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There was a montage of the city.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Good morning, Upper East Siders."

From 1.01 "Pilot", in the limo, Chuck, Blair, Nate and Alex were laughing and drinking champagne all around the limo.

From 1.01 "Pilot", at the Kiss on the Lips Party, Wyatt, Dylan, Thyra and Brooklyn were dancing.

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

From 1.01 "Pilot", outside the Waldorf building, the Bass siblings stood outside.

Brooklyn checked her phone, in shock, excited. "My God, you'll never believe what's on Gossip Girl. Someone saw Serena get off at train at Grand Central. Everyone's thinking Noe's gonna come back, too."

From 1.01 "Pilot", in Ostroff, Noe was waking up, looking at her family. "Who the hell are you people?"

Serena looked at Eric and Lily. "We're your family."

From 1.01 "Pilot", outside Noe's room in Ostroff, Eric and Serena were arguing with Lily.

"So you're actually hiding her," Eric told her.

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, and you're hiding her here because you're worried it will cost you 'Mom of the Year'?"

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.

"I saw the newspapers about the car accident," Nate told her. "Gossip Girl is starting blasts about Noe being in it, but no one knowing where Noe is. I just wanted to see if she was okay."

Serena sighed. "She's alive. 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 1.02 "The Wild Brunch", in the VDW apartment, Eric, Serena and Lily were talking.

"Well, she's been in there for almost a month, having been in a coma for most of it, but still," Lily told them. "The doctors said that she should be starting to get memories back soon, even if just in bits and pieces."

"But the doctor also warned us that the amnesia could change her personality and make her make rash, unbelievable decisions," Eric told her. "And it could be easier for us to help her control those impulses or thoughts if she's here at home with us."

Lily chuckled without humor. "Eric, you know Nevaeh's always been a rebel with urges like that. Yes, the amnesia could make it worse as the doctors warned us it could, but we could barely curb her impulses when she didn't have amnesia or brain damage. How do you expect us to handle it now that those might be amplified because of the car crash and because a piece of glass went through her temple to make her this way?"

From 1.03 "Poison Ivy", in the counselor's office at Ostroff, Noe, Serena, Eric and Lily were talking to Noe's counselor.

"These medications and these sessions are helping her get her memory back," Eric told them.

From 1.04 "Black Diamond Thyra", in the elevator at the Waldorf Apartment, Wyatt grabbed Dylan's head, bringing him closer to kiss him. Dylan pulled him back to kiss him again, this time more passionate.

Blair: (voice over from 1.02 The Wild Brunch) "My brother Wyatt dating Dylan Bass."

From 1.04 "Black Diamond Thyra", during the girl photoshoot, Brooklyn and Thyra smiled, laughing, looking at each other, nodding, kissing slowly but passionately in front of the fountain while Blair and Serena were taking pictures.

Blair: (voice over from 1.02 The Wild Brunch) "And pretty much my adoptive sister Thyra crushing on Brooklyn Bass."

From 1.02 "The Wild Brunch", in the Waldorf Apartment, Thyra, Blair and Wyatt were talking.

"Well, who knows?" Thyra asked. "If Nate isn't working, there is always Chuck. That way, we would all be dating the Basses."

Blair was disgusted. "What? Ew, no!"

They all laughed.

From 1.05 "Noe Exit", in the hot air balloon for their date, Alex turned Hope to him, both of them looking at each other in stunned silence, smiling, kissing passionately and softly and sweetly. They pulled away.

Alex smiled. "Wow."

Hope nodded in agreement. "Wow."

From 1.01 "Pilot", in the hotel, Dan turned to Serena in surprise. "You're gonna go out with some guy you don't know?"

Serena smiled. "Well, you can't be worse than the guys I do know."

From 1.02 "The Wild Brunch", in Blair's room, Blair, Thyra, Brooklyn and Jenny were talking.

"If you want to be part of this world, Jenny, people will talk eventually," Brooklyn warned. "And you need to decide if all this is worth it."

From 1.01 "Pilot", on the roof, Chuck had Jenny pinned on a glass window on the roof, still trying to kiss her when Dan, Hope, Alex and Serena ran onto the roof. Hope and Dan ran up to them.

"Hey, Jenny!" Hope told her.

"Chuck, stop!" Alex told him, pulling Chuck off of Jenny. "Get off of her."

"That is my little sister," Dan told him, punching Chuck in the face, making his nose bleed.

Alex broke the two of them apart before they could fight anymore. "All right, enough. It's over."

Hope led Jenny off the roof. "Let's go, come on."

Serena pushed Chuck. "Chuck, don't you ever touch her again!"

From 1.04 "Black Diamond Thyra", in the Waldorf apartment, Eleanor was speaking to Blair, Thyra, Brooklyn, Wyatt and Serena. "Bendel's is interested in carrying my line."

From 1.01 "Pilot", in the park, after jogging with Nate and Alex, Howie looked at his sons. "Eleanor Waldorf is gearing up to take her company public, and I've been cordering her for months to let me handle the deal."

"Then you should get it," Alex told him.

"Alex, I will get it if Nate just helps me out a little bit," Howie told him.

From 1.05 "Noe Exit", in the bar, Noe backed into a rack, unable to move anymore. The guy backed into Noe, walking away, making her and the bar behind her fall, making her hit her head, but still conscious. All of them started to leave. When Noe felt dizzy and nearly fell, Serena and Eric kept her up and helped her walk out, with Brooklyn, Thyra, Blair, Alex, Hope, Jenny and Dan following and helping.

Gossip Girl: (voice over from 1.05 Noe Exit) "Noe's love for distress and mischief might have paid off, because her move as Alice falling into Wonderland might make her remember faster."

From 1.05 "Noe Exit", in Noe's room at Ostroff, Lily was checking on Noe.

Noe looked at her in shock. "I'm going home?"

Lily nodded. "The doctor said that the fall didn't make anything worse, but that it might shake a few memories loose. He said that after tonight, you should come home for a little while, but you will come back here to make sure everything's okay. I'm not sure exactly how this is gonna work, you know."

Noe smiled. "Hey, I'm not worried."

In the street, Serena and Dan, and outside the loft, Hope and Alex, and in Dylan's room, Wyatt and Dylan, were making out passionately.

Gossip Girl: (voice over from 1.05 Noe Exit) "If Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra's gotta watch their backs, Serena van der Woodsen, Hope Humphrey and Wyatt Waldorf need to keep an eye on their hearts. We hear they may have been stolen by Dan Humphrey, Alex Archibald and Dylan Bass. Putting out an APB."

In the closing, there was a screen shot of the Gossip Girl website, with two pictures of Serena/Dan and Hope/Alex kissing in public, and a picture of Noe at Visconit in 1.05.

The headline said: S and Lonely Boy, and H2A macking in the meat packing. And Return of Noe van der Woodsen?

The captains said: Spotted: S and Lonely Boy, and Humble Hope and Alex macking in the Meat Packing. Opposites do attract. But for how long? And how long will we have to wait for our favorite rebel and troublemaker to return after Noe had the incident at Visconti, and will likely be able to remember everything that much faster? Here's hoping that our favorite bad girl won't be memoryless for much longer.

X•O°X•O

Worlds Colliding (Gossip Girl)

X•O°X•O

Day One

Morning - Images

(Song:) Alright - Shiloh

There were flashes of the images, depicting royal people at parties.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Long ago, when European royals grew bored with palace balls, they took a page from the peons and added some pageantry. Couture and canape are just another Saturday night until you add a mask, but preparing for a ball is an event in itself, which is why queens invented handmaidens."

X•O°X•O

Shop

Jenny was looking at jewelry. "So the dresses should be delivered, and I'll take the small stuff with me."

"Which one's yours?" the shop keeper asked.

"Oh, no, I'm just helping Blair, Thyra and Brooklyn," Jenny explained. "I mean, I wanted me and my sister Hope to go together, but you know, we'll see."

The shop keeper gave Jenny a bracelet, putting it on her wrist. "We'll put this one and the one I give to you for your sister Hope on Blair's tab."

Jenny was in shock, laughing. "Oh, no, no."

"The girls at that party are my best customers," the shop keeper explained. "Why not show off my latest wares? Just return them after the ball."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Blair's Room

Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra were prepping for the ball.

Serena led Noe inside. "Come on, Noe, you'll have a blast, I promise. You still have another day left off out of Ostroff, so why not finish it this way? And when we tell Mom how good you've been doing at the ball, then she'll have to let you come home for good."

Noe sighed, frustrated. "When you put it that way..." The girls chuckled. Noe looked at the others. "So Serena mentioned something about custom made dresses and I hear there are wigs involved?"

"It's a masquerade," Brooklyn explained. "You have to conceal your identity. Normally people aren't invited on their first year of high school, but since Thyra and I are helping plan it, we're going."

"You went to the masquerade ball once," Thyra told her.

Noe frowned. "I did?"

"One time, and I had an even harder time convincing you to go the first time," Serena answered.

Blair chuckled. "I do have something special planned for Nate tonight. It's a game, a scavenger hunt. Nate starts the night with a clue, which leads him to a lady in waiting, who gives him a clue to the next lady in wait."

"Hold on," Noe told her. "You have 'ladies'?"

Blair smiled. "If he finds me before midnight when the masks come off, he can claim his prize."

"And what's that?" Serena asked. Blair raised her eyebrows suggestively. "Oh, yeah, right. Sorry."

