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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 3.08 "The Grandfather: Part 2", in the Empire's hallway, Vincent was harassing Marie. "Did you miss me, kitten?"

Marie tried to pull her arm free. "Let go of me!"

Vincent forcefully grabbed Marie's arm a lot tighter, holding her wrist firm in his grip, her hand turning purple from the blocked blood flow, pushing her against the wall, chuckling at the sight of her wriggling to get away, unable to break his hold on her because he was far too strong for her. When Marie tried to hit him with her free hand, Vincent clamped her other wrist in the same hand he held the first, twisting her arms painfully, taking advantage of her weakened arm and nearly sprained it, making her groan in pain, pinning her arms to the wall over her head, bringing his free hand up to hold the side of her neck, causing her to tense up, kissing her deeply, making her whimper. Marie tore her head away from him to break the kiss.

Vincent whispered harshly into Marie's ear. "I was always the one that had the power between you and me, Marie."

Marie tried to yell for help. "Hel--"

Vincent put a hand over Marie's mouth to stop her. "As much as I wanna hear you scream, not here. I don't want anyone to ruin my fun. I'm gonna have fun with you first. Think twice before you try to yell for help, because you know that I can beat anyone down that comes to help you. Do you understand?"

From 3.08 "The Grandfather: Part 2", in the main party, Vincent grabbed Brittany's arm.

Brittany clawed her nails into Vincent's cheek roughly to make him let go. "I'm sure they'll have a nice place for you in prison where someone can do to you what you did to us."

 The security guards started to handcuff Vincent.

Vincent scoffed, laughing evilly. "You and your alters want to do this to me, Marie? Just remember that I always come back and it gets worse every time I do, no matter how long it takes. Who knows what new personality you'll get the next time something really horrible happens?  And you have to wonder if your claim that I raped you is really true or not when you take in that fact. You might have everyone thinking that I'm the crazy one, but if they all knew about your DID, multiple personalities, they would know that you are."

Brittany leaned against the table, taking a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray nearby, watching calmly as the guards escorted Vincent away. "Have fun being someone else's bitch."

From 3.09 "They Shoot Humphreys, Don't They?", in jail, Marie looked at Vincent in his cell. "I want to know why you never stopped coming after me."

"I love you, and you loved me too once upon a time," Vincent told her.

Marie shook her head. "No. If you loved me, you couldn't do the things that you did to me. I could never love someone like you. I hate you. You're just a deranged, pathetic psycho, and I never, ever want to see you again, okay?"

"After everything I did to you, and the alters, you know that I'm always gonna be inside your head and that you're never gonna be able to escape me," Vincent told her.

Marie glared at him. "You're wrong."

"Am I?" Vincent asked mockingly. He reached out through the bars to try and reach for Marie, but Marie backed away so he couldn't touch her, smirking slightly at the thought that he couldn't touch her or get to her. "Oh, you like that, don't you? That I can't reach you from in here. That I can't touch you or get to you. Let's see if that teasing gets rewarded or punished when I get out of here, princess."

Marie breathed uneasily. "Stop. I did not do this. You did this."

Marie walked away.

Vincent raised his voice to call after her, making sure she heard every word. "You're damn right I did this. And I'd do it all again. You're never gonna be able to forget it or me. Everything that happened to you is because of me, Marie! You're never gonna be free of me!"

From 3.08 "The Grandfather: Part 2", in flashback, Angela and Ivan were tied up to a pipe over their heads so they couldn't cut the ropes, but forced to stand. Joffrey Campbell walked closer. 

Angela glared at Joffrey in pure hate and anger. "Joffrey."

Joffrey smirked. "Hello, Angela."

Angela struggled against her binds. "You son of a bitch! I will kill you!"

Joffrey laughed mockingly. "I'm looking forward to seeing you try. Giselle's counting on you to."

Angela glared at him in fury. "Give her to us."

Joffrey stroked Angela's cheek mockingly, causing her to turn her head sharply away so he wasn't touching her. "I wish I could, but I can't. You really should've thought about taking me up on my offer to show you the world, Angela."

Ivan glared at him. "This wasn't her fault, you psycho. It was yours."

Joffrey smirked, shrugging, backing away. "Maybe. Maybe not. All Angela had to do was say yes to me. But helping take Giselle and put her in the same program that Emilia's brother was in... sex slavery and torture. Mm, that's a little poetic justice, don't you think? Hurting all of you De Los Caballeros so immensely, Ivan." He stood in front of Angela tauntingly, running a hand along her waist and side, causing her to tense up. "Unless you wanna change your mind. Beg me. Or you can continue to chase your tail like a little bitch."

Angela glared at Joffrey, and launched her head forward to headbutt her head into his face, making him reel back, stand and back away from her. "Who's the little bitch now?"

From 3.12 "The Debarted", in the hospital waiting room, Dan looked at Vanessa. "Vanessa, I love you. That's not the reaction I was hoping for."

From 3.10 "The Last Days of Von Miller", in the street, Damien and Jenny were walking together.

"Those three queens and princess boss you around," Damien told her. "Sounds like kind of a yawn."

"Well, yeah, I guess compared to being an international drug dealer," Jenny answered.

"A little bit of danger is what makes life worth living," Damien told her.

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. 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.

Richard: (voice over from 3.10 The Last Days of Von Miller) "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."

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.

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 3.11 "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."

From 3.10 "The Last Days of Von Miller", at school, Zaya and Sadie both slapped Jenny twice each at different times.

Eric: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "Zaya and Sadie won't stop trying to destroy you for what you did to them."

From 3.11 "The Treasure of the Shea Madre", in the courtyard of the school, 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. Eric and Beck walked up to Zaya and Sadie, and the four of them smirked.

Eric: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "I 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 3.09 "They Shoot, Humphreys, Don't They?", in the Shea mansion, the Sheas were on video call with Alan Smith.

"I told you that I wanted good press for Endless Knights and this new movie, Prince, especially with the 4th Endless Knights in talks," Alan told him. "You dating a random girl that found out she was family to one of Manhattan's elite, that was fine. But come to find out that Marie has a sketchy past with a psycho ex and many personalities? Not good."

"Okay, DID is not a choice, and it's not something to be ashamed of," Prince told him. "It's people like you in the industry and media that makes it seem like it is."

"Watch it, Prince," Simon warned. "Preston..."

"No, Prince's right," Preston told them. "Marie shouldn't be looked down on because of a multi personality disorder that happened because of trauma. And I shouldn't be judged for hanging out with Sadie, a girl that I have a project with at school, and a friend."

"Either you cut ties with the girls, or these movies," Alan told them.

From 3.09 "They Shoot Humphreys, Don't They?", in the Shea mansion, Preston and Prince were talking about why they lied.

Prince sighed. "They seriously need to back off of Marie, Lacy, Andrea, Brittany and Nick. It's not their fault. That was the whole reason I lied about breaking up with Brittany, so that I could try to get the press to leave them alone because of how horrible they can be to them."

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."

"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.

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 3.12 "The Debarted", outside the interview place, Preston looked at Prince and Angela. "I've been trying to be there for Sadie, 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. 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. 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."

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 3.12 "The Debarted", in the Rhodes/Bass apartment, Maureen gave the letter to Rufus.

Aurora: (voice over from 3.12 The Debarted) "Noe's the victim here, and you want to threaten ruining her family?"

From 3.12 "The Debarted", outside the sheriff's station, Maureen showed the picture of the letter to Harry and Aurora. "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. 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."

From 3.12 "The Debarted", in the cemetery, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck paused when they saw Elizabeth standing at Bart's grave.

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.

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 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."

From 3.12 "The Debarted", in the road, there were flashes of Angela and Emilia taking out Tripp's guards, and Angela nearly killing Tripp until she heard Preston say her name, when she then instead knocked him out.

Zaya: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "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?"

From 3.12 "The Debarted", on the road, Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were in the limo. The 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.

Tripp: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "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."

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.

Tripp: (voice over from 3.11 The Treasure of the Shea Madre) "If you don't give in, you'll get the punishment, when you least expect it."

From 3.12 "The Debarted", at the police station, 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.

From 3.12 "The Debarted", in the hospital, 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."

From 3.12 "The Debarted", in ICU, Nate sat at Noe's bedside.

Noe looked at him. "I remember... I remember so much. I think... I think I remember everything."

From 3.12 "The Debarted", in the hospital, Noe and Nate were having the ultrasound to check on the baby.

"Oh, my God," Noe said. "She's okay."

"There was a small tear," the doctor explained. "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 we die?"

The doctor looked at them sadly. "It's a possibility, yes."

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.

In the closing, there was a screen shot of the Gossip Girl website, with a picture of the Crew/family in the waiting room waiting for news about Noe in 3.12.

The headline read: Miraculous Tragedies

The caption underneath the picture read: It seems to me that the Upper East Side Crew and their families just can't seem to catch a break. Between family secrets and adoptions revealed with Hope, Thyra and Aurora Diamond and southerners from Texas wanting to ruin Carter and James Baizen and the ones they love. Miraculously, Marie, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen Rhodes all survived horrible men in their lives and managed to change their names, and lives for the better. Tripp Vanderbilt, cousin to Alex and Nate and nephew to Harry, became one of the men in the Rhodes girls's lives that has ruined everything. Angela De Los Caballeros survived getting shot and put into a coma and became apart of the group and family after having Dylan Bass's son. And Noe and Serena van der Woodsen, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck Bass, and James Baizen have all survived world shattering car crashes. With the VDW sisters and Bass siblings being the most recent one, and the one that caused Noe to remember every memory that she ever forgot from her first car accident... but it appears that Noe and the baby she is having with Nate Archibald are not out of the woods yet. Thoughts and prayers with Noe and her baby, as they need all they can get, maybe from more than just media man Dominic Driton and superstars Preston and Prince Shea this time around. Let's hope these two Rhodes/Archibald can prove just how good they are at surviving the impossible.

X•O°X•O

Worlds Colliding (Gossip Girl)

X•O°X•O

Day One

Morning - Montage

(Song:) Janglin - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

There was a montage of the city early one morning.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Seems Dickens knew something about life on the Upper East Side where the only thing you can count on is that time changes everything."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

FIT - Hope's Class

Hope was sitting in class for fashion design.

"Midterm designs are due Friday," the teacher told them. "Now remember, people. Simplicity. Who is the founder of our industry? Eve, when she handed Adam the fig leaf." There was some laughter from the students. "Have a good day. Hope?"

"Yeah?" Hope asked.

"Can I see you for a second?" the teacher asked.

"Sure," Hope answered, looking at the female teacher's dress. "Lovely dress."

The teacher chuckled. "Oh, thank you." The rest of the class left. The teacher went through some of Hope's assignments and designs. Hope walked closer. "I love the contrasts in your work. Dark and edgy, light and bright, or a mixture of both in a design. And I love the fact that you toy with different styles and patterns. How you can combine innocent with dark, the juxtaposition is amazing. That's great. It's so unique."

Hope smiled, pleased with the feedback. "Thank you."

"You know, styles, they change so rapidly in the fashion world," the teacher told her. "So you got your particular cut, your technique, you know, the..."

Hope nodded. "Right, right, which is what makes it so amazing and exciting."

The teacher smiled. "Exactly. Which is why I go to fashion week every year in Paris. To catch up on what's fresh and amazing, and what else?"

"Exciting," Hope answered.

"Exciting," the teacher repeated. "And let's face it, to go to the parties."

Hope nodded, smiling. "Sure."

"The budget allows for me to bring an assistant every year," the teacher explained. "Usually it's a senior, but not always. There's a lot of talent in this class, but the best designers push the boundaries on what's acceptable. They take chances, like you. It's a chance of a lifetime."

"I'd love to, yeah," Hope told her. "That's in a few weeks, so I'd have to talk with my family and everything, but I definitely think I can make this work. Thank you."

X•O°X•O

Street

Zaya, Sadie, Noe, Marie and Serena were walking together down the sidewalk.

Noe looked around at the sights of the city. "Oh, my God, it feels so good to finally be out of the hospital."

"It feels good for you to finally be here with us," Zaya replied. 

"We missed you, Noe," Sadie told her.

Noe tilted her head at them. "You guys saw me every day while I was in the hospital."

"You know what we mean," Serena replied, wrapping an arm around Noe's shoulders. "You're out and about, you finally have all your memories back."

Noe took both Zaya and Sadie's hands, as they smiled with tears in their eyes. "Yeah, which means I remember everything, every moment we had before I lost my memories, and I can't believe I had to forget all of that."

"Well, you got them all back," Marie pointed out. "It must feel good."

"It feels overwhelming, but good, yes," Noe answered. She was thinking, puzzled. "You know, when I was little, Laureen told me, Zaya and Sadie about our uncle Blake, the half-brother to Laureen, our mom and Aunt Carol, that Grandma Celia and Mom and Aunt Carol don't even talk to. Like we also don't talk to Carol or her daughters Megara and Charlotte anyway, but still. But Laureen spent so much time with reconnecting with Uncle Blake, and she got to introduce Zaya and Sadie to him and his kids, and I... I remember when I was away with Dad, and when I wasn't with him, I was with you three, and we went to see them. I remember... that I got close to them too."

Zaya and Sadie nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, you did," Zaya agreed. "You were so mad at Grandma Celia and Aunt Lily for keeping the family separated because you liked Uncle Blake and our cousins."

"It would be nice to meet them," Marie admitted. "Blake, his kids. Even Carol and Megara and Charlotte. Sounds pretty intense, though, so it might have to wait for a time when things settle down."

"Yeah," Serena agreed. "We all have way too much going on right now."

"But I do want to see them," Noe told them. "I mean, it's been years. I wanna see. And, Marie, when I do get to see them, we can see about an introduction. But be warned, they can be vicious."

Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Marie smiled, while Serena was cautious but amused.

"Well, whatever the case, let's pray that things can settle down for a while," Serena told them. "There's been enough trauma and intensity for the Crew and family to last a life time."

"Try 20," Marie told her.

"Try 50," Noe corrected.

"Try 100," Zaya added.

Sadie tilted her head. "Try 1000."

The five of them chuckled.

Serena nodded. "And James and Carter get back tomorrow, after seeing Cyrus and the other Roses."

"Yep," Marie agreed. "Carter texts me every time before he goes to sleep."

Sadie smiled. "Oh, that is so sweet."

Serena smiled. "I never knew that Carter Baizen could be so caring and so sweet."

Noe had a funny reaction. "It is so weird to remember being with Carter, even if only for a short time." They others chuckled. "But, yeah, he can be sweet, but you and Carter are like perfect together, Marie. You two bring out a lot of good in each other."

Marie smiled.

"Noe's right, Marie," Zaya told her. "It's pretty epic, no matter how dark you two can be."

"Yeah, dark," Serena agreed. "I mean, people call Carter the Dark Prince for a reason. Just like people call James Prince Charming for a reason, because he can be totally sweet all the time, but still have that brutal Baizen edge."

Zaya smirked. "Right."

"James has just been really on edge since the accident, and it brought up memories about Caroline, but he's better now, knowing that we're all okay," Serena explained. "I just can't imagine what was going through his head that night. Or Nate, Thyra, Blair and Wyatt. Or you, Marie, or Zaya and Sadie, after everything you guys have been through."

Noe nodded.

"Yeah," Sadie said. "It was hard."

Zaya and Marie nodded in agreement.

Zaya looked at Marie to change the subject and try and make them all feel better. "What about you, Marie? Speaking of Princes, how are alters doing with the open relationship with Prince, and the on-going never-ending flirting with Angela?"

Marie chuckled. "Actually pretty good. Brittany actually really likes Prince, and Carter. And Lacy and Nick really like Angela. Andrea likes flirting with both of them and Carter a bit but she's not into romance, just hookups, so..." Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Serena smirked in amusement. "And since Carter's been out of town with James? Angela and Prince have actually been there a lot for all of us this past week. Not just them, but me too. It's an interesting little friendship we're building on right now."

"That's nice," Sadie told her. "I'm glad that Prince and Angela are there for you and the alters, and that you guys are there for them."

Serena pointed at Marie. "And fittingly enough, I know Prince can be very dark yet funny and sexual because the way he was flirting and hooking up at boarding school when we were friends, and we know that Angela's pan, into polygamy from what she's said to Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra and Wyatt, and we all know she can be humorous but dark too. So you them two and whatever you and the alters got going on with them and Carter? It's kinda freaky how perfect it is, Marie."

"Totally," Noe agreed.

They all chuckled.

"I'm not sure what all this could lead to, but it's definitely new for all of us," Marie admitted. "I mean, we could barely bring ourselves to trust others after everything with Vincent, but this is with Carter, and Prince, and the flirting thing with Angela... it's really nice for all of us. For the first time in a long time... we're actually happy, with them, and with all of you."

Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Serena smiled. "Aw."

"We're happy you and the alters are here too, Marie," Serena told her.

Zaya, Sadie, Noe, Marie and Serena shared a hug, pulling away.

Sadie pointed at them. "Oh, Preston told me that Sherry and Simon got him a chance to sing at the state dinner for the French Ambassador tomorrow night."

"Oh, well, promise rings go very well with formal wear," Zaya remarked. Sadie gave Zaya a halfhearted sisterly glare, causing Zaya, Noe, Marie and Serena to smirk/smile. "Oh, come on, Sadie. It's obvious that you like him, and that Preston likes you."

"And Angela and Prince did tell me that Preston did want to be there for you, but you kept pushing him away, at least until last week when he was at the hospital for us too," Marie told her. "He quit the movie so that he could stand up to Sherry and Simon and be friends with you. Even though it's clear both of you like each other."

Sadie put her fingers in her ears to tune them out. "La la la la la la."

Noe couldn't help but laugh. Zaya and Marie smiled.

Serena laughed, taking hold of Sadie's hands to stop her. "Oh, come on. You can admit it."

"I admit to nothing," Sadie replied. "Even if I did have a crush, which I don't, what makes you guys think that I would ever want a relationship with the danger of my heart and me dying at any second and then breaking someone else's?"

Zaya, Noe, Marie and Serena looked at Sadie sadly, and Sadie looked down.

"Sadie, you can't live in fear of that all the time," Serena told her. "You have to live your life too. In anyway you can."

Zaya looked from Sadie to Noe and Marie significantly, knowing that all three of them needed to hear this after everything they had all gone through all their lives, and especially with recent events. "You can't be scared to open yourselves up and let yourselves be happy and love. No matter what may happen. Don't close yourselves off. You never know what you might miss."

Noe, Sadie and Marie all took that to heart.

Noe placed a hand over her pregnant belly, still in denial about what the doctors said, refusing to fully believe in the danger.

Damien walked down the street, running across the Rhodes girls.

Serena smiled. "Damien Dalgaard! Hey!"

"Hey," Damien replied, surprised.

Serena hugged Damien. "Oh, my gosh."

Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Marie looked at them in surprise, confusion.

"How are you?" Damien asked.

"Good," Serena answered.

Noe cleared her throat. "Uh-huh."

Serena turned to look at her sisters and cousins. "Oh, right. Damien, this is my sister Noe, our recently revealed half-sister Marie, and our cousins Zaya and Sadie."

Damien reacted to Zaya and Sadie's names since Jenny had been complaining about them and Brooklyn and Thyra nonstop, but he seemed surprised to know that they were Serena's cousins. "Uh, hi."

Zaya nodded. "Hi."

"He was a friend of mine and Prince's back in boarding school," Serena explained.

"Yeah, and I see he went on to return to being movie star Prince Shea," Damien remarked. "Seen him all across tabloids in this city."

"Yeah, Prince and his little brother Preston are both in our orbit now these days," Serena explained. "Prince is actually dating, non-exclusively, Marie's..." She looked at Marie, not sure about what to say. "That's a long story. But Preston is actually a friend of Sadie's now."

Damien nodded in understanding. "Small world."

"Seems like," Sadie replied.

Serena looked at Damien. "I thought you were gonna become a Belgian prince or something."

"My father took the ambassador post," Damien explained. "Wow, you look even more fantastic than you did in school."

Serena chuckled. "Oh, that was not a very good time for me."

"I seem to remember some fun Spanish classes with you and Prince," Damien told her.

"Really?" Serena asked. "More like me crying over conjugations, and Prince napping the class away, while you got straight A's and won all the athletic awards. You had the Mr. Perfect thing down."

Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Marie seemed a little amused.

Damien chuckled. "Well, I'm late to meet a friend, so, uh, I'd love to catch up some more."

Serena nodded. "Yeah, great. Text me your number."

"Okay," Damien agreed, looking at Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Marie, eyes on Marie a little longer than the other Rhodes girls. "Nice to meet you guys."

"You too," Noe told him.

Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Serena noticed Damien checking Marie out, smirking in amusement, looking at Marie. Marie looked nonplussed.

Serena turned to look at Damien. "Hey, are you going to the French Ambassador dinner tomorrow night?"

"I am," Damien answered.

"Then we'll see you there," Serena told him.

Damien nodded. "See you there."

Damien walked away.

Noe looked at Marie. "Oh, he was totally checking you out."

Marie chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, even though Prince is gonna be busy tomorrow night at the state dinner tomorrow night with Preston and their parents, and Angela would be busy being the bodyguard, and even if Carter can't make it since he and James don't get back until tomorrow, I doubt that I or any alters have anymore room in our life for another guy, or girl."

"Really?" Zaya asked. "Because Andrea said that she was bored and looking for another hookup, since she felt weird going after Carter given that she's an introject of your sister and he's your boyfriend, and Prince's mostly into Brittany, and whatever your alters got going on with Angela has yet to be decided."

"Look, whatever the case, I'm sure Andrea will let us know and we can figure it out from there," Noe told her.

Sadie was amused. "But you and the alters really are Queen of Hearts, huh? Capturing any and all hearts around you."

Marie laughed lightly, as did Zaya, Sadie, Noe and Serena.

Noe looked to be getting tired. "I think that's enough wandering around for me today."

"You okay?" Serena asked in concern.

"Yeah," Noe answered. "Just really tired. And the doctors said I shouldn't be out wandering around too much, but that it was okay for a little each day."

They nodded in agreement and worry, all concerned.

"Yeah, okay," Zaya agreed. "Let's get you home."

Marie led the girls up to their town car. "Come on."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck were talking quietly to themselves about the "mystery woman" they found at Bart's grave, along with the flowers and the locket.

Blair had found the locket, and walked into the room with Thyra and Wyatt.

"Hey, Alex, Hope and Aurora are at the clocktower getting things ready for the day, if you guys are ready to go," Thyra explained.

"Uh, yeah, just give us a moment," Brooklyn answered.

Wyatt nodded in understanding. "All right. I'll watch Theo today. He's taking a nap right now in Angela's room downstairs."

"Thank you, Wyatt," Dylan told him.

"Of course," Wyatt agreed.

Blair held up the locket, looking at Chuck. "You know how torturous it is for me to find shiny things that aren't intended for me."

Chuck took the locket from Blair. "It's just a worthless trinket some woman left by our father's grave."

Thyra frowned. "And you aren't even the least bit curious about someone who wears your father around her neck?"

Dylan tilted his head skeptically. "One of his concubines had his name tattooed on her ass."

"We have more important things to do than search for another member of the female Bart Bass fan club," Brooklyn told them. "Like get the clocktower up and running by the end of summer so Angela has her place, Theo can be there for days or nights she has him, and then whoever else she wants there. This thing with the alters of Marie's seems to be getting more deep, and who knows how they're working that out with Carter and Prince. But then other people can stay in other rooms too."

"What about helping me achieve the college experience I so greatly deserve?" Blair asked.

Chuck sat back. "I assume you're referring to my lunch to discuss Parisian Hotel possibilities with Henri Duris."

Blair smiled. "Who my research also tells me is the rumor president of Table Elitaire. Just imagining my life as a member of the most exclusive secret society makes me tingle."

Chuck smirked. "Well, while I find that incredibly arousing..." Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan and Wyatt rolled their eyes, not surprised at this point by the comments they made in front of others. "You know I can't promise anything but an introduction."

"All I need to know is that the most persuasive and powerful man I've ever met is on my side," Blair told him.

Thyra smirked. "Right. So, Chuck, while you're having that lunch, Brooklyn, Dylan and I can head to the clocktower."

Brooklyn and Dylan stood.

"Yep," Brooklyn agreed. "Alex, Hope and Aurora await with further plans."

"Brooklyn and I may not be the CEO of the company like Chuck, which means we can't make all the decisions like he can and we have to let him in on basically everything, but we can still handle this for today," Dylan told them.

Chuck smirked. "Brooklyn, Dylan, don't worry. I'm sure you'll both be CEOs of your own companies eventually. Like Thyra will be of Diamond Enterprises eventually, and Wyatt is intent on making his own company of whatever the hell he's planning."

Brooklyn and Dylan both tilted their heads at Chuck, but smirked slightly.

Thyra and Wyatt smirked.

"My company would be for tech and biomedical sciences, just FYI," Wyatt answered. "I just need a better college education than NYU to help me with that. But seeing as Yale is off the table, and Aurora is still trying to fix Columbia, who knows when that can happen?"

Chuck and Dylan exchanged a knowing look.

Brooklyn raised her eyebrows, nodding. "Right. Well, we all have our things for today. Let's get it done."

Blair, Thyra, Wyatt, Brooklyn and Dylan walked out of the hotel room.

Chuck sat forward to look at the locket, and got a text from Andrew Tyler:

Found jeweler. Call me.

X•O°X•O

The Clocktower

Hope, Alex and Aurora were already here, working for the day.

Aurora looked around at the bustling around the clocktower as things were already being set up. "Wow. Alex, Hope, I'm impressed. You've already started to put things in motion for the clocktower while I was busy with Harry trying to get Tripp arrested. I'm proud of you two. And Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck."

Alex smirked slightly. "Thanks, Aurora."

Hope smiled. "I'm really glad you said that, Mom. Because I also have to tell you something. And you, Alex. And later Blair, Thyra and Wyatt, once James and Carter get back too."

"This sounds mysterious," Alex told her. "Or exciting. Take your pick."

Hope smirked. "A little bit of both actually. My fashion design teacher always gets to take an assistant to fashion week every year from her class, to Paris. And this morning, after class..."

Alex and Aurora both knew where this was going, smiling slightly.

"She asked you, didn't she?" Aurora asked.

"Yeah," Hope answered. "And of course I said yes, since that's been like my dream since I was little. But I'm also worried about leaving because of the crash, and everything since, with Noe, and Nate... the baby..."

Alex and Aurora both nodded understandingly, sadly and worriedly.

"Hope, you can't pass this up," Aurora told her. "This is a chance of a lifetime, and this is something you need for your future. Your career. I get that you're worried and you don't want to feel like you're abandoning anyone, but believe me, you won't be."

"Exactly," Alex agreed. "Plus, it's just for a week. A lot can happen in a week, as we know, but everything has settled down now. And I think it will stay settled down, hopefully for a long while, since the Crew, and the family, all need a damn break."

Hope and Aurora nodded in agreement, expressively.

"Right, yeah," Hope agreed.

"This is something that you deserve, Hope," Aurora told her. "Don't let it pass by."

Hope managed a small smile, more reassured, nodding. "Okay. Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Alex."

Alex and Aurora nodded in agreement.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Jenny's Room

Lily was with Jenny. "So how was your mom's? I'm sure your dad called every day."

"Well, he v-Chatted for present opening," Jenny answered. "You didn't want to go to Telluride with him, huh? Those Lincoln Hawk guys can be kind of annoying."

"I had to stay here, with Noe, especially when she was finally released from the hospital," Lily answered, though looked guilty because Rufus was avoiding her after Maureen gave him the letter.

Damien knocked on the open door. "Hi." He walked in with a small present box. "Welcome home."

Jenny stood. "Damien, hi."

"Hey," Damien replied.

"Lily, you remember Damien, right?" Jenny asked.

"Oh, yes," Lily answered. "Yes. Hello."

Damien shook Lily's hand. "Mrs. Humphrey, how are you?" He handed the box to Jenny. "And this is for you."

Jenny took the box. "Thank you." They both exchanged a look. Jenny turned to Lily. "Um, thank you, Lily, for helping me unpack, but I think I'm good now."

Jenny led Lily to the door.

Lily turned to look at her. "Um, Jenny, um, a word, please?"

X•O°X•O

Living Room

Lily turned to face Jenny after leading her there to talk alone. "So, your father and I haven't really discussed you having boys alone in your room. Maybe just keep the door open?"

"Lily, if we wanted to have sex, we'd just go to a hotel," Jenny told her. "And seriously, it's not like that with us."

"Then what is it like?" Lily asked. "I mean, he seems happy to see you."

Jenny scoffed softly. "Um, I'll open the door if anything changes."

"Oh, and you wouldn't happen to know when your father was coming back?" Lily asked. "Larissa accidentally lost the itinerary."

Jenny raised her eyebrows skeptically. "I think he said today, but just call him and ask."

Jenny walked away.

X•O°X•O

Jenny's Room

Jenny returned to her room, closing the door, looking at Damien, holding up the box. "So cookies. Let me guess."

"I have a puzzle that needs solving, and I know how much you Humphreys like games," Damien told her.

Jenny opened the box, revealing a bunch of drugs inside.

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Bedroom

Noe was laying down, looking in denial about a lot of things.

Nate walked over to Noe to check on her, both looking at each other, while Nate was very worried, though trying to hide it so he didn't distress Noe. "Hey. How you doing?"

"I'm okay," Noe answered. "I mean, relatively speaking. I've been out of the hospital, and I wanted to see if I could go to tomorrow night's ambassador's party."

Nate shook his head in concern. "I don't know if that's a good idea. The doctors said you need as much rest as you can."

"And I'll be resting until the party," Noe assured. "I know you're worried about what they said, but they're wrong, Nate."

"We need to take a couple days and process what they said, okay?" Nate asked.

Noe gazed off. "When I think about all the time I thought maybe I wasn't ready for a baby, or all the time I was scared of Tripp, like I... like I couldn't handle it..."

"Noe, it doesn't work like that," Nate told her. "The universe doesn't punish you for being afraid."

"I know," Noe agreed. "I know."

"The doctor said..." Nate trailed off.

"I know what he said," Noe told him. "But he's wrong."

"What about the other doctors?" Nate asked. Noe didn't answer, looking down. "I don't want to stress you out, Noe. But we really need to talk about this."

"About how the doctors said that I could hemorrhage and both me and this baby could die?" Noe asked. "Because of the accident and some tear in my womb? It doesn't matter, because they said once I can have her, then they can fix the tear, but they can't do it now without risking both our lives more since she's in there. She's already growing, and I love her. I love her so much that I don't want to live without her." 

Nate took both of her hands in his hands. "I love her too, Noe. More than I thought I ever could. I just don't want to lose either of you."

"And you won't," Noe told him. "We can't even think like that, okay? Will you just look at all the stuff you and I have survived together? Are we really gonna let some doctor tell us what's going to happen? I've defied odds before. You always call me a survivor. And you said that our baby is a survivor just like me. So we just have to believe that." Nate knew that Noe was in denial, and when the denial faded, she would break down, dreading the moment when that would come because of how much pain she would be in emotionally. "You know, I'm always thinking about you, Nate. Thank you for being so patient with me. I just needed some time. But after all this, everything's gonna be better, I promise. I mean, I remember everything. I just..."

"I'm really glad to see you so happy about that," Nate told her. "But... I just don't know if everything that happened is gonna go away so quickly."

"You know, no matter what goes wrong in my life, every time I see you, it all goes away," Noe told him. "It's gonna be okay. You'll see."

Nate knew that Noe was in denial, but knew not to push her right now, cupping her cheek, just wanting to be with her through everything no matter what, kissing her. "It's okay."

Noe winked, smiling a bit. She looked down nervously. "You know, the doctor said it takes most people..."

"You're not most people," Nate pointed out. "I've seen how you are when you set your mind to something. You can do this. I'll help you." They kissed again. Noe gasped, holding her belly. "What is it? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, the baby's just really kicking," Noe answered.

"She's kicking?" Nate asked.

"Oh, yeah," Noe answered, taking Nate's hand, placing his hand over her belly.

Nate smiled when he felt the baby kick, in awe. "I can feel her. That's our girl. She's okay."

Noe smiled with tears in her eyes. "Yeah." She checked the time. "Laureen's coming over in a little bit. Therapy after everything, especially with getting my memories back."

Nate nodded in understanding. "Good. Yeah, it's a good thing for you to see Laureen after everything. I'm glad she, Zaya and Sadie are starting to feel better after everything too."

"Yeah," Noe agreed. "Me too."

Nate wrapped an arm around Noe, and Noe leaned her head on his shoulder, both still reeling. Noe looked up at Nate, kissing him softly, determined to take every chance to kiss him she could because she didn't know how long she could do so.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Rufus walked in with his vacation stuff, putting it down when his phone rang. He pulled it out, seeing that Lily was calling, but he ignored the call.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Lily was not surprised Rufus was still ignoring her, hanging up.

X•O°X•O

Jewelry Store

Chuck had taken the locket to a jeweler.

The jeweler looked through a magnifying glass. "It's my work, all right."

"Do you remember who you sold it to?" Chuck asked.

"The picture's right there," the jeweler told him. "Bart Bass."

"Do you know who he bought it for?" Chuck asked.

"Mr. Bass kept the recipients of his purchases private," the jeweler explained. "But a woman did bring this one to repair the hinge about a month ago."

"A woman?" Chuck repeated. "Early 40s, brown hair, brown eyes?" The jeweler nodded. Chuck pulled out some money, holding it up. "Look, I would be very grateful if you could share any other information you may have."

Chuck put the cash down in front of him.

"I'm sorry," the jeweler told him. "Client confidentiality."

"My father was the original client," Chuck pointed out. "Please, this is all I, and my siblings Brooklyn and Dylan, have left of him."

The jeweler nodded in understanding, pulling out a card to find out her name. "Elizabeth Fisher. She paid in cash, but she had it delivered."

Chuck took the card to read the address. "Thank you."

Chuck walked away to call Brooklyn and Dylan, who were working on the clocktower with Hope, Alex, Thyra and Aurora.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "With enough time, we all find what we're looking for."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Serena walked into the penthouse, looking around.

James had just gotten back, turning to look at Serena, a drink in hand, smirking a slight smile.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Even if it was there all along."

Serena laughed, walking closer. "James!"

James smiled, placing his drink down. "Hey, Serena."

Serena and James embraced.

"I'm so glad you called, and that you're home early," Serena told him.

James chuckled. "Yeah, me too. Cyrus took mercy on me and Carter and sent us home early because of everything going on, so..."

Serena smiled. "Well, remind me to send him a gift. I'm just so glad you're back."

"Me too," James agreed.

For a moment, James and Serena just looked at each other intensely, before they started to kiss passionately, heatedly, more so each passing second. James turned to lay Serena down on the couch, as they both continued to make out.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And when time slows and suddenly every moment counts, all you want is for this time to last forever."

X•O°X•O

Angela's Hotel Room

Angela and Prince were here after an interview, having a couple of drinks, when there was a knock on the door.

"Come on in, Marie," Angela called.

Marie walked in. "Hey. Thanks for inviting me over."

"Yeah, no problem," Angela agreed. "Preston and Prince just got done with more interviews today, and they, and I, might be busy at the state dinner tomorrow, but..."

"Right," Marie agreed.

Angela and Prince exchanged a knowing look, like they knew something she didn't, smirking slightly.

Prince offered Marie a drink. "Here. Looks like you could use this."

Marie took the glass. "Yes, I definitely could."

Marie smirked slightly, taking a drink.

"How are the other Rhodes girls," Prince asked.

"Serena's completely better, just like Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck," Marie answered. "Zaya and Sadie are even getting better mentally wise, like Laureen is, after the fire and everything. Noe's walking about, but she's easily tired, and she has to rest a lot because of the..." Marie didn't know how to finish, looking incredibly worried, while Angela and Prince looked at her in concern. "Um, she's still in denial."

"I think most of the Crew and family is," Angela pointed out.

Marie nodded in agreement. "Yeah. But Noe especially."

"I'm so sorry, Marie," Prince told her. Marie swallowed. "But we have a couple of drinks now, and we can forget about it for a while."

"Yeah, for now," Marie agreed.

Prince nodded. "And Preston's working on his AP Literature project with Sadie, so at least we know they're good for now."

They nodded.

"I really wanted to thank you two," Marie admitted. "Not just for being there for the alters since the accident, this past week, but for me too. I mean, all of this is pretty new to us, but... it feels nice. It feels right."

Angela and Prince nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, it does," Prince agreed. "And of course we were there for you and the alters, Marie. All of you. We're friends too."

Marie nodded, looking at Angela. "And I really wanted to thank you again for helping with Tripp. You and Emilia..."

"You've thanked me enough for that for the past week, Marie," Angela pointed out. "So have the alters."

"I know," Marie agreed. "But the crash happened while Tripp was being arrested. I don't want to think about what would've happened if he was still out."

Angela and Prince nodded in understanding.

"Okay," Prince said. "No more of that for now. We can save the dark and gloomy talk for later." He held up a fourth glass out. "You know, with the other dark one of us."

Marie frowned in confusion.

Carter walked in, taking the glass from Prince, smirking, taking a drink. "There's a whole lot of pot calling the kettle black, Prince."

Prince smirked, shrugging, taking a drink.

Angela smirked, taking a drink. "Mm-hmm."

Marie was surprised. "Carter!" Carter, Angela and Prince smiled at her reaction. "What are you doing here?"

Marie instantly went to hug Carter.

Carter returned the embrace. "Hey, Marie."

Marie pulled away. "You weren't supposed to be here until tomorrow."

Carter nodded in agreement. "I know. Cyrus got sick of watching me and James text you and Serena, so he had the plane bring us home early."

"And... Angela and Prince knew you were here," Marie stated, turning her head to look at Angela and Prince, tilting her head.

Angela and Prince smirked.

"Technically, we knew that Carter was on the way up here, he just got here," Angela corrected.

"We wanted to surprise you, a good kind of surprise for once," Prince explained.

Angela shrugged. "Which worked, might I add."

Carter, Marie, Angela and Prince chuckled lightly.

Carter brushed back a piece of Marie's hair, kissing her lightly. "Hey, beautiful."

Marie smiled. "Hey. I don't get many nice surprises, so thanks, guys."

Carter, Angela and Prince chuckled.

"Yep," Prince agreed. "Cheers to an uneventful last week."

Angela pointed at Prince. "Don't make me kick your ass for jinxing us."

Prince nodded sarcastically. "How did I know that you were gonna say that?"

Carter and Marie smirked, holding their glasses out. "Cheers."

Angela and Prince clinked their glasses with Carter and Marie's. "Cheers."

Carter, Marie, Angela and Prince all took a drink, soon ending up finishing their glasses.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And even when things seem out of the box, it may be the most perfect thing. More than affair to remember. This might be one that no one ever forgets."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Jenny's Room

Jenny was laying on the bed with the drugs, looking up at Damien. "So the ambassador's daughter's gonna be at this dinner?"

"Yeah, but her father's got her under 24 hour surveillance, which means her guards will be on her at all times," Damien answered.

Jenny sighed. "Well, I can meet her in the ladies' room. I bet they don't follow her in there. Or we could switch handbags."

"You--you need to understand," Damien told her. "This is a state dinner, which means there's security everywhere. All bags will be searched. The problem is not getting the package to Violette. It's getting the package in in the first place."

Jenny looked at the shawl/jacket that Violette would be wearing to the dinner. "I can wear it. I can make this. Only in mine, the paillettes won't be empty."

Damien sat down. "You put the pills in the jacket?"

"Yeah, I wear it to the dinner, check it, and then Violette and I switch coat check tags," Jenny answered. "I take her coat--"

"And she'll leave with yours," Damien finished, impressed. "It's not bad."

"Not bad?" Jenny repeated. "Come on, it's brilliant."

Jenny grabbed Damien's shoulders, shaking him lightly, laughing.

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Rhodes' Girls Hotel Room

Sadie and Preston were working on the project.

"I'm sorry this took so long to get back to, but..." Sadie trailed off.

Preston shook his head. "Don't be. Everybody gets it, Sadie."

Sadie read some of the quotes from their project. "'Blessed are the hearts that can bend. They shall never be broken'. But if there's no breaking, then there's no healing. And if there's no healing, then there's no learning. And if there's no learning, then there's no struggle. But the struggle is a part of life. So must all hearts be broken?"

Preston looked at her in concern. "You okay?"

Sadie nodded unconvincingly. "Yeah. Sorry, let's just focus on the quotes."

Preston nodded in agreement, reciting another quote for the project. "Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone, and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering. Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your believe will help create the fact'."

Sadie was really effected by that quote given her painful past, and her unknown future, whether or not she would have one because of her heart condition, remembering what Zaya said earlier to Noe, Sadie and Marie. She cleared her throat. "Um, moving on." She went to another quote. "'There is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow, when we have not yet known what it is to have suffered and healed, to have despaired and recovered hope'."

Preston read the last quote for the project. "'Love is no love which alters when it alteration finds... it is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken. Love alters not with time's brief hours and weeks... but bears it out even to the edge of doom'."

Sadie swallowed lightly. "Okay."

Preston looked at her in concern. "Sadie?" Sadie looked up. "What's wrong?"

Sadie bit her lip, sitting up, trying to figure out what to say. "Do you ever wonder what it would be like if you weren't you anymore? If you were suddenly gone, how would your world react? That whatever you imagine is wrong. Grief and death is like the ocean. It's deep and dark and bigger than all of us. And pain is like a thief in the night. Quiet, persistent, unfair... diminished by time and faith and love. They say we leave this world just the way we came into it. Naked and alone. So if we do leave with nothing, what then is the measure of a life? Is it defined by the people we choose to love? Or is life measured by our accomplishments? And what if we fail? Or are never truly loved? What then? Can we ever measure up? Or will the quiet desperation of a life gone wanting drive us mad? I mean, when you're young, you think nothing can hurt you. It's like being invincible. Your whole life is ahead of you, and you have big plans. Huge plans. To find your perfect match, to get your dream job, have the perfect life. But as you get older, you realize it's not that easy. And you realize how the plans you made were simply plans. At the end, when you're looking back instead of forward, you want to believe that you made the most of what life gave you. You want to believe that you're leaving something good behind. You want it all to have mattered."

Preston was very concerned with the way she was speaking, but understanding after everything she had gone through in such a short amount of time. "Okay. Sadie, I know this is about the fire, and about the crash, and about your heart." Sadie looked down, swallowing. "I know you're scared about what will happen with Noe, and the baby, and your heart. And I might not know Noe very well, but I do know that she's survived two car crashes that could have killed her, and she's still going. And you're still here after everything that happened to you, and to Zaya and Marie and Laureen. I know that you and the Crew and your family are strong and amazing. And I know that you guys can handle whatever is thrown at you."

"You think so?" Sadie asked.

Preston nodded. "I know so. And I know that you were so focused on trying to accomplish school and get a head start on what you know what you want to do with your life, your career, because you didn't know if you had enough time to slow down, but it's okay to take it easy too. To actually be able to enjoy and live life. As for what you said about truly loved..."

Sadie shook her head. "Forget it. I was just in my headspace."

"No, it's okay," Preston told her. "I know you might be scared about letting someone in because of your heart condition. But it is okay for you too."

Sadie bit her lip, still wondering. "Do you ever wonder if we make the moments in our lives or if the moments in our lives make us?"

"All the time," Preston answered. "I think the answer is both."

"And do you ever wonder how long it takes to change your life?" Sadie asked. "What measure of time is enough to be life altering. It can be four years like high school, or one year, or eight weeks, or even in a month, a week, or a single day. We're always in a hurry, to grow up, to go places, to get ahead. Especially me. Though one hour can change everything."

Preston nodded in agreement. "I know. But you aren't alone in all this, Sadie. You've got the Crew. Your family. Me."

Sadie smiled slightly. "Have you ever wondered what marks our time here? If one life can really make an impact on the world? Or if the choices we make matter?"

"I believe they do," Preston answered. "And I believe that one person can change many lives. For better or worse. And you are the type of person that can change many lives, Sadie Rhodes. For the better." Sadie's smile this time was more genuine, which Preston smiled back too. Preston got an idea. "Make a wish and place your hand on your heart." Sadie frowned, tilting her head. "Anything you want. Everything you want."

"Why?" Sadie asked.

"I'm trying to make a point," Preston answered. "Do you have it?"

Sadie sighed, humoring him, thinking of her wish, and placed her hand on her hand. "Yeah."

"Good," Preston told her. "Now believe it can come true. You never know where the next miracle is gonna come from, the next smile, the next wish come true. But if you believe that it's right around the corner, and you open your heart and mind to the possibility of it, to the certainty of it... you just might get the thing you're wishing for. You just have to believe in it. So make your wish? Do you have it?"

"Yes," Sadie answered.

"Good," Preston said. "Now believe in it... with all your heart." Sadie closed her eyes, sighing deeply and making her wish. Preston watched her for a moment. "What was your wish?"

"I wished that me, and Noe and her baby, can all live long, happy lives," Sadie answered. "And the rest of the Crew and family."

Preston nodded in understanding. "I figured that was what you would wish. And I think that it can come true. No matter what life throws at us. All of us."

Sadie looked at Preston, thankful that he was there for her and did this for her to cheer her up and try and get her to have faith and hope again in life. "Thanks. Has anyone told you that you're really mature for your age, Preston Shea?"

Preston smiled. "All the time. And you're one to talk."

Sadie smiled. They both went back to the project, stealing looks at each other as they did.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft

Lily was knocking on the door when Dan walked up to the loft.

"Lily?" Dan asked.

"Oh, hello, Daniel," Lily told him.

"Hey," Dan replied. "What--what are you doing in Brooklyn?"

"Um, I was hoping your father would be here," Lily answered.

Dan opened the door, leading the way inside. "He was supposed to be back this morning. I can't imagine he'd come here before going to see you."

"Well, I just figured since he hadn't seen you over the holidays," Lily told him. "You know how sentimental he is."

"Yeah," Dan agreed. "Dad!"

There was no answer.

"Oh, well, you know what?" Lily asked. "Maybe he decided to stay and ski another day."

Dan noticed Rufus's belongings by the door when he turned to face Lily. "Uh, yeah, I don't--I don't think that's what happened."

Lily turned to follow his gaze, sighing. "Well, I should go. If you see him, tell him I stopped by."

"Okay," Dan agreed.

Lily turned around, walking out.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Theo's Nursery

Wyatt was placing Theo down for a nap, on the phone with Dylan. "Dylan, where are you? I texted you an hour ago. Theo's going down for his nap."

Dylan was waiting outside a hotel. "I'm sorry, Wyatt, but I have something to do with Brooklyn and Chuck real quick. Brooklyn and I finished with Hope, Alex, Thyra and Aurora at the clocktower. Chuck wasn't able to attend the lunch because he had another meeting."

"Blair's not gonna be happy about that," Wyatt pointed out. "She's gonna have a stroke."

"Chuck promised to get Blair her introduction," Dylan explained. "Monsieur Duris will be attending the state dinner tomorrow night."

Wyatt sighed. "Thank God. I don't have to tell Blair the bad news."

Dylan chuckled.

"Where are you, Brooklyn and Chuck going?" Wyatt asked.

"We're trying to meet someone who's schedule is even more unpredictable than ours," Dylan answered. "I'll see you tonight."

Dylan hung up.

Brooklyn and Chuck walked out of a hotel toward Dylan.

"Elizabeth Fisher is no longer at this hotel," Brooklyn explained. "When she got the message that we were waiting for her in the bar, she checked out of the hotel immediately afterwards."

"And none of us can be surprised by that, can we?" Chuck asked.

Brooklyn and Dylan shook their heads.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Living Room

Wyatt walked downstairs after putting Theo down for a nap.

Blair was here, going through a file from Andrew Tyler that she found in the Empire while waiting for Chuck earlier.

James, Carter, Thyra, Hope and Aurora were nearby.

"Hey, guys," Wyatt told them.

"Hi," James greeted.

Wyatt smiled. "James, Carter, didn't know you would be back today."

"Yeah, Cyrus sent me and Carter home since we kept texting Serena and Marie after everything," James explained.

Carter smirked. "Right."

Thyra nodded in amusement. "Got it. So I take it James was with Serena already. Carter, you already see Marie?"

"And Angela and Prince," Carter answered.

"That makes sense," Hope remarked. "Angela and Prince have been there a lot for Marie this past week, not just the alters. They're becoming close too. Well, Carter, James, I'm glad you're back."

Hope gave James and Carter both a hug.

James and Carter chuckled. "Thanks, Hope."

James nodded to his adoptive siblings. "Blair. Wyatt. Thyra."

Thyra pulled James in for a hug. "Get over here, James."

They chuckled.

Wyatt and Blair also embraced with James.

"Welcome back, James," Blair told him. 

"I already got one hug, I don't need another," Carter told them.

Thyra, Wyatt and Blair ignored him and gave Carter a hug anyway. "Shut up, Carter."

Aurora smiled, and the kids laughed lightly.

"I had to get some of my SVA stuff here from my old room, so..." James trailed off.

"Well, you know that you're always free to stay here, too, not just the Empire, James," Aurora told him.

"That's true," Wyatt agreed.

"Thanks," James said.

"And welcome back to you, and to Carter," Aurora told them.

"Thanks, Aurora," Carter told her.

Blair frowned, looking through the file.

"What are you looking at?" Thyra asked.

"A file that Chuck had on the locket that he, Brooklyn and Dylan all said they didn't care about," Blair answered. "But they're looking into it anyway. Why would they lie?"

"Maybe they just want to figure it out for themselves before telling us," Thyra answered. "If I found a strange woman at my parents's grave, I probably would react the same way."

Blair didn't seem to understand.

"Look, we'll figure it out," Wyatt told her. "Did Chuck tell you about the reschedule for your meeting tomorrow at the state dinner?"

"Yeah, he told me, and he's lucky there's so much going on right now, or I would kill him for jeopardizing my future over this," Blair answered.

"Ease up, Blair," Aurora told her. "Hope, is there something you want to say to Thyra, Blair, Wyatt, Carter and James?"

Hope raised her eyebrows, tilting her head. "Uh, maybe."

"Does this have anything to do with what you, Alex and Aurora were talking about at the clocktower before Brooklyn, Dylan and I came up?" Thyra asked.

"Yeah," Hope answered. "Um, my fashion design teacher invited me as an assistant to Paris for fashion week."

James, Carter, Thyra, Wyatt and Blair all looked at Hope in surprise, smiling, as Aurora also smiled.

"Oh, my God," Thyra said. "Hope, that's amazing."

Thyra pulled Hope into an embrace, as the two cousins laughed lightly.

"Thank you, Thyra," Hope told her. "But I was hesitant after everything going on lately. I mean, I said yes, but..."

"Don't feel guilty about going for your future even when the Crew and family might be in shambles, Hope," Blair told her. "Doesn't do well to dawdle, trust me."

"I'm not dawdling," Hope replied. "I'm just... I'm worried. With Noe and the baby and everything with Zaya, Sadie and Laureen..."

"Things are finally slowing down, Hope," Wyatt told her. "Take this chance, okay?"

"They're right," James agreed. "You deserve it."

"It's not like any of us are going away," Carter pointed out. "And this is what you wanted, right?"

Aurora gave Hope a look. "I told you that's what they would say."

Hope smiled. "Okay."

They all smiled.

James sighed. "All right, well, I'm gonna head back to the trio penthouse, as Zaya, Sadie, Brooklyn and Thyra like to call it."

Thyra smirked, nodding, winking.

"And I'm gonna head back and see Marie at my hotel room," Carter added. "She said that she had something to tell me, and Angela and Prince."

"Sounds ominous," Wyatt told him. "Good luck."

"Thanks," Carter replied.

"See you guys later," Thyra told them.

Blair waved slightly. "Bye."

James and Carter walked to the elevator.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment Building - Outside

Rufus was standing on the sidewalk, hesitating before going into the building.

Holland walked outside with her dog. "Rufus, hi. What are you doing standing out here?"

"Making a decision," Rufus answered.

"How are you doing?" Holland asked. "Did you end up going away?"

Rufus nodded. "I just got back this morning."

"And are you back for good?" Holland asked.

Rufus chuckled nervously. "That's what I'm deciding. I came over to talk to Lily, but now I'm not sure. I want to give her a chance to explain. But still there's a part of me that doesn't want to know."

Holland nodded knowingly. "Cup of coffee? It's freezing out here."

Rufus smiled. "Coffee actually sounds really good."

Rufus took Holland's umbrella to hold.

Holland smiled. "Thank you."

They walked down the sidewalk.

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Living Room

Noe was resting, and Laureen came here to have a session with her like Noe and Nate talked about earlier.

Laureen took off her waterfall jacket, revealing her nice work outfit, having a black top that had a diagonal neckline with one shoulder strap, a slit over her chest but not revealing, her hair down nicely.

Noe was going over all the memories in her head. "Most of the memories I have from childhood are happy ones. Warm summer days filled with love and light and the certainty that even the darkest storm would eventually pass. And for a while, at least, they always did."

"And then?" Laureen asked.

Noe sighed. "And then my father started driving the car while drunk, and the first accident happened. And I forgot everything. I nearly died."

"But you didn't," Laureen told her.

"No," Noe agreed. "I survived."

"Everything you've been through, it explains the erratic feelings of panic, anxiety, like something is about to go wrong," Laureen told her. "Like you could turn on a dime and snap if it comes down to that."

"But I don't want it to come down to that," Noe told her. "After the second accident, and with this baby, I can't have it come down to that. How do I get past that? I mean, I--I really want to move forward with Nate, but this... the threat... of... the threat of what could happen to me, to us... it's holding me back."

Laureen looked very worried and concerned for her niece, trying to remain professional, but very comforting. "Noe, I've been treating you since the accident, and there's not one time that you've said 'the threat of what could happen' being that the doctors informed us all that you and the baby could die." Noe had tears in her eyes. "And after this, with the stalker and the accident and this threat of life, I know it's made you feel like a victim all over again. Like you have no real control of your life. But it doesn't have to be like that. You can and you will eventually start taking an active role in your own happiness. And you can get through this and no longer think of yourself as a victim once you've survived, and you will. I believe that you will."

"Thank you, Laureen," Noe told her. "Every time we leave here, I feel... more and more determined to take control."

Laureen managed a small smile. "Good. Then it sounds like I'm doing my job. As a therapist and as an aunt."

Noe sat forward, near tears. "Thank you. I love you."

Laureen wrapped Noe in an embrace, holding her comfortingly. "I love you too. You're gonna be okay, Noe. I promise. Just believe that."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Lobby

Zaya was walking when she passed by a courier.

The courier handed Zaya a package box meant for flowers. "Oh, Miss Zaya? This was sent from your old building to here by Vanya. It's noted for your cousin, Marie Rhodes. She just went upstairs to Carter Baizen's room."

"Oh, thank you," Zaya told him. "I'll make sure she gets it."

X•O°X•O

Carter's Hotel Room

Carter, Marie, Angela and Prince were sitting down, having some more drinks.

Marie took off her black leather jacket with a beige hem, revealing a nicely designed beige tank top underneath that was clearly more expensive in taste than she usually had (it had black tank top straps and a unique neckline, along with gold/black cross straps on the front of the tank).

"Look at you getting used to the finer things in life," Carter told her in amusement.

Marie smiled. "Yeah, um, Mom, Laureen, Serena, Noe, Zaya and Sadie finally convinced me it was okay to take the Rhodes trust fund, and Grandma Celia wasn't leaving me much of a choice either since we met on Thanksgiving, especially after she heard about the disorder and everything and she wanted to help make sure I would always be okay wherever I went."

"That's nice of CeCe," Carter told her.

Marie nodded in agreement. "And then the girls took me shopping, so..."

"Right," Prince agreed. "We know how persistent they can be."

Angela smirked. "That's an understatement."

"But anyway, thanks for coming, guys," Marie told them.

"It was easy for me and Carter, since we both live in the building for now," Angela pointed out. "At least until Brooklyn, Thyra, Hope, Dylan, Chuck, Alex and Aurora finish the clocktower."

"And I had nowhere to be until tomorrow at the state dinner, thank God," Prince added.

Carter looked at Marie. "Yeah, I had no idea about the state dinner tomorrow, or I would've asked you to go."

"Well, I'm glad you kinda didn't," Marie admitted. "Uh, long story, but Prince?"

"Yeah?" Prince asked.

"Noe, Zaya, Sadie, Serena and I ran into a friend of yours and Serena's from boarding school this morning," Marie answered. "Damien Dalgaard?"

Prince raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I'm sorry, Damien? That's a shock."

"Yeah," Marie agreed. "They were teasing me about how he was checking me out, and we were already talking about the alters, and how Andrea was bored and she wanted some fun, but you are always busy with Preston with your work, and Angela's always busy now as your bodyguard, and Carter wasn't supposed to be back until tomorrow, so..."

Carter knew where she was going with this. "Serena's setting you up with Damien, isn't she?"

"She's setting Andrea up with him," Marie corrected. "And I think it could do me some good being in my own head for a while. I'm exhausted lately. And Andrea hasn't been out for a while. If that's okay with all of you."

Carter, Prince and Angela raised their eyebrows, impressed that they were handling this in a way where there would be no confusion or misunderstandings.

"Well, I may be into the flirting, but I'm not with any of the alters, not officially anyway," Angela pointed out. "You don't need my say so."

"Or mine, since Brittany and I agreed to non-exclusive," Prince added. "And I'm not with Andrea, or Nick or Lacy."

"And it's Andrea," Carter pointed out. "She's not into romance and she's not with anyone like that. It's fine, Marie. As long as you and the alters are okay with it."

Marie smiled. "I'm glad we can handle it like this."

Prince nodded, smirking, taking a drink, teasing. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say we were handling this all mature like."

Angela smirked. "Wouldn't want that, would we?"

Angela took a drink. Marie and Carter smirked, also drinking.

Zaya knocked on the door. "Carter! Marie!"

"Yeah, come on in, Zaya," Carter told her.

Zaya opened the door, walking in with the box. "Hey." She saw who else was there. "Oh, hi, Angela. Prince."

"Hey, Zaya," they replied.

"What do you got?" Angela asked.

"Oh, a hotel courier told me that this came for Marie at the apartment, but since Vanya knew she came here, he had it sent here, and the courier gave it to me so I could come up," Zaya answered. 

Marie frowned in confusion, standing. "For me?"

"Yeah," Zaya answered. "It's just a box of flowers."

Marie looked at Zaya in amusement. "Oh, so you opened it, did you?"

"Considering our histories, maybe I just wanted to make sure that there was nothing in it that could hurt you," Zaya replied.

Carter, Angela and Prince were impressed with that answer, nodding.

Marie chuckled. "Well, thank you, Zaya."

Prince looked at Marie in amusement. "Who knows? Maybe it's Damien because of the set up Serena did for him and Andrea."

"Oh, Serena really did set Andrea up with Damien?" Zaya asked. "I thought she was joking."

"Apparently not," Angela answered, taking a sip.

Marie took the box, placing it down on a table, opening it slowly, cautiously, looking inside at the flowers.

Inside, the bouquet of flowers included roses, dahlias, and petunias, all dark shades of red, which wouldn't raise any suspicions to someone who didn't understand, but to Marie, it was red flags.

Marie looked as if she was thinking, 'I should've known', looking very rattled and disturbed, swallowing, nearly dissociating, but she tried to hide any reaction from Carter, Angela, Prince and Zaya, though they could tell something was wrong.

"Marie?" Zaya asked. "What's..."

Marie shook her head. "No, nothing. It's fine. I'm--I'm fine. I... I just need some air."

"Marie, what..." Carter trailed off.

Marie walked out of the room before they could ask anymore questions, leaving Carter, Angela, Prince and Zaya looking at each other in confusion and concern.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Obsesionar [Obsessed in Spanish], Obsederen [Obsessed Dutch], Obseder [Obsessed in French]. No matter what language you say it in, looks like an old obsession just started the clock on a ticking time bomb."

X•O°X•O

Hallway

Marie found herself in a hallway away from everyone, leaning against the wall, looking really rattled and upset, though she was trying not to react like this because she knew this was what he wanted.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Poor Queen of Hearts. Can Marie ever get away from the insanity?"

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Marie was still sitting on the floor, breathing heavily, shakily as she tried to keep herself together, gazing off, but not dissociating, as she was forced to remember the first time she got flowers like that.

X•O°X•O

Flashback

Day - Street 

Marie had just got done helping serve at a bar where her sister Andrea bartended, walking outside down the street, stopping nearby a small bush of flowers which included roses, dahlias and petunias, dissociating a bit.

Vincent walked out of the bar, leaning against the wall nearby Marie. "So this is where you've been, huh, Marie?"

Marie was startled to hear his voice when she had been close to dissociating, jumping, turning to look at Vincent. "Vincent. Don't do that."

Vincent looked amused that he startled her without meaning to. "Sorry. You work here as a bartender?"

"Server," Marie corrected. "My sister's the bartender, but she's taught me a few things."

Vincent nodded in amusement. "Mm-hmm. You think about my... proposition?"

"You mean you trying to get close enough to me to ask me out?" Marie asked. "Yeah, I know that's why you've been hanging around me so you could ask me out. I'm not stupid."

Vincent shook his head, amused by her calling him out like that. "I never said you were. I didn't try to hide that fact either."