter."

"A heartfelt letter?" Alex repeated in amusement. "Well, there's only two guesses to two girls, the only two you could be writing that for, and I'm guessing it's not for Blair because she doesn't even want you. She's been crystal about that since we got back."

"You're right," Nate agreed. "I don't know where Blair and I stand, so..."

"So that letter must be for Noe," Alex told him.

"It's an explanation letter," Nate explained. "Alex, Noe walked up to me at the pool last night, and she was asking questions about the fight at cotillion I started when Carter pushed her too far, and she was asking if it was more than just because of us being best friends before she lost her memory, and..."

"Yeah, she did seem to know it was more than just that when she was asking me, Dylan, Wyatt and the girls about the fight during Christmas," Alex admitted. "Serena just has everyone keeping secrets from Noe so that Serena can try and protect her, which is just pissing Noe off."

Nate nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I can see that. I don't want to push Noe, and I don't want to overwhelm her, and I'm not planning on giving this to her right away."

"Hence the reason why you're writing the letter to explain without freaking her out and waiting until she remembers more until you give it to her," Alex finished. "Smart."

"Thanks," Nate told him.

"Nate, is all this pain and waiting worth it?" Alex asked. "I mean, you were trying to give you and Blair a shot and giving Noe her space."

"Alex, I don't even know where Blair's head is at right now, and like you said, she doesn't even seem to care," Nate pointed out. "And for Noe? Yeah. It's worth it, believe me."

Alex nodded. "All right. Just looking out for both of you."

Nate patted him on the shoulder. "Oh, I know. Thanks, Alex. And I should thank Hope, too. For everything."

They chuckled.

X•O°X•O

Front Gate

Dan was walking with Hope when his phone rang, showing her it was their father calling, answering, putting it on speaker for them both to hear because they both knew they were about to get in trouble over phone. "Hey, Dad. Listen, uh, Hope's right here. You're on speaker. Uh, we got your 1,001 messages, we just haven't had a chance to get back to you."

Rufus was in the gallery. "Yeah, that's not gonna work."

Hope sighed. "I guess you heard from the new headmistress."

"Look, I know how upset you were by everything, and apparently some of the kids who were at he party didn't even tell their parents," Rufus told them.

"Look, you don't have to say anything else," Dan told him. "I--I regret even leaving the house Saturday."

"Yeah, but if you know something that could keep you out of trouble, then you need to cooperate," Rufus told them.

"We don't," Hope told him. "Really, Dad, we--we don't."

"Dan, Hope, don't think for a second these other kids aren't gonna be looking out for themselves," Rufus told them. "You need to do the same."

X•O°X•O

Gallery

Rufus was working.

Lily joined him. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I just got a message that our kids are in some kind of trouble at school."

"And you came all the way to Brooklyn to talk about it?" Rufus asked skeptically.

"No, no, not about that," Lily answered. "Um, Bart and I just landed at the airport back from our trip, and he proposed, and I'm going to say yes. I wanted you to hear it from me first, not from my kids or yours."

Rufus nodded sarcastically. "Right, the people who actually talk to me."

"Oh, if you're referring to the message you left me on Christmas day, I didn't get it until we were already on the plane," Lily told him. "It was very endearing, though."

"But not enough to turn the G5 around?" Rufus asked.

"You miss me?" Lily asked. "That's great. I miss you, too." Rufus looked away. "What? You kissed me at Eleanor's party, and then you say you can't see me anymore because your wife came home, and then you call and say you should've never let me go, and then you're back with Alison again."

Rufus looked at her. "I didn't plan any of that."

"That is just it with you, Rufus," Lily told him. "You don't ever plan anything."

"Well, I'm sure that your current plan will be full of private jets and 5 Star hotels," Rufus replied.

Lily gave him a look. "Take care, Rufus."

Lily left. Rufus sighed heavily in regret, crossing his arms.

X•O°X•O

Night - Waldorf Apartment Building - Elevator

Dan, Hope and Vanessa were taking the elevator up. Vanessa was going through footage on her camera.

"Do you really have to show this to us now?" Dan asked.

"Trust me when I say you're gonna wanna see this before you enter Blair and Wyatt Waldorf and Thyra Diamond's evil lair," Vanessa told them. "Where you're gonna have to deal with all of them plus Brooklyn Bass, and maybe even her brothers Dylan and Chuck. I've already dealt with Brooklyn, okay? And that was on Christmas Eve when she was trying to be nice, but she was still scary as hell. Talk about a devil that acts like an angel."

"It's a homework group, Vanessa," Hope told her. "We're just gonna be writing papers, you know?"

Vanessa showed them the footage she had of Chuck picking up the pool key. "Here. I wasn't sure what it was till I got it home and saw it on the computer, but--"

"Okay, that's Chuck," Dan told them. "Wh-wh-what is he holding here?"

"It's a key," Vanessa answered.

They sighed.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

(Song:) Come Flash All Your Ladies - The Filthy Youth

Dan, Hope and Vanessa walked into the apartment, seeing that the "homework group" was the kids from the pool party who were supposed to be working on their essays, but partying again.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted. Lonely Boy and H20 learning that when the punishment fits the crime, there's no reason you can't serve your sentence in style."

Alex walked over to Dan and Hope. "Hey, you're here."

Serena walked closer, laughing lightly.

"I thought we were gonna work on our papers," Hope told them in confusion.

Brooklyn and Thyra walked closer.

Thyra smirked. "We are. One night at Bilboquet, truth or dare night, Brooklyn and I got dared to make out with a guy in Cornell's ethics program. We're getting tips now."

Brooklyn saw that Vanessa was filming her, annoyed. "I thought I told you you couldn't film me." Vanessa walked away. Brooklyn whispered to Serena. "Come here." They stepped away. "You are so naive. Michael Moore over there is obviously just using this film to get close to Dan."

"No, Brooklyn, she's spending time with Dan and Hope, and she needs that grant money," Serena told her. Brooklyn rolled her eyes, walking away with Thyra. Serena turned to Dan. "So, did you bring your legal pad? You wait here. I'll find us a quiet place to work."

Dan nodded. "Okay."

Noe was laying down on a chaise lounge, trying to work on her essay.

Chuck was tossing around the pool key in his hand above her head, annoying her profoundly. "Would you accept an apology?"

"Only if it was sincere, which I doubt you've ever given a sincere apology in your life," Noe answered, looking up to notice the key, standing. "I can't believe you brought that here. It's evidence. Give it to me."