"I just figured that after everything that's happened or hasn't happened, I should find some way to make it special," Blair told them.

"Well, that's really romantic, Blair," Thyra told her. "Really."

"And I want all four of you to be my ladies," Blair told them. "Noe, would you give Nate the last clue?"

Noe sighed, nodding. "Yeah, I guess. I mean, I don't really know all of this well, but..."

"Perfect," Brooklyn told them. "We will be honored to serve you, my queen."

"Where's the bathroom?" Noe asked.

"Oh, Dorota will show you, right out there," Thyra told her.

Noe nodded, leaving the room. Serena, Brooklyn and Thyra looked at Blair.

"What?" Blair asked.

"Are you sure you want Noe to?" Brooklyn asked.

"Yes," Blair answered. "She doesn't even remember Nate. And I took what happened to her to heart. She got a fresh start, so tonight is all about starting over."

"Speaking of Noe's fresh start, could you please not mention the Shepherd wedding to her?" Serena asked. "She doesn't remember anything about any of that, let alone Nate or what happened that night. And that night and ever since, she felt really guilty, and I don't want her to feel bad for something she did while completely drunk last year and get the wrong impression of who she is, or who she could be. This is a fresh start for her, and she should take it."

"Is that you or your mother talking?" Brooklyn asked. "Because that sounds exactly like what Lily van der Woodsen would say."

"It's coming from both of us," Serena answered. "And Eric, even."

"Then we got to get Noe a date to the dance," Thyra told them. They smiled. "Alex wants to bring Hope. Brooklyn and I are gonna find each other there. We don't know about Dylan and Wyatt. Serena, you're bringing Dan, right?"

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Kitchen

Rufus, Dan, Hope and Jenny were at the counters. Jenny was packing some things in a bag.

"A ball?" Dan asked.

"Haven't you heard?" Rufus asked. "Jenny is Cinderella."

"And let me guess, your wicked stepsisters are Blair Waldorf, Brooklyn Bass and Thyra Diamond?" Dan asked.

"They may have asked me to do a few things, but I'm happy to help," Jenny told them.

"And if they happen to help you out with an invite and outfit?" Hope asked.

Jenny smiled. "It'll all be worth it. Everyone in disguise in this old ballroom. It's gonna be amazing."

"Well, Alex asked me if I wanted to go, and even offered to buy me wanted I wanted to wear to it," Hope explained. She looked at Dan. "But you know, I'm actually surprised Serena didn't mention it to you."

"Why?" Dan asked. "We've only been out twice. It's not like all of a sudden, we have to do everything together."

"All right, well, I gotta go deliver this stuff," Jenny told him. "Let me know if you need me to pick you up a tux."

Jenny left. Rufus and Hope looked at Dan.

"What?" Dan asked. "It's a masked ball. I'm sure she thinks I'd never go to something that pretentious, which shows she knows me well."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Blair's Room

Serena was pacing, speaking to Noe, Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra. "I know him. A masked ball? Dan would never want to go to something that pretentious, where he has to wear a mask and a tux?"

"He likes you," Noe told her. "He would wear a tux and a mask and one of our mother's dresses if it meant that he could go out with you. Come on. What, are you worried that he already has a date? I mean, he is Dan Humphrey."

Serena smiled, giving Noe a little push. "Shut up. I don't know. I guess a masked ball is better than a regular party, because then all those kids from school that he hates, he won't even recognize them."

Thyra pushed Serena lightly. "All right, invite him. I insist."

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Kitchen

Dan, Hope and Rufus were talking.

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

Hope smiled. "No, that would be too cruel."

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

"If you want to go with her, just make it happen," Rufus told him. "Put yourself out there."

"This thing happens in a matter of hours," Dan told them. "The window for bold gestures is officially closed."

"The window for bold gestures is never closed," Hope disagreed.

Dan's phone rang.

"Is that her?" Rufus asked.

"Uh, no, it's Vanessa," Dan answered.

"Vanessa?" Hope repeated. "That's been a while. You gonna answer that?"

"Of course," Dan answered. "Why wouldn't I?" He answered. "Hello, Vanessa?"

Vanessa was not shown while on phone. "Hi, yeah, it's me."

"So what's up?" Dan asked. "How's Vermont?"

"Do you still have my copy of 'The Crying of Lot 49'?" Vanessa asked.

Dan closed his eyes, trying to think. "Um, I don't know."

"Well, could you check?" Vanessa asked.

Dan sighed, standing, walking toward his room. "Okay, I haven't talked to you in over a year, and you called to ask me about an old book? You know, it could be anywhere."

X•O°X•O

Dan's Room

Dan walked in.

Vanessa was sitting on a shelf near the window. "Try over by the window."

Dan turned around to see her. "Vanessa!"

Vanessa giggled. "Surprise!"

"What?" Dan asked. "Oh, my God."

They hung up, smiling, embracing.

"How are you?" Vanessa asked.

Dan lifted her up in the hug for a moment before putting her back down. "So good to see you. I can't believe you're here." They pulled away. "Wait, what are you doing here?"

"My parents said I could live with my sister and finish high school in the city," Vanessa answered.

"So that means you're..." Dan trailed off.

"I'm back for good," Vanessa finished.

Dan put his hand to his head awkwardly before putting it back down. "Wow, wow. That is..."

"Awesome, I hope?" Vanessa asked.

Dan nodded nervously. "Yeah, t--totally. Yes, of course. It's just unexpected. You know, unexpectedly awesome."

Vanessa giggled. Dan's phone rang.

"Go ahead, answer that," Vanessa told him. "I'm starving and I smell waffles." She walked out of the room. "Hope! Rufus!"

Hope stood in surprise. "Vanessa, hi."

Vanessa gave Hope and Rufus both a hug.

In his room, Dan answered his phone. "Serena, hey."

Serena was still with the girls in Blair's room. "Hey, hi."

Serena looked at the girls.

Noe nodded. "Go ahead, do it."

Serena chuckled. "Uh, hey, I was just wondering, are you, uh, are you doing anything tonight?"

"Tonight?" Dan repeated. "No, no, nothing. Why?"

"Good, because there's this thing, and you're probably gonna think it's stupid, but..." Serena trailed off.

"Try me," Dan told her.

Vanessa walked in while eating waffles. "Even cold, these are good. I--I've missed Rufus' cooking. I have. Rufus, do you have whipped cream?"

Serena had heard her. "Who's that? That doesn't sound like Hope."

"No, no, it's not Hope," Dan answered, but got nervous about the truth. "It's my other sister, but you--you were saying something..."

Jenny arrived with Blair's boxes. "Hi, guys. What do you want me to do with this stuff?"

"Oh, just leave them over there," Brooklyn answered. "That's fine. I left you another list."

Jenny grabbed the list, seeing there were a lot of things, running back out.

"Hello?" Dan asked. "Is anyone there?"

"I'm sorry," Serena told him. "Uh, what?"

"Uh, you--you were asking me something," Dan told her.

"No, uh, no, never mind," Serena told him. "Thank you. Have a good day. Bye."

Serena hung up.

Vanessa laid on Dan's bed. "So what are we doing tonight?"

Serena looked at the girls sadly. "Noe's not the only one who needs a date."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Bass Suite - Dylan's Room

Wyatt and Dylan were on his bed, standing on their knees, making out.

Wyatt pulled away. "I really, really have to go."

"You really, really had to go ten minutes ago," Dylan replied. "Don't worry. The world won't explode if you're not doing something."

Wyatt smiled in amusement. "I'm supposed to be tutoring you."

"You are, in the art of making out," Dylan told him.

Wyatt scoffed, still smiling. "As if you need help in that."

Dylan smirked. "Well, then let this be the thing in where I tutor you."

Wyatt chuckled, sitting down. "As much as I enjoy this, which is a lot, I have to go. Blair and Thyra are gonna kill me, and you have to go with Chuck to help Nate and Alex."

"Why must you be so responsible?" Dylan complained.

"It comes with my full package," Wyatt replied.

Dylan slid closer. "And you know how much I love that package."

They started to kiss again. Wyatt grabbed his hair. His phone rang, making them both growl under their breaths.

Wyatt grabbed his phone, answering. "Hello."

Blair was on the other line in the Waldorf Apartment. "Wyatt, where are you? Mother is annoying me and Thyra with all her preparations, and you know that if I get annoyed, then I annoy Thyra even more, and then Thyra starts drinking, and you know how that goes."

Wyatt sighed. "Calm down, Blair. I said I would be there, and I will, so you and Thyra both calm down."

Dylan started to kiss his neck, making Wyatt blush and cover his mouth.

Blair heard the sound, stopping next to Thyra in confusion. "What's that sound?"

"What?" Wyatt asked. "No, nothing."

Wyatt gave Dylan a gesture to stop it. Dylan smirked, going to the bathroom, leaving Wyatt alone.

"Sounds like kissing," Blair told him.

"No, it doesn't," Wyatt lied.

Thyra nodded sarcastically. "Uh-huh. Yeah, where are you again?"

Wyatt tried to come up with a lie. "Uh, I'm in the library."

Thyra smirked knowingly. "Oh, my God, are you with Dylan?"

Wyatt made the next word sound longer than it was. "No..."

"You are, aren't you?" Blair asked.

"Are you on his bed?" Thyra asked.

Wyatt stood. "No, I'm not."

"Is he shirtless?" Blair asked.

Wyatt turned around. "No, he is--" Dylan walked out of the bathroom, sending a smile to Wyatt, who blushed and looked away. "You know, I'm gonna hang up right now."

"Wyatt, wait," Blair started.

Wyatt hung up.

Dylan pulled on a shirt. "Something wrong?"

"Just Blair and Thyra," Wyatt answered. "I have to go."

Dylan caught his arm. "Wait, you know the masquerade ball is today. How are we doing that?"

"Well, we can't exactly go out to a dance," Wyatt told him.

"I know, even though I wish I could scream to the whole wide world that you're mine," Dylan told him.

"I'm sorry for the whole secret thing," Wyatt apologized.

Dylan shook his head. "Don't be. I don't care. We are together."

Wyatt smiled at this response. "Have I mentioned how amazing you are?"

Dylan pretended to think, shaking his head. "No, you should do it more often. I love how it sounds."

Wyatt laughed lightly. "I'll keep that in mind. Look, let's make a deal. Let's just act like this is any other party that we attend, and we will be okay."

Dylan sighed. "But I don't really wanna dance with other people. I wanna dance with you."

Wyatt took his hand. "I know, me too, but we'll get there, I promise. Now I really have to go."

"Wait, one last kiss," Dylan told him.

Wyatt smiled. "No, no, no more."

"Just one," Dylan whined.

Wyatt opened the door. "No, bye."

Wyatt closed the door behind him. Dylan looked down. Wyatt came back, grabbing him in a kiss one last time, then left for real. Dylan smirked, shaking his head, falling back into bed.

X•O°X•O

Archibald Mansion - Foyer

Howie was walking to the mirror, fixing his tie, calling out to his wife. "Damn it, Anne, I told you no starch."

Alex and Nate were coming downstairs, stopping when they saw their father.

"Howard, we've been going to the same cleaners for 19 years," Anne told him. "Your shirts are exactly how they always are. We both know this isn't about laundry."

"I'm sorry, but I need everything to be perfect at Eleanor's party tonight," Howie told her. "I can't screw up."

"Eleanor knows you're the best person to take her company public," Anne told him. "She's going to pick you. Just show up and be yourself."

Anne kissed Howie on the cheek.

"Look, I'm gonna call you from the office," Howie told her. "I gotta look proposal one over one more time."

Howie left.

"Hey, Mom," Nate told her.

Anne looked up. "Alex, Nate."

"Is everything okay with Dad?" Alex asked.

"Just work stuff," Anne told them. "Nothing for you to worry about."

Neither Alex or Nate were convinced. "Sure."

X•O°X•O

Street

(Song:) Central Park - Good Mornings

Vanessa and Dan were walking.

Vanessa was looking at a newspaper. "God, I love New York. There was only one theater in Woodbury, and all it ever played were family movies. 'The Pacifier' played for like a year."

"And they said Vin Diesel couldn't do comedy," Dan remarked.

"I can't pick, overwhelmed by choice," Vanessa admitted. "Whatever you want."

Dan looked over the list of movies. "Yeah, sure, whatever."

"You do wanna do something, right?" Vanessa asked. "I mean, you don't have plans. Big night out with over privileged, under-parented trust fund brats from your fancy school?"

Dan smirked. "Yeah, the limo's actually waiting back at the loft to pick me and Hope up."

Vanessa knew he was kidding. "Good, we can egg it. Maybe slash the tires?" They laughed. "So is it weird, having me back?"

Dan shook his head unconvincingly. "No. Why, uh, why--why would it be weird?"

"Because you said some things the night that I left," Vanessa answered.

"Things that you immediately asked me to take back," Dan reminded her.

"Because I was leaving," Vanessa agreed. "But now I'm here."

"Yeah, and it's been over a year, you know?" Dan asked. "A lot has happened, actually."

"And I look forward to hearing about it tonight, late show," Vanessa told him. "Angelika? Whatever's playing?"

Vanessa and Dan spoke together. "Unless it's 'The Pacifier'."

They both laughed.

"All right, I'll get the tickets," Dan told her.

"Glad to be home, Humphrey," Vanessa told him.

"Glad to have you, Abrams," Dan replied.

Vanessa smiled. Dan shoulder punched her playfully.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Archibald Mansion - Howie's Office

Alex and Nate were looking through their father's office. Chuck and Dylan were here.

Dylan tried on a mask. "So what exactly are you looking for?"

"Evidence," Nate answered.

"Of what?" Chuck asked. "The Captain's dislike of starchy shirts? I totally sympathize. The collars chafe."

"Did you, uh, ask him about your missing college money?" Dylan asked.

"Yeah, before Alex took Hope on their hot air balloon date," Nate answered.

"He said he was moving accounts around," Alex told them. "It was all back in time for me to take Hope out."

Nate found a book on the desk, starting to look through it.

"So why worry?" Dylan asked. 'Mysterious financial transactions, warring parents. Welcome to the Upper East Side."

Alex saw a bag of drugs fall from the book Nate was going through, picking it up, showing the other three boys.

Chuck was impressed. "Chi, chi, get the llello. Nathaniel, Alexander, I'm shocked. I thought you two were strictly herbal men."

"This isn't ours," Alex told them.

They were all stunned.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra were waiting for Wyatt to return home, speaking with Kati and Isabel.

Blair was angry at Dan. "Who does this Dan Humphrey think he is? Serena is putting up a strong front, but I can see how hurt she is. We have to help her heal her heart, and help Noe get a date as well."

"But it's pretty late notice," Kati told them.

"Most of the good ones are already taken," Isabel agreed.

"No more excuses," Brooklyn told them. "Serena and Noe must have the hottest dates ever. If they've got plans, they'll change them. If they've got girlfriends, they'll dump them. And if they're out of town, they'll charger a G5 and fly home. Make it happen."

Wyatt returned home.

A man was showing Eleanor a hookah. "Do you like it?"

Eleanor nodded. "That's outstanding."

"Is it a bong, Mother?" Wyatt asked. "I didn't take you for a stoner."

Eleanor scoffed. "Please, it's a--a hookah, and it is adorable. It's perfect for my Moroccan themed party."

"Why do you have to celebrate your Bendell's deal by turning our penthouse into an opium den?" Wyatt asked.

"Why not?" Eleanor replied, laughing. "Oh, Noe was here earlier."

Wyatt turned to the girls. "Really?"

"Yeah, Serena managed to talk her into coming with us to the masquerade party," Thyra answered. "As long as Noe's on good behavior for tonight, and they tell their mom about it, Lily will let her come home for good and she'll finally be out of Ostroff forever. Brooklyn, Blair and I are trying to get both the van der Woodsen sisters a date for tonight."

"Doesn't Serena have Dan?" Wyatt asked.

"No, that little weasel is banned from the party," Blair answered. "And so are the Humphrey sisters. Hope and Jenny are exiled because of their brother's traitorous ways. Alex will have to find himself another date as well, because Hope is not allowed because of Dan."

"Or because you just don't like Humphreys," Brooklyn told her.

Thyra sighed. "We'll figure it out."

X•O°X•O

Street

Nate was walking, trying to call Blair.

Blair: (voicemail) "Hi, it's Blair. I'm sorry I can't come to the phone right now, but I'm getting ready for the masked ball. See you tonight, if you recognize me, which you won't."

Nate left a message. "Hey, Blair, it's me. I, um... I just really need to talk to. It's, uh... there's this thing with Alex and our dad, and um, you know... I just really need to talk to you. So can you call me back when you can? Thanks."

Alex walked closer. "Nate, I know something that will help us forget all our problems tonight."

"What's that?" Nate asked.

Alex showed him two bottles. "Take it easy on yours while I take it easy on mine. We still have dates tonight, so we gotta be at least decent."

Nate chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Right. Thanks, Alex. You may be taking it easy on yours, but with the way my life's been going for the last few weeks, I might not take it easy."

"Well, if you get overly drunk, don't do anything stupid, all right?" Alex asked.

Nate sighed. "All right."

They chuckled.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Jenny put a bag on the chair. "Well, that's all of it."

"Thank you so much," Thyra told her. "I don't know what we would've done without you."

"Thank you, that's okay," Jenny told them. "Yeah, it was fun."

"I'm glad," Thyra told her. "It's all part of your education. And it looks like you're learning."

Brooklyn saw the bracelet, grabbing Jenny's hand. "It's a nice bracelet. Vintage, right? The diamonds look real."

"'Cause they sort of are," Jenny answered. "Um, the man at the store lent it to me, and he lent one to Hope."

"Why would he do that?" Brooklyn asked.

Jenny didn't answer, looking down awkwardly.

Blair chuckled. "Oh. Oh, sweetie, you didn't think you were gonna be able to come tonight, right?"

"I thought maybe, yeah," Jenny answered.

"Jenny, you were gonna be able to come along with Hope and Dan, before Dan lied to Serena about a girl he was with and said it was you, broke Serena's heart, and pissed Blair off enough to where she said that no Humphreys will be allowed at the dance tonight," Brooklyn explained. "You can thank your brother for ruining your dream of coming, and Hope can thank him for ruining her date night with Alex."

Jenny sighed in annoyance. "Okay. Have fun tonight."

"We will," Thyra told her. "And don't worry, your time will come, I promise. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to get ready."

They walked away. Jenny was annoyed and disgusted.

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

Lily was showing Noe and Serena a black flowy dress with long sleeves and rhinestones on the neck and bottom. "Do you think Eleanor Waldorf will find this right in Tangiers enough?"

"Maybe if you bought a goat," Serena answered. "You know Eleanor always goes all out."

Lily saw the outfits Noe and Serena had laid out for the ball. "Speaking of going all out."

Noe sighed. "Yeah, I know. Tell me about it." She looked at them in confusion. "Do either of the Waldorf women ever meet a theme they didn't just love?"

"No, I don't think so," Serena answered.

"Nevaeh, I am so glad you're going with your sister and your old friends, who might become your current friends as well," Lily told her. "If you do well tonight, you will be able to come home for good."

Noe smiled, nodding. "Yeah, that's the only reason I'm going to this thing, so I can prove to you I can come home."

Serena and Lily smiled.

"Do you have a date?" Lily asked.

"Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra are looking for two, one for me, and one for Serena," Noe answered.

"What about Dan?" Lily asked.

Serena shook her head. "Um, no, Dan has plans, actually."

"Doing what?" Lily asked.

"The question is, with whom?" Serena asked.

Lily sighed. "Oh, I didn't realize. Well, frankly, I am relieved. You know at your age, you should be playing the field."

"What about at your age?" Noe asked. "You got a hot date tonight?"

"What?" Lily asked. "Noe, please. Who would I be dating?" Noe saw that she got a chat invitation on the laptop. "You know what? I'm gonna go try this on, and see if I can find a goat."

Noe and Serena laughed. Lily left to go to her room.

Serena looked at Noe, nodding to her laptop. "Go ahead, answer it."

Noe gave her an amused look, sitting down, opening the chat. "This guy's named Edward Abbott."

"What did he say?" Serena asked.

Noe sighed. "'Hi, Noe? Kati Farkas gave me your address'."

Serena read what Noe typed. "'Yeah, hi, who's this?'"

Noe clicked on his page. "He's a senior at Dalton High School, the varsity lacrosse captain, president of the Dalton sailing club, all city swim team. The people listed as who he would like to meet are Angelina Jolie, Lindsey Lohan and Halle Berry."

"Well, he's not bad, and you're not gonna get much better this close to the ball," Serena pointed out.

"I don't wanna go out with some guy I don't know," Noe told her.

"Well, what guy in the world do you know, or at least remember, besides Eric?" Serena replied.

Noe sighed, considering. "Touche."

Serena chuckled, smiling.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Hope/Jenny's Room

Hope was laying on her bed, leaving a message for Jenny. "Hey, Jen, you're not gonna believe this, but, uh, Vanessa is back in town. Dan and Vanessa are going to a movie tonight, and I don't know if you're going to that ball or not, but we could head there together to meet up with Alex. Call me back."

X•O°X•O

Dan's Room

Dan was on his computer. A Gossip Girl's blog on his laptop with a picture of Nate and Blair. The headline was 'Who Will be the Belle of the Ball?'. The next picture was of Noe and Serena with the headline 'Calling All White Knights'.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Why is it that friends of Noe and Serena van der Woodsen have a search for their suitors? Have fables fallen so out of fashion that the princesses have to do everything themselves? Call us old school, but sometimes the fairy tale ending requires the knight to get off his ass and saddle up his steed."

Dan started typing up 'Tux & Tales - Formal Wear'. "Maybe Hope's right. It's never too late for a bold gesture."

Dan wrote down the address, closing his laptop, leaving.

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

Noe typed to Edward: Got a mask?

Serena smiled, happy for her sister that night.

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Outside

Alex was knocking on the door.

Hope opened the door, seeing him. "Alex, hey. What are you doing here? I mean, you're early. I thought you were, um... shouldn't you be getting ready? I'm trying to."

"I need to talk to you," Alex told her. "Um, do you have a minute?"

"Yeah, of course," Hope answered. "Let's go for a walk."

"Yeah," Alex agreed. "Thanks."

X•O°X•O

Street

Hope and Alex were walking together.

"Maybe it's old," Hope told him. "You know, left over from the '90s or something, from some night at limelight or the tunnel? Our parents did way worse stuff than we do."

Alex shook his head. "It's not old, and it makes total sense. I think he's having some money problems."

"Well, have you asked him about it?" Hope asked.

"Yeah, Nate and I both have," Alex answered. "I just wish, you know, I wish he'd be honest with us. It's like he and our mom, they made some secret pact to act like robots."

"Yeah, well, I don't think that pact is so secret," Hope told him. "I think all of our parents signed it."

Alex chuckled lightly. "But we're not little kids anymore. He doesn't have to shut me and Nate out."

"Look, if what you think is right, he's probably really scared," Hope told him. "Maybe you have to tell him how you feel more than once for him to really hear you, you know? Hey, don't give up, okay?"

Hope put her hand on Alex's.

Alex turned his hand over to hold Hope's. "You should know, Blair uninvited you because of Dan lying to Serena."

Hope sighed, tilting her head. "Are you kidding me? Dan was with his old friend Vanessa. But, of course, like a dumbass, he lied and said it was Jenny. So now I can't come?"

"No, you'll get in," Alex answered. "I'll make sure of it. Jenny can come too."

"How?" Hope asked. "I don't have a gown."

"I already told you that I would get you whatever you wanted," Alex told her.

"Well, Jenny doesn't have one either," Hope told him.

"I can get something for her, too," Alex told her. "Next?"

"I just got uninvited, and banned, and so did Jenny," Hope told him.

"Well, I'm re-inviting the two of you," Alex told her.

"How are we gonna get in?" Hope asked.

"Every ballroom has a backdoor, and luckily for you, in that building, I know where it is," Alex answered. "What else?"

"Brooklyn and Thyra might not mind, but if Blair saw me or Jenny, she would be furious," Hope told him.

Alex smirked. "Then it's a good thing you and Jenny will both be wearing masks." They both smiled. "I just have to go back and deal with family stuff. Meet you there?"

"Of course," Hope answered. "Never snuck into a ball before. Could be fun."

Alex and Hope smiled.

"Thanks for just listening," Alex told her. "It really means a lot."

"Of course," Hope agreed. "You've had to listen me babble on repeatedly. It was my turn to listen to you." They managed small smiles. Hope kissed him on the head. "I'll see you tonight."

Alex chuckled, standing. "I'll see you."

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Vanessa knocked on the side of the door, walking in, wearing a casual brown dress with a silver jacket with a hoodie and her brown bag with a pair of black stockings. "Hey, anybody home?"

Rufus was wearing a tux, putting on his jacket. "Hey, you and Dan going out?"

Vanessa nodded. "Just to the movies. What about you? A Humphrey man in a sports coat? I'd normally ask if you had a date, but..."

"But my wife left me," Rufus finished.

"Yeah," Vanessa agreed. "What's up with Alison? Hope and Dan say she's still upstate. I thought that was just for the summer."

Rufus was looking in the drawers for his keys. "So did her husband and kids."

"Okay, we'll circle back to that," Vanessa told him. "One issue at a time."

"Like where are my keys?" Rufus asked.

"What do you need keys for?" Vanessa asked.  "Just use Dan's window. Where is Dan by the way?"

"Uh, he should be back in a minute," Rufus told her. "So, uh, Dan seems happy to see you."

"Why wouldn't he be?" Vanessa asked.

"Well, um, if you don't mind me saying so, when you left here, you kind of broke his heart," Rufus answered.

"I'm back, aren't I?" Vanessa asked. "I hated being away from the city, away from Dan."

"Did you tell Dan this?" Rufus asked.

"No, not yet, but I'm planning on it tonight," Vanessa answered. "Before or after the movie, I'm not sure yet. You know, I gotta pick my moment. It's kind of a big deal."

Vanessa found Rufus' keys under a book on the coffee table.

Rufus took them. "Oh, thanks. You know there's, uh, a lot that's changed since you were here."

Vanessa nodded. "So Dan says."

"But you guys have always been close," Rufus told her. "You'll figure it out."

"Wish me luck," Vanessa told him.

"Me, too," Rufus agreed.

"Where are you going, anyway?" Vanessa asked.

"Uh, just some party," Rufus answered.

"With a friend?" Vanessa asked.

Rufus considered how to answer. "I wouldn't exactly call her that. See you."

Rufus left.

Vanessa's phone rang. She answered. "Hello?"

Dan was on the other line, on the road, holding his tux. "Hey, where are you?"

"At your house," Vanessa answered.

Dan sighed. "Oh, oh, you're early."

"Yeah, I just couldn't wait," Vanessa admitted.

"Oh, um, I tried to get you before you left," Dan told her. "I--I feel terrible."

"'Cause I'm early?" Vanessa asked.

"No," Dan answered. "Because, um, I--I totally spaced. I have this, uh, American history paper due Monday, so you know, I'll be writing all night. I'll make it up to you, though, I promise."

Vanessa sighed. "Pierogis at Veselka?"

Dan nodded. "I'll call you tomorrow."

Dan hung up. Vanessa looked sad. Hope and Jenny walked in.

Vanessa stood. "Hope. Jenny. Hey."

"Hey," Jenny told her.

"Jenny, change of plans," Hope told her.

Jenny frowned in confusion.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

The party had started. A belly dancer was dancing in front of everyone. Rufus and Lily stepped off the elevator.

"And how is this a favor to me again?" Rufus asked.

"Rufus, look around," Lily told him. "When was the last time you had access to the top people in music and art? Introduce yourself. Revitalize your flagging career. Put that sad little gallery on the cultural radar."

"Since when were you the patron saint of former rock stars?" Rufus asked.

"Since when were you a star?" Lily replied. "No, look, leave if you want to, really. Alison would have a fit if she knew you were accompanying me to this party, even if it was for your benefit."

"Actually, I don't care what Alison thinks right now," Rufus told her.

Lily smiled. "Good, then let me introduce you to our hostess, Eleanor." Eleanor smiled, greeting Lily with the two women kissing each other on the cheeks. "It is divine. Squint and its Marrakech."

Eleanor laughed. "Oh, Lily, I had no idea you were bringing a date. How delightful."

"Oh, it's not a date," Rufus told her.

"This is Rufus Humphrey," Lily introduced.

"It's not a date," Rufus repeated.

Eleanor shook his hand. "Oh, pleasure. Mm-hmm."

Lily cleared her throat. "Look, appetizers. Is that couscous?"

"Yes," Eleanor answered. "Please."

They walked to the side. Lily was looking at Bart, who was accompanied by a young woman named Carissa.

"Hey," Bart told them.

"Bart, hi, and friend," Eleanor told them.

Carissa shook their hands. "Hi."

Lily cleared her throat.

"Something catch your eye?" Rufus asked.

"Oh, I like her outfit," Lily lied.

Bart smiled. "Lily."

"Bart," Lily replied.

"Hello," Bart told them.

"Hi," Rufus greeted.

"I'd like you to meet Carissa," Bart introduced.

Carissa went to shake Lily's hand. "Yeah, hi, Carissa."

Lily just waved. "Hi."

Rufus shook her hand. "Rufus."

"Hi, Rufus," Carissa told him.

"Yeah, hi," Rufus told her.

Bart looked at Lily. "Well, it's so good to see you."

Lily nodded in agreement. "Great to see you."

"Enjoy," Bart told them.

"You too," Lily agreed.

Bart and Carissa walked away.

Rufus looked at Lily. "You and Bart Bass? Suddenly it all makes sense. You brought me here to make him jealous."

Lily scoffed. "Oh, don't be ridiculous."

"I mean, it's flattering, I guess, but couldn't you have done a little better?" Rufus asked.

"Oh, not on such short notice," Lily answered.

They both chuckled, laughing lightly. Howie and Anne approached Eleanor.

"Eleanor," Howie greeted. "Assalaamu alaikum." Eleanor laughed. Howie kissed her on the cheek. "How are you? This is fantastic."

"This is beautiful," Anne agreed.

Eleanor smiled. "God bless you."

Anne and Eleanor kissed each other's cheeks.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Hope/Jenny's Room

Hope and Jenny were getting ready for the ball.

Vanessa was looking at their loaned bracelets, handing them back. "Jenny? These Blair, Brooklyn and Thyra girls used you as their slave?"

Jenny shook her head. "No, I was their handmaiden."

"Handmaiden is Jane Austen for slave," Vanessa told her.

"They never actually said I would get to go to the ball, even if I did all those errands, and Dan screwed up and got him, and Hope, and me banned," Jenny told them.

Vanessa shook her head. "Uh-uh. Don't make excuses for them. You did all that stuff, and Hope has a date. You both deserve to go."

"I thought you said that masked balls are totally pretentious," Hope told her.

Vanessa shrugged. "One woman's opinion." She stood. "But Alex wants you to go, and if you two wanna go, no Blair, no Brooklyn, no Thyra should keep you away."

"That's basically what Alex told me," Hope told them. "Before he got us these outfits for tonight. Come on. We need a ride there, but Alex will let us in."

"Well, I have my car here," Vanessa told them. "I'll give you the ride."

Hope, Jenny and Vanessa smiled.

X•O°X•O

Masquerade Ball

(Song:) Kiss, Kiss - Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs

Kati put on a duchess mask which was white and pink. Isabel had a matching mask, but the colors were black and pink. People were shown at the ball. Chuck put a devil's mask on. Blair had a lady mask with a handle. Nate had half a silver mask. Noe had a swan masquerade mask, and a black strapless short dress that flared out at the skirt, with a feather design on her chest. Hope had a gold mask, a black strapless short dress that flared out at the skirt, her hair done up in a cute updo. Alex had a black mask that had designs up and down the right side of his face, with a cape. Thyra had a silver swan filigree masquerade mask, a blue and black ombre, one shoulder gown. Brooklyn had a silver butterfly filigree masquerade mask which had a large butterfly wing on the mask on the right side of her face, a dark silver gray gown with black jewelry. Dylan had a white half mask and a black and red suit. Wyatt had a black and silver masquerade mask and a dark suit.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "On the Upper East Side, appearances are often deceiving. From friends to hair color, there's always more than meets the eye."

X•O°X•O

Outside

Dan was walking in front of the ballroom without a mask.

A drunk man named Jack went to Dan. "Is uptown this way or that way?"

"It's, uh, that way," Dan answered. "And these things whizzing by here? They're cars. You might want to avoid them. You know what?" He took Jack's mask. "You'll see better without this, too."

Jack chuckled. "Whoa, that is better."

"Hey, you got a name?" Dan asked.

"Jack Altman," Jack answered, leaving.

Dan put on the mask, going to the front door. "Hi. Jack Altman. I just stepped out for some air."

The security guard checked the list. "Altman? Okay, come on."

The guard opened the gate. Dan walked in.

X•O°X•O

Backroom

In the backroom of the masquerade ball, Alex let Hope, Jenny and Vanessa in.

Jenny was wearing a yellow strapless dress with a silver mask and a purple feather with her hair up and curled, squealing excitedly to give Alex a hug. "Thank you, Alex."

Alex smiled. "No problem."

Hope looked at Jenny. "Wait, let me see." She looked at Vanessa. "Okay, look, I know you're completely morally opposed to society events and stuff."

"But we'll deprogram both of you later," Vanessa told them. "Just go." Alex rolled his eyes. "You must be Alex. You don't seem to be too bad."

"Thanks, I think," Alex told her.

Vanessa took Jenny's pink purse.

"And Vanessa was just leaving," Hope told him. Vanessa chuckled, leaving. Hope smiled at Alex. "Thank you so much."

Alex chuckled. "Of course."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Masquerade Ball

(Song:) Guess Who - Nekta

Alex, Hope and Jenny walked through some curtains, seeing people dancing. Jenny looked around just in case Blair, Brooklyn or Thyra would see them. Blair started looking for Nate. Nate, Chuck and Dylan were at the punch table. Nate looked at Blair, drinking his bottle of alcohol that Alex had given to him earlier. Dan was looking for Serena. Noe was dancing with Edward, but eventually stopped because she got bored. Serena chuckled in amusement. Dan finally found Serena.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "What was it we said about appearances? Yes, they can be deceiving, but most of the time, what you see is what you get."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Backroom

(Song:) Take it to the Top - 5 Alarm

Vanessa came back in, looking at a man. "Hey, have you see those people I was with? When I grabbed the bag, I got their house keys, too."

Vanessa walked in, trying to look for Hope or Jenny, taking a mask that was in the flower bouquet.

X•O°X•O

Masquerade Ball- Bar

Wyatt was here, looking miserable, watching Dylan talk to some girls, rolling his eyes, jealous.

Noe walked closer to get another drink from the bar, sitting next to Wyatt. "Well, you're looking like you're having fun. I'm glad I'm not the only person here who would rather be anywhere but here. Except back at Ostroff."

Wyatt chuckled. "You have no idea. Wyatt, by the way. Wyatt Waldorf. Brooklyn and Thyra said you might have some problems with names."

"Yeah, thanks," Noe answered. "I think you're in the newspapers and magazines. Are you like a star or something? You're Blair's brother and Thyra's kind of adoptive brother?"

"Yeah, that's me," Wyatt answered. "And I make it into the papers because of my academic awards from St. Jude's."

Noe nodded. "Right, the boys' school connected to Constance. I'm supposed to be starting there soon."

Wyatt chuckled. "Good luck with that. If you need any help, given the amnesia, I could help you if you want."

Noe smiled slightly. "Thanks." She continued to drink. Wyatt chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, if you're trying to drown your sorrows, alcohol would be better than that non alcoholic mimosa."

"You don't remember this, but part of what makes me sort of the 'star', as you called me, is that I'm the most innocent person in this room," Wyatt explained.

"You really care about your image that much?" Noe asked.

"Sort of," Wyatt answered.

"Then why do you look so sad?" Noe asked.

"Well, I really like someone, and I am with that person, but thing is, I can't let people know that I am with that person, and I thought it would be okay, but now that person is talking and having fun and I'm here sad because the only thing I wanna do is grab that person and kiss them and dance with them," Wyatt answered.

"Well, why don't you?" Noe asked.

Wyatt sighed, shaking his head. "Forget it. You wouldn't understand."

"Well, look, I get that you don't wanna tell me, but listen," Noe told him. "If you wanna be happy, you're going to have to let go of the power other people have over you."

Wyatt scoffed. "I wish it was that simple."

Noe smirked, shaking her head. "Nothing ever is simple. That's what makes life so unpredictable. Look at me, an amnesiac girl in a room full of people I used to know that are probably talking about me, and yet I'm trying my best to have a great time."

Wyatt considered this all seriously, looking at her, impressed. "True. Thanks, Noe. I guess I will try that."

"Well, it is a masquerade party," Noe reminded him. "So it's the perfect chance to kiss and dance with that person you like without anyone ever knowing who you two are, so no one will know you're together."

Wyatt nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right."

Noe smiled. "Good. Now, question. Was our friendship like this? You know, me giving you advice and all that?"

Wyatt scoffed in amusement. "No, not at all. It's... we weren't really that close. You were always away with your dad, and I was, and still am, always busy, so we never had the chance to bond that much, but when we talked, even if it wasn't that much, we were good."

"Well, you look cool, so I hope that changes now," Noe told him.

"I hope it changes, too," Wyatt agreed.

Wyatt and Noe smiled.

"I should get going," Noe told him. "Serena wants me to check in with her every 20 minutes to make sure I'm doing okay."

Wyatt nodded in understanding.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Blair walked up to Chuck. "What is Nate doing? He's supposed to go find Brooklyn and Thyra. It's getting late, and I'm losing heat."

"Well, you look ravishing," Chuck told her. "If I were your man, I wouldn't need clues to find you."

"Or to ravish me, I'm sure," Blair told him.

Chuck saw Jenny. "Who is that?"

Blair shrugged. "Probably some bitch from Chapin."

"Hot bitch from Chapin," Chuck told her.

"Forget her," Blair told him. "Go get Nate, point him in the right direction."

"For him to find Brooklyn and Thyra?" Chuck asked. "All he has to do is go to the nearest bar. First things first." He put his glass on the tray, going to Jenny, kissing her hand. "Well, hello, angel. You must be my lucky night." He saw her bracelet. "And with taste to boot."

Jenny tried to talk like a rich girl. "Apparently not. I'm talking to you."

"Beautiful and mean?" Chuck asked. "I've got chills. Care to dance with a poor devil?"

"Why don't we just skip all that and, uh, go somewhere quiet to talk?" Jenny asked.

Chuck was surprised but impressed. "I'll get the champagne."

Jenny smirked. "Find me in five."

Chuck walked away.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Howie, Anne and Eleanor were eating at a table.

"Taking a company public is an enormous responsibility," Howie told her. "There's nothing more valuable than making a good first impression and you taught me that, Eleanor."

"Captain, you know that I adore you, but you've never done fashion before," Eleanor pointed out. "I have been talking to Calvin's people, and I have to say, the presentation is very impressive."

"Enough business talk, Howard," Anne told him. "You're boring her." Eleanor nodded in agreement. "Eleanor, I've been thinking when Nate and Blair get engaged, she should have my great grandmother's ring."

Anne showed the ring to Eleanor.

"The one that Cornelius van der Bilt gave her?" Eleanor asked. "Huh."

Lily was watching Bart and Carissa.

"You still spying on him?" Rufus asked.

"I'm not spying, I'm just keeping track of his whereabouts," Lily told him.

Rufus smirked. "Well, so long as you're watching, he's winning. If you really want to make a man jealous, there's only one thing to do."

"Rufus, I invited you here for many reasons, but knowledge of romance is not--" Lily started. Rufus kissed Lily. Bart saw this, looking down in jealousy. "That was, um, unexpected."

"Give him 20 minutes," Rufus told her.

Rufus and Lily could only look at each other. "I need a drink."

X•O°X•O

Masquerade Ball

(Song:) A Taste (The La La Song) - Sofia J

Brooklyn was here, bored, looking around.

Thyra arrived behind her. "Looking for someone?"

Brooklyn recognized her voice, smiling, turning around. "Just my beautiful girlfriend."

Thyra smiled, playing along. "Oh, what a coincidence. I'm looking for mine, too. Maybe you've seen her. This tall body of a goddess, brown hair, and those eyes. Oh, those eyes. If looks could kill, you would be buried already."

Brooklyn smirked. "No, sorry, haven't seen her. Maybe you've seen mine. Her hair is as bright as gold, her eyes deep as the ocean, and a smile that could light up a whole town. She looks like an angel but could easily play as the devil. She's a dangerous little thing."

Thyra tried not to smile. "She sounds amazing."

"So does yours," Brooklyn replied. "Well, I'm lucky to have her."

"You really are," Thyra agreed. "Don't mess up."

Brooklyn smirked, scoffing. They shared a smile, kissing sweetly and slowly, pulling away.

"Have I mentioned how beautiful you look?" Brooklyn asked.

"I don't think so," Thyra answered.

"Well, you do," Brooklyn told her.

"Not as beautiful as you," Thyra told her, taking Brooklyn's hand. "Come on, let's dance."

They went to the dance floor to dance.

"You know, this might be the first party where we haven't had a moment by the bar?" Brooklyn asked.

"I was thinking the same," Thyra told her. "What has happened to us?"

Brooklyn laughed. "I think we should get out more."

"We are always together," Thyra told her.

"Yeah, I know, but I mean without Dylan, Blair, Wyatt, Serena, or the minions," Brooklyn explained. "Just the two of us without a party or anything."

Thyra looked at her in surprise. "Wait a minute. Brooklyn Bass, are you asking me on a date?"

Brooklyn smiled at her reaction. "Yes, Thyra Diamond, I am."

"Well, then, yes, I would love to go out with you," Thyra answered.

Brooklyn spun her around. "Get ready for the best night of your life, Thy-Di."

Thyra spun closer, smirking. "The challenge is on, Princess BB."

They smiled, leaning in to kiss passionately in the middle of the masquerade party with confetti raining down around them.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Serena was dancing with a guy.

"So every time we see their yacht now, we just pull out our air horns and let 'em rip," the guy told her.

Serena was clearly bored. "Wow."

"I tell you, it is almost enough to make you never want to summer in Newport again," the guy told her.

"Wow, that sounds, uh, awful," Serena told him.

The guy nodded. "It is. It's pretty bad."

Serena stopped dancing with him. "Yeah, yeah, um, you know what? If you'll excuse me, I, uh, I think I'm gonna go and--"

Dan took Serena by the hand, spinning her around into their own dance. "Change partners? Hey."

Serena realized who he was. "Dan? What are you doing here?"

"I'm saving you," Dan answered.

"I don't need to be saved," Serena told him.

"Really?" Dan asked. "'Cause, uh, I could see your eyes rolling to the back of your head from across the room."

Serena sighed. "Dan. I just need to find Noe, okay?"

Serena walked away.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Hope and Alex were here.

"I feel so weird right now," Hope admitted.

"Well, I think you look beautiful," Alex told her.

Hope smiled, blushing. "So what exactly happens in this kind of thing?"

"Well, it's a dance, Hope," Alex told her. "With masks. So we pretty much just ice skate."

Hope smiled in amusement, hitting his shoulder lightly. "Hilarious, Alex."

"I don't understand," Alex admitted. "If you don't like it, then why come?"

"It's not that I don't like it," Hope answered. "It's more like I've never been to one."

Alex took her hand. "Well, then, I'm glad that I'm the first then."

"Well, you are my first in a lot of things," Hope told him. "My first air balloon ride, my first Kiss on the Lips date, my first Bart Bass Brunch, first Ivy League party. At this rate, you're going to be my first everything." Alex smirked. Hope realized how that sounded, blushing. "No! Wait, that's not what I meant. I mean, not that that's bad, but it's... no, I mean, we don't have to fall into a cliche and be sex addicts like adults think of us teenagers, right? I mean, we are our own people, through and through, and..." Alex smiled, shaking his head, getting used to it, placing a hand on either of her cheeks, kissing her passionately to make the rant trail off. They pulled away. "Again, I'm so okay with you shutting me up like that."

Alex chuckled. "Well, lucky for me, you always do this."

"Is that a good thing?" Hope asked.

"Hell, yeah," Alex answered. They smiled. Alex offered her his hand. "Hope Humphrey, would you like this dance?"

Hope took his hand, smiling, curtsying. "I would love to, Alex Archibald."

Alex spun Hope around in a dance onto the dance floor. They faced the other, smiling as they danced. Hope leaned her head on his shoulder.

X•O°X•O

Upper Level

Wyatt was sitting in a chaise lounge.

Dylan walked closer. "Why do I always find you sad? Is this going to be a pattern or something?"

Wyatt looked up. "Hey, Dylan."

"Hi, Wyatt," Dylan replied.

"Aren't you supposed to be dancing right now?" Wyatt asked.

"Why would I be at a dance floor if you're here?" Dylan asked.

"You mean, I ruin the party for you?" Wyatt asked. "Great."

"No, you didn't," Dylan answered. "I mean, why would I be down there when you're up here? Wyatt, what's going on?"

Wyatt sighed. "I thought I would be fine with coming here with you, but I'm not seeing you all night, talking to girls and other boys like we don't exist, and it makes me so angry, and then I realize that we don't exist, at least not to everyone here, and I hate that so much."

"I thought that's what you wanted," Dylan told him.

"What? do you mean?" Wyatt asked.

"I thought that if I just acted like nothing was happening, it would make it easier for people to not find out like you're afraid of, before you tell your mom," Dylan answered.

"You really did that for me?" Wyatt asked.

"Yeah, of course," Dylan answered. "Truth is, the only thing I've been thinking of this whole time is when can I get you alone? Trust me, this whole party, I couldn't stop thinking about you."

Wyatt smiled. "I couldn't stop thinking about you either."

"Look, as I told you before, I don't care," Dylan told him. "Waiting for you is worth it. You're worth it."

Wyatt stood. "But that's the thing, Dylan. I shouldn't ask you to be okay with waiting for me."

"You're not asking," Dylan told him. "I'm volunteering. I don't care. Waiting as long as it takes."

Wyatt smiled. "You, Dylan Bass, are truly an impossible boy."

Dylan frowned. "Is that a reference? I don't get it."

Wyatt chuckled. "It is, but don't worry. You look adorable when confused."

They smiled, kissing passionately.

X•O°X•O

Lower Level

Nate was by himself, drinking more of his bottle, which was nearly gone. Brooklyn and Thyra walked up to him.

"Hey," Nate told them. "Let me guess, Brooklyn, Thyra."

"Yep," Thyra answered. "Blair sent us over."

"She said it's getting late, and you're taking too long," Brooklyn told him.

"Your lady in waiting is closer than you think," Thyra told him. "One half is a butterfly. The other is design." Nate didn't answer, clearly drunk. "It's Brooklyn."

Brooklyn gestured to her mask. "It's me."

"What?" Nate asked. "I'm sorry."

"Just find Noe," Brooklyn told him. "She'll lead you to Blair."

Nate looked around. "Noe. Right."

Chuck found Jenny. "Boo."

Chuck showed her the glass of champagne.

Jenny hid her mouth with her fan. "Let's play a game."

"I'd say strip poker, but I don't have my cards," Chuck told her.

"How about, uh, hide and seek?" Jenny asked. "You hide, I'll seek."

"And how will you find me?" Chuck asked. "I don't have any bread crumbs."

Jenny lowered her fan, walking closer, touching his jacket. "Well, you can leave me a trail, with your clothes."

Chuck smiled. "I have truly died and gone to heaven."

Chuck took off his jacket, putting it in front of Jenny, opening a door for Jenny to find him.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

(Song:) Nasty Funky Crazy - Becca Styles

Vanessa was looking for Hope or Jenny, grabbing a drink, walking away.

Dan walked up to Serena. "Serena, wait."

"What are you really doing here, Dan?" Serena asked.

"What am I doing here?" Dan asked. "I ran across the city, I rented a tuxedo. I stole this mask from some drunken kid, only to look like Robin. I conned my way in here, all to see you. I care."

"Well, you didn't seem to care this morning when you were with another girl and lied about it," Serena replied, trying to walk away.

Dan stopped her. "What? Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. I--I didn't." He remembered. "Well, I did."

Serena nodded. "Yeah."

"I did, but I can explain," Dan told her.

"Go ahead, give it your best shot," Serena told him.

"I was with my friend Vanessa," Dan explained. "We're very close, and she moved away to Vermont last year, and now she's back."

"Okay, so why'd you lie and say it was Jenny when I knew it wasn't Hope?" Serena asked.

"Because I'm an idiot," Dan answered. "I don't know why. Look, Vanessa and I, our relationship is a little complicated, or it was before I met you, and honestly, I didn't want anything to get in the way of you inviting me to this stupid party."

"Well, I was gonna invite you," Serena admitted.

"Really?" Dan asked.

Serena nodded. "You're saying you're not into old friend Vanessa?"

Dan stepped closer. "That is exactly what I'm saying."

Dan took Serena's mask off. They started to kiss passionately.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Oh, yes, the other part we love about a masquerade? When the mask finally comes off and the truth is revealed to all."

Vanessa saw Dan and Serena, taking off her mask. They saw her.

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

(Song:) Ring a Ling - Miss Eighty 6

Vanessa was angry that Dan lied to her, walking away.

Dan looked at Serena. "Will you excuse me? I just saw the last person I ever expected to see."

"Yeah, how can I say no to that?" Serena asked.

"I'm sorry," Dan told her. He ran after Vanessa. "Vanessa. Vanessa. Hey, this is a surprise."

Vanessa turned to face him. "Funny. I could say the same thing."

"What--what are you doing here?" Dan asked.

"I'm writing an American history paper," Vanessa told him sarcastically. "Wait, that was supposed to be you. When did we start lying to each other?"

"I--I merely refrained from sharing the truth, which would have sounded a lot more like a lie than what I told you," Dan told her.

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Humphrey."

Dan sighed. "I'm... I didn't understand that, either, I admit, but what was I going to say? That I was renting a tuxedo to attend a masked ball without a mask or an invitation to go get a girl who has a mask and an invitation."

Serena was watching them.

Vanessa nodded. "At least it's honest."

"You--you hate this world," Dan told her.

"So do you, or so I thought," Vanessa replied.

"All right, what's going on exactly?" Dan asked. "Did you follow me here to prove that I was lying?"

"Yes, Dan, that's why I'm here," Vanessa told him sarcastically. "I stalked you because I am just so obsessed with you. Wait, don't stop there. You're the whole reason I came back to New York, 'cause I just couldn't stop thinking about you."

"All right, I get the point," Dan told her. "You can lay off the sarcasm."

"How about I lay off the whole evening?" Vanessa asked. "Bye."

Dan stopped her. "Wait, wait, wait, stop. Hold on. Listen. I'm--I'm sorry, I'm sorry that I lied about writing a term paper."

"You said you love me," Vanessa reminded him.

Dan looked down. "Loved you in the past, and in a pre-shaving 16 year old kind of way. You know, I mean, things have changed."

Vanessa looked at Serena, heartbroken, her voice breaking. "Clearly. Looks like someone's traded up."

Vanessa left.

Serena walked up to Dan. "So that's, um..."

"Vanessa, yeah," Dan answered. "She's..."

"Beautiful," Serena told him.

"I-I-I have to go after her," Dan told her. "I'm sorry."

Dan left. Serena watched him go.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Roof

Jenny opened a door.

Chuck was leaning on a cement pole, wearing only a tank and boxers. "Feel free to find me."

Jenny held up his suit pants. "I found your pants."

"Well, you're getting warmer, which is an achievement considering you're already hot," Chuck told her.

Jenny held up his clothes. "Well, you better hope it doesn't get cold."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Chuck asked. Jenny locked the door. Chuck ran up to the door. "What the hell? Hey, my phone is in my pants, and I'm stuck up here, bitch!"

X•O°X•O

Building Entrance

Dan ran outside, seeing a woman walking away that looked like Vanessa from behind. "Vanessa! Vanessa, wait, please. Why won't you wait?" He grabbed her, seeing it was another woman. "Oh, because you're not Vanessa. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Case of mistaken identity, ironically not involving masks."

The woman just stared at him weirdly, walking away.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Lily was sitting on a chair.

Rufus was drinking champagne, finding her. "Lily, there you are."

Lily sighed. "Oh, I just needed a moment. That what just happened..."

"The kiss?" Rufus asked.

"Yeah, it made me feel a little..." Lily trailed off.

"Nostalgic?" Rufus asked.

Lily shook her head. "Nauseous."

Rufus looked down. "Right. Um, ouch."

"No, I'm--I'm kidding, kind of," Lily told him. "I'm sorry, Rufus. I--I... maybe I shouldn't have asked you here."

Rufus nodded. "Right, um... and, um, I'm sorry I kissed you, but I did it because that mercenary in the starched white shirt, he doesn't appreciate everything you have over an attractive 25 year old mannequin. 'Cause beauty fades, though yours has done a remarkable job of holding on, and in the long run, it's gonna be his loss, and I thought he should know how it feels to lose you, 'cause trust me, it's not fun."

Lily was touched to hear this, seeing Bart coming. "I think it worked."

Bart stopped next to them. "Lily, may I speak with you for a moment? If you'll excuse us."

Rufus nodded, watching them walk away. "Happy to help."

Bart was whispering in Lily's ear. Rufus pressed the elevator button, leaving. Lily looked back to see he was gone.

X•O°X•O

Masquerade Ball

(Song:) Timebomb - Beck

Noe had been drinking a bit too much, but not enough to make her lose control or black out like previous times before the accident. She stopped walking when she heard and saw glimpses of memories. Tires screeching and glass shattering from the accident. Laughter. She saw a few drunken bits of memories, not knowing how to take it all, opening her clutch to pull out a piece of paper and pen, putting the paper on the bar, writing down:

Things I'm starting to remember:

Broken arm

Maddy

Moving in with Dad

Car crash

Drunk?

Noe sighed, putting the paper and the pen away.

Serena walked up to her. "Noe, there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you." She noticed how out of sorts she looked. "Are you okay?"

"Not really," Noe answered.

Serena led her to the bathroom. "Okay, come here. We can talk."

Nate was looking for Noe, clearly a lot more drunk, seeing Noe and Serena go into the bathroom, stopping where he was, sighing.

X•O°X•O

Bathroom

Noe and Serena walked in, seeing Hope freshening up inside without her mask on. "Hope? Hey."

Hope turned to face them. "Noe. Serena. Um, look, you didn't see me here, okay?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it," Serena answered. "Just one in a series of things I'll pretend didn't happen tonight. I'm just worried about Noe right now."

"Is everything okay?" Hope asked.

"Well, I drank a little too much, but not enough to get me overly drunk," Noe explained. "And I started to get these flashes."

"Of memories?" Hope asked.

"Of buried memories," Noe answered. "Like, uh... like memories I wouldn't normally remember? I don't know how to explain it."

"Oh, you mean memories normal people forget if they've had too much to drink," Hope realized.

Noe pointed at her. "Yes, exactly. It was just flashes. I saw the car crash and I heard laughing, but I didn't see or hear much else."

Serena nodded. "Okay. We'll talk more about it later. Let's just get you calmed down, okay?"

Serena used a wet washcloth to put over Noe's head to stop the dizziness.

"Serena, what's wrong?" Noe asked.

"You're going through all of this right now, and you're worried about me?" Serena asked.

"Just answer the damn question," Noe told her. "It'll distract me."

Hope chuckled.

Serena gave in. "Dan surprised me by showing up here."

Noe smirked. "Well, go Dan."

"Yeah, except then he threw me for a loop by chasing after some girl named Vanessa," Serena went on.

"No, Vanessa's Dan's best friend," Hope explained.

"Yeah, well, they seemed like a little more than that," Serena told her. "They've kind of got a history, don't they?"

"Sure," Hope answered. "But, I mean, Dan's never liked a girl like he likes you, really. I mean, come on. He's at a masked ball, and I think he'd go basically anywhere with you, except for maybe the ice capades, 'cause that really freaked him out when he was five."

Noe laughed. "You know what? Serena, go and try to find him. I just wanna go home and lay down and try to sort everything going on with me out."

Hope held up her mask. "Well, this stupid mask keeps falling over my eyes, but I need it, because masks come off at midnight, and I kind of need my disguise to get out of here."

"You know what?" Noe asked. "You want mine? I mean, I'm leaving anyway. It's not like I need it anymore."

Hope smiled. "Sure. Thanks."

Noe gave Hope her mask and her jacket. "Here you go. It's so hot in here and you might get cold outside, so here. Did you have fun tonight?"

"Yeah, Alex snuck me and Jenny in after Blair banned us," Hope answered. "It was everything I hoped. Alex's dealing with a lot now considering secrets in his family, but I'm glad I was able to make it a little better for the night."

Noe chuckled. "Good."

Hope put her hair down. "Thanks."

"Pretty," Serena told her, leaving the bathroom.

Hope gave Noe a hug. "I hope you feel better soon, Noe."

Noe chuckled, returning the embrace. "Thanks, Hope."

X•O°X•O

Hallway

When Hope walked out of the bathroom, Nate grabbed her. "Noe, just don't say anything and let me explain. I've been trying to do the right thing, but it's killing me. Look, I care about Blair, but maybe the best thing is for me to just tell her the truth. I'm not over you, and given what happened, I thought I could fight it, but I can't. And if you don't stop me, I'm gonna kiss you."

Nate turned Hope to kiss her, but Hope pushed him back and ran away.

Noe walked out of the bathroom, looking around, seeing him. "Nate?"

Nate was completely stunned. "Wh--"

"You're Nate, right?" Noe asked. "What are you doing? It's almost midnight, and you have to find Blair. Look, okay, whatever. Just forget the clues. She's wearing big, tall boots and a big old crown. Just go, okay? Hurry."

Blair was looking for Nate, seeing Hope run by toward where Jenny was in disguise. "Noe, have you seen Nate?" She grabbed Hope and Jenny's wrists, but they kept running, making their bracelets break off into Blair's hands. "Hope. Jenny."

Everyone was counting. "Five, four, three, two, one."

Brooklyn and Thyra cheered. "It's midnight! Masks off!"

Nate took his mask off. Blair turned around, seeing him.

Dan saw Hope running with Jenny, but thought Hope was Noe. "Noe? Noe! Have you seen Serena? Noe, wait. Noe!"

Hope and Jenny kept on running. Dan threw his mask.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Outside

Chuck, Blair, Nate, Alex, Dylan, Wyatt, Thyra and Brooklyn were standing together.

Dylan was holding the bracelets. "So Hope and Jenny Humphrey did make it to the ball after all. And Little J manages to get Chuck's pants off and have him not enjoy it. Quite the accomplishment."

"Good thing someone else at the party was as lecherous as you, Chuck, or you'd still be up on that roof, and no, I don't want to know what you had to do to get that tux," Brooklyn told him.

Wyatt walked up to his limo. "This is me. Blair, Thyra, come on."

Blair and Thyra walked closer.

Nate looked at the others. "All right, guys, I'll see in the AM."

Blair stopped him from following. "Uh-uh. No, you didn't find me by midnight. No happily ever after for you."

Nate sighed. "Blair, I'm--I'm sorry."

"All I wanted was for us to start over, and you didn't even try," Blair told him.

Blair, Thyra and Wyatt got into their limo, driving away.

Brooklyn saw a guy with Kati and Isabel. "Well, at least somebody other than me, Dylan, Wyatt and Thyra, and Alex and Hope are having a good night."

X•O°X•O

Street

Dan was trying to call Serena.

Serena was seen a little bit behind him, standing with Noe. "Hello?"

"Serena, hey," Dan told her. "Will you please just talk to me? Please."

Noe called out to him. "Dan, turn around, dumbass!"

Dan turned around, seeing them, hanging up, walking closer. "That was nice of you, Noe, and so was running away earlier when I asked you where Serena was."

"Wait, what are you talking about?" Noe asked. "I've been with Serena all night. I didn't run from you."

"I think you did," Dan told her. "Brown hair, black dress, black furry thing. There is only one Noe van der Woodsen."

Noe realized he had seen Hope. "Yeah, no, not tonight. I'll give you guys a minute."

"Thanks, Noe," Serena told her. "I'll take you home soon, I promise."

Noe walked away.

Dan looked at Serena. "Let me say, for the record, I like you. Only you."

"Well, that's good, because I feel the same about you," Serena told him.

Dan smiled. "I'm glad that's cleared up."

They kissed.

Serena was testing him. "Hey, um, you know, I hear the ice capades are coming to town."

Dan nodded. "Mm, if you're there, so am I."

Serena smiled in relief at this response. They kissed more passionately.

X•O°X•O

Archibald Mansion - Foyer

Alex and Nate walked in.

"Hey, have you talked to Hope since she ran off?" Nate asked.

"Not yet," Alex answered. "My phone died at midnight, otherwise I'm sure I would've heard from Hope by now."

Nate nodded nervously. "Yeah, me too. Okay, um, Alex, there's something we really need to talk about, regarding Hope, and I--"

They heard Anne call from the other room. "Nate! Alex! Can you come here?"

X•O°X•O

Living Room

Alex and Nate walked in.

"Hey," Alex told them. "You guys are up late."

"We were celebrating," Howie told them.

"Eleanor Waldorf has agreed to let your father's firm take her company public," Anne explained.

"Congrats," Alex told them. "That's great news."

Anne nodded in agreement. "It is, which is why I was looking for a wine opener so I could surprise your father with a bottle of Margo, which is how I found this."

Anne was holding the bag of drugs the boys had found before. Alex and Nate looked at Howie, who was looking at the floor.

(Song:) Happy Ending - Mika

"Well?" Anne asked. "Alex? Nate? What do you have to say for yourselves?"

"What?" Nate asked.

"Well, it isn't mine, and it isn't your father's, so that only leaves two other people in this house," Anne told them.

Alex and Nate looked at their father in disbelief, scoffing.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Hope/Jenny's Room

Dan walked in, seeing Hope and Jenny laying in bed. "Hey, you're still up."

Hope was trying to call Alex, but his phone had died. "Yeah, Jenny's not that tired, and I'm trying to call Alex. His phone must be off. I've tried email, but still no answer. Must be busy."

"Right, well I am tired," Dan told them. "I'm exhausted. I ended up going to that ball, actually."

"Oh, really?" Hope asked sarcastically.

"Yeah," Dan answered.

"Well, your night's not over," Jenny told him. "There's someone here to see you."

Dan followed their gaze into his room, since the garage door was not down, seeing Vanessa sitting on his bed.

Vanessa was waving, holding a plate of Pierogis. "Pierogis? I come in peace."

Dan walked closer. "Great, 'cause I'm starving."

Dan winked at Hope and Jenny. Jenny smiled. Hope waved, still overwhelmed from what happened earlier. Dan closed the garage door separating their rooms.

X•O°X•O

Dan's Room

Dan turned to Vanessa. "Look..."

"Save it, Humphrey," Vanessa told him. "You've never done contrite well. Besides, I'm the one who should apologize."

"No, really, I am," Dan disagreed. "I should have told you about Serena."

Vanessa nodded. "And I should have asked you."

"Well, I shouldn't have lied about tonight," Dan told her.

"And I shouldn't have run out on you," Vanessa replied. "Look, if we're gonna be friends again, we're gonna have to figure this stuff out."

"You're right," Dan agreed. "And I've missed having a friend."

Dan sat on the bed.

"I've missed being one," Vanessa admitted. "We can start slow, with the basics."

Dan grabbed her fork to eat. "Like, uh, fewer lies, more Ukrainian food."

"And you telling me about everything I missed while I was gone, such as Serena," Vanessa told him.

Dan smiled. "Well, she's pretty fantastic, almost as good as this Pierogi. Yeah, she's got this crazy mother who's always like sparring with me, and this awesome brother, and this sister who got into a car accident and lost all of her memories, named Noe."

Vanessa was in shock to hear this. "Noe?"

"Her real name's Nevaeh, but she goes by Noe," Dan explained. "And Serena has this best friend who's very hard for me to deal with, who nearly destroyed Noe's chances of getting back to a normal life, and probably would have if it wasn't for her two backup princesses, Brooklyn and Thyra. The best friend has a boyfriend who everyone thinks is not over Noe, who can't remember anything about him though they used to be best friends and they got drunk and hooked up. It's all very hard for me, and hard to keep up with everything."

Vanessa started to laugh.