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There was a screen shot of Gossip Girl with a picture from 2.25, in Nate/Noe's apartment, with Noe, Nate, Hope, Alex, Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan, Wyatt, James, Zaya, Sadie, Blair, Chuck, Nate and Carter stood in front of the glass walls, a little further up than Marie, not noticing her behind them.

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

From 2.12 "It's a Wonderful Lie", at the Snowflake Ball, Lily looked at Serena and James. "Bart's been in an accident."

From 3.02 "The Freshmen", at the Waldorf penthouse, Alex, Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck and Aurora were meeting.

Brooklyn looked at Dylan and Chuck. "You know, our father turned his first profit by the time he was 22. We can do it a lot sooner if we keep this up."

Chuck and Dylan nodded.

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the park, Angela was with Theo, on the phone with Emilia. "Hope, Thyra and Aurora came up with the idea that they want to buy the clocktower building where I'm staying, and use Alex's architect designs and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck's realty and construction company to remake the entire clocktower building into a livable home with many rooms, for me, Theo and anyone else I want there."

Emilia smiled slightly. "That's good, mija. You finally get a home where you can be safe and comfortable."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", there were flashes of the look that Dan kept giving to Vanessa.

Gabriela: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "Oh, you're in love with her. It's all over your face."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the lobby of the Empire, Dominic looked at Laureen. "You take care of everyone and everything, Laureen. Let me help you."

"I don't want to be a bother," Laureen told him.

"You're never a bother, darling," Dominic told her.

Laureen managed a small smile. "Okay. Thank you, Dominic."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the street, Brittany and Prince were talking.

"We agreed to leave this thing between us non-exclusive," Brittany told him.

"Right," Prince agreed. "Because of the other alters and meeting Marie and Carter halfway so there's no confusion or drama."

"Right, exactly," Brittany agreed. "And I know that you would be seeing other people too. I just wanted to let you know that there is someone who me and the alters have been flirting with at least... very profusely. Angela De Los Caballeros. I'll see you later, Prince."

"Yes, you will," Prince agreed smoothly, smirking.

Brittany smirked, taking Prince's collar, pulling him closer. Prince placed a hand on her cheek, as they met halfway in a passionate kiss.

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the Shea Mansion, the Sheas were talking.

Sherry looked at Prince. "Considering you're an even more famous actor now, Preston is a famous singer and starting acting, and both your parents are famous in the field as well, it looks like the time to get you a bodyguard is now."

"And if it keeps up like this for Preston, we will get him one too," Simon added.

"If I have to lie to be apart of this movie and stay away from Sadie even after what just happened with her father, I think I'll pass," Preston told them.

"You can't make us be in a movie together just because it's what Alan Smith wants, and you can't make us turn our backs on Sadie, and Marie and the alters to do it," Prince told them.

"So you can lay off and don't tell us not to be there for our friends," Preston told them.

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the street, Sadie and Preston were talking.

"Of course, my parents are being paranoid and want to saddle Prince with a bodyguard after being kissed onstage and because of numerous threats over the years that have been building up more and more lately..." Prince trailed off.

"If Sherry and Simon are looking for the best protector, the only one I can think of that might be up for the job is Angela De Los Caballeros," Sadie told him.

Preston nodded, considering. "Okay. I'll think about that and see what my parents say. Because I'm even worried about Prince and I don't want anything to happen."

 From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", outside the fight club, Angela saw the thugs trying to attack Prince, and came outside to fight them off and knock them out.

Prince looked at Angela, tilting his head, impressed. "Thanks for the assist."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in Prince's closet, Prince and Angela were talking.

"Brittany told me about how the alters were all flirting with you, and you were flirting with them right back," Prince told her. Angela smirked, shrugging. "Said that they might like you."

"Yeah, well, I might like them too," Angela replied.

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the restaurant, Angela looked up at Prince. "You might as well stay. But one thing though."

Prince knew what she would say, smirking. "Let me guess."

Prince said, "It's not because you like me," the same time Angela said, "It's not because I like you."

Angela and Prince looked at each other and couldn't help but start laughing lightly.

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the Rhodes/Bass apartment, Serena pushed William's letter to Lily to her chest. "Add me to the list of kids not talking."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", later, Lily put the letter into what she thought was her jacket, which looked exactly like Maureen's.

When Maureen got her jacket, she walked into the elevator, putting her hands in her jacket pockets, feeling the letter in the pocket, pulling it out, reading over the letter, smirking slightly.

From 3.10 "The Last Days of Von Miller", in the old Von Miller mansion, Richard had tied Zaya, Sadie and Laureen to chairs, when they were working on getting free. "We're going to be a family. No more pain. No more suffering. No more shame. Purified by the same fire that Amanda and your half-sibling died in."

Richard flicked the lighter, ready to let it fall so that he could burn the house down with them inside, having already spread gasoline all around.

Zaya ripped free from the remainder of her ropes. "Dad, no!"

The lighter fell to the floor, igniting the gasoline, which started to spread. Zaya fought off Richard and used the knife to cut Sadie and Laureen free, all three fighting Richard. The fire was spreading dangerously around them, and the girls were having trouble breathing. Laureen kicked Richard in the face, shoving him to the floor near the flames. The flames quickly overtook Richard, burning him rather quickly, but agonizingly, making him scream as he was burning alive, unable to get away. He was flailing around but there was no saving him at this point, his death imminent and inevitable, inescapable. Zaya, Sadie and Laureen were all breathing heavily in absolute shock from what was happening, and they had trouble breathing due to the smoke in the air, crying.

Noe: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "After Richard tried to kill them and died, and Sadie got out of the hospital after the doctors cleared her, knowing that her vessel only grew a centimeter, Zaya and Sadie have been kind of shut down, but this is the most relaxed I've seen them or Laureen in a long time."

From 3.10 "The Last Days of Von Miller", outside the old Von Miller mansion, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen turned to watch their old family house burn, knowing that Richard was inside, gasping. Sadie was holding her chest, sinking to her knees. Zaya and Laureen knelt on either side of Sadie to try and make sure that she was okay. On their knees and trying to catch their breath, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen looked up at the burning mansion in front of them with tears in their eyes, smoke clinging to their sweaty skin.

Laureen: (voice over from 3.10 The Last Days of Von Miller) "I'm giving up on trying to save you. And if I have to take you down for real, I will."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the Rhodes/Bass apartment, everyone was sitting at the table for Thanksgiving.

"Jenny, have you ever heard of someone starting to make a brand new face at 19?" Vanessa asked.

"Jenny's not the right person to ask, since she's mastered two," Zaya told her.

Jenny sat back. "Oh, come on. Zaya, Sadie, I don't know how many times I have to apologize before you two stop being bitches to me, and before Noe, Marie, Serena and Eric stop being that way too."

Noe, Marie, Serena and Eric looked up at the mentions of them being 'bitches' to Jenny after what she did to their cousins.

"Excuse me?" Eric asked.

"You outed Zaya on Gossip Girl and caused our father to snap completely and try to kill us and our mom," Sadie replied. 

"I think we deserve a prize for coming here and putting up with your dull, repetitive, boring-ass victim routine when you were the one that got away unscathed while we almost died," Zaya told her.

Zaya poured her wine over Jenny, causing everyone to gasp, placing her glass down, walking away. Sadie stood with her glass of water, pouring it over Jenny, walking away. Thyra threw her water at Jenny, making more people gasp, walking away. Brooklyn stood, throwing her drink at Jenny, smirking, walking away. Eric stood, walking away.

Eric: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "You almost got Zaya, Sadie and Laureen killed, intentionally or not. You cared about trying to overthrow Zaya, Sadie, Brooklyn and Thyra more, willing to sacrifice all your relationships to do it."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in Jenny's room, Eric was confronting Jenny. "I lost Jonathan because I was trying to help teach you a lesson, and he called me out on liking Beck when we broke up. And because of you trying to get back at all of us, at Zaya, you outed her, and Richard snapped completely. He almost burned her, Sadie and Laureen alive. And for that, yeah, we all blame you. Zaya and Sadie won't stop trying to destroy you for what you did to them. And I'm not gonna stop them after what you did. In fact, I'm might even help them, and Brooklyn and Thyra. So you don't have to just watch your back when it comes to them. But when it comes to me too."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the Empire elevator, Noe froze upon seeing Tripp. "So you're stalking me now?"

Tripp turned to face her, smirking sarcastically, though he was being honest. "Yes, Noe, I'm stalking you."

The doors opened. Noe immediately went to get out even though it wasn't at the lobby floor yet so that she could get away from Tripp. Tripp grabbed Noe's arm to stop her from leaving, pulling her away from the elevator doors. Tripp closed in on Noe, making her back touch the elevator wall behind her. Noe tried to push past him to the emergency lever, but Tripp put his hand against the wall in front of her, blocking her path. Noe went to hit him, but Tripp caught her wrists, easily holding her arms still.

Noe pulled her arms free from Tripp. "You had a crush on me when we were kids, I never liked you, move on."

Tripp chuckled, stroking Noe's cheek, making her turn her head away as she was becoming more scared. "I can't do that. And you should be very careful what you say and do, Noe. You don't want me to get angry, and you don't want to have an episode again, do you? You don't want anything happening to your baby. You don't want to lose your daughter."

When Tripp tried to kiss her, Noe kneed him in the stomach, pushing him back. Tripp walked closer.

Noe kicked Tripp hard in the crotch, making him fall to his knees, so that she could step around him toward the emergency lever. "The public might not believe me, but my family, and my Crew, do, and we could still ruin you. Back the hell off."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the Rhodes/Bass apartment, Nate, seeing Tripp, couldn't control his anger anymore, grabbing Tripp, slamming him against the table. "Stay away from her. Don't you ever touch her again. I mean it." Nate punched Tripp in the face, causing everyone else to raise their eyebrows in surprise, but not much of it, besides Laureen, Dominic and Maureen, since they had no idea what was going on. Alex, Marie, Serena, Zaya, Harry, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck watched like they had expected Nate to hit Tripp. "Noe told me about the elevator and how you kissed her. Stay the hell away from us."

Zaya glared at Tripp. "So unless you want us to make our own statement, get the hell out of here. You'll be a political joke and punchline and you can be the one in this position in jail."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in Noe/Nate's apartment, Noe answered her phone, not realizing it was Tripp on the other line until he spoke.

"I don't care about losing Maureen," Tripp told her. "I don't care if they run me out of congress once you and everyone else try and find a way to expose me. All I care about you. Though you did tell Nate about what I did. And all the others know too, don't they? I've been coming up with some kind of punishment for you lashing out at me and everything at Thanksgiving today. And I'm sure that you'll hate the punishment for all these things." Noe swallowed. "Of course, you could avoid punishment. If you just give in to me."

Noe scoffed softly. "Never gonna happen, you psycho."

Nate, hearing the tone of her voice, turned toward her, confused.

Tripp chuckled. "Only for you, Noe. I'd do anything to have you mine."

"I'm not yours, and I'm never gonna be," Noe replied.

Tripp nodded. "I know. That's why, if you don't give in, you'll get the punishment, when you least expect it. I'll give you time to think about it."

Noe hung up.

Nate walked closer to Noe worriedly. "Noe?"

Noe looked at Nate with intense worry, fear, since she had no idea how far Tripp was willing to go. Nate sat next to Noe, holding her comfortingly, as Noe buried her head in the crook of his neck, fighting tears.

In the closing, there was a screen shot of the Gossip Girl website, with a picture of Nate pinning Tripp to the dinner table as Noe and others stood around them.

The headline read: Family Feud

The caption underneath the picture read: Looks like it's cousin vs. cousin in the fight for Noe van der Woodsen. Rumor has it that Noe and Nate have to watch their backs when it comes to Tripp Vanderbilt. Let's hope the Crew and their trusted adults can find a way to end this before things become as dark as they did for Marie, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen and their respective stalkers so that Noe and Nate can have their baby and family safe and sound.

X•O°X•O

Worlds Colliding (Gossip Girl)

X•O°X•O

Flash Forward 

Night - On the Road

(Song:) Suicide - The Raveonettes

Noe and Serena were sitting on one side of the limo, while Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck sat on the other side.

Brooklyn looked at the flowers they had brought for the cemetery, taking them from Noe. "These should be yellow roses. Our father always said that they were our mother's favorite."

"Well, we can always make a stop on the way there and get some yellow roses," Serena told them.

Noe looked through the partition. "Hey, can we make a stop at the florist? There should be one up the street."

"Noe?" Dylan asked. "Serena?" Noe and Serena both looked at them. "Thanks, for this."

"Seriously," Brooklyn agreed. "Thank you."

Chuck nodded barely in agreement, but didn't voice his thanks due to the fact he didn't want to seem overly sentimental, though it was clear that he did appreciate this. "Hmm." Noe and Serena managed small smiles. Outside, they heard honking horns, screams from outside, looking through the windows in confusion. A large truck barreled right for Noe and Serena's side of the limo. Serena instantly reached out for Noe, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck reached out to Noe and Serena to grab them and try to pull them toward their side before it was too late. Chuck was horrified. "No!"

Brooklyn and Serena, having faster reflexes since they had trained with fighting over the summer, Brooklyn more than Serena, were fast enough to pull Noe and Serena away from the side of the crash, but were unable to stop the impact. The large truck smashed into the limo, jostling Noe and Serena the rest of the way to Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck's side of the limo onto the seats. Noe hit her head on the wall of the limo, as the truck drove the limo right off of the road to the side of the street, making Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck all fall in their seats, glass shattering everywhere. The impact of the accident left Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck all jostling and unconscious.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "They say there are no accidents. Sometimes reality comes crashing into us. "

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

12 Hours Earlier

Day One

Morning - Montage

There was a slow, somber montage of the city as the sun began to rise.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Other times, it dawns on us slowly, despite our best efforts to avoid it and stop it."

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Bedroom

Nate and Noe were laying in bed. Noe was sleeping peacefully in Nate's arms. Nate gently moved the few hair strands that were covering her face out of the way, tucking them behind her ear, gently brushing his finger tips on her cheek, kissing the top of her head, admiring her beauty, watching her with worry and concern, knowing that Tripp's threat was still serious, but determined to believe that they could stop him before anything happened. Noe groaned softly as she moved her head to the other side, trying to be comfortable.

Nate smiled a bit. "Noe." Noe hummed in response, half asleep. "Wake up, baby."

Nate kissed her head.

Noe still had her eyes closed, snuggled up against Nate, using him as a pillow, arms around him. "I'm tired."

"You fell asleep at 3pm yesterday, and it's 9am now," Nate pointed out. "How can you be so tired?"

Noe just shook her head. "You're not carrying a baby and exhausted because of every day struggles, so shut up and let me sleep."

Nate chuckled at her cuteness. "As much as I wanna stay, I gotta head to class. And you've got a vice grip on me. So..."

Nate started to sit up.

Noe held onto him a little tighter by instinct, opening her eyes. "No, no, no."

Nate chuckled, brushing back Noe's hair. "I gotta go, Noe."

Noe sighed, sitting up, nodding in agreement. "I know. Just with everything going on..."

Nate gave Noe a kiss on the head. "Everything's gonna be fine. I promise. Harry and Aurora are already on their way to using that tape from Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck's security footage to convict Tripp. The courts can't ignore what's in that video, so they have to be able to stop Tripp and arrest him once they find him."

Noe nodded in agreement. "Okay. I trust Aurora and Harry. And I know that they're so close to being able to get Tripp arrested because of that tape. I'm glad that I got Tripp to admit to stalking me and the other  things he said so that we could use it. So that we can finally get him to stop following me like a little puppy dog. A vicious, dangerous puppy dog."

Nate gave Noe a somewhat amused look. "I wish you hadn't gone through that, but you did good. You made sure that no court could turn a blind eye to that tape."

Noe nodded in agreement. "I love you, Nate."

Nate smiled. "I love you too, Noe."

Noe smiled in return. Nate placed a hand on her cheek, and they kissed.

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Lobby

Zaya and Sadie were in school uniform, about to leave for school.

Laureen walked with them, worried. "Zaya, Sadie, you know that there's no rush on going back."

"It's okay, Mom," Zaya told her. "We have to go back sometime. And I don't want to hide anymore."

"I can't just sit at home doing nothing," Sadie agreed. "I mean, this isn't even a home, it's a hotel, but still. I need to do something."

Dominic walked closer, seeing the unique take on school uniforms. "Hey. First day back to school. I wanted to wish you two good luck."

Zaya and Sadie managed small smiles. "Thanks, Dominic."

"Yeah," Dominic agreed, holding out some more books for Sadie. "And you asked for more neurology books from my sister when you finished the first batch I gave you."

Sadie gave a slightly more convincing smile, taking the books. "Thank you."

Laureen tilted her head at Sadie, somewhat amused.