Noe took the key from Chuck, grabbing her things, walking away to work on her essay somewhere away from him, putting her stuff on the table by the elevator, holding her head in pain.

Nate walked out of the elevator, seeing Noe at the table. "Noe? You okay?"

"My head is killing me," Noe answered. "The music..."

Nate nodded, looking around. "Thyra. Thyra, hey."

Thyra walked closer. "Nate, hi."

Nate and Thyra embraced.

"Alex told me about Eleanor finally adopting you into the Waldorf family," Nate told her. "Congratulations. Alex and I are so happy for you, Thyra. Sure you're thrilled to call Blair and Wyatt your actual sister and brother, even if just by adoption."

Thyra smiled, nodding. "Thank you. Yes, I am."

"Hey, is it okay if Noe goes up to your room?" Nate asked. "Somewhere quiet?"

Thyra looked at Noe, noticing that she was holding her head in pain, nodding in understanding. "Yeah, absolutely. Go ahead."

Nate patted her on the shoulder. "Thanks, Thyra." Thyra nodded. Nate helped Noe with her stuff to go upstairs. "Come on."

Chuck was now with Dylan and Brooklyn, all three siblings smiling and talking. Dan and Hope walked up to them.

"Hey, Brooklyn," Hope told her. "Dylan. Chuck."

"Chuck, you need to tell the truth," Dan told him.

"Whatever happened to 'don't speak until spoken to'?" Brooklyn asked.

"I'm talking to your older brother, Brooklyn, not you," Dan told her.

Brooklyn raised her eyebrows at him.

Dylan shook his head. "Oh, man, Dan. Do not piss Brooklyn off. You thought pissing off Chuck was bad?"

"I just saw your brother with that key, Dylan," Dan told him. "Hope and I know he had it at the party."

Dylan rolled his eyes. "Poor little Humphrey Dumpty. Not you, Hope, since I know you've been cool to Thyra and Wyatt and everything, but Dan here has been a dick to everyone."

Dan nodded sarcastically. "Dylan--"

"Look, let me clarify something for you," Chuck told them. "Regardless of who you're sleeping with, you and us come from different worlds. In our world, if we're suspended or expelled, a wing is donated in the Bass name."

"That sounds like quite a world," Hope told them sarcastically.

Brooklyn shrugged. "Well, it's not perfect, I'll admit. But one thing it does offer in spades is security. Our family can take care of us. What do the Humphreys have to offer? Used MetroCards? Your dad's Cassingle?"

Dylan looked around. "And in case you were wondering, you narcs, Chuck only took the key from the party to hide it so we didn't all get blamed. Including the two of you."

The Bass siblings walked away, leaving the two Humphrey siblings alone and pensive.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Thyra's Room

Noe was sitting at the desk, putting the key in her bag, which had a clear zipper pocket on the side of it which the key was in. She was holding her head in pain, but was relieved now that she was alone away from the party without all the noise.

Nate walked in with a glass of water and headache relief medicine, placing the glass down. "Noe, hey. Here."

Noe grabbed the glass, taking the two tablets. "Thanks, Nate."

"It's just medicine," Nate told her.

"No, I mean, getting Thyra to let me come up here away from the party," Noe told him. "I think everyone's worried that Chuck was right about me being the weak link."

Nate shook his head. "You're not the weak link. Stronger that pretty much everyone, actually."

Noe chuckled, resting her head against her hand. "I may freak out and slip up, though. But thanks for saying that. And for punching Carter after he kept bringing up James and memories. Thanks for that too."

Nate smiled. "That was more satisfying than I thought it would be after what he did to me and Alex and since he wouldn't leave you alone, so it was for both of us and Alex, but you're welcome."

Thyra stood in the doorway. "Hey, Noe, Serena's looking for you. She wants to make sure you're okay."

Noe sighed, rolling her eyes. "Ugh. Missed the every 20 minute check in with the bossy but caring sister. Serena may be overprotective, but it's pissing me off. Though I can't really blame her. It's annoying, but sweet."

Nate chuckled, nodding. "Yeah."

Noe stood, leaving the room.

Thyra looked at Nate. "Hey. You okay?"

Nate sighed. "Why are you asking me that, Thyra?"

"Because of her condition and the feelings you have for her and the complications with it all," Thyra answered. "Especially because of when you're trying to make things work with Blair though she doesn't seem to care."

Nate managed a small smile. "I'm fine, and the last person you should be worried about right now, but thank you. Everyone should be focused on worrying about you, Noe and Wyatt."

Thyra nodded expressively. "Oh, they are, believe me. Like Noe said, it's sweet but annoying."

Nate nodded, chuckling. "So I've heard."

Thyra smiled slightly. "But we're all doing better. Because of everyone checking in on us and making sure we are getting better. It's thanks to all of you. You guys just being there makes it better. And if there's anything I can do to repay you and Alex for the way you've been there for me, I'll do it, Nate. Really."

Nate shook his head. "You don't have to repay us for anything, Thyra."

Thyra and Nate embraced.

Thyra pulled away, turning to the door. "And don't hide up here all night."

Thyra left the room. Nate chuckled, shaking his head, looking down, taking out the letter that he had been working on earlier, sitting down to look at the letter in his hands, putting it back in his pocket, his gaze now landing on the key in Noe's clear zipper pocket in her bag, frowning, looking toward the door.

X•O°X•O

Living Room

(Song:) Orange - The Filthy Youth

Serena saw her sister walking downstairs, walking closer in relief. "Noe, there you are."

Noe stopped at the bottom of the stairs. "Here I am. Serena, I just went upstairs because my head was killing me. Nate got Thyra to let me use her room to get rid of the headache."

Serena raised her eyebrows. "You were with Nate?"

"Yes, Mom," Noe answered sarcastically. "What's the big deal?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay, and that..." Serena trailed off.

"I'm not gonna say anything," Noe told her. "I'm trying not to, anyway."

Hope called out to Serena and Alex as she and Dan were about to leave. "Serena, Alex!"

They walked over.

"Hey, where are you going?" Serena asked. "I made a study area in the other room for you, me, Noe, Hope and Alex."

"You know what?" Dan asked. "We're just gonna go. I--I think--I think Chuck, Dylan and Brooklyn are right."

"Wait, Chuck?" Noe asked skeptically. "Dylan and Brooklyn have their moments when they're right, but Chuck doesn't."

"No, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck all had a point, actually," Hope told them. "Maybe the reason none of you guys take this seriously is because for you it's not."

Vanessa walked up to them, filming.

"No, it is," Alex told them.

Noe noticed Vanessa filming her, a little annoyed with her being so close. "Vanessa, please, some space."

"Vanessa, back off," Hope told her.

Vanessa backed off. "Sorry."

Hope looked at Serena, Noe and Alex. "Look, I'm all for loyalty and I'm all for sticking together, but we are not in the same boat here. Dan, Jenny and I are all on partial scholarships. Our parents have no way of buying our way back into this school, or any other. And I don't want to get any of you in trouble, but I don't want to get in trouble either, so I'm just trying to find a safe route in between so that no one does."

"That's not gonna work, Hope, and you know it," Dan told her. He looked at Serena, Noe and Alex. "I know this isn't going to be a popular opinion with--with your band of brothers, but if the person who brought that key refuses to step up, then anybody who knows anything has the right to say something."

Serena and Noe exchanged a knowing look, pressing their lips together.

Alex looked at them. "Do--do you know who it is? I don't, and neither did Nate, since we got there late. But you do, don't you?"

"So you and Nate don't know," Hope told him. "That's fine, Alex. And, Serena, Noe, it's fine that you do know. I don't want anyone to get into trouble."

"But you're not even gonna say anything?" Dan asked.

"Dan, please," Noe told him. "Hope understands. Why can't you?"

"I don't," Dan answered. "I just don't."

X•O°X•O

Dining Room

Blair was walking, jumping when Chuck suddenly grabbed her arm, turning to face him. "Hey, let go of me, Bass."

"Drop your Archibald habit first," Chuck replied.

"You know I already have," Blair told him.

"Really?" Chuck asked. "You telling Nate that you would like to make things work as well does sort of send the wrong signal to both of you. You're leading him on."

Dylan, Wyatt, Brooklyn and Thyra were standing nearby, listening, rolling their eyes.

"You're one to talk about leading someone on, Chuck," Brooklyn told him. "Dylan and I saw you last night trying to get with Noe before she brushed you off in an incredibly badass way for an amnesiac."

Wyatt looked at Chuck, raising his eyebrows. "And she's supposed to become your stepsister, not to mention the other girl Nate has feelings for. You are seriously twisted."

"Let's not waste time denying," Dylan told him.

Thyra rolled her eyes. "You know what? I'm tired of the blackmail you two keep springing up on us to keep us quiet, too."

"Oh, wait, the only blackmail you had on us was outing us to everyone, but, hey, we did that ourselves on Christmas Eve, so you don't have any leverage on us anymore," Brooklyn reminded them. "So how about Thyra just tells Nate since she's like family to him and Alex and have this all be over and done with?"

"Really?" Chuck asked. "You want to tell him how Blair slept with me and then faked her virginity for him?"

"I'll just tell him you're lying," Blair replied. "Who do you think he'll believe? You, who bangs anything in his field of vision, or me, his pure and honest girlfriend of many years?"

"Well, now he'll believe me," Chuck told her.

"Why?" Dylan asked.

"I have proof," Chuck answered, pointing at the door, where Vanessa had been standing and filming the entire conversation, holding out his hand. "Good eye, docu-girl. I'll take the tape now."

"You knew she was watching?" Dylan asked.

Wyatt looked at Vanessa, gesturing from himself to Blair and Thyra. "This is our house. That tape belongs to us."

"Actually, this is my footage, and thanks to all of you, I think I got a new angle on my subject," Vanessa told them. She looked from Blair and Chuck to Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Wyatt, to Noe and Nate out in the living room. "Actually, quite a few new angles." She pointed at Chuck, then Blair and Noe. "Forceful playboy taking his best friend's girlfriend's virginity and trying to hook up with the amnesiac girl who could turn out to be his stepsister in soon future and also the other holder of his best friend's affections in a tale of forbidden love until she regains her memory." She pointed at Blair. "Spoiled rich girl manipulating everyone and helping the forceful playboy blackmail their little siblings, by blood and adoption alike, with their sexuality until they outed themselves on Christmas Eve, the golden boy and the black Diamond having other issues as well, dating the bisexual playboy and his twin sister, princess of the Upper East Side. While Nate and Noe over there have criminal fathers and have no idea that half of this is going on. I'm sure my documentary will win an award thanks to all of your twists and turns."

Dan and Hope walked closer.

"Hey, Vanessa, let's get out of here," Hope told her.

Chuck grabbed Vanessa's arm. "If you think I'm gonna let you walk out of here with that tape, you're crazy."

Vanessa pulled her arm free. "Let go of me."

Dan pushed Chuck back. "Hey. Last time I checked, I still owe you a black eye. So unless this is you coming to claim it, stay away from her."

Dan, Hope and Vanessa made their way out of the apartment. Thyra, Wyatt, Blair, Chuck, Brooklyn and Dylan could do nothing but watch them go in shock.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Now that sex, lies, love triangles, mentality disorders and family betrayals have been caught on videotape, V's documentary just became the most anticipated new release of the year."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Day Three

Morning - Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

There was a knock on the door.

Lily opened the door, surprised to see who was on the other side. "Rufus, what are you doing here?"

Rufus walked in. "I'm not leaving a message for you from the courtyard this time."

Lily sighed, closing the door. "Well, I can see that. But five minutes ago, my kids would've--"

"Why did you really come to see me yesterday?" Rufus asked.

"I told you," Lily told him. "Out of respect for--"

"Respect or regret?" Rufus asked. "You wanted me to give you a reason not to spend the rest of your life with Bart Bass."

"Rufus..." Lily trailed off.

"I'm still in love with you," Rufus told her.

Lily tried to hide a smile, looking away. "So what exactly are you offering, Rufus? Some retrospective of the way we were over a decade ago?" She looked at him. "Look, we're not 20 and on the road."

"Thank God we're not, because your mother made this decision for you back then, remember?" Rufus asked.

"Yes," Lily answered, pacing away, sitting down.

Rufus sat next to her. "Look, I don't know exactly what it would even mean for us to be together. But can you look at me and tell me you're not the least bit curious? You're at the same crossroads you were years ago. Claim your life this time. Live it the way you want to live it."

Rufus put a hand on Lily's cheek, leaning closer to kiss her lightly, pulling away, standing, leaving Lily alone to consider what he had said.

X•O°X•O

Constance/St. Jude's School - Queller's Office

Nate was sitting across the desk from Queller. "I did it. I broke into the school."

"After all your family has been through this year, I'm surprised to learn that you're behind something like this," Queller told him.

Nate nodded. "I know, I know, and I apologize."

"From what I can see, you always seem to be toeing the line of mediocrity, Nathaniel," Queller told him. "Your grades are average at best, almost as though you're not committed to school, or your future."

"Can we just move on to the punishment part of this meeting?" Nate asked. "Please?"

"Certainly," Queller answered. "But I'm curious. Can you please describe how you broke into the school?"

Nate nodded. "I can do better. I can show you."

Nate took out the pool key, giving it to Queller.

"And how did you get access to this key?" Queller asked. "You're not on the swim team. Not a janitor, right?"

"No," Nate answered.

"Where's the key chain?" Queller asked.

"The key chain?" Nate repeated.

Queller nodded. "Do you remember its color? Size? What it's made of? Anything at all?" Nate remained silent. Queller showed Nate a picture of the key while it had been on the key chain. "Who are you trying to protect?"

Nate still didn't answer.

X•O°X•O

Outside

Brooklyn, Dylan, Wyatt, Thyra and Blair walked outside, seeing Vanessa was here just to record on her camera.

"I can't believe she caught all of us on tape like that," Brooklyn told them. "Blair, I can't believe we have to deal with your and Chuck's mess again, that you dragged us into, again."

"I think that's normal protocol already," Thyra told them.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Blair asked.

"Yeah, well, you and Chuck aren't smart enough to put nasty business like this behind you when you're dealing with just each other, so why would you be smart enough to deal with outsiders trying to destroy us all?" Dylan asked.

"Blair, it's better if we do this before you and Chuck go full dark side and destroy this girl," Wyatt told her.

"True," Brooklyn agreed. "All right, then, let's get on with it."

"Can we please try to be nice first, please?" Wyatt asked.

They all looked at Brooklyn.

"What?" Brooklyn asked innocently. "Fine. You get one try on the nice thing. After that, I'm going full on bitch mode."

"So am I," Blair agreed.

"I thought you and Brooklyn were already in full on bitch mode," Dylan told her. "Oh, right, that's just both of your personalities 24/7."

"Hilarious, Dylan," Brooklyn told him sarcastically.

Thyra put an arm around Brooklyn and her other hand on Blair's shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't let them out of their cages right away."

They walked down the steps toward Vanessa.

"May we have a word, off camera?" Blair asked.

"Uh, sure," Vanessa answered. "But I think I know what you're gonna say. And I can save you the indignity of groveling by telling you right now, no way are you gonna get that tape."

"We weren't going to grovel, and the fact that you even went there makes it clear you have no idea who you're dealing with," Blair told her.

"What are you gonna do to me, blackball me from eating yogurt on the Met steps?" Vanessa asked. "You have nothing I need. Or are you gonna try and blackmail me like you and Chuck did to Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Wyatt? Because you don't have anything on me."

"All right, that's it," Dylan told them. "I hate this girl already. Brooklyn, she's all yours."

Brooklyn smiled. "Finally." She walked toward Vanessa. "Look, Vanellope, right?"

"Vanessa," Vanessa corrected.

Brooklyn ignored her. "Oh, right, Vanellope. Look, apparently you decided to become the next wannabe Kathryn Bigelow, and record me, my family, my friend and my girlfriend, which could potentially destroy our relationship with Nate and if Noe sees it, she could go into a meltdown because of the damage on her head from the car accident, and we can't have that, so be a good little... whatever you are and give us the tape."

"Why are you helping them after what they did to the four of you?" Vanessa asked. "What are you, their little minions?"

"Sweetie, we are no one's minions," Thyra answered. "Trust us, you would rather deal with us than them."

"Well, I'll tell you again, I'm not giving you the tape," Vanessa told them.

"You put that footage in your film, you won't be able to show it," Blair told her. "We won't sign a release."

"I'm not looking for a distribution deal, just a local arts grant so I can pay my rent," Vanessa told them. "Now if you'll excuse me, you're in my shot." She tried to go around them. Wyatt grabbed her arm to stop her. Vanessa gave him a look. "Here I thought you were different than the rest of them."

"Hey, don't look at me," Wyatt told her. "You decided to play hard, gambling Noe's sanity and memory with what you're making. All it takes is for one of our enemies that want to destroy us if they see that tape you make for your grant, and if they show it to Nate and Noe, it could destroy everything. And Noe could go back to Ostroff because of this. You started this, Vanessa, and now you're suffering the consequences."

Vanessa scoffed, shaking her head. "If something happens to her, that's not on me. I didn't do anything to her."

"But you're gonna use our story and her story to make money off of betrayal, lies and her amnesia condition for your documentary?" Thyra asked. "Yeah, you say that you hate us on the Upper East Side, but even we wouldn't do something like that. You sound like a hypocrite."

Chuck approached them. "And if Dylan, Brooklyn, Thyra and Wyatt tell you that, and if I agree with them, you know it's true."

Chuck offered her money.

"What's that, your stripper money?" Vanessa asked.

"$10,000 for the tape," Chuck answered.

"You think I'd take your money?" Vanessa asked.

"Yes, I do," Chuck answered. "I know girls like you. You act like money's not important. The truth is, money's important to everyone."

"And I thought Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra and Wyatt were manipulative," Vanessa told them.

"Oh, Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra and Wyatt are just 14 year olds learning the ropes from the professionals like me and Blair," Chuck told her. "Of course, being Basses, Brooklyn and Dylan are better than most. To Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra, this money is a couple pairs of Manolos and Chanel bags. To Dylan and Wyatt, who knows? But I know that this much cash can make a real difference in your life."

Vanessa looked between the six of them, glaring, taking out the tape she was using currently in her camera, handing it to Chuck "You're sick."

"So are you," Dylan replied.

"And you're welcome," Brooklyn added sarcastically.

Chuck handed the money to Vanessa. Vanessa left. Brooklyn, Thyra, Blair, Wyatt, Dylan and Chuck exchanged a look, smirking.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Who knew Queen B, Princess BB, T, D, W and C were such patrons of the arts? Call it philanthropy or bribery, but it looks like everyone has their price."

X•O°X•O

Restaurant

Bart and Lily were sitting at a table, looking through menus.

"Something on your mind, Lily?" Bart asked.

Lily picked up her wine glass. "Uh..."

Bart's phone rang. He answered. "Yeah? What are you saying? I'm sorry. It's Sheldon. He has those numbers I was asking for. Do you mind?"

"No," Lily answered.

Bart returned to his phone call, standing. "Yeah, just make sure he gets it at the current rate. The dollar's been all over the place."

Bart walked outside to continue the phone call away from the noise.

Lily thought for a moment, looking around the restaurant, picking up her phone, calling Rufus.

Rufus was in the gallery. "Hello?"

"I was thinking about what you said," Lily explained. "Let's do it. Let's see what we are. Let's see what we could be."

Rufus was teasing her. "Who is this?"

"Rufus..." Lily trailed off.

Rufus laughed lightly. "Lily, this is great. Do you know how great this is?"

Lily looked around nervously. "Well, yes. I mean, I--I do. I mean, I think so."

"Let's go away tonight," Rufus suggested. "Let's get away from everyone, everything, just figure it out."

"Wh--where would we go?" Lily asked.

"Who cares?" Rufus replied.

Lily smiled. "Okay, sounds like a plan. Um, 90th and 5th, 6:00?"

Rufus nodded. "Okay."

They were both excited, happy, but incredibly nervous.

"I'm scared, Rufus, in a good way," Lily told him.

Rufus smiled. "Me, too."

Still smiling, they both hung up.

X•O°X•O

Constance/St. Jude's School - Meeting Room

The partiers from the pool were gathered once again, sitting the same way as before, with the boys and girls on either side of the room.

Chuck was sitting with Dylan and Wyatt, showing them the tape, whispering. "Proof, worth every penny."

They looked across the room toward the girls, looking at Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra, nodding, who nodded in return.

"Settle down, please," Queller told them. "Yesterday, I talked about the serious consequences for your dishonorable actions, and obviously, you didn't believe me. But someone came forward today and claimed responsibility..."

Hope looked at Noe and Serena. "Do you know who?"

Serena shook her head in confusion. Noe frowned.

"For a crime he did not commit," Queller finished. "And although I appreciate his self-sacrifice, I don't abide dishonesty. And I think it's time you all know how serious I am. Nathaniel Archibald is suspended from St. Jude's."

Everyone looked at him in shock.

Alex whispered to his brother. "What the hell, Nate?"

Nate replied in a whisper. "I'll explain later, Alex."

"And yes, this will go on his transcript, effective immediately," Queller told them. "Mr. Archibald, you know where to find the exit."

Nate stood, walking out of the room.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "This just in, Nate Archibald, dead man walking. We hear St. Jude's has a new policy. An eye for a lie."

"Watch him go, students," Queller told them. "Who wants to be next? Until one of you comes forward, we'll keep going until every last one of you has walked out that door."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Outside

Alex, Hope, Noe, Dan and Serena walked outside.

"I need to find Nate and find out what the hell is going on," Alex told them.

"Alex, I thought you and Nate showed up late to the party and you didn't know who broke in," Dan told him.

"We did, and we don't," Alex answered.

Hope sighed, holding her head. "I can't believe this is happening."

"Hope, it's okay," Alex told her.

"Alex, I--I can't--I can't get expelled," Hope told him. "Dan can't."

"Neither of us can get suspended," Dan told them. "Our whole future is riding on this. If you know how broke in, then why won't you give them up?"

So intense and overwhelmed and irritated, Noe spoke without thinking. "Because it was me and Serena." Dan and Hope looked at them in surprise. Noe realized what she said, turning to her sister in regret. "Serena, I..."

Serena rubbed her arm to calm her down. "Noe, it's okay. I know you didn't mean to say it. It's fine."

Noe sighed. "Looks like Chuck was right about me, at least."

"No, not even close," Serena told her. She looked at Alex, Dan and Hope. "Noe's not the one that had the means to break in. I did."

"So why--why didn't you tell us right away?" Hope asked.

"'Cause I was trying to protect Serena," Noe answered. "She did it for me."

"And I didn't want you to judge us," Serena added.

"Aren't we already beyond that?" Dan asked.

Noe sighed, shaking her head, looking at Dan and Hope sadly. "And we didn't want you to know because we didn't want you to have to be in the position you're in now, of having to choose between protecting us and helping yourselves."

Alex sighed, sitting down. "All right. So how'd you even get in?"

"I have a key," Serena answered.

"You had a key to the pool?" Dan asked.

"All right, what happened to being beyond this?" Serena asked.

Dan nodded, looking away. "Sorry."

"The end of freshman year, I kind of dated the swim team captain, and he gave me a key so that we could you know, meet up, and..." Serena trailed off.

Alex didn't want to hear this, nodding, gesturing for her to go on. "Enough said. And what happened Saturday night that led to the pool?"

"Well, Blair, Brooklyn, Thyra, Serena and I ran out of places to go," Noe explained. "I was getting overwhelmed because I was trying my hardest to remember things that I just couldn't remember, and I started to freak out. Blair knew that Serena still had a key, so them two, Brooklyn and Thyra came up with the idea for them to take me to the pool so that I could literally cool down, and before I knew it, it's like we were all there."

"And I thought it was just gonna be us girls, so we could get Noe to relax," Serena explained. "And then everybody got on their phones, and more people started showing up, and I just never thought anybody was gonna get hurt."

Hope nodded sadly in understanding. "Yeah."

"Well, you can still tell Queller the truth," Dan told them. "I think she'll respect your honest."

"Yeah, like she respected Nate's?" Noe asked.

"No, Nate lied," Hope told them. "And besides, you're Serena and Noe van der Woodsen."

"You didn't know them before Serena went away, before Noe's accident," Alex told them. "Noe was barely able to return to school because of her accident, because of the damage on her head because of the..." He looked at Noe, gesturing to the scar, sighing. "Sorry."

Noe shook her head. "Don't be, Alex. It's the truth. If Mom finds out about this, that we did this... after what I did at cotillion and now this, I wouldn't be surprised if she sent me back to Ostroff if I got kicked out of school."

"And I barely got back into Constance," Serena told them. "If Noe and I got expelled, I don't think any school in town would take me. And this private school is the only school in town, in the state, that has education equipped enough to help her, besides Ostroff. If she gets expelled, the only place for her to go to get that kind of help is Ostroff."

"I'm sure that's not true," Hope told them sympathetically.

"I can't risk going back to boarding school, being away from all of you, my friends, Noe and Eric," Serena told them.

"I can't go back to Ostroff," Noe told them. "That place was driving me crazy." She sighed. "But I don't want either of you to lose your futures."

Dan and Hope took all of this in, sighing, nodding in understanding, looking down.

Dan sighed. "Wow. Oh, wow. You really can be damned if you do and screwed if you don't."

Woman: (on PA) "Dan and Hope Humphrey, Headmistress Queller is requesting to see you in her office after class."

Alex, Hope, Noe, Serena and Dan exchanged a worried look.

X•O°X•O

Front Gate

Noe walked down the steps looking for Nate, finding him. "Nate? Hey. Alex is looking for you. He's checking in with Hope before she has to see Queller. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Nate answered. "It's, uh... my and Alex's parents have so much other stuff going on right now. They'll get over it. Either way, it was worth it."

"Worth it?" Noe repeated.

"Yes," Nate answered. "Noe, I know everything is screwed up with your life as it is right now, and how hard you're working to try to make things decent..."

"What are you talking about?" Noe asked.

Nate turned to face her. "You don't have to lie. I saw the key in your bag."

Noe checked the pocket. "Oh, God. I forgot it was even there. The key wasn't mine, Nate. I was hiding it for Serena, but she broke in because she was trying to help me calm down the other night." She looked at him in surprise. "Wait, that's why you were suspended? You told the headmistress it was yours because you thought it was mine?"

Nate nodded. "I knew that after everything with cotillion and the pool... this school barely has the ability to help someone like you, so I doubt any other school does. And I know your mom pretty well, so I knew that if you got expelled and no other school would take you or help you, it would probably be back to Ostroff."

Noe was stunned, smiling slightly, looking down, shaking her head. "You're right about that, but you shouldn't have done it."

Nate shrugged. "It was worth it. I can go to school anywhere. You kind of need this one."

Noe looked up, looking at him wonderingly. "I remembered Thanksgiving last year when I got drunk the other night."

Nate smiled, chuckling. "Oh, God, Thanksgiving."

Noe couldn't help a smile. "Yeah. I'm really, really sorry for that, Nate. You and Alex having to take care of me and Serena drunk, but the water fight was really fun."

Nate laughed lightly. "Yeah, it was."

Noe let her smile fade, nervous and confused, sighing. "I remember... feeling something that I don't really know how to explain since I don't feel used to it anymore. But given that, and what you did for me at cotillion and just now... We were more than best friends... before I lost my memory. Weren't we?" Nate didn't know how to answer, sighing. Noe nodded, looking down. "Did anything happen between us? Please, Nate... just give me a straight answer, since no one else will."

"One time," Nate answered. "That's all I can say without Serena killing me."

Nate's goal to cheer her up worked. Noe smiled, laughing. Nate smiled.

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - VDW Suite - Lily's Room

Lily was packing a bag. Serena walked in, flopping onto the bed.

"You're home early," Lily told her. "Where's Nevaeh? Please don't tell me you two got expelled."

"Not yet," Serena answered.

Noe walked in, leaning against the doorway. "And I'm right here."

Lily gave them both a look. "Your position at that school is already too precarious. One false move, and you know what? I can't do anything to help you. Serena, you would have to go back to boarding school. Nevaeh, outside of Ostroff, that school was the only place with the resources that could help you."

"We know," Serena told her. "We know. I just wanna hide under the covers and make it all go away."

"Like me forgetting everything and you making sure that I don't find out something that could set me off by making everyone lie to me until I remembered enough to get one truth out of someone?" Noe asked.

Serena sighed, sitting up. "What did you remember? Who told you what?"

"Well, you keep secrets from me, I keep secrets from you," Noe told her.

"Noe, I've been keeping secrets to protect you," Serena told her.

"Well, I'll say it again, Serena," Noe told her. "I don't want to be protected."

Lily sighed, still packing. "Both of you, enough."

Noe pointed at Lily. "I know that Serena and Eric have only been lying to me and got everyone else to lie to me, because you started the lies."

Lily nodded in agreement. "Yes, I did. Given the state of your mind and actions, can you blame any of us?"

"I'm not blaming any of you," Noe answered. "I just wish you would stop. And why are you packing? You and Bart just got back."

"Well, I was just gonna go for a, you know, a little spa trip for the weekend," Lily lied.

"'Cause you're so stressed out from your vacation?" Serena asked sarcastically. Lily's phone started to ring. Serena saw that it was Rufus calling, handing the phone to Lily. "Aren't you gonna answer that?"

"No, I don't think so," Lily answered, turning off her phone, putting it down.

Serena seemed to realize. "Mom, is Dan's dad the reason you haven't answered Bart's proposal?" Lily didn't answer, but Noe and Serena already knew the answer. Serena stood, pleading. "You can't. Please, Mom, not this one."

"Look, I will not base my personal life on your preferences," Lily told her.

"Dan is my boyfriend, and I know we're too young to talk about forever, but right now, that's what it feels like," Serena told her.

Lily nodded. "I know it does, sweetie, but..."

"But what?" Noe asked. "Tell us that Rufus is that important to you."

"Tell me that whatever you and Rufus have is the most important thing in your life outside your family, because that's what Dan is to me, Mom," Serena told her. "The most important. I would rather be Chuck, Dylan and Brooklyn's stepsister than Dan, Hope and Jenny's. Please don't do this to me."

"Dan means that much to you?" Noe asked.

"Yeah, he does," Serena answered. "Noe, the two most important things right now in my life is taking care of you, and being with Dan." She seemed to realize what she had to do. "In fact, I have to go."

"Where?" Noe asked.

"School," Serena answered. "There's something I have to do. For you, Dan and Hope." She looked at Lily. "And I hope there's something you have to do, too."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Dylan, Wyatt, Thyra and Brooklyn were sitting in chairs, laughing. Blair walked downstairs. Vanessa walked in.

"What are you doing here?" Brooklyn asked.

Vanessa showed them the real tape. "I brought this for you."

"What's the catch?" Thyra asked.

"I know this might come as a shock, but not everyone operates from an agenda," Vanessa told them. "In fact, some people do things simply because it's the decent thing to do."

"Ironic you say that, because it took you this long to hand over the real tape even after what we told you about what you would be doing to Noe," Dylan replied. "The soon to be stepsister to me, Brooklyn and Chuck."

Vanessa handed the tape to Brooklyn. "I know, and I'm sorry. Smash it, burn it, whatever. There are no copies."

"What about the one you gave to Chuck?" Blair asked.

"It's blank," Vanessa answered.

"Which I'm sure he'll be thrilled to discover," Wyatt told them sarcastically.

"You can leave now," Brooklyn told her. "And if you ever try to do something like this that hurts one of the ones that I love and care about, like my family, by soon to be marriage or blood alike? You're not gonna like what comes next. Noe's already had a meltdown just over what's happened with this school break in thing, Thyra and Wyatt have both had meltdowns as well, and I'm not gonna let anyone send them into another."

"Goodbye now," Thyra told her. Vanessa waved, leaving. Thyra turned to Blair. "About what's on the tape, about Nate. He's a good guy, Blair, and he deserves to know the truth. We helped you get that tape back so it didn't cause more damage. But Nate deserves to know the truth."

"Give me time, Thyra," Blair told her, holding up the tape. "I have this now."

X•O°X•O

Constance/St. Jude's School - Queller's Office

Hope and Dan were sitting across from Queller.

"Mr. and Miss Humphrey, you both have a partial scholarship at St. Jude's and Constance respectively," Queller told them. "You are both top two of your classes. Mr. Humphrey, you have a stellar recommendation for Dartmouth from J.L. Hall. Miss Humphrey, you're smart enough to graduate a year early if you set your mind to it and get early admissions to college. It looks as if your dreams are well within your grasp."

Hope nodded nervously. "Thank you, thank you. Yeah, I guess they are."

"But it seems you're in with a new crowd this year, dating Serena van der Woodsen and Alexander Archibald," Queller told them.

"Is that on our files?" Dan asked.

Queller leaned forward against her desk. "Who had the key to the school?"

Hope shook her head. "We don't know."

"Let me remind you one last time that you both are in a different position than the others," Queller told them. "You need this school."

Serena knocked on the door, walking in. "Headmistress Queller, I have something to tell you."

Queller looked between Serena, Hope and Dan, who all looked down.

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Serena was now sitting on the other side of Dan.

"I must say, your file reads more like a rap sheet," Queller told her. "You cut more sophomore classes than you attended, cheated on tests, talked back to teachers."

"Look, I understand that this is a serious matter," Serena told her. "That's why it's important to me that you know, you being new here, that the person that you just described is not who I am anymore."

"Oh, no?" Queller asked. "Who are you now?"

"Well, my grades are up, my attendance is nearly perfect, and I've stayed out of trouble," Serena answered.

"Until now," Queller told her. "Why start again now?"

Hope, Dan and Serena didn't tell her why, protecting Noe.

"Please understand that I never intended for anything bad to happen," Serena told her. "And it may have taken some time, but I am here now, accepting responsibility for my actions. Whatever you think is fair."

Queller nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's discuss the consequences."

X•O°X•O

Cafe

(Song:) Breakfast in NYC - Oppenheimer

Thyra, Blair and Wyatt walked in, looking for Vanessa, finding her.

Wyatt sighed, clearing his throat. "We'll be brief."

"And I'll be not interested," Vanessa replied.

"Is that how you speak to the people who just paid your rent for a year?" Blair asked.

"What did you just say?" Vanessa asked.

Thyra smirked. "Congratulations, Vanessa. You just won 365 more days in your Ikea-furnished closet."

"You went to my building?" Vanessa asked. "You talked to my landlord?"

Thyra rolled her eyes. "Well, I did, but I don't speak Ukrainian, but I do speak envelope of cash. And he understood me perfectly."

Vanessa scoffed. "I can't believe you."

"Thyra Diamond is not indebted to anyone, and neither are Dylan, Brooklyn and Chuck Bass, or Blair and Wyatt Waldorf," Thyra told her. "No matter how much most of us appreciate what you did."

Vanessa frowned. "You're welcome, I guess."

Blair raised her eyebrows awkwardly, looking around. "Good. Now this transaction is finished, and we're free to return to disliking you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Vanessa replied.

Wyatt turned to leave, but stopped for a second. "Oh, and one more thing. If you didn't pay your rent with it, what did you do with Chuck's money?"

"I may have created a medical grant for teens with genital herpes in his name," Vanessa answered.

Thyra and Wyatt couldn't help but laugh, leaving. Blair smirked, following.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Constance/St. Jude's School - Outside

Alex was waiting for Hope, Dan and Serena, turning to face them. "Hey. I was talking to Nate and I found out why he confessed. He found out Noe had the key and knew the danger she was in given Ostroff and losing this school or any other school."

Hope smiled slightly. "Aw."

"So what happened in there?" Alex asked. "Is everything okay?"

"Serena confessed," Dan answered. "She did it to protect me, Noe and Hope."

"And no, Alex, she didn't expel me," Serena told him. "I can't believe it."

Alex sighed in relief. "Oh, thank God."

"Yeah, I know," Hope agreed.

"25 hours of community outreach?" Serena asked. "That's not bad at all. I mean, I probably would've done it anyway being as I'm on the committee."

Dan nodded. "That had occurred to me, yeah."

"Wait, wait, what are you saying?" Alex asked.

Dan shook his head. "No, no, I'm not saying anything, believe me."

"So you don't buy what she said about me being the poster child for the new honor code?" Serena asked. "Look, I know for a fact my mom didn't plead my case or donate anything, okay? I didn't say a thing."

Alex sighed. "Hope. Dan. Are you really turning this into an 'upstairs, downstairs' thing?"

"No, no, Dan is," Hope answered. "I'm being completely silent." Alex smiled, shaking his head. "I'm just happy that Serena and Noe are not being expelled, or leaving town, or going back to Ostroff any time soon. Alex, you hungry? You could go out for food."

"Always," Alex answered. "Hope, Dan, you two still believe that there's a double standard, that people like us get special treatment."

A limo driver opened a door. "Miss van der Woodsen, your mother sent me to pick you up."

Serena was embarrassed at the bad timing of that given their conversation. "Oh, great. That was thoughtful."

Dan looked at Alex and Serena sarcastically. "I think you get no special treatment at all. Your lives are completely uncharmed and average."

Serena looked at the driver "It's okay. I'll walk."

Alex pointed at Hope. "And we can walk to the dinner we had planned."

Alex, Hope and Serena started to walk away.

Dan sighed. "No, come on. I'm--I was kidding." Hope turned to give Dan a look, walking away with Alex. Dan looked at the limo driver. "You going to Brooklyn?"

X•O°X•O

Night - Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

(Song:) Come Home - OneRepublic

The van der Woodsens and the Basses were gathered for dinner.

"It's a rare occasion to celebrate the merging of two families," Bart told them. "And I couldn't be happier to be here tonight to celebrate Lily's acceptance of my proposal."

X•O°X•O

Flashback - Earlier That Night

Street

Lily walked up to Rufus, having no bags with her, while he had his. Rufus did not look surprised or even hurt.

X•O°X•O

Now

Night - Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

Bart raised his glass. "So to my lovely bride and our growing family."

Chuck winked at Noe. Noe rolled her eyes. Brooklyn and Dylan gave Chuck a look. They all clinked their wine glasses together, drinking.

X•O°X•O

Flashback - Earlier That Night

Street

Rufus made a joke. "You packed light."

Lily shook her head. "Please try to understand."

Rufus seemed to know it was about Dan and Serena, nodding. "I think I do." They managed small smiles. "I'm just sorry."

"So am I," Lily agreed.

They looked at each other sadly. Rufus got into a taxi to drive back home. Lily was left there sadly.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Now

Night - Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

The Basses and VDWs drank their champagne.

"Mom looks about as happy as Grandma at last call," Eric told them.

"I know," Dylan agreed. "It seems Dad's personality--or lack thereof--is contagious."

Brooklyn shook her head. "I don't even know how she breathes with her blouse buttoned that high."

Chuck put an arm around Noe's shoulders. "How glad are you to see our families merge, sis?"

Noe pushed his arm off of her, turning to face him. "So glad that if you ever call me that again, it'll be the last thing you ever say, Chuck."

Dylan, Brooklyn, Serena and Eric were impressed by that.

Chuck smirked. "I love it. Our first brother/sister squabble. I hope you're going to make yourself available for more missed childhood memories. Bathing together, for example."

Noe gave Chuck a glare, rolling her eyes, tilting her head, turning away from him, looking at Dylan, Brooklyn, Serena and Eric, who all raised their eyebrows at them. Chuck was checking out Noe from behind.

Dylan and Brooklyn both hit Chuck. "Chuck."

Serena and Noe walked away to sit down away from them.

Bart sat down next to them. "So your new stepbrother, Chuck, told me about your problem at school. Frankly, I wasn't surprised given your propensity for recklessness and adventure."

Serena looked at him in confusion. "I'm sorry?"

"Don't tell your mother, but I made a call," Bart told them.

"You did what?" Noe asked.

Bart sighed. "It was harder than usual. That new headmistress of yours is a real piece of work. I had to go over her head. Sorry I couldn't get the charges completely dropped, but at least I got you minimal sentence, Serena. And lucky for both of us, you kept Noe out of it, so no harm came to her education or... anything else."

Noe moved a little further away from Bart.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "One thing bout being on the inside. Once you get there, you don't always get to choose where you stand... or sit."

Chuck sat down on the other side of Noe, grabbing her hand. "I was just looking out for my family." Noe pulled her hand out of his forcefully in annoyance. "The new van der Woodsen/Bass library should be completed for Eric, Wyatt, Thyra, Brooklyn and Dylan's graduation."

Dylan and Brooklyn walked closer.

"Chuck, why don't you just leave Noe the hell alone?" Brooklyn asked.

Bart looked between his three kids to Serena and Noe. "I can see that Lily and I are gonna have our hands full with all of you."

"Excuse me, I need some air," Noe told them, standing and leaving abruptly.

Serena rolled her eyes, standing, walking away.

X•O°X•O

Noe's Room - Balcony

(Song:) Cross the River - La Rocca

Noe walked out onto the balcony to get some fresh air, trying to calm down, breathing a little heavily.

Eric walked outside, placing a hand on her arm. "Noe? You okay?"

Noe sighed, nodding. "I'm fine, Eric. I just had to get out of there. It was getting a little hard to breathe, you know?"

"These parties can be that way," Eric told her, trying to cheer her up.

"You know that's not what I meant," Noe told him.

Eric nodded sadly. "I know what you meant."

"I've been trying so hard to convince everyone that I'm fine, but after everything that happened the last few days..." Noe trailed off.

"You don't have to keep trying to convince us, Noe," Eric told her. "It's okay that you're not okay after what happened to you."

Noe turned to face him, sighing. "Yeah, but I want to be okay, Eric. And I don't want anyone else to worry about me because they all have their own lives to deal with."

They exchanged a sad look. Eric wrapped her in a comforting embrace.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Sometimes you need to step outside, clear your head, and remind yourself of who you are... or try to remember who you are in the case of Noe van der Woodsen."

X•O°X•O

Archibald Mansion - Alex's Room

Alex and Hope walked in after eating dinner.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And where you want to be."

"You wondering why I asked you here?" Alex asked.

"After the past few days of feeling like it was your people against Dan who was trying to make me choose sides?" Hope asked. "Yeah, a little. Starting to see why Gossip Girl calls you the Upper East Side's Romeo and calls me Brooklyn's Juliet."

Alex chuckled. "Look, I know you didn't want to choose sides, Hope. And I know that you wanted to protect us. You didn't want to rat on anyone. Not like Dan. With everything going on with my family, I could just as easily end up where you're at. And I hope that wouldn't change anything between us."

Hope shook her head, walking closer. "It wouldn't, Alex. I promise. I don't love you for the money, about any of this. I love you for you."

They both realized what she said, chuckling in shock but happiness.

Alex nodded, smiling a little. "I know. Do you think it's possible for two people who live in opposite worlds like us with all of our family drama and baggage in tow, to really make something like what we have last?"

"If we really want to, yeah," Hope answered. "And I do really want to, Alex."

"So do I," Alex agreed.

"Nothing can tear us apart," Hope told him. "I promise."

Alex stepped closer, placing a hand on her cheek. "What you said before... I love you, too."

They both smiled, starting to kiss slowly and passionately, more heatedly and deep, pulling away, leaning their foreheads together, smiling.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And sometimes, in the case of Serena van der Woodsen, Dan Humphrey, Alex Archibald and Hope Humphrey, you have to venture outside your world in order to find yourself."

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Serena walked in, seeing Rufus there. "Hey."

"Aren't you supposed to be at your mom's engagement thing?" Rufus asked.

"Yeah, well, it was basically over," Serena answered. "So, are you, um, packing up your music?"

"Nah," Rufus answered. "I just need to find something new to write about, and I will."

X•O°X•O

Dan's Room

Serena walked in, taking off her jacket.

Dan was laying on his bed, steadying. "Hey. You're a little overdressed for the study date I didn't know we had."

Serena closed the door behind her. "You were right about everything."

"You wanna talk about it?" Dan asked.

Serena shook her head in answer, sitting down next to him. "Can I just sit here with you for a while?"

"Yeah," Dan answered.

Serena looked at what he was studying. "Chaucer?"

"Yeah, I got a test on Friday," Dan answered.

"Mine's Thursday," Serena explained.

They smiled, continuing to study, sitting back together, smiling and laughing lightly.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "As for me, I'm happy right where I am. I only wanna be with you. XOXO, Gossip Girl."