"We should be going now," Zaya told them. "We'll see you later, Dominic."

"Yeah," Dominic agreed. "Good luck."

Zaya and Sadie gave Laureen a hug and kiss on the cheeks, as Laureen had to kneel down to Sadie's level for her to be able to, kissing both her daughters on the cheeks.

"Be careful," Laureen told them. "And if either of you need anything, anything, call me."

Sadie nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

Zaya and Sadie gave small smiles to Dominic, as he nodded reassuringly, as Zaya and Sadie both gave Dominic hug. Dominic returned the hugs, and Zaya and Sadie pulled away, walking out of the hotel. Laureen stood, watching them go in concern.

"They're gonna be okay, Laureen," Dominic told her. "Zaya and Sadie are tough. They're survivors. Just like you."

Laureen managed a small smile. "Thank you, Dominic. I don't have to head back to work for at least another day. Can we talk today?"

"Of course," Dominic agreed. "We can have breakfast first."

Laureen had a barely noticeable smirk. "Making sure that I'm eating again?" Dominic shrugged. Laureen chuckled. "I'd love breakfast."

Dominic offered Laureen a hand. Laureen took his hand, and Dominic kissed hers. They walked out of the hotel.

X•O°X•O

Outside

Zaya and Sadie were on the way out when they saw James.

James saw them, looking at them in concern. "Zaya. Sadie. Hey."

"Hey, James," Zaya told him. "Checking in on us on the behalf of the family and Crew?"

"This is actually a complete coincidence, but unsurprising one considering that we all live in the same hotel right now," James answered. "I'm about to head to Central Park to see Serena."

"Oh, okay," Sadie said.

James looked at them hesitantly for a moment. "Look, I know that a lot of the Crew don't know what you went through, and I didn't go through exactly the same thing, but my parents were the reason why Caroline and I were in the car crash that killed Caroline and almost killed me." Zaya and Sadie nodded. "So I get it. If there's anything that you two want to talk about, or whatever. I'll be here."

Zaya managed a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, James."

Sadie looked down, clearing her throat. "Yeah. But, uh, we should be getting to school. First day back."

"Yeah, of course," James agreed. "Good luck."

"Thanks," Sadie told him. "See you, James."

"See you guys," James told them.

They headed their separate ways.

X•O°X•O

Inside - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Alex was showing Angela the architect designs for the clocktower, while Hope, Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck stood nearby, waiting to hear what she thought.

Angela was clearly very impressed, holding Theo in her arms. "Guys, this is amazing. I can't accept this."

"Sure you can," Alex told her. "It's an offer. Besides, other people might be able to stay. It'd be like a little mini hotel that we can all profit from, and you get your own place, a livable place."

"And you get to have whoever you want over there, including Theo for nights you have him," Hope added. "It's a perfect deal, Angela."

Angela sighed, biting her lip, tilting her head, considering. "Fine. But I'm gonna find a way to pay you guys back."

"You realize that this is the kind of gift that you don't have to pay back, right?" Brooklyn asked. Angela tilted her head. "All right, fine."

"Which design?" Dylan asked. "We can start as early as today. We have everything set up."

Angela looked over the designs, pointing at the one she liked most. "This one. It's perfect."

"We all like that one most too," Thyra agreed. "Alex's got a gift. He's a prodigy at architecture already."

Alex chuckled. "Thanks, Thyra."

Blair and Wyatt were nearby, setting up breakfast on a main table for them.

"You have it all decided and figured out," Blair told them. "Fantastic. Now breakfast." She looked at Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. "We made your favorites."

Chuck was acting distant, kind of cold. "I'm not hungry."

Brooklyn and Dylan were also distant, but not cold, though all three siblings were pretending to be fine. Hope, Thyra, Alex, Blair and Wyatt looked at them knowingly.

"Guys, stop trying to pretend," Wyatt told them. "We know why you're upset."

Brooklyn shrugged. "Today is a day like any other. In fact, we're going to start on the clocktower today."

"We can't be resting on our laurels," Chuck told them. "The Empire's doing well. It's time to look ahead."

"Well, since I canceled my day, I'm now completely free," Blair told them. "So I'm coming with you."

"Yeah, we all gotta go if this is gonna work out on the first day," Hope agreed. "Luckily, I don't have classes at FIT or Columbia today."

"Brooklyn, Dylan and I can make up any work at school later," Thyra added.

"And Blair and I don't have NYU classes," Wyatt agreed.

"I might have a meeting though," Angela told them. "It's about a job, since I don't plan to be doing nothing while in this city. I want to be able to take care of Theo my own way too, even though I know all of you have enough money for it."

"That's great, Angela," Dylan told her. "Having a job, something to keep you busy, will be good." Angela nodded in agreement. "I can ask Lily if she can watch Theo for the day."

"Okay," Alex agreed. "Got all the designs and architect details I need to be able to help start the process. Let's go."

Blair looked at Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. "But are you sure you want to do this today when you could be laying flowers on your father's grave?" Hope, Alex, Thyra, Wyatt and Angela gave Blair a look, while Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck froze. "We know today's the anniversary of his death."

"Blair," Hope told her, shaking her head.

"We're fine," Brooklyn told them.

"Fine," Wyatt said. "Pretend like you never get sad. But just so we're clear, we know better. And none of you are your father."

"And it's a good thing that you're not," Thyra told them reassuringly.

"Are you done?" Chuck asked.

"Let's get a move on," Dylan told them. "It'd be nice to have this done by the end of summer. Even though it's only December now."

Alex nodded. "Okay."

Angela's phone went off, and she checked it.

"Who is it?" Wyatt asked.

"My mother," Angela answered. "After you guys told me about Noe and Nate's situation with Alex and Nate's cousin, I called Mama, since I know she's dealt with dirty politicians before. So if Harry and Aurora's plan doesn't work..."

"You and Emilia might be able to handle it yourselves," Dylan finished.

"Yeah," Angela answered.

Alex sighed. "Great. Just have to find him first."

Hope took Alex's hand. "And we will. I promise."

Hope and Thyra both looked at Alex in concern, since it was clear that Alex felt upset and angry about Tripp's betrayal as well, knowing that his cousin was threatening his brother and the mother of his unborn niece, who happened to be one of his best friends. Blair, Wyatt, Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck and Angela were also sympathetic for Alex, and obviously Noe and Nate.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Closet

Lily was looking frantically for the letter, but she couldn't find it.

Rufus walked up to the closet. "Hey. I thought you were getting ready for that co-op meeting."

Lily turned to face him. "Oh, right. It slipped my mind."

"You cleaning out the closet again?" Rufus asked. "I thought you did that yesterday and the day before."

"Well, Vanya has organized a clothing drive," Lily told him, carrying some coats out of the closet. "Coats for Kiev."

Rufus turned to look at her. "Vanya's from Minsk. Lil, none of this is making much sense. Does this have something to do with Zaya, Sadie and Laureen? I know they've been distant, and so has Noe. And I know Hope, Marie, Eric and Serena aren't talking much since they're all angry at Jenny for the part she played..."

"You mean in outing Zaya on a scandalous website, causing Richard to snap and try to burn Zaya, Sadie and Laureen alive?" Lily finished. "Noe, Hope, Marie, Eric and Serena aren't talking because they feel like we're not punishing Jenny enough for what she did and for retaliating against their justifiably angry reactions to her. Even Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck aren't talking because of the same reason. And Laureen said that there was something else going on with Noe, and I've tried to talk to her, but because of all this, she's also not talking."

"Well, if it's this upsetting, let's do something about it," Rufus told her.

Lily got an idea, pointing at Rufus. "Would you represent us at the co-op meeting today? It's about the rooftop garden. You know how strict those green people are about attendance."

Rufus nodded. "If it'll help you out, I'm totally free."

Lily turned away. "I had a feeling you might say that."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rufus asked.

Lily sighed, turning to face him. "Nothing. I'm sorry. Look, I know our family's going through a lot, and I love... that you've made us your priority." She handed Rufus his jacket. "It's at Park Avenue Autumn."

Rufus took his jacket, walking away.

X•O°X•O

Central Park

(Song:) Hold You - Hanna Ferm & LIAMOO

James was in Central Park, taking pictures as the sun was changing angles in the sky, changing light. Serena walked closer, sitting down on a bench nearby.

"You're late, Serena," James told her. "The light has changed."

"How?" Serena asked. "It looks the same."

James tilted his head. "It's not the same." He smirked teasingly. "You have no photography sense. We need good lighting to take photos of views. It's almost noon."

James sat next to Serena and his bag, going through his bag.

"What are you doing?" Serena asked.

James took out a lens to change the lens on the camera. "Changing the lens."

"New lens again?" Serena asked.

James finished changing the lens. "What else? I'm a photographer. I always buy new lens. There are not many toys to play with."

"Well, your 'toys' are always expensive," Serena pointed out.

"Relax," James told her. "I got this with my own money that I made from photography gigs and photoshoots. Not from my parents' money. Not even Cyrus and Eleanor's, even though they always make sure I have what I need."

Serena smiled. "That's good."

They stood, walking around the park.

James took a picture of Serena while she wasn't looking. "Hey, Serena."

Serena turned to look at him, and James took another picture.

"Why didn't you tell me you were taking a photo of me?" Serena asked, before striking a pose. "Come on, shoot."

James smirked. "Nah, I prefer taking candid shots of you."

Serena walked closer. "Let me see. Are they good candids?" James handed her the camera so they could look through the pictures. Serena smiled. "I look good."

James chuckled. "Give me some credit. I'm the photographer."

They both smiled.

Serena kept going through the camera, seeing that most of the pictures were of her. She looked at James in amusement. "You said you like taking photos of views."

James raised his eyebrows. "You are every view I need."

Serena giggled. "Smooth."

James smirked. "I know, wasn't it?"

They both laughed.

"Send me the pics," Serena told him.

James shook his head. "Nah, for sale only."

Serena laughed. "Really? I'm your girlfriend."

James shrugged, taking a step back, teasing. "Well, I'm gonna need something in return."

Serena smiled. "Oh, really?"

James smirked, nodding. "Mm-hmm."

James wrapped his arm around Serena's waist, pulling her closer. They both laughed, looking at each other adorably, kissing softly but passionately. They pulled away, looking at each other.

James looked at Serena in concern. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Serena answered. "Yeah, now that I know that Harry and Aurora are so close to convicting Tripp, and things with Noe and Nate will be a lot smoother once he's gone. They just have to find Tripp first. He's been laying low. And he threatened Noe on Thanksgiving, she's been so scared since then, even about leaving the apartment, because she's worried about what will happen if he can get to her."

James nodded in understanding. "It's gonna be okay, Serena."

"I know," Serena said. "I mean, once all this is over, it will be. Marie, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen got free. I know this will be handled too, James."

"Definitely," James agreed. "I actually saw Zaya and Sadie today before they headed to school. First day back. They seem a little bit better, though obviously still going through hell." Serena nodded in understanding. "And Marie and the alters have Carter, Prince and even flirtatious moments with Angela to help them through everything they've been through. And Zaya, Sadie and Laureen have Dominic helping them out for months now. Noe and Nate are gonna be okay. And their baby."

Serena smiled. "Yeah. Thanks, James."

James nodded, taking hold of Serena's hand, kissing it. They walked through the park together.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment  Building - Outside Alley

Marie was throwing breakable things that she had had from her adoptive life, things she didn't want as reminders anymore.

Carter walking closer, watching Marie throw things, amused. "What are you doing?"

Marie shrugged. "I had to break something. Sorry."

Carter chuckled. "Don't be. Look, glass breaking is one of the best things for releases. Come on." Marie handed something to Carter. Carter threw it, making it shatter. Marie smiled, grabbing another, throwing it to make it break. "See? Release." Marie threw another harder, making the breaking a lot louder. "Yes! Yes, let's go."

They laughed, breaking more.

Marie was singing softly while doing throwing glass and breaking it, singing a bit of Bird Set Free by Sia. "Clipped wings, I was a broken thing / Had a voice, had a voice but I could not sing / You'd worn me down / I struggled on the ground, oh / So lost, the line had been crossed / Had a voice, had a voice, but I could not talk / You held me down / I struggle to fly now, oh / But there's a scream inside that we all try to hide / We hold on so tight, but we cannot deny / Eats us alive, oh, it eats us alive / Yes, there's a scream inside that we all try to hide / We hold on so tight, but I don't wanna die, no / I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die / I don't care if I sing off key / I found myself in my melodies / I sing for love, I sing for me / Shout it out like a bird set free."

Carter was impressed. "You're good. Never get over how good."

Marie chuckled. "Thank you."

"Pretty dark doing this, don't you think?" Carter asked. "Dark song to sing too."

"Well, we're both pretty dark," Marie replied. "You haven't seen anything yet. I love you, Carter, but I've been living in darkness all my life."

"I know the feeling," Carter told her. 

"And the song reminds me of my past, and what Noe, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen are going through now," Marie explained. "And yeah, it might start out dark, but it shows how we each fought back and try to persevere. The next lyrics were 'now I fly, hit the high notes, I have a voice, hear me roar tonight, you held me down but I fought back loud'."

Carter nodded in understanding. "Certainly fits the five of you Rhodes girls. You, Noe, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen. I'll admit that, Marie." Marie nodded. "I just wanted to check up on you."

Marie smiled a bit, embracing him, which Carter returned. "Thank you."

They pulled away, looking at each other with small smiles. Carter brushed back Marie's hair, as they kissed slowly and passionately, pulling away.

"What's got you throwing things and breaking things in an alley?" Carter asked in amusement.

"I'm just pissed," Marie answered. "I don't want to be mad at Jenny since she's my sister and I just found my family, but after what she did to Zaya by outing her, and causing Richard to snap and almost burn Zaya, Sadie and Laureen alive... who are my cousins and aunt... and she's been a bitch to Noe, Serena and Eric too, who are also my sisters and brother... and trying to take them down along with Brooklyn and Thyra... Hope, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck being my adoptive siblings..."

"It puts you in a position where you can't really win," Carter finished.

"Exactly," Marie agreed. "Plus everything with Noe, Nate, the baby and Tripp... Aurora and Harry are on the brink of getting Tripp convicted, once they find him, but... I know exactly what Noe's going through because of Vincent. And the same thing with Zaya, Sadie and Laureen given Richard. And that's why I know that there's not really much I can say that can help them. Not until it's all over anyway."

Carter nodded in understanding. "I get it. It's gonna be okay, Marie."

Marie managed a small smile. "Thanks, Carter."

Marie and Carter went back to breaking things to let off steam.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "We make our own fortunes and then call them fate."

X•O°X•O

Abandoned Clocktower

Hope, Alex, Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were already working with a team to get the clocktower process started. Blair and Wyatt were watching and helping out with what they could.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And what better excuse to choose a path than to insist it's our destiny?"

X•O°X•O

Constance/St. Jude's - Courtyard

Zaya and Sadie were walking down the hallways of the school and into the courtyard. Everyone was looking at them after hearing about the fire and Richard dying and what he did to them and Laureen. Zaya and Sadie were trying their best to ignore all the looks, stares and whispers and gossiping.

Preston was standing in the courtyard, looking toward Zaya and Sadie in concern, noticing how everyone was looking at them. Sadie noticed Preston, as the two exchanged a long look before Sadie looked away, since no one knew that they knew each other for real since they had lied about it before on live TV.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But at the end of the day, we all have to live with our choices, no matter who's looking over our shoulder. Spotted, Zaya and Sadie Rhodes walking back onto campus like they and Laureen are taking notes from cousin Noe and being phoenixes rising from literal flames and ashes. Marie seems to have that trait as well. Welcome back, your highnesses. We missed you."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Restaurant

(Song:) Angel by the Wings - Sia

Laureen and Dominic walked in together to eat.

Laureen's belly rumbled with hunter.

Dominic put an arm around Laureen, kissing her temple. "More hungry than you thought?"

Laureen smiled sheepishly as she sat down. Dominic tucked her chair in, sitting down opposite of her.

Once they ordered and their food were served, Laureen started to eat. "Oh, my God. This is so good. Thank you."

Laureen reached over the table to take Dominic's hand, giving it a squeeze as she smiled a bit. Dominic smiled reassuringly. After they were done eating, they both stood to leave. Dominic wrapped Laureen's jacket around her gently. 

X•O°X•O

Outside

Laureen and Dominic walked outside to the town car.

Laureen smirked slightly. "You're being awfully soft and romantic today."

Dominic slid his arms around Laureen, kissing the tip of her nose. "Hey. I'm always soft and romantic." Laureen chuckled, leaning her head in against Dominic's chest as he enveloped her in his arms, holding her for a while, as neither of them had to say a word, just comfortable in each other's arms. Laureen, fully thinking about everything that happened, had tears in her eyes as she sniffled and tried not to cry. Dominic cupped her face in his hands, wiping her tears away with his thumbs, heartbroken to see her so upset. "Speak to me, Laureen."

"You're being so good to me," Laureen told him. "You can read me like a book."

"I know you well, darling," Dominic told her. "I know that you're exhausted because you're reluctant to go to sleep due to nightmares. I know that you're anxious and you don't like to eat much because of it. I know that you are also the bravest woman I know, who will get through this. And I know that you, Zaya and Sadie have me every step of the way. I am going nowhere."

Dominic stroked Laureen's cheek with his thumb.

Laureen was soothed, feeling more at ease, and truly loved in that moment, letting out a shaky breath. "Even though I know that he's gone, I'm still so on edge. For me, for Zaya and Sadie."

"I know you are, Laureen," Dominic told her. "I would be worried if you weren't, after what you three have been through. Even with the way you three can take care of yourselves and each other, you are only human. But he is gone. And there's nothing, no one else that can hurt you, or Zaya and Sadie."

Laureen closed her eyes with a pang of guilt because Dominic didn't know the truth about the Silence, but didn't want to tell him because he was already in enough danger as it was, thinking it was better to not tell him to fully protect him. "I know. I can't lose anyone else in my family. And I can't lose you, Dominic."

"You will never lose me, Laureen," Dominic told her. "I am here. I always will be. For you, and for Zaya and Sadie."

Laureen wrapped her arms around Dominic's neck, holding him close. Dominic leaned his forehead against hers.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Street

Angela was walking down the street, on the phone. "Hello?"

Sherry was on the other line, at home in the Shea mansion. "Hi. Angela De Los Caballeros? This is Sherry Shea again. We spoke earlier after Sadie Rhodes referred my son Preston to you."

"Yeah, I remember, Mrs. Shea," Angela told her.

"I was wondering how soon you can start the job," Sherry told her.

Angela tilted her head. "I'm sorry? How soon? You mean I got the job?"

Sherry chuckled. "Right! Sorry. Congratulations, you got the job. Now how soon can you start?"

Angela smiled slightly, biting her lip. "How soon would you like me to start?"

"Can you start today?" Sherry asked. "And meet with me and my family, say 1PM?"

"Yeah, I can do that," Angela answered. "Thank you."

"Great," Sherry told her. "I'll text you the address. Bye."

"Thanks again," Angela told her. "Bye."

Angela hung up, in disbelief.

X•O°X•O

Constance/St. Jude's - Outside

(Song:) I Hear (Click, Click, Click) - The Rosebuds

Zaya and Sadie were going through their new bags, which were new designer ones, as their and Brooklyn and Thyra's minions were in awe over the bags.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted. It girls with it bags. Looks like the roadie to success is paved with cruel intentions."

Jenny looked across the way with her only two minions left since no one wanted to follow her anymore, Jane and Sawyer.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And looks like the cruelest of intentions can lead you back to the bottom for this wannabe it girl. Sorry, but since word got out that Zaya, Sadie and Laureen were almost killed because of a blast you sent set off a psychopath, the only girls you're leading are lacking lackeys. No one wants to follow a princess who nearly got her step cousins and step aunt killed."

The minions Adriana, Natalie, Celeste and Carmen (the minions for Zaya, Sadie, Brooklyn and Thyra) were in utter awe of Zaya and Sadie's bags.

"Can I hold the babies?" Adriana asked.

"Oh, they're beautiful," Natalie told them. "I've never seen one in the flesh."

"Because it's not in stores yet," Zaya explained. "Even the waiting list is still waiting."

Carmen smirked. "I guess it pays to be Laureen Rhodes's daughters."

"I think it's really fitting you guys and your cousin and your mother changed your names to Rhodes," Celeste told them.

Zaya and Sadie nodded.

Jenny walked by with her bag. "OMG, twins. I guess great minds shop alike. Although, in the future, Zaya, Sadie and I should probably coordinate. I'll take Tuesdays and Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays?"

"Or you can take your ass straight to hell," Sadie replied.

"And you're not a princess anymore, so you can go away," Zaya told her.

"Well, I'm not gonna go away that easily, without a fight," Jenny told them. "I still want to be able to be the queen that gives her all for the school. With you two dealing with trauma, and with Brooklyn and Thyra not here because they're busy with their businesses, that can't be the four of you."

"Because unlike you, some people see that there are more important things in life," Sadie replied. "You're just in la la land where you think anybody still thinks you're important enough to take us down, which you never will be."

"Pretty sure I can convince people otherwise, if I continue with style and grace like this bag," Jenny told them. "And I'm sure that you two got the bags since I'm sure after the fire, you and Laureen got everything from your father's will. Though I'm not sure if you're actually using that money or anything."

Zaya and Sadie glared at Jenny for bringing this up in front of everyone, as the minions looked between them unsteadily.

"Yeah, we're not, considering that we don't condone blood money," Zaya answered. "And if you love that bag so much, more than your own family or friends, I guess you can carry it, across the street. Enjoy being BFFs with a hunk of leather and never being able to take us down."

"I've apologized enough," Jenny told them.

"You've apologized like twice and then called us, and Noe, Marie, Eric and Serena, bitches for not letting you get away with what you did," Sadie corrected.

"Well, aren't you tired of being bitches?" Jenny asked. "It's not like I meant for--"

"We don't care what you meant to do," Zaya told her angrily. "And if you mean by bitches, we're independent women who don't punish themselves for being sure of sexuality, desires and knowing what they want and with whom they want, then, no, we're not tired of being bitches."

"Your reign's over, Jenny," Sadie told her. "Have fun being back in the basement, where you belong. And unless you want to get slapped again or get something poured on you again, walk away, while you still have a tiny scrap of dignity left. If not..."

Zaya and Sadie looked at Adriana and Natalie, who both smiled, and dumped yogurt on Jenny, causing the people watching to gasp, but not in much surprise given they knew the war going on between Zaya/Sadie and Jenny after what Jenny did at cotillion and what happened to Zaya and Sadie. 

Jenny looked away at the harshness of their words, and looked at the yogurt covering her skin and clothes, looking like she had to fight back tears because of their ways to tear her down, as the minions all watched in utter awe and silence. Jenny walked away with Jane and Sawyer.

Zaya and Sadie smirked.

Preston overheard and saw everything from a doorway in the courtyard, smirking in amusement, impressed, tilting his head.

Zaya looked at the minions. "Give us some space, please."

Adriana, Natalie, Celeste and Carmen gave Zaya and Sadie some space.

Eric and Beck walked closer, standing with Zaya and Sadie.

"Nicely done," Beck complimented. "Almost made her cry. No holding back, huh?"

"Not after what she did," Zaya answered.

"Good," Eric told them. "Even I think she deserves it. Also makes up for the fact that like two years ago, she dumped yogurt on Brooklyn, Thyra and Blair even while knowing that Thyra was going through depression and self-hurting moments after the death of her parents."

"Not to mention yogurting you, Eric, just for trying to get her to back off of me," Beck added.

Eric nodded in agreement. "Brooklyn and Thyra might be busy with Hope, Alex, Dylan, Wyatt, Blair and Chuck to build the clocktower for Angela and Theo, but I don't even think we need their help to take Jenny down for good. Zaya, Sadie, you're doing that just fine on your own."

"No kidding," Beck agreed. "That was impressive."

"Thanks for helping us out with this, Beck," Eric told him.

"Anytime," Beck stated. "Bitch deserves it. Getting back at her for kissing me at the speakeasy, yogurting you, and everything else since. It's a pleasure, Erickson."

"Right," Sadie agreed.

Eric tilted his head. "Ready for phase two?"

Zaya, Sadie, Eric and Beck smirked.

(Song Ends)

Preston walked up to them. "Hey, Sadie." Zaya, Eric and Beck looked between Preston and Sadie knowingly. Others looked toward them in confusion since Preston and Sadie had lied about knowing each other. "Can we talk?"

Sadie looked at Zaya and Eric, who both nodded encouragingly.

"Sure," Sadie answered.

"Thanks," Preston told her. "Hey, Zaya. Eric."

"Hey, Preston," Eric told him. "Nice to finally meet you for real."

"You too," Preston agreed. "And, uh, Beck Boardman, right?"

Beck nodded, being teasingly sarcastic to lighten the mood. "The Preston Shea knows my name. I can die happy."

Eric grinned at Beck's teasing sarcasm. Zaya and Sadie smirked.

"Nice to see you again, Preston," Zaya told him.

"You too, Zaya," Preston agreed. "So, Sadie..."

Sadie nodded. Sadie and Preston walked off to talk alone.

"What are you doing, Preston?" Sadie asked. "I thought you still wanted to keep us secret."

"Well, I quit the movie, so I didn't have to lie anymore," Preston pointed out. "And now, you don't have to lie, right?"

"I guess not," Sadie answered. "It's just... it's sudden and weird to be talking in front of other people when we've spent so long..."

"In secret?" Preston finished.

"Kind of," Sadie answered. "I mean, between my dad, and your parents..."

"Yeah," Preston agreed. "But we don't have to do that anymore, if you don't want to."

Sadie tilted her head. "Yeah, guess so. Is that what you wanted to talk about?"

"No," Preston answered. "Sadie, I just wanted to say thank you for telling me about Angela when I told you about Prince's protection situation. I told my parents and I know that they're calling her, so... Prince might be annoyed because of a bodyguard, but it can finally make sure he's safe, so..."

"Yeah," Sadie agreed. "Well, glad I could help you, and Prince, and Angela, since I think getting back out there like this could really help her."

Preston nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I have to head home soon, getting off early from school, because we're meeting her in like an hour, but..."

"I get it," Sadie assured. "Uh, I'll see you later, then, I guess."

"Yeah," Preston agreed. "See you, Sadie."

"Bye, Preston," Sadie told him.

Preston and Sadie both hesitated while they looked at each other, before Sadie walked away, clearly still pushing her obvious crush-like feelings away after everything that happened. Preston watched her go in concern, obviously liking her a lot but more worried about how she was after everything, before walking away.

X•O°X•O

Abandoned Clocktower

Hope was working with the others while on the phone with Dan.

Dan was in the café, on the other line. "Olivia called it. Well, I mean, and I was--I was too stupid or too stubborn to realize that she was right about Vanessa."

"Well, at least you're admitting that you're stupid and stubborn," Hope told him.

Dan nodded sarcastically. "Oh, ha ha. And now my window is closed. She's all off into this Paul Hoffman guy."

Hope tilted her head. "Dan, do you really think if you went toe-to-toe with Paul Hoffman that you couldn't take him down? You're using him as an excuse."

Dan shook his head in denial. "No, he's a--he's a--he's a handsome guy. He's a sophomore, he and Vanessa have a lot in common."

"Listen, you have two options here," Hope told him. "You can man up, go to war and fight for the girl you love or just forget her and move on to a palate cleanser."

"So you're saying my only choices are extreme emotional vulnerability with a good friend or meaningless sex with a stranger?" Dan asked.

"I never said anything about sex," Hope told him, amused but weirded out. "But whatever, you do you."

Dan nodded, amused. "All right."

"Look, I got to go and get back to work," Hope told him. "I'll talk later."

Hope hung up.

Alex walked up to Hope with more designs to be done for the building. "Well, at least this time I didn't have to hear Dan drama."

Hope smirked. "Right."

"Blair just left to go see if Lily wants her to watch Theo for the rest of the day," Alex explained. "She felt like she was in the way here."

"Got it," Hope told him.

"And Harry and Aurora called," Alex added. "They said that they need just a little more time, but they're close, and they just have to track Tripp down for it to be over."

Hope nodded in relief. "Great. I don't know how much more of this we can take."

Thyra walked by with more work. "Well, don't worry, Hope. If anyone can take down Tripp legally, it's Aurora, and with Harry helping her, it's a done deal. We just have to make sure that we find Tripp. I can't believe he's doing all this." Hope and Alex nodded sadly in agreement. Thyra took a deep breath. "Alex, have you talked to Nate? I've been trying to talk to him, but he's been so busy and worried about Noe, and..."

"Yeah," Alex agreed. "He's just trying not to spiral out with anger after all this went down."

"Right," Thyra agreed. "Well, we'll figure it out. I know we will. Noe, Nate and the baby will be okay."

Thyra took both Hope and Alex's hands comfortingly. Hope and Alex smiled barely in thanks. Thyra looked past them toward Brooklyn, who was trying to stay busy with work. Hope and Alex saw what Thyra was looking at.

Hope nodded. "Go."

"Brooklyn could really use the talk," Alex agreed. "We'll be fine, Thyra."

Thyra sighed, nodding, letting go of their hands, walking over to Brooklyn. "Hey. You okay?"

"Fine," Brooklyn said numbly. "Just trying to focus on all this. It's harder to focus than I thought though."

"Of course it is," Thyra agreed. "Brooklyn, if you need to talk, or if you need a break..."

Brooklyn shook her head. "I don't."

Thyra tilted her head. "Hey."

"Thyra, I can't talk about this right now," Brooklyn told her. "After my dad died and Dylan and Chuck took off, and we broke up last year, I was in such a low place that I almost killed myself. I can't think about this right now."

Thyra nodded in understanding. "I know. And that's the hardest part. Because trying to ignore it won't make it better. It can actually make it worse." Brooklyn looked at Thyra, sighing, knowing she was right. "Look, after my parents died, and I was in that low place, and I hurt myself, or almost did something like you did... you were there to pull me back, remember? And you helped me through everything after that."

"You helped me too," Brooklyn told her. "Through everything. Even when we weren't together."

Thyra nodded in agreement. "So let me help you now. Like we always help each other. You don't have to pretend with me, okay? I know exactly what you're going through. Please don't shut me out."

Brooklyn looked moved by what she said, knowing she was right, and needing her there for her, showing a little bit of how upset she really was. She looked down sadly, biting her lip, pressing her lips together. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

Thyra shook her head. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Brooklyn. If you need space, that's what I'll give you. And if you need me, I'll be here. Just please let me help. In anyway I can. I'm worried. And I don't want you to think that you have to go through this alone."

Brooklyn sniffled, nodding, looking up. "I know I don't. Thank you. I just... I don't want to be this sad, Thyra. My father was horrible to me, and to Dylan and Chuck. But..."

"He was still your father," Thyra finished. "I get it."

Brooklyn wiped her eye. Thyra wrapped her arms around her. Brooklyn returned the embrace, leaning her head on Thyra's shoulder, sighing heavily. Thyra held her comfortingly, completely there for her.

While working, Chuck was having a drink of Scotch, numb and distant and to himself.

He was seeing a hallucination of Bart. "I like what I see today. Seems like the right property at the right time. Thanks to your, Brooklyn and Dylan's collaborations with Hope, Thyra and Aurora, you have the cash. Already moving forward with architecture from Alex. You said that you could be doing this to make more money from other potential residents if you make more rooms, but we both know that all of you are doing this for Angela. She's not your concern."

Chuck whispered. "Angela. She's Theo's mother. And no disrespect, but I don't need your advice. Brooklyn, Dylan and I've been doing pretty well without you. With Hope, Thyra, Aurora and Alex."

Bart sat down. "Oh, yeah. The Empire. The speakeasy. Nice."

"Thank you," Chuck told him.

"But to be honest, I haven't seen anything in the last year that suggests you, Brooklyn or Dylan have what it takes," Bart told him. "If anything, you three have been disappointments. You all opened your hearts to Thyra, Wyatt and Blair, to your friends and so-called family. And it made you weak. If you're soft, you're soft. And, well, let's face it. You three are soft."

Chuck just glared at Bart, slamming his glass down, walking away to continue to work.

X•O°X•O

Café

(Song:) Silent Night - Nico Stai

Dan was sitting at a table. Willa and Vanessa walked up to him. (Willa from the cabaret in 3.10)

"Hey," Willa told him.

"Hi," Dan replied.

Vanessa smiled. "Hi. We were just talking about you."

"Uh, we're going up to my country house this weekend and I wondered if you wanted to come," Willa admitted.

"And there's a hot tub," Vanessa told him.

Willa smiled. "It's kind of a writers' retreat."

"And Paul's coming," Vanessa added.

Dan reacted awkwardly, thinking it over for a second. "You know what? I'd love to go. It sounds like fun."

Willa smiled. "Really? Great. We're meeting at the dorms tonight. Come find me."

Dan nodded. "Will do."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Restaurant

A group of women were sitting at a table, waiting. Rufus walked in.

A woman named Holland stood, walking closer. "Looks like I won."

Rufus offered his hand. "Hi, I'm Rufus Humphrey. Lily's--"

Holland shook his hand. "Husband. Hi, Holland Kemble. We've been placing bets on when you'd show up and I had today."

"Oh," Rufus said. "Well, why? Did Bart used to come to these meetings?"

"Nope," Holland answered. "Not once. But an attractive man like yourself moves into the building. Based on your comings and goings, it doesn't seem like you have a boardroom to run or a hedge fund to manage. So we figured it was just a matter of time."

"I-I-I think you have the wrong idea," Rufus told her. "I'm not some sort of trophy husband. My family's just in transition."

"It's okay," Holland assured. "We all sacrifice our independence for love. At first, it seems totally worth it. It's just later, after you've given everything up that you realize you have nothing left to offer. That's when your husband starts banging his yoga teacher." Rufus reacted awkwardly. "Sorry, that was probably an overshare." Holland led Rufus over to the table. "Uh, ladies and gentleman. Let's begin."

Rufus and Holland sat down.

"Hi," Rufus said awkwardly.

The ladies smiled. "Hi."

X•O°X•O

Courthouse - Outside

Aurora walked outside toward Harry.

Harry turned to face her. "Hey. Any luck?"

"Well, the DA's going over the video again," Aurora answered. "They've already been in contact with Tripp's lawyer, who pointed out the fact that Noe kneed Tripp and kicked him where the sun doesn't shine."

"Which he deserved," Harry pointed out.

"True, but his lawyer was trying to turn that around on Noe, but I got it handled," Aurora explained. "Defense lawyers use the term 'duress' to describe the use of force, coercion, or psychological pressure exerted on a client in the commission of a crime. When duress is applied to the emotionally unstable, the result can be as violent as it is unpredictable. Especially one who is pregnant such as Noe who's already been through emotional and psychological and head trauma due to the car crash that caused her to forget her life before she started to get her memories back."

"Look at you coming through with the lawyer talk," Harry told her in amusement. "I'm sure with the way you can speak like that, they'll follow your every word."

Aurora nodded, smirking slightly, tilting her head. "That's what happened. They know I was right, and once we find Tripp, he'll be arrested, and he'll be convicted and placed in jail."

"We don't have that much time before Tripp lashes out at Noe and Nate after he threatened her on Thanksgiving," Harry pointed out. "I called Alex to update him. But the Crew's all looking out for them, but I don't know how much longer we can keep this up."

Aurora tilted her head. "Well, as long as the cops or us find Tripp first, then we can handle it before it gets any worse. Hopefully."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Right."

Aurora looked at Harry in concern, placing a hand on his arm. "Are you okay? I know that you've done so much for Tripp as his uncle. Not just Alex and Nate. I know you were close with him. And now..."

"Now all I can think about is stopping him before he does any more damage to them," Harry told her. "I can't think about anything else right now, Aurora. Family or not, what he's doing is unforgiveable, and he needs to be stopped."

Aurora nodded in agreement and concern. "I know. Still. I'm sorry, Harry."

Harry nodded. "Thank you."

Maureen walked up to them. "Hello, Harry. Aurora."

Harry and Aurora turned around to see Maureen.

"What are you doing here, Maureen?" Harry asked.

"What do you think?" Maureen replied. "Whatever Tripp's done, I won't abandon him and let you ruin his life, his career."

"Tripp sealed his fate when he decided to ruin the family by going after Noe, and threatening her and the baby, while knowing she's with Nate," Harry replied. "And the only reason why you wouldn't leave his side is because you are just as bad. Setting up Hudson Hero and staying by his side even after knowing what he's doing. Hell, at this point, I wouldn't be surprised if Tripp knew that it was you behind that."

Maureen sighed. "He may be going about this the wrong way, but he's not the one ruining the family if you do this, Harry. It's you. And if you ruin our family, I can ruin Noe's in retribution for this little obsessive game Tripp has with her."

"Noe's the victim here, and you want to threaten ruining her family?" Aurora asked incredulously.

Maureen took out a picture of the letter from William to Lily. "Anything I can do to protect Tripp and stop you two from ruining his life."

"Tripp ruined his own life by going after Noe," Harry replied. He looked at the picture of the letter. "And what is that?"

"It's a letter that William van der Woodsen wrote to Lily," Maureen answered. "Noe's parents."

"Why are you showing us a picture of a letter?" Aurora asked.

"Because I'm not stupid enough to actually bring the letter here to show you because I know that the two of you could easily take it away from me if it was here," Maureen answered. "I need this as my leverage, and I'm not giving it up." Harry and Aurora raised their eyebrows. "The more relevant question is what Noe's stepfather will say when he finds out her mother is a cheating whore. The letter says that they were alone in his hotel room. What do you think they were doing? The letter doesn't say, but knowing Lily, it's safe for us to assume the worst. I'm pretty sure Rufus will, and so will Noe, Serena, Eric, Marie, all their family. Including Zaya, Sadie and Laureen Rhodes. And considering that Noe's father is the cause behind the crash that caused Noe to forget her entire life, I wonder how she'll react when she finds out that her mother is seeing him without telling her. When it's clear that this news bomb can definitely destroy their family, not to mention Noe's trust in her own mother. Imagine what would happen to her mentality after this discovery. Imagine how Nate will react when the mother of his child could really lose it due to all of this happening at once. I wonder if he'll forgive you, or if Hope and Alex will. Hope is your daughter, Aurora, and Noe's best friend/adoptive step sister, and I know she doesn't want anything bad to happen to her mentality. And neither does Alex, since he is very close with her as well. And so is Thyra, your niece, who is like family to all of us Archibald-Vanderbilts too, because of you Diamonds being so connected to us." Maureen looked at Aurora significantly. "In fact, Rufus is Hope's adoptive father, so it won't only destroy their family, but it would also destroy your daughter's adoptive family, who she obviously loves very much." Aurora glared at Maureen. "All of this depends on whether or not you drop this case against Tripp."

Harry and Aurora were both stunned by the blackmail Maureen was pulling on them, glaring at her incredulously in shock. 

"You're just as horrible as your husband is," Aurora told her.

"I like to think of it as being pragmatic," Maureen told them. "I hope you'll both do the same."

Maureen turned around, walking away. Harry and Aurora exchanged a look of shock and anger.

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Living Room

Noe was on the phone with Nate, who was at classes. "Hey, sorry for calling. I know you're at class and everything. I was just..."

"Noe, don't apologize," Nate told her. "I was about to call you too. I wanted to check in. I know Harry and Aurora basically got things on lock to handle Tripp, they just have to find him first, and until then, I'm probably not gonna stop worrying about you, or the baby." Noe chuckled. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," Noe answered. "Just getting really anxious and shaky at the apartment, but Zaya, Sadie, Serena and Marie are coming over to keep me company. I just... really don't want to be alone right now."

"That's a good idea," Nate told her. "I can't stay on phone for too long, but if you need anything, just give me a buzz, okay?"

Noe nodded. "Yeah. I should let you go. Classes and all."

"Yeah, but I'll be home soon," Nate told her. "I love you, Noe."

Noe smiled softly. "I love you too, Nate."

They hung up.

Zaya, Sadie, Serena and Marie walked in, while Serena was holding bags. Zaya and Sadie were wearing normal clothes.

"Well, we know that you can't drink to take the edge off given the baby, but we brought makeup and nail kits to help pass the time," Serena told her.

Noe smiled. "Thanks, guys."

"No problem," Zaya agreed. "I know you're probably going nuts from staying home so much, so..."

"Yeah," Noe agreed. "Um... just since the threat on Thanksgiving, I'm too worried about even leaving the apartment."

Marie nodded in understanding, sadly. "I know. I completely get it, Noe. I mean... after what Vincent did to me, the way he toyed with me... I was scared to even leave my house knowing that he was always watching me and waiting for a chance to mess with me again. I just..."

Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Serena looked at Marie sadly in sympathy. Zaya and Sadie looked down since they knew the feeling all too well too. Serena looked at the four of them sadly.

Sadie tried to perk up. "Well, we can stop worrying for at least a few hours. Makeup and pampering right now."

Zaya, Sadie, Marie, Noe and Serena managed to smile.

X•O°X•O

Shea Mansion - Living Room

Angela was in the Shea home with Sherry and Simon when Preston and Prince came home. Preston was now in normal clothes.

"Uh, hi," Preston greeted.

Angela turned to face them, standing with her arms behind her back. "Hello."

Sherry and Simon walked closer.

Prince looked at Angela in surprise, raising his eyebrows. Angela shrugged slightly. Preston looked between them in confusion.

"Preston," Simon greeted. "Prince. How was your day?"

Preston and Prince didn't answer. Prince looked from Angela to Preston, silently questioning them about what was going on. Angela smirked in amusement.

Preston smiled sheepishly. "Uh..."

"Hi, boys," Sherry told them. She looked at Prince. "You must be wondering about our friend here."

"Sadie happened to suggest Angela De Los Caballeros here to Preston," Simon explained. "Prince, the two of you are going to spend much time together."

Prince raised his eyebrows. "What's going on?"

"Angela here is your bodyguard, Prince," Sherry explained.

Prince gaped at his parents first, then turned to Preston. "Sadie suggested Angela to you, and you told them?"

Preston smiled sheepishly. "I was worried."

"Preston..." Prince trailed off, sighing heavily, knowing that Preston had many reasons to worry, more than he even knew about. "You don't have to worry anymore."

Prince looked at Angela, since Angela had helped him deal with most of the danger that he had had before already. Angela had a slight amused smirk.

"We will be needing your service today, miss, because Prince and Preston both have interviews today," Simon told her. "And at least you got to meet who you'd be working for. And Prince got to meet you too." Prince and Angela both exchanged a look, since the other Sheas didn't know that they already met and had already bonded. "And you may not be Preston's personal bodyguard, but I'm sure that you'd be looking out for him most of the time as well considering the overlap between some of the work the brothers do, like the interviews today."

Angela nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir."

"We'll discuss payment over the phone," Sherry told her. "Thank you for meeting us today, Miss De Los Caballeros."

"Angela is fine," Angela assured.

Sherry nodded. "Thank God, because your last name is a mouthful." Angela raised an eyebrow skeptically. Prince and Preston gave their mother a look for being rude. "Thank you, Angela."

"Thank you, Sheas," Angela told them. The Sheas nodded. Angela looked at Preston and Prince. "Are you ready to go?"

"Uh, yeah," Preston answered. "Thanks."

X•O°X•O

Outside

Angela, Preston and Prince walked outside toward a town car. Preston got into the backseat.

Prince turned to Angela. "I'm guessing by the way Preston and our parents are acting that you haven't told them that we already know each other."

"I haven't even talked to Preston one on one yet, so of course I couldn't tell him," Angela replied. "And I didn't tell your parents either, because then I would have to explain why I know you, and I doubt you want your parents to know about the gangsters and that you and I took them down in order for them to leave you and your family alone. You're lucky that they haven't gone after your family before."

Prince sighed, nodding. "I know. Though this whole pretending not to know you thing, reminds me of when I pretended not to know Marie and the alters in order to try and protect them and their disorder after Vincent's appearance at the political party. But with you, it's more of a teasing thing instead of protection thing. Like Preston pretending not to know Sadie was a protection thing because he didn't want to set Richard off, but that happened anyway."

"Right," Angela agreed. "Well, how about you get in the damn car and I'll take you two to your interviews? And we can talk about all this later?"

Prince nodded. "That I can do. Though I don't need you to protect me."

Angela tilted her head sarcastically. "Hmm, Thanksgiving tells me otherwise."

Prince nodded sarcastically, getting into the car. Angela smirked, closing the door, walking around the car to the driver's seat to drive them away.

X•O°X•O

Abandoned Clocktower

Dylan was working, looking numb and guilty, and upset, but not in the same way that Brooklyn and Chuck were.

Wyatt walked over, not wanting to get in the way, but wanting to be there for Dylan. "Hey. You okay?"

"Yeah," Dylan answered. "You don't have to take care of me."

Wyatt hesitated. "I know... how hard it was for you to let your guard down. To let people in. Not just for you, but for Brooklyn and Chuck too. But you've all changed. And you don't have to lock down, Dylan. I know you're upset, and I want to help."

Dylan looked at Wyatt. "I'm not just upset,  Wyatt. I... I feel guilty."

"You still think that you killed him because you called him?" Wyatt asked.

Dylan chuckled without humor. "Not only that. But... I feel guilty... because I feel relieved." Wyatt was only a little surprised by that admission. "And that's why I'm upset. I'm relieved that he's not here. That he's not trying to tear me, Brooklyn and Chuck apart anymore. That he can't turn us against each other. That he's not in Theo's life, because I don't want someone like that, like my own father, around my son."

"That's okay," Wyatt told him.

"How is that okay?" Dylan asked. "What kind of horrible person is relieved that their father isn't around? I mean, he was horrible to all of us, but still."

Wyatt placed a hand on Dylan's cheek, meeting his gaze. "It's okay, because we both know that you are completely justified in how you feel because of the way he treated you, and treated your siblings. And you're right. Theo doesn't need someone like that in his life. I don't blame you for feeling like that, Dylan. So don't blame yourself."

Dylan took a deep breath, sighing heavily. "Yeah. Still doesn't make it easier, Wyatt."

Wyatt nodded sadly in understanding, wrapping his arms around Dylan. Dylan sighed, relaxing in the hold, closing his eyes, conflicted emotions still soaring through him as he tried to convince himself that it was okay to feel this way.

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Rhodes Girls Hotel Room

Laureen was sitting down, having a drink.

Aurora walked closer. "Laureen, hey."

"Hey," Laureen replied, standing. "Aurora, can you please tell me what is going on with the kids? I know that something is going on with Noe and Nate and Tripp after Thanksgiving, but none of the kids have explained what. Not even Zaya and Sadie."

"That's because Noe didn't want to burden you after the fire and everything," Aurora admitted. "But, uh... that's actually why I'm here. And I'm not the only one."

"What do you mean?" Laureen asked.

Emilia slowly walked in. "Hello, Laureen."

Laureen was surprised to see her. "Emilia. What are you doing here?"

"We'll explain everything," Emilia told her. "I just... I heard about the fire, about Richard, and I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that, and neither did Zaya or Sadie."

Laureen swallowed. "Thank you."

"But I wanted to tell you, that I'll be making sure that the Silence doesn't find out that Richard failed in taking care of the three of you, since you three learned too much about the Silence," Emilia explained. "Or contacts of the Silence."

"What about Dominic?" Laureen asked. "He helped us find out that that bastard had the affair and had a baby that were killed before the baby was born. He said that Dominic learned too much, even though he doesn't know about the Silence."

"The Silence have killed over less where information is concerned, yes," Emilia answered. "But I will make sure that Dominic Driton is safe, too. Don't you worry."

Laureen sighed, crossing her arms, tilting her head. "Not worrying is not possible with everything going on lately." Aurora and Emilia nodded in understanding and agreement. "But thank you. I didn't know that you were back in the city."

"I came pretty soon after Angela called me about a dirty politician," Emilia explained. "I've handled people like this before. And I wanted Aurora to know that if her plan with Harry and legality doesn't work to stop Tripp, that Angela and I can handle it with our own form of justice."

"Tripp is still family to Alex, Nate and Harry, Emilia," Aurora told her. "We don't want him to be killed."

"I know," Emilia agreed. "Which is why we can help catch him so you can have him arrested, at least."

"For what?" Laureen asked. "Someone, please."

Aurora sighed, pressing her lips together, looking down. "Marie and the alters, and you, Zaya and Sadie, are not the only Rhodes girls that have been dealing with psychotic stalkers, Laureen. Tripp has threatened Noe. He wants her. And he's threatened her if she doesn't give in to him, and threatened her and Nate's baby."

Laureen was in shock, horror, sighing heavily. "Oh, my God."

"He's trapped Noe in an elevator, and she took him down in order to get out," Aurora explained. "And Alex, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck gave the security footage from the elevator to Harry and Nate, so Harry could give it to me. And so I could use it to get Tripp convicted and locked away. We just have to find him first, and that's where Angela and Emilia come in."

"Angela is working her first day on the job with Preston and Prince Shea," Emilia explained. "But I can track down Tripp, and Angela said that she would help when I call if I find him."

Laureen and Aurora nodded in understanding.

Laureen was overcome with worry about Noe. "Noe... with her mind state, and the baby..."

Aurora bit her lip lightly. "That's not all."

"What more could there possibly be, Aurora?" Laureen asked. "I think between you, Harry, Emilia and Angela..."

"Maureen got a hold of a letter, that was written by William van der Woodsen to your sister Lily," Aurora explained. "It was addressed a few weeks ago."

Laureen looked at her in shock. "Lily hasn't been in contact with William since he caused the accident that made Noe lose all her memories. Or that's what she said."

Aurora tilted her head. "In the letter, it said that they were in a hotel room... alone."

Laureen shook her head. "No. Lily wouldn't be sleeping with him after everything he's done." Aurora and Emilia took her word for it. "But what I don't get is why she would be in contact with him after what he did. After he left Noe at the accident like that."

"According to Maureen, the letter didn't say," Aurora explained. "But she said that she would tell Noe, and tell Rufus, and destroy the family if Harry and I didn't drop the case against Tripp. She knows that it will ruin Noe's mentality, even if only briefly. And she doesn't care."

Emilia was surprised by this part since this happened only earlier, raising her eyebrows. "Okay. Sounds like two Vanderbilts need their asses handed to them."

Laureen nodded, angry that Tripp and Maureen were both playing with Noe's mind like this and threatening their family. "Mm-hmm."

Aurora crossed her arms. "Clarence Darrow, one of history's greatest lawyers, once noted, 'there is no such thing as justice, in or out of court'. Perhaps because justice is a flawed concept that ultimately comes down to the decision of 12 people. People with their own experiences, prejudices, feelings about what defines right and wrong. Which is why, when the system fails us, we must go out and seek our own justice."

Emilia tilted her head. "I couldn't agree more."

Laureen looked down, raising her eyebrows slightly, sighing. "So Aurora's dealing with courts. You, Emilia, are gonna track Tripp down. What do I do?"

"Try and prepare your family for the worst," Aurora answered. "We can't drop this case. But that means Maureen will go through with her threat about the letter. Warn your sister, Laureen. Make sure that she's prepared to deal with the damage it might cause."

Laureen, Aurora and Emilia all exchanged a long look, sighing heavily, knowing what each had to do.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Looks like Tripp and Maureen decided to mess with the wrong nest and pissed off the wrong three mothers. Everyone should know by now what Laureen Rhodes, Aurora Diamond and Emilia De Los Caballeros will do in order to protect their family... and what happens when they do avenge the Crew."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Living Room

Noe, Zaya, Sadie, Marie and Serena were still here.

Blair walked in with Theo in her arms. "Oh, good, you guys are here."

"Well, hello to you too," Noe told her. "Sure, just come right on in."

"Hey, Blair," Zaya told her.

"Hey," Serena greeted.

"Hey, Blair, how are Alex, Hope, Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan and Chuck doing on Angela's clocktower for the first day?" Marie asked. "Carter and James said that you and Wyatt went with."

Theo reached for the Rhodes girls, squealing. Marie smiled, taking Theo to hold her adoptive nephew. 

Marie, Noe, Zaya, Sadie and Serena smiled at Theo as he smiled at them too. "Hey, Theo."

"They're doing good business wise, not so much emotionally wise," Blair answered. "I mean, Hope, Alex, Thyra, Carter, James, Angela and Wyatt are fine. Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck are not. They're having such a difficult day." She looked at Noe and Serena. "And since I'm sure you are, too, I thought you might have some words of advice. Cyrus says it's an essential part of life, honoring the dead, but Chuck, Brooklyn and Dylan refuses to visit Bart's grave even today."

Noe and Serena remembered what that day was.

"On the anniversary of his death," Serena told them sadly.

Noe, Zaya and Sadie looked like they felt guilty for forgetting, even after everything they had been going through recently.

"Oh, my God," Sadie said. "I can't believe we forgot."

Marie looked at them in concern. "Sadie, you, Noe, Zaya and Laureen have been going through so much recently. No one is going to blame you for forgetting."

"Marie's right," Blair agreed. "But do you know that Chuck, Brooklyn and Dylan have never been to their mother's grave, once? I can understand not going on the date she died, it is Brooklyn and Dylan's birthday, after all. But Bart refused to tell them where Evelyn was even buried. Said it was morbid for a child to visit a cemetery."

Noe looked at Serena. "Well, we can go see Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck and talk to them. Right, Serena?"

"Yeah, of course," Serena answered.

Blair sighed in relief. "Noe, Serena, thank you. I mean, you two knew Bart, and you're their sisters. No offense, Marie."

Marie shook her head. "None taken. I mean, I know I'm new around here, and I didn't know Bart, but I care about Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck too. I just know that I'm not one that can help with this, but Noe and Serena can."

"And Noe, I didn't want to ask given everything with Tripp, and the baby, and Nate... and everything with Zaya, Sadie and Laureen lately..." Blair trailed off.

Noe shook her head. "Blair, you don't have to ask. Like you said, they're our siblings. Adoption or not. Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck defended me against Tripp, and I care about them. Of course I want to be there for them today."

Blair nodded in understanding.

"Anything we can help with?" Zaya asked. "I mean, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck are cousins to me and Sadie. I know it's not the same as siblings, but... like it's not the same for Marie as it is with Noe and Serena, and Eric."

"I think we got it for now," Serena answered. "But thank you guys."

Sadie nodded sadly. "Yeah. At least tell Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck that Zaya, Marie, Eric and I can be there for them too."

Noe nodded in agreement. "Of course."

X•O°X•O

NYU - Willa's Dorm Room

Dan walked up to Willa's room, knocking.

"Come in," Willa called.

Dan walked in. "Hey."

Willa looked up from blowing out candles. "Hi."

"Hi, I'm ready to go, so I don't know if you got a car or we're taking the train or what," Dan admitted.

Willa walked over to the door to close it. "I told Paul and Vanessa we'd be a while. I'd like your thoughts on something while we're still alone."

Dan looked nervous. "Uh, yeah. Yeah, sure. What is it?"

Willa walked over to her laptop, pressing play on a video, which had the sounds of sex. "It's a performance art piece I did. It's kind of Karen Finley meets Daryl Hannah in 'Legal Eagles'. But without..."

"Clothing," Dan finished. "You're, uh... you're naked there."

Willa placed a finger over her lips. "Shh."

Willa placed her finger over Dan's lips, smiling.

X•O°X•O

Interview Location - Outside

Angela was waiting for Prince and Preston.

Prince and Preston walked outside.

Prince stood by the gate of the interview building, on the phone with Brittany, after Marie had switched to Brittany. "Just walked out of the interview."

Brittany was at home now in her room. "Well, I'm at home. Switched a couple of times today, so really tired, but can't sleep."

Prince smirked. "You should come to mine tonight once I'm home. Though might have to make sure that my parents don't get the chance to bug you and try to make you break up with me."

"How do you suggest we do that?" Brittany asked.

Prince shrugged. "Teleportation?"

Brittany laughed, leaning back on her bed. "I know you're under the impression that I can do anything, and you're right, but that even I can't do. But maybe I can charm your parents into liking me and leaving us be. And maybe Sadie and Preston too."

Prince chuckled. "You sure seem confident in yourself."

"For good reason," Brittany replied.

Prince smirked. "No doubt."

"Are you planning on visiting sometime soon?" Brittany asked.

"Undecided," Prince answered. "Though my bed would feel empty tonight without you in it."

Brittany smiled, licking her lips. "We'll have to do something about that. Try a cold shower. Sorry, you set yourself up for that one."

Prince smiled, laughing lightly. "Yeah, guess I did. I've got to go, but we'll talk soon."

"You know it," Brittany agreed.

They hung up.

Preston walked up to Angela, looking unsurprised, shaking his head.

Angela looked amused by his face. "What's wrong? Annoyed with Prince flirting with Brittany over the phone?"

"Used to Prince flirting with his loves over the phone actually, just bored of it," Preston answered. "Though Marie and the alters seem pretty cool."

Prince walked closer. "That they are."

Preston looked between Prince and Angela. "Well, both of you would know, right?"

Prince and Angela were amused by being called out by Preston like that.

"Well, okay then," Angela said. "At least we know Preston here doesn't hold back."

Prince shook his head in agreement, amused. "No, he does not."

"And while I may like Marie's alters, it doesn't mean that I'm with any of them," Angela told them.

"Yet," Preston replied. "Sadie and I've both seen you flirt with them, and Gossip Girl's caught pictures of you guys a couple of times."

Prince decided to turn this around on Preston to tease him about his crush. "Right, you and Sadie. Angela, Marie, Carter, the alters and I have actually talked about you two. If you wanna play that game. Two can play, Preston."

Preston shook his head, looking down. "No, thanks."

Prince and Angela smirked.

"How'd the interviews go?" Angela asked.

"Boring as usual, but I think they went good," Prince answered.

"Went well," Preston corrected.

Prince looked at Angela, pointing to his brother. "Preston is very into literature and correcting grammar, as you'll get to know."

Angela smirked. "Got it. How about I drive you two home now?"

"Sure, thanks," Prince answered.

Preston looked between the two of them. "How did you two even meet, anyway?"

Prince and Angela exchanged a look, chuckling lightly.

"That is a long story, Preston," Angela told him. "One that Prince can tell you when you're older."

Prince gave Angela a look, tilting his head.

"Fine, whatever," Preston said, looking distant and thoughtful.

Prince and Angela noticed how distracted Preston was.

"You okay, Preston?" Prince asked.

Preston nodded, still distracted. "Yeah. Just... uh, just can't stop thinking."

Prince and Angela exchanged a look like they knew it was about Sadie.

"About?" Angela asked.

Preston bit his lip, thinking. "Um, you both know what happened with Zaya, Sadie and Laureen." Prince and Angela nodded in agreement. "Ever since Sadie got out of the hospital, after the fire, I've been trying to be there for her, while still keeping us in the dark about how I actually do know her because I didn't want anyone to bug her after what she already went through, because she needed time to heal and her heart obviously really needed a break, and... I only lied in the first place to try and protect her from Richard, since we all know how he reacted to Zaya and Sadie being in the spotlight, especially after Jenny outed Zaya."

Prince and Angela nodded in agreement.

"Preston..." Prince trailed off.

"I just..." Preston trailed off. "Even after that, Sadie's pushed me away. And I don't know if it's because she's scared or angry or... I just want to help her."

"Well, then don't push," Angela told him. "But don't give up either. We all know that you like her, Preston. The whole Crew does. And obviously so does Prince. And we know that even though Sadie denies it, she likes you too. She just needs time, but she also needs people there for her."

"And once Sadie is more relaxed after what she went through with Zaya and Laureen..." Prince trailed off. "If you want to tell everybody that you do know her, and that you are friends with her, then you can. I'm not keeping me and the alters a secret. Hell, Marie, Carter and I are all okay with it being out in the open, even if it's non-exclusive. No matter what Mom and Dad say, it's not a bad thing for you to want to be open and honest about your friends or who you like."

"Okay?" Angela asked.

Preston considered everything they said, nodding. "Okay. Thanks, Prince. Thanks, Angela."

Prince and Angela smiled a bit.

"Come on," Prince told them.

Angela got into the driver's seat. Prince got into the passenger seat, and Preston got into the back.

Angela's phone rang. When she saw that it was Emilia, she answered. "Mama, hi. Are you in the city already?"

On the road, Emilia was sitting on her motorcycle, on stakeout, seeing Tripp talking to a man with a truck. "Yes, and I've already tracked down Tripp Vanderbilt. He just finished a conversation with a man, seems like he was paying him, but the man drove away right when I got here, so I have no idea what it was about. But Tripp's on the move. He's gonna run. I might need a little help with chasing him down and making sure that he doesn't get away. Especially given that he has a few guards on his side."

Angela nodded in understanding. "Understood. Give me the location and I'll be there as fast as I can."

"Absolutely," Emilia agreed.

Angela hung up, waiting for the text to tell her where, looking at Prince and Preston. "Change of plans. I'll explain on the way, but be warned. This will be a wild ride."

Prince and Preston both frowned in confusion.

X•O°X•O

Night - The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were talking, drinking.

Noe and Serena walked in with flowers.

"Hey, Brooklyn," Serena told her. "Chuck. Dylan. I take it Hope, Alex and Thyra are still working."

"Yeah," Brooklyn answered. "We're about to head back."

Noe and Serena nodded in understanding.

"How are you?" Noe asked.

Chuck was drinking, looking at papers on the pool table. "Busy. I told the front desk not to bother sending you up. We're on our way out."

"Well, wherever you're going, will you put it off for a few hours and come with us to the cemetery?" Serena asked.

"We can't," Dylan told them. "It's business."

Noe walked closer. "Well, we all know that your dad was... complicated. And I think that he thought it was just easier to be alone." Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck looked at each other knowingly, knowing Noe was right. "And you know what? Sometimes I think he's right. But sometimes, I know that there are some things that we cannot do alone, no matter how hard we try. We have to get help. We have to accept it. Whether it's a scheme, business, personal... or grieving. We all need someone, guys." Serena stepped closer, impressed with Noe's words. "And right now, we need you to do this with us."

"I'm sorry, but I believe the way to honor our father is to work," Chuck told them.

"Sometimes we need to do something to show people how we feel, even when they're not here to see it," Serena told him. "Please, Chuck. Brooklyn, Dylan, I know you both hated Bart, but maybe you need this for closure for yourselves, so that you can move on and find peace. All three of you can find peace and move on. Don't do it for us. Don't do it for your father. Do it for you."

Brooklyn and Dylan were both very moved, and knowing they were right, knowing they needed this to find closure and move on, looking at Chuck. Chuck looked like even he knew they were right and that he needed this too, looking at Brooklyn and Dylan. The three of them nodded to each other, and then to Noe and Serena. Noe and Serena nodded in return, taking Dylan and Brooklyn by the hands to lead them along, while Noe also put an arm behind Chuck though didn't touch given his restrictions especially today. They walked to the elevator together.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Lily was sitting down, having a drink.

Laureen walked in. "Lily."

Lily looked up, seeing her sister, sighing in relief to see her. "Laureen, there you are. I've been worried. You sound upset."

"I'll be fine, eventually," Laureen told her. "But I needed to tell you about what's going on with Noe, and Tripp and Maureen. And while I am very confused about something concerning you right now, I'm not here to judge you, just to protect our family."

"What are you talking about?" Lily asked.

Laureen took a deep breath to explain. "Tripp has become obsessed with Noe, trying to take her away from Nate. He has threatened her, and their baby. He's become physical and she had to fight back to defend herself." Lily looked at her in worry, disconcerted. "And now it might be worse. Harry and Aurora are working to convict Tripp, but Maureen is trying to blackmail them to drop the case."

"Well, how can she do that?" Lily asked.

"She has the letter William sent to you," Laureen answered.

Lily was shocked that Laureen knew about the letter, and that Maureen had it. "What?"

"I don't know how she got it," Laureen told her. "But she's going to use it to destroy this family once Tripp is convicted. She's threatening to show it to Rufus, to Noe. And you know how Noe could react once she knows that you've been in contact with William even after he caused the accident that destroyed her life, took away her memories, caused her brain trauma..."

Lily was horrified. "Oh, my God. Laureen, I'm sorry I didn't tell you, or anyone, that I was in touch with Noe, Serena and Eric's father. I'll tell them and Marie and Rufus everything, which I should have done already. I'll fix everything. Thank you... for warning me."

Laureen nodded tensely. "Of course. No matter what happens, you're still my sister, Lily. And I love you."

Lily smiled sadly. "I love you too."

Lily and Laureen embraced.

X•O°X•O

On the Road

(Song:) I See Red - Everybody Loves an Outlaw

Tripp was in his car, with a couple of guards, driving to make a getaway, but he saw in the rearview mirror that Emilia on her motorcycle was following him, not knowing who she was, but knowing she was onto him. "Someone's following us. Go faster."

The driver drove faster down the road.

Emilia drove her motorcycle faster in order to chase them down the road.

Close behind was Angela in the town car with Prince and Preston.

"So Tripp Vanderbilt, Alex and Nate Archibald's cousin, Harry's other nephew, is obsessed with Noe and threatened her and her baby?" Prince asked.

"That sums it up," Angela answered. "Mama and I just have to catch him before he escapes so that Aurora and Harry can have him locked up. But people like Tripp, like Vincent and Richard, they don't give up. Most of the time, they have to be put down. Believe me, I know."

"And how would you know?" Preston asked.

Angela didn't answer, but she thought back to Joffrey, the man that mocked her and Ivan about kidnapping Giselle because Angela refused to be with him (in the flashbacks of 3.08). "Don't worry about it."

Angela wove her way through the traffic in order to catch up to Emilia on her motorcycle, so they could chase Tripp's car down the road, trying to catch him before he could escape the city, avoiding being hit by oncoming cars and buses by weaving around them and continuing the chase.

Angela drove along a sidewalk to try and catch up faster.

Emilia, still riding her motorcycle as fast as she could, drew a gun, firing at Tripp's car to try and take out the tires, but they managed to swerve and make the bullets miss.

X•O°X•O

Another Road

This was the scene of the flash forward at the beginning of the chapter.

Noe and Serena were sitting on one side of the limo, while Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck sat on the other side.

Brooklyn looked at the flowers they had brought for the cemetery, taking them from Noe. "These should be yellow roses. Our father always said that they were our mother's favorite."

"Well, we can always make a stop on the way there and get some yellow roses," Serena told them.

Noe looked through the partition. "Hey, can we make a stop at the florist? There should be one up the street."

X•O°X•O

Car Chase

Angela got caught up to Tripp's car, jostling the town car toward Tripp's car to slam into the side of his car, making it swerve and nearly hit a building, but they were barely able to get control back.

Tripp's car took a sharp turn to try and lose the chasers. Angela followed down the road.

Emilia turned her bike to head down an alley to try and trap Tripp's car between her and Angela, driving through the alley, popping a wheelie to get up on a car and driving over many cars that were parked close together in the alleyway, denting the car tops and shattering the glass windows and windshields as she did, before reaching the street on the other side and landing on the road, still driving.

X•O°X•O

Road - Limo

Noe, Serena and the Bass siblings were still driving.

"Noe?" Dylan asked. "Serena?" Noe and Serena both looked at them. "Thanks, for this."

"Seriously," Brooklyn agreed. "Thank you."

Chuck nodded barely in agreement, but didn't voice his thanks due to the fact he didn't want to seem overly sentimental, though it was clear that he did appreciate this. "Hmm."

Noe and Serena managed small smiles.

X•O°X•O

Car Chase

Angela was still chasing Tripp's car.

Prince and Preston both looked thrilled by the adrenaline rush of the car chase, but also nervous. Though not scared.

Preston laughed lightly. "This is insane."

"You haven't seen nothing yet," Angela told him, throwing the gear into overdrive as she drove even faster.

On her way to Tripp's car from the other side, Emilia saw a semi truck passing the road in front of her. Knowing that she couldn't stop, she tilted her bike on its side just enough so she could slide underneath the semi while still on the motorcycle, right to the other side. She then instantly got straightened up and continued to chase Tripp's car, getting in front of the car, shooting out the tires with her gun, swerving to a stop around the car to box them in.

Tripp and the guards got out of the car to try and escape, while the guards were holding guns.

Angela drove the car up, hitting a guard, taking them down, getting out of the car instantly.

Emilia dismounted her bike, standing next to Angela, as mother and daughter exchanged a look, and raised their fists, ready to fight, both ducking the gunshots.

Angela ducked to the ground, sliding closer to Guard 1 to avoid behind shot, kicking him in the leg, standing, grabbing his arm, twisting it hard enough to break his arm and make him shoot other guards while not herself, not enough to kill any of them, but to slow them down, punching Guard 1 hard in the face, kneeing him in the stomach, grabbing his shoulders, kicking him in the stomach, making him fall, taking his gun, using it to hit him in the head hard enough to knock him out.

Emilia threw a blade into the arm of Guard 2 to make him stop firing his gun, making him drop the gun, catching it, using it to hit him in the head. Guard 2 tried to punch Emilia. Emilia used both arms to block the moves, punching him twice in the face with either arm, kicking him in the stomach, spinning around to backhand punch him in the face, kicking him down, slamming his gun against his head, knocking his head against the ground to knock him out.

Preston watched in shock from inside the car. "Who are these chicks?"

Prince raised his eyebrows. "That's a good question."

Guard 3 fired at Angela. Angela ducked, jumping onto her car, flipping off of it over Guard 3 to avoid behind shot, landing on him, knocking him to the ground, kicking his gun away. Guard 3 pushed Angela off of him, and they both stood, facing off with fists raised. Guard 3 tried to punch Angela, which she blocked, trying to kick her. Angela ducked, sliding underneath his leg on the ground, reaching the other side, spinning around on the ground to leg sweep Guard 3's feet out from underneath him, making him fall to the ground, reaching a crouched position, punching him viciously in the face, kicking him in the head to knock him out.

Emilia lifted Guard 4 up by his jacket, slamming him down on the ground. Guard 4 rolled away, trying to punch her, but she blocked, spinning around Guard 4 to a car behind him, grabbing him by the shoulders, slamming him backward onto the car as she finished her spin. Guard 4 stood. Emilia spun around to kick Guard 4 in the stomach. Guard 4 tried to punch her. Emilia ducked, punching Guard 4 repeatedly, kicking both her feet up to kick him in the chest twice, backflipping to land on her feet, spinning in the other direction to kick him in the stomach, sending him flying into Tripp's car, smashing the window. Guard 4 tried to punch her. Emilia caught his arm, spinning around to flip him onto the hood of the car, breaking his arm in the process, making him scream in pain, slamming his head against the car to knock him out.

Tripp, knowing that it was over, tried to make a run for it. Angela climbed over the car in front of her, jumping down toward Tripp, tackling him to the ground to keep him from getting away, twisting his arm hard enough to make him scream, punching him in the chest, spinning to kick him in the stomach, making him double over, swinging her fist up to punch him in the face, making him snap back up, flipping him to the ground. She reached behind her to her gun holster underneath her shirt, drawing her gun, aiming it at Tripp, clearly ready to pull the trigger, lost in the moment as she was reminded of people like Tripp, Richard, Vincent and Joffrey, what she said about how they needed to be put down otherwise they would never stop and people could get severely hurt or killed as proven.

Prince and Preston got out of the car.

Preston was stunned to see Angela about to shoot Tripp. "Angela?"

Angela froze for a split second, the voice of the 13 year old bringing her back, stopping just before she pulled the trigger.

Emilia turned to look at Angela, Prince and Preston.

Angela looked back at Prince and Preston, who were both watching in shock. Her gaze locked on Preston's innocent face, lowering her gaze, before she looked at Tripp.

Tripp was cowering in fear, not moving as Angela held him at gunpoint, breathing heavily. Angela lowered her gun.

Emilia sighed, knowing why she stopped, looking at Preston.

Tripp closed his eyes in relief, sighing heavily, but Angela then kicked him hard in the head, knocking him out.

"Angela?" Emilia asked.

Angela glared at Tripp numbly. "Call Aurora and Harry. Tell them that we got him."

X•O°X•O

Road - Limo

Outside, Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck heard honking horns, screams from outside, looking through the windows in confusion. 

The large truck, the same truck that belonged to the man that Tripp had paid earlier, barreled right for Noe and Serena's side of the limo. Serena instantly reached out for Noe, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck reached out to Noe and Serena to grab them and try to pull them toward their side before it was too late.

Chuck was horrified. "No!"

Brooklyn and Serena, having faster reflexes since they had trained with fighting over the summer, Brooklyn more than Serena, were fast enough to pull Noe and Serena away from the side of the crash, but were unable to stop the impact. The large truck smashed into the limo, jostling Noe and Serena the rest of the way to Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck's side of the limo onto the seats. Noe hit her head on the wall of the limo, as the truck drove the limo right off of the road to the side of the street, making Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck all fall in their seats, glass shattering everywhere. The impact of the accident left Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck all jostling and unconscious.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Now, the road was a crime scene and there were road blocks everywhere. Cops and ambulances were here.

Nate and James were both on the way back from college classes at Columbia and SVA in one car when they had to stop. Carter, Marie, Hope and Alex were in another car when they saw the crash, when they all saw who was in the car crash.

"Oh, my God," Marie said in horror. "It's Serena, Noe, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck."

Getting out of their vehicles, Nate, James, Carter, Marie, Hope and Alex ran closer, all horrified and in shock. 

Nate ran toward Noe where they were putting her on a stretcher, as she was unconscious and her head was slightly bleeding. "Oh, my God. Noe!"

Serena was also still unconscious, Noe and Serena worse off than the Bass siblings given that it was their side of the limo that got crashed.

James ran to Serena's side, as she was not awake. "Serena! Hey."

James was absolutely horrified and reliving the memories of his own car crash where he had seen Caroline die in front of him, and unable to accept that the same thing could happen to Serena or his friends.

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were awake, and sitting in the back of an ambulance, not needing stretchers as they weren't badly hurt.

Alex looked at Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck, as all of them were reeling from the horror of the crash and that their adoptive sisters were so badly hurt. "What happened? Are you guys..."

Brooklyn had tears in her eyes that she tried to fight. "A truck hit us. We couldn't..."

"We barely got Noe and Serena to our side," Chuck told them. "If we hadn't, it would've been so much worse..."

"They're okay, just unconscious," Dylan told them. "I..."

Hope and Marie both had tears in their eyes at the thought of any of them being so hurt, like they could break down at any minute, holding each other. James and Nate also looked like they could break down, while Carter and Alex were absolutely in shock and horror and concern.

Policemen and more paramedics held Carter, Marie, Hope, Alex, James and Nate back so they wouldn't interfere, though they were desperate to be there for Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck.

Hope covered her mouth with her hand. "This can't be happening."

Nate was in utter denial about any of them being badly hurt, especially Noe and the baby. "No, no, no. What about the baby?" He looked at the paramedics. "Hey, you have to get her to the hospital now. She's pregnant. She's already been in a car crash before, she had amnesia and brain trauma from it, please."

"We're handling this, sir," a woman told him. "Please back away and let us do our jobs."

"Hey, hey, it's gonna be okay," Carter told them.

Nate was utterly horrified and broken down. "Noe."

James looked like he could get sick. "This isn't..."

Hope and Marie were almost breaking down. Alex and Carter wrapped their arms around them to be there for them, all of them worried and unable to believe this was happening.

"Call the Crew, the family," Chuck told them. "We gotta go."

The ambulances drove away to take Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck to the hospital.

Alex pulled out his phone. "We gotta call everyone."

Hope knew who did this, furious. "Tripp." They all looked at her. "Tripp did this. He had to have."

They all knew that Hope was right. Nate was obviously furious and betrayed by his cousin, as was Alex.

"Angela and Emilia got him," Carter told them. "Aurora and Harry are turning him in."

"But Noe, and Serena..." Marie trailed off. "Brooklyn and Dylan and Chuck..."

They were all desperate to believe that they would all be okay, including the baby, knowing they had to get to the hospital now and call everyone.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Rufus was cooking.

Lily walked up to him. "What is that heavenly smell?"

"I'm christening the kitchen with a little bolognese," Rufus answered.  "I figured you could use some comfort food today."

"Are the kids home yet?" Lily asked.

"Not yet," Rufus answered.

"Well, since we have a little alone time, there's something I want to tell you," Lily told him.

Rufus looked amused. "Sounds serious."

Lily nodded. "It is." Her phone rang, and she checked the Caller ID. "Oh, it's Marie." She answered. "Hey, Marie."

(Song:) Right Where They Left - White Rabbits

Marie was crying on the way to the hospital. "Mom, listen to me. Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck have been in an accident. They're being taken to the hospital right now. It was bad."

Lily was absolutely horrified.

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Rhodes Girls Hotel Room

Zaya, Sadie and Laureen were watching TV, and Dominic was here for them, when Laureen's phone rang.

Laureen took out her phone, seeing who was calling, answering. "Marie?" Dominic, Zaya and Sadie looked at Laureen. Hearing what Marie said, Laureen was horrified, looking at Dominic, Zaya and Sadie. "We need to go, now."

Dominic, Zaya and Sadie frowned, but stood.

"What's going on?" Zaya asked.

"Laureen, what's wrong?" Dominic asked.

"Serena, Noe, Dylan, Brooklyn and Chuck were in a car accident," Laureen answered.

Zaya and Sadie were both horrified. "What?"

Dominic looked at them in shock and concern. "What happened?"

"I don't know," Laureen told them. "Let's go."

"Come on," Dominic told them. "I'll drive you."

Laureen, Dominic, Zaya and Sadie hurriedly grabbed their coats, walking out of the hotel room.

X•O°X•O

NYU - Willa's Dorm Room

Willa and Dan were laying down, making out.

Dan pulled away. "Um, I'm--I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's a hundred percent me. It's not you. You know, uh, that your... this performance thing is amazing and you're, uh, you're... a great kisser. I just..." His phone rang. Dan pulled it out. "You know what? I gotta--I gotta take this. I'm sorry. It's my sister Marie."

X•O°X•O

Hallway

After hearing about the accident, Dan was walking down the hallway to go to the hospital.

Vanessa walked out of her dorm room. "Hey, what's going on?"

"Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck have been in a car accident," Dan answered.

"What?" Vanessa asked.

"Yeah, I--I don't know much," Dan told her. "Marie and Hope were a mess when they were trying to explain it over speaker. I gotta go."

Vanessa followed him. "I'm coming with you."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Living Room

Wyatt, Thyra and Blair were home with Theo.

Angela, Preston and Prince were here.

"I never expected to see Preston and Prince Shea here, but hi," Wyatt told them.

"Yeah, we needed to cool off after earlier," Prince explained. "Angela and Emilia got Tripp and handed him over to Harry and Aurora so that they could have him arrested."

"It was intense," Preston told them.

Angela nodded. "That is one word for it."

Blair nodded. "Right."

Thyra's phone rang. She pulled it out to see who was calling, answering. "Alex, hey. Good news. Tripp is in custody." She listened to what Alex had to say, becoming very worried and horrified, nodding. "We'll see you there."

Thyra hung up.

"What's wrong?" Blair asked.

"Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were in an accident," Thyra answered.

They all reacted in shock and horror. "What?"

"Hope, Alex, James, Marie, Nate and Carter are heading up there now and calling everybody, family, Crew," Thyra explained.

"We need to go," Wyatt told them.

They all walked to the elevator, with Theo.

X•O°X•O

Sheriff's Department - Outside

Harry and Aurora were watching as Tripp was being arrested, when Aurora got the call. Emilia walked closer, still here after she helped hand Tripp over.

Aurora answered her phone. "Hope?" Harry looked at Aurora. Aurora listened to what her daughter said, and was paling with every word. Emilia was even concerned by the look on her face. "We'll be there soon."

Aurora hung up, disconcerted.

"What's wrong?" Emilia asked.

Tripp looked over at them, knowing that they knew about the accident now.

"A truck ran down a limo with Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck inside," Aurora answered. "They're going to the hospital."

Harry was horrified. "Oh, my God."

Emilia thought back to the man she saw with Tripp. "A truck, huh? Tripp was talking to a man with a truck earlier when I found him. He paid him and the man drove away just as I found him."

Harry, Aurora and Emilia looked toward Tripp, who didn't react to their gazes.

Harry walked up to Tripp angrily. "What the hell did you do?"

"Harry--" Tripp started.

Harry punched Tripp in the face, making him fall, as Aurora and Emilia watched. Harry, Aurora and Emilia turned around, walking out, allowing Tripp to be arrested.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted, the fall of a politician at the hands of Uncle Harry. Sorry, congressman. You've just been vetoed."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Hospital - Serena's Hospital Room

(Song:) Too Late - M83

Serena was awake, banged up, and not hurt much.

Lily and Marie sat with her, all three near tears as they were waiting for news.

"Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck are okay?" Serena asked.

Marie nodded. "Yeah, they are."

"What about Noe and the baby?" Serena asked. "I'm so... so scared."

"She hasn't woken up yet," Lily admitted. "The doctors are doing everything they can to make sure she and the baby are safe."

"Are Zaya, Sadie and Laureen here?" Serena asked.

"Yeah, the Crew, almost all the family is here," Marie answered. "Preston, Prince, Dominic and Emilia are all even here. I think Beck too."

"And, um, Rufus is coming, but I asked him to look for the health insurance papers for all five of you," Lily explained. "They're somewhere in my desk."

"Mom, my insurance card's in my wallet," Serena told her.

"Yes, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Charles did have theirs, but Noe didn't," Lily explained.

Marie nodded, taking a deep breath. "God, I can't believe this is happening." She took Serena's hand. "Serena, I saw you, and Noe, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck like that, and all I could think about was..."

"Your sister," Serena finished knowingly. "Andrea. Marie, it's okay. You're not gonna lose us like that."

Marie took Serena's hand, as both had tears in her eyes. "What about Noe? Even if she and the baby make it... what about her head trauma from the first accident? And she hit her head this time too."

Lily had tears in her eyes. "I have no idea."

Serena closed her eyes tiredly. "I just need to rest now, please."

Marie brushed back Serena's hair. "Of course. Get some sleep."

Marie kissed Serena's head. Serena tightened her hold on Marie's hand for a split second. Lily stroked Serena's hair, kissing her cheek, before Marie and Lily walked out of the room.

X•O°X•O

Hallway

A doctor walked into the hallway.

Nate, Alex and Thyra were sitting together, as Alex and Thyra were there for Nate as much as they could be, and Nate and Alex were both there for Thyra after knowing that Brooklyn and more of their friends were in the crash too, knowing that Tripp, who was close to all three of them, was behind this and almost killed people they loved, sick to their stomachs.

"Thyra, is..." Nate trailed off. "Are Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck okay?"

"Yeah, they're walking about," Thyra answered, tears in her eyes. "Brooklyn said she, Dylan and Chuck wanted a moment alone. Serena's resting. But Noe..."

Nate, Alex and Thyra were all horrified, tears in their eyes, as they held each other's hands to be there for each other.

Alex saw the doctor first. "Nate. Thyra."

They three of them stood.

Nate swallowed. "How's Noe?"

"She's being prepped for surgery," the doctor answered. "She has a fracture on her arm, some head trauma, which could have caused more damage to her mind and memory, or..."

"Or what?" Alex asked.

"Or it could have given her back everything," the doctor answered.

Nate, Alex and Thyra processed this.

Nate was still looking like he could break down at any moment. "What about the baby?"

"Well, with the severe trauma..." the doctor trailed off. "Look, we're gonna do everything that we can to save both of them. But right now, our priority is saving the mother, okay?"

Nate had tears in his eyes, turning away. Alex and Thyra turned to Nate.

Hope, Harry and Aurora walked closer. Nate, Alex and Thyra turned to them. Hope wrapped her arms around Alex and Thyra, and then Nate, who all returned the embraces, needing them. Harry and Aurora were devastated that this was happening to Aurora's daughter and niece, and Harry's nephews.

"So is Noe gonna be okay?" Harry asked. "Is she gonna lose the baby?"

"Well, we don't know that yet," Thyra answered.

"No, you know what?" Hope asked. "This sucks, all right? All these decent people and bad things keep happening to them. Our family, our Crew..."

"Keep faith, okay, Hope?" Aurora asked. "You, Thyra, Alex and Nate need to keep faith. Tripp is behind bars now. Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck and Serena are okay. We just have to believe that Noe and the baby will be too."

James, Carter, Blair and Wyatt walked closer. James was completely numb.

Wyatt, Hope, Thyra and Blair embraced James.

Carter looked down worriedly, placing a hand on James's arm. "James?"

"Are you okay?" Blair asked. "James, I know with everything, the crash... Serena, Noe, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. I know it's..."

"Bringing up memories of Caroline," Carter finished.

James nodded. "Yeah. It is. I'm trying to deal. I'll feel a lot better when I can see Serena. They won't let anyone but family see her right now, and only two at a time right now. Marie and Lily were just in there."

"Blair, Thyra and Wyatt said that Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck are already walking around," Carter told them. "Serena's okay. And Noe?"

Nate, Alex, Thyra, Hope, Aurora and Harry didn't answer, not knowing what to say, causing James, Wyatt, Blair and Carter to become even more worried.

"It should've been me," Nate told them. "It was my fault."

They shook their heads.

"No, it wasn't," Harry told him. "This is not on you, Nate."

"Tripp did this," Alex told him. "And now he's locked away."

"If he wasn't, I would kill him," Nate told them, and no one was surprised by that statement, and knowing that even if he said it, it was justifiable. "And now Noe's in surgery and even if she makes it, she could lose everything again, and the baby... she could still lose the baby. And Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck... God."

Wyatt was trying to be strong. "I just wanna believe everything will be okay. Dylan, Brooklyn and Chuck are. Serena's recovering. Noe and the baby will be too."

James bit his lip anxiously. "You know, it's not an easy thing, saying 'I love you' to people that matter. You never know when you might lose them. Or when they might lose you."

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Zaya and Sadie had tears in their eyes, fearing the worst for their cousins, blood and adoptive alike. Laureen was fearing the worst for her nieces and nephews, sitting next to Sadie, stroking her arm, and reaching around her to hold Zaya as well. Dominic sat with them to be there for them, very concerned.

"After everything with Dad, we can't lose Noe and Serena too," Zaya told them. "We can't lose Brooklyn, Chuck and Dylan. I mean, I know that most of them are okay, but Noe and the baby..."

"Hey, it's gonna be okay," Dominic whispered softly.

"You don't know that," Sadie told him.

Dominic looked down sadly. "No, I don't. But we have to believe that."

Preston walked down the hallway sadly.

Sadie saw Preston, surprised but relieved he was here. "Preston?"

"Hey, Sadie," Preston told her sadly.

Sadie looked at Zaya, Laureen and Dominic, who nodded.

"It's okay," Laureen told her.

Sadie stood, walking toward Preston, nearly breaking down into tears. Preston wrapped his arms around her, letting her cry in his arms.

Lily walked into the hallway. "Laureen, can we talk?"

Laureen looked toward Lily down the hallway. "Dominic, can you stay with them, please?"

"Of course," Dominic answered.

Laureen stood, walking toward Lily. "Any news?"

"Noe is going into surgery, and they're trying to do everything they can to save her and the baby," Lily answered. "She might remember nothing when she wakes up, but she might also remember everything, even the memories that she hasn't gotten back yet."

Laureen nodded, incredibly worried. "And Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. They're okay?"

"Yes, for the most part," Lily answered.

"Where's Rufus?" Laureen asked. "Everyone else is here."

"He's coming," Lily answered, hesitating.

Laureen realized why she hesitated. "You didn't tell him, did you?"

"Well, I was going to," Lily answered. "And then Marie called, and, um, with Tripp and Maureen, and who knows what else, I didn't know what we'd be walking into here."

Laureen sighed, understanding but still worried.

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Eric stood in the hallway outside of Serena's room, checking on Serena, making sure that she was okay. He was very angry and upset that this happened to two of his older sisters and three of his adoptive siblings, very worried, turning away, pacing.

Beck walked down the hallway, seeing Eric. "Eric, hey."

Eric looked at him in relief and surprise. "Beck. What are you doing here?"

"When you told me about the crash, you didn't think that I would stay at home, did you?" Beck asked. Eric sighed shakily in relief that Beck was here for him, though he was still thinking more about his siblings and his worry for them more than anything, looking near tears. Beck looked at him worriedly. "I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"You're here," Eric told him. "That's all that you can do right now. And it's a big thing for you to do, coming down here. Thank you."

Beck nodded in agreement, worried. "Of course. Eric, I'm so sorry."

Eric looked away, still very upset. Beck stepped closer, placing a hand on Eric's arm comfortingly, clearly testing if it was okay to give him a hug. Eric nodded, tears in his eyes. Beck and Eric hugged, as Eric tried not to cry.

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were sitting in the hallway, being there for each other silently, each a little scratched up from the accident, but other than that, they were fine, not even needing to be in a hospital room anymore. Each of them were scared of losing Noe and Serena, but trying to be numb, calm and collected all the same, looking at each other sadly. Brooklyn reached out to take Dylan and Chuck both by the hands out of instinct, and while Dylan and Chuck were both surprised, they didn't pull away, each with tears in their eyes, as they were also stunned with the fact that they all got into a car crash on the anniversary of their father's death, flashing back to that night a year ago.

X•O°X•O

Flashback - One Year Ago

Night - Hospital

It was the night of the snowflake ball in 2.12, so Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck, Zaya, Lily and Laureen were in their attire from that dance (Sadie had not been to the dance, but she was wearing her clothes from that day before the dance). Zaya, Sadie and Laureen sat in the hallway with Eric, being there for him.

Noe and Serena walked up to Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck.

"What are you doing out here?" Noe asked. "Come on."

They walked into Bart's hospital room, where Lily stood by his side. Lily turned to look at them.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Bass," a doctor said.

Lily turned toward her then-step children. "The doctors say there's nothing more they can do. We have to let him go."

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were in denial, in shock.

Chuck turned to leave.

"Chuck, stay," Brooklyn told him. "Be here with us."

"Chuck," Dylan told him.

Chuck walked out of the room quickly.

X•O°X•O

Now

Night - Hospital - Hallway

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were still sitting together, letting go of each other's hands when they saw Thyra, Wyatt and Blair walk into the hallway.

Brooklyn stood, tears in her eyes as she walked instantly toward Thyra.

Thyra enveloped Brooklyn in her arms instantly, tears in her eyes as they held each other tightly. "I was so scared."

Brooklyn held the back of Thyra's head. "I'm okay."

Brooklyn pulled away just enough to give Thyra a kiss, as both were close to crying, holding each other close.

Dylan walked toward Wyatt quickly. "Where's Theo?"

"Angela's out in the waiting room with him right now," Wyatt explained. "Theo's fine. We're just all worried about all of you."

Dylan held his head in his hands, letting out a shaky breath. Wyatt placed his hand on Dylan's shoulder, making sure that he was okay, and pulled him into an embrace. Dylan leaned his head against Wyatt's shoulder, putting his arms around him, giving Wyatt a kiss.

Chuck watched them, leaning against the wall, sliding to the floor. Blair walked toward Chuck, sitting next to him, holding an arm around him as both had tears in their eyes from the close call for everyone.

Chuck breathed deeply. "How are Serena and Noe? The baby?"

"Serena's gonna be okay," Blair answered. "Noe's in surgery. The doctors said that she could wake up with all her memories, or none at all. And they're doing everything they can to save the baby."

Chuck closed his eyes, also very worried like everyone else was. "Lily's here? Marie's here? Eric's here? Zaya, Sadie and Laureen? The Crew, the family?"

Blair nodded. "Everyone's here. Emilia, Preston, Prince, Dominic and Beck even. Chuck..."

Chuck looked down the hallway toward where Thyra and Wyatt were explaining to Brooklyn and Dylan about Serena and Noe. He looked at Blair. "My father... always thought that Brooklyn, Dylan and I were weak. And in the moment that mattered most, I was. I couldn't be there when he, uh... I left, ran away.  Not just from him, but from Brooklyn and Dylan, even after. Dylan left too, and because of that, Brooklyn almost killed herself last year." Blair nodded in remembrance, sadly, but knowing it wasn't their fault, none of them. "I've been... pushing myself... to prove him wrong, and make amends to Brooklyn and Dylan."

"I don't think you ran away because you couldn't handle death," Blair told him. "I think it's because you couldn't handle feelings. But you're not like that anymore. You're strong. You carry people. You carry Brooklyn and Dylan. You carry me. You helped defend Noe against Tripp on Thanksgiving. You were there for Zaya and Sadie after what Richard did to them and Laureen. Helping Hope, Alex, Thyra, Brooklyn and Dylan with the clock tower for Angela and Theo. You're becoming a man in a way that... your father never was. You and your siblings are stronger than he ever was."

Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan and Wyatt walked closer.

"Come on," Brooklyn told them. "Let's go wait for the others."

Blair and Chuck nodded. Thyra and Wyatt took Blair's hands, while Brooklyn and Dylan took Chuck's hands, helping them two up. They walked together down the hallway to join the others in waiting for news.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Another Hallway

Eric was hitting a vending machine, desperate to hear news.

Zaya, Sadie and Marie walked closer, standing with Eric.

Marie offered a coffee. "You want a sip of my coffee?"

Eric shook his head. "No. I see Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck are okay, and Mom said that Serena is, after you and Mom saw her, Marie. Um, what about Noe and the baby?"

"We're still waiting for news," Sadie answered. "Noe's almost done in surgery. They think they might be able to save the baby. And whether or not she remembers nothing or everything is a 50/50 shot."

Eric nodded, biting his lip, looking away worriedly. "I can't believe this is happening."

Zaya looked down, very worried. "Yeah. Us either."

Marie looked between them sadly. "Come here."

Zaya, Sadie and Eric let Marie wrap her arms around them, as they all held each other close.

Beck walked closer with some pastries for them to be able to eat. "Hey, Zaya. Sadie."

Zaya, Sadie, Eric and Marie pulled away, looking at Beck, while the three girls were only slightly surprised he was here. "Beck?"

"Beck, hey," Marie told him.

"Hey, Marie," Beck replied.

Sadie, acting on instinct, embraced Beck, surprising him, but he returned the embrace. "Thank you. For being here."

Zaya nodded in agreement. "Thank you."

"Of course," Beck agreed.

Marie sighed, looking between the kids. "Let's head to the waiting room."

Zaya, Sadie, Eric and Beck nodded in agreement. Beck handed out some of the pastries to help out.

X•O°X•O

Waiting Room

Angela and Prince were sitting together, as Angela was holding Theo, both worried.

Prince sighed. "Serena was my best friend back in boarding school. And I just started to be friends with her again, and with Noe, Zaya, Sadie, and Marie and the alters. I'm not close with Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck, but I know you are, so..."

Angela nodded. "Yeah. I'm sorry about Serena, Prince. And if Theo had lost any of them, especially Dylan, but Brooklyn and Chuck too, then I wouldn't care. I would break into jail and kill Tripp like I should have done earlier because I'm not letting Theo lose his father, or his aunts and uncles. Including adoptive ones like Noe, Serena, Eric, Marie/alters, Laureen and Hope. Or adoptive cousins like Zaya and Sadie. Or if he lost Thyra, Wyatt, Blair, James or Carter... Even Alex or Nate. And then there's Noe and Nate's baby."

Prince looked at Angela curiously. "Earlier, when you said that people like Tripp, Vincent and Richard can only stop when you put them down... the way you came so close to killing Tripp, but stopped when Preston said your name...."

"It's a long story," Angela admitted. "One I don't want to talk about right now."

Prince nodded in understanding. "Okay. What stopped you?"

"Preston," Angela answered. "I was younger than him and Sadie the first time I saw someone die. So seeing Preston and his innocence, knowing that Sadie already lost hers because of Richard and the fire... it made me realize that if I killed Tripp, I would take away Preston's innocence, like ours was taken away. That's why I stopped."

Prince nodded in understanding. "Thank you, for that, Angela."

Angela nodded. "Yeah."

Carter walked by them with coffee. "Angela. Prince."

"Hey, Carter," Angela told him.

Prince nodded. "Carter."

Carter offered coffee. "Want some?"

Angela and Prince both took a cup. "Thanks."

Marie walked closer to Carter, Angela and Prince.

Carter turned to Marie instantly, and Angela and Prince both looked at her in concern as well.

Carter took Marie's hand. "Hey. You okay?"

Marie shook her head, tears in her eyes. "No. But, uh... I think we should be hearing an update soon." She let out a shaky breath. "God, I'm so scared."

Carter put an arm around Marie, kissing her head. "It's okay. It's gonna be okay."

Marie leaned her head on Carter's shoulder.

"We're all here for you, Marie," Angela told her.

"Yeah, of course," Prince agreed.

Marie nodded thankfully, sniffling. "Thank you guys. I knew Carter was gonna be here. But, Angela, Prince, thanks for coming, too."

Angela and Prince both nodded, as Marie, Carter, Angela and Prince all exchanged a look.

Most of the family/Crew were in the waiting room now.

Laureen, Zaya, Sadie, Eric and Marie all gave relieved embraces to Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck out of pure relief that they were okay. Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck returned the embraces, all still worried about Serena even though they knew she was okay, and definitely worried about Noe, as everyone was afraid that she wasn't okay.

Hope, Alex, James, Angela and Nate all gave relieved embraces to Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck, while Carter patted them each on the shoulder, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck nodded in return. Preston and Prince watched in moved, worried sympathy, as did Harry, Aurora, Dominic, Emilia and Beck.

The doctor and Lily walked in, after Lily just got back from seeing Noe after her surgery.

Beck looked up. "How's Noe?"

"She's out of surgery," Lily answered.

"And the baby?" Marie asked.

"We don't know," Lily answered. "Not yet. I just saw Noe, but she hasn't woken up yet. They're setting up an ultrasound to see if the baby is okay once she does wake. Only family can see her, like with Serena, but, Nate, since you are the father of her baby, of course you get to see her."

Nate took a shaky breath, looking at everyone in fear, not knowing whether or not the baby was okay, or if Noe remembered or not.

"Go on, Nate," Alex told him. "Be with Noe and your baby. We'll be fine here."

They all nodded in agreement.

Nate nodded, taking a deep breath. "I love you guys."

Nate stood, walking out of the room.

X•O°X•O

Noe's Hospital Room

(Song:) Hold On - Chord Overstreet

Nate was with the unconscious Noe after the accident, sitting next to her bed, holding her hand. "Hey, Noe. You know how you're always telling me that you're not going anywhere? Well, I need to hold you to that right now okay? I just need you to come back to me. Listen, just move one of your fingers if you can hear me, okay? Just move one of those beautiful fingers and let me know that you're still here with me."

Nate started crying.

Noe was slowly waking up. "Nate?"

Nate looked at her in surprise, overwhelmed with relief. "Noe. Oh, my God."

Noe opened her eyes. "Hi."

Nate smiled sadly in happiness. "Hi." Noe was overwhelmed by a flashing flood of memories in her mind that she had seen while she had been asleep. "What's wrong?"

Noe looked at him. "I remember... I remember so much. I think... I think I remember everything." Nate leaned forward to kiss Noe on the head, taking her in his arms. Noe returned the embrace as they both cried, before she remembered the crash and that her siblings had been with her. "Oh, my God. Serena. Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. Are they..."

"They're fine," Nate answered. "They're all fine."

"Who's all here?" Noe asked.

"Everyone," Nate answered. "The Crew, the family. Dominic, Preston, Prince, Beck and Emilia even."

Noe sighed heavily in relief. "I wanna see them."

"Not now, Noe," Nate told her. "You're in ICU. Which means you can only see your family for now. I get to see you because of the baby. You can see them tomorrow, the doctors promised."

Noe nodded in understanding, tears in her eyes, putting a hand to her belly. "What about the baby?"

"We're going to find out," Nate answered. "I promise."

Noe held onto Nate, and Nate held her close, both crying in relief.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Seems like the old Nevaeh van der Woodsen is back and here to stay, every memory and all. Welcome back, Noe. We've missed you. We hope you are back to yourself after everything you've been through, and hope that you and Nate Archibald didn't lose your family."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Maureen, angry that the Crew and family didn't drop the case against Tripp and got him arrested, walked into the apartment to follow through on her threat.

Rufus walked toward the elevator, stopping in surprise when he saw her. "Maureen, hi. I-I-I'm actually on my way out."

"I know you must be surprised to see me, but if you have a moment?" Maureen asked. "I've been having some difficulties in my marriage and I'd hate to see anyone have worse issues in theirs."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Rufus told her.

Maureen held the letter toward him. "Somehow this ended up in my coat pocket at Thanksgiving. Just read it."

Maureen walked to the elevator to leave.

X•O°X•O

Hospital - Waiting Room

Lily returned the waiting room once again to tell the family and Crew the update. "Noe is awake. She... she's overwhelmed, but she thinks, and the doctors think... that she remembers everything."

"What about the baby?" Eric asked.

"Noe and Nate are going in for the ultrasound now to make sure," Lily answered. "But they think the baby will be just fine too."

The entire Crew and family reacted in complete relief, feeling more at ease.

Marie had tears in her eyes from relief, and Carter put his arm around her as Marie leaned her head on his shoulder.

Hope turned to Alex, as both embraced in relief.

Wyatt, Blair and Thyra held arms around Dylan, Chuck and Brooklyn as they all reacted in relief, closing their eyes.

Brooklyn sighed. "Oh, God. Thyra..."

Thyra nodded. "It's okay, Brooklyn."

Zaya and Sadie almost cried from relief. Laureen closed her eyes, slowly releasing tension from her body. Dominic held an arm around Laureen as they both held one of Zaya and Sadie's hands.

Sadie looked at Preston on the other side of her, and Preston nodded reassuringly.

Prince looked at Marie, Carter and Angela in relief. Marie, Carter and Angela returned the look, as well to each other.

James sighed heavily, tilting his head down.

Harry's fists unclenched as he relaxed, a little more at ease. Aurora took Harry's hand as they looked at each other.

Eric turned to Beck in absolute relief. Beck took Eric's hand to be there for him, nodding reassuringly in relief.

Emilia walked over to Angela, also relieved as she took a seat, putting an arm around Angela, while Angela also held Theo. Emilia took one of Theo's hands. Theo looked up at everyone, wondering what was going on, but when he saw that they went from sad to relieved, he slowly eased as well.

Even Dan, Jenny and Vanessa reacted in relief.

Vanessa was there for Dan. "I mean, imagine if Noe would've hit her head a little harder, or the car rolled and she, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck could've all been hurt way worse, or--"

Dan turned to look at her. "Vanessa... I love you."

Vanessa thought he said it just as a friend. "I love you too." Dan tilted his head. Vanessa realized he meant it as more. "Dan?"

Dan looked away. "That was not really the reaction I was hoping for."

"Dan, sometimes when people are under a lot of emotional stress, they say things that they don't really mean," Vanessa told him.

Dan looked down, nodding. "Yeah, I was, uh, I--I think I--I read that somewhere."

Everyone else was talking in small groups of family and lovers about how relieved they were that Noe was going to be okay, she remembered everything, and they all thought the baby was okay as well, everyone really starting to relax now that it was over.

Brooklyn looked at Dylan and Chuck. "I want to go to his grave." Dylan and Chuck weren't surprised, but like they had been thinking about it too. "I want to be able to say goodbye and get closure and move on. And never have to think about it like today ever again."

Dylan and Chuck nodded in agreement.

"Angela, do you mind Theo staying with you a little longer?" Dylan asked.

Angela shook her head. "Of course not. Go. I get the need for closure, Dylan. And you, Brooklyn and Chuck clearly need it."

Thyra, Wyatt and Blair looked at their Bass loves.

"Do you want us to go with you?" Thyra asked.

"No," Chuck answered. "I think this is something we need to do ourselves."

Thyra, Wyatt and Blair nodded in understanding.

X•O°X•O

Ultrasound Room

A doctor was making an ultrasound for Noe. "You understand there are no guarantees in medicine, but as long as we can locate a heartbeat, there's no reason to expect that this baby won't be perfectly healthy."

They could hear the baby's heartbeat, revealing that the baby was alive and well. Nate and Noe both looked like they could break down from relief, now able to let go of the fear that they lost their daughter. Noe started crying from relief, while Nate kissed her and took her in his arms.

"Oh, my God," Noe said. "She's okay."

Nate nodded in agreement. "She's okay."

The doctor looked concerned by something in the ultrasound. "Oh."

"What?" Noe asked.

"There was a small tear," the doctor answered. "The kind that means that you might run the risk of hemorrhaging during pregnancy or during delivery."

Noe and Nate were both worried, but in denial.

"But she's gonna be okay, right?" Nate asked. "Noe and the baby."

The doctor looked at them. "Yeah. Yeah, if everything goes perfectly, yes."

"And what if everything doesn't go perfectly?" Noe asked. "Could I... could we die?"

The doctor looked at them sadly. "It's a possibility, yes." Noe and Nate were both heartbroken, but in denial. Noe looked numb. "I'm so sorry. We'll do everything we can from now until the birth to make sure that everything goes perfectly. To ensure you both are safe."

Noe's tears turned more to sadness and denial, not willing to believe or even think of the danger. Nate couldn't let himself think of the danger either, just holding Noe in his arms, unwilling to lose either her or the baby.

X•O°X•O

Bar

Once everyone was going home after knowing that for now, Noe and the baby were okay, Marie was sitting down, having a drink, dissociating a bit.

Carter walked over, sitting beside Marie with a couple more drinks. "You all right?"

Marie snapped out of it on her own, looking at Carter. "Yeah. I'm good. Sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Carter told her. "What are you thinking about?"

Marie sighed. "For a long time, even before my sister died..."

"Andrea," Carter stated.

"Yeah," Marie answered. "Even before she died, we were just protecting ourself and our own interests, for as long as I can remember. And with DID, I don't remember much of the trauma due to me not being a trauma holder, but... we were really good at protecting ourself. They were never really blocking themselves out, but I was. I was blocking myself away from the outside world to where I didn't have to feel. I cut myself off before I can allow myself to get hurt."

Carter exhaled sharply. "That's a hard life to live, Marie."

Marie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, well, that was my life. Our life. Then..."

Carter nodded in understanding, sympathy. "Andrea died."

Marie looked down. "Yeah. After she died, and finding out my parents had been lying to us all our life, finding out that we both had been adopted, finding my way here to find my real family with the alters, including Andrea's 'ghost'... finding my way to you... to my family, I felt more than I had ever felt. Like Andrea's death started a chain reaction of life changing events that burst down the barriers inside. Literally and figuratively."

Carter realized what Marie thought. "You think that Andrea's death... led to you having this whole new life."

Marie scoffed. "I know it does. I wouldn't have even been looking for my real family if she was still around. Because we always thought that we were enough to get each other through anything and everything. All of us thought we were enough, but they convinced me that it was okay."

Carter sighed heavily. "I get it. When Caroline, James and I were younger, we were really close. Growing up, we all drifted apart. Caroline left to getaway from the family, which James and I wanted to do before we were ready to. James and Caroline were always cleaning up after me and making sure that I wasn't in too deep. When Caroline got sick, James left to go take care of her and be the responsible one. I hadn't even known about it at the time. James took care of Caroline for years and never told me. They didn't want to bother me since they didn't want me to put my life on hold too, and they knew that Caroline was getting better. But the relapse happened, and the car crash that the club ordered on James and Caroline, which took Caroline's life and nearly James's. Even before Angela told me that it was murder of my sister, and attempted murder of my brother, I spiraled pretty badly, constantly. After the car accident, James came back here. Got adopted by Cyrus and Eleanor and created a new family with Blair, Thyra, Wyatt, even Hope and Aurora. James hired Angela to find me, Angela and I fought before she brought me back here, and Angela found out that the Silence ordered for the car crash. Angela and Emilia out for revenge, for Giselle and Ivan. They think that Giselle is still out there somewhere, but Ivan was killed in front of Angela. Hope, Thyra and Aurora think that someone in the Silence was behind the deaths of Thyra's parents, Victoria and Matthew. So the Diamond girls, me and James? We're out for retribution too."

Marie nodded understandingly in sympathy. "For Caroline and what would have been James if he hadn't survived. For Hope, Thyra and Aurora's family. And if it wasn't for the contract, you all wouldn't be held back one bit. But you have to hold back in order to stay safe. For all of us."

Carter looked down. "Yeah. So it was like that that car crash... Caroline's death and James's near death..."

"Brought you closer to James," Marie finished. "Allowed you two to get closer again while trying to avenge him and Caroline, and become a family with Hope, Thyra, Wyatt, Blair, Aurora, Cyrus and Eleanor too, while Angela and Emilia out to avenge Giselle and Ivan. While becoming a family with Theo, Dylan, Brooklyn and Chuck."

Carter nodded. "Mm-hmm. I went from this middle child misfit and screw up to the eldest that was still the screw up. With Caroline gone, and James nearly dying, with Cyrus, Eleanor, Blair, Wyatt, Thyra, Hope and Aurora as this new family, it was a wake up call for me to really change... a wake up call I didn't hear before all of this happened. It's rattling. Especially with how protective Aurora, Hope and Thyra can be of all of us. What about you?"

Marie sighed heavily. "I went from being the younger of two sisters, to the oldest out of six. Technically 10, since Hope was adopted by Dad and Alison, even though she's Aurora's daughter and Thyra's cousin, and she's still a Rhodes-Humphrey, along with a Diamond, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck are my adoptive siblings too." Carter nodded in agreement. "Somehow I had to find out how to be a big sister to nine little siblings who are all not that much younger than me. While I still have four alters inside me that are making it a little hard figuring it out whenever they take control."

Carter managed a small chuckle. "Sounds life changing indeed. Especially with the Upper East Side life and the way your family lives in it." Marie nodded in agreement. "I know you feel guilty about Andrea's death being the reason why you are brought closer with your real family, because James and I feel guilty that Caroline's death is what brought us back together. Both of us wanting to get justice for her."

"Don't you think that Caroline wouldn't want you and James to be separated?" Marie asked. "That she would want you two to be reunited, and close again? That she would've been happy that you two found a family with Hope, Thyra, Aurora, Blair, Wyatt and Eleanor. That Cyrus and Eleanor adopted James and help you too?"

"Yeah," Carter answered. "I know she would've. And don't you think the real Andrea would have wanted you to find your family and live the best life you could instead of in a life you despised where you were so traumatized that you have DID?"

"Yeah," Marie answered. "I know she would've. Just like the interject of her in my head. Doesn't change how much it hurts."

Carter scoffed softly. "Believe me, I know. And the pain seems to keep on coming for you and your family."

Marie nodded in agreement. "Especially after everything that happened with Noe and Serena in the car crash, the baby, Nate. Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck even in the crash. I was so scared of losing all of them. And I don't know if I'm making the real Andrea proud or not, or what would happen if I lost another sister, or a brother. By blood or adoption alike. And I don't know what would happen if I lost these alters. They're my support system, and with the interject Andrea, I can still see her and talk to her and be with her. And I... I can't lose that."

Carter looked down. "I don't know if Caroline would be proud of me and James or not. I'm actually proud of James for coming as far as he did on his own, before Cyrus took him in, before he married Eleanor, before they adopted James, and everything with Blair, Wyatt, Thyra, Hope and Aurora. So I'm sure Caroline would have been proud of James too. But me? I'm another story. But like you, I don't know if I could lose James like I lost Caroline and almost lost him."

Carter put an arm around Marie, pulling her closer.

Marie laid her head on his shoulder. "We're both a little screwed up, aren't we?"

Carter kissed the top of her head. "Maybe more than a little."

"Brings us closer, hmm?" Marie asked.

Carter nodded. "Yeah. Definitely did."

Marie looked up at Carter, and they shared a kiss.

X•O°X•O

Montage

(Song:) Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

There was a montage of the city at night, and everyone returning to their homes.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Marie, Lily, Eric and Jenny walked in, heading separate ways to go to sleep.

Lily looked around for her husband, but did not see him. "Rufus?"

Lily found the letter on a table, knowing that Maureen gave it to Rufus, dreading what could happen to her marriage.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Sinatra sings, 'New York, New York, it's a hell of a town."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Living Room

Carter, Hope, Thyra, Aurora, Blair, Wyatt, Angela, Emilia, Alex and Harry walked in while Angela held Theo in her arms. They knew that it was not a good idea for Alex and Harry to be alone that night, all of them wanting to be there for each other.

Hope embraced Alex, giving him a soft kiss.

Thyra gave Alex and Harry both a hug, as did Aurora.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But on the Upper East Side, sometimes it just feels like hell."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Rhodes Girls' Hotel Room

Zaya, Sadie and Laureen walked into their hotel room, all exhausted. Laureen wrapped an arm around both Zaya and Sadie. Dominic made sure they were okay from the doorway. They looked at Dominic in relief and appreciation for being there for them and the rest of the family that night.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Even when we're sure we've earned that happy ending..."

X•O°X•O

Shea Mansion - Living Room

Preston and Prince walked into their house, ignoring their parents since they knew that they had nothing helpful to say, but knowing that they would degrade them for being out in public to be there for the Crew and family after everything that happened, not wanting to hear it.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "It doesn't always come."

X•O°X•O

On the Road - Limo

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were driving, on the way to the cemetery, looking at each other, more open and there for each other than they had been for a long, long time, though they were all still extremely rattled from the car crash and the anniversary.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Second thoughts creep in."

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Dan returned to the loft, alone.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Secret missions sneak out."

X•O°X•O

Hospital - Serena's Room

Now that Serena was sleeping in a normal hospital room, James was sleeping by Serena's side. Serena stirred in her sleep, turning to see James sleeping in the chair behind her, managing a small smile, before heading back to sleep.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Cinderella finds her Prince Charming."

X•O°X•O

Noe's Room (ICU)

Noe was laying in bed, looking numb as she processed what the doctors told her and Nate. Nate sat with Noe, holding an arm around her, both in denial, reeling and worried.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And Sleeping Beauty might yet again fall prey to the evil witch's (or warlock's) curse, and this prince might yet lose his princess and heir in the end."

X•O°X•O

Street

Jenny had snuck out from home, walking down the street toward Damien Dalgaard.

"Hey, you're late," Damien told her. "These guys are texting. They're waiting."

"Sorry, it was a hectic night," Jenny told him. "Do you even have it on you?" Damien gave her a look. "Well, can I hold it?"

Damien handed some drugs to Jenny. "Former princess likes a thrill, yeah?"

"Soon I'll be queen, the one and only," Jenny told him. "No co-queens like Brooklyn, Thyra and Zaya. And no princesses like Sadie. And, uh, this time, I wanna go to the table alone.  And this time, I wanna go to the table alone. I need the money. It's not easy trying overthrow three queens and a princess. Or cheap."

"Well, stick with me, Jenny Humphrey, and you'll have enough cash to underwrite their entire kingdom," Damien told her.

Jenny smirked, following Damien down the road.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "In this city, nothing is for certain."

X•O°X•O

Montage

There were slow pans across the city at night.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "The night can push you forward into a dark future..."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Cemetery

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck got out of the limo, ready to see Bart's grave to get closure and move on. Brooklyn was holding the yellow roses.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Or plunge you into a mysterious past."

They paused when they saw a woman at Bart's grave, having left the same flowers (yellow roses) on his headstone. Her name was Evelyn/Elizabeth, though with the headscarf around her head, they couldn't see who it was.

Chuck thought it was their adoptive mother. "Lily?"

Elizabeth turned her head to look at the siblings, appearing to be stunned at the sight of the eldest sibling. "Charles?" She looked at Brooklyn and Dylan, not quite having the same reaction as she did to Chuck. "Brooklyn. Dylan."

"Who the hell are you?" Brooklyn asked.

Elizabeth, instead of answering, ran off, leaving the siblings alone.

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck stood at Bart's grave, seeing that she left the yellow roses on the grave.

Dylan saw something else, kneeling down to pick it up. "Brooklyn. Chuck."

Dylan stood, showing them a locket with Bart's picture inside. Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were confused and didn't know what this meant, or what it would lead to.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "XOXO, Gossip Girl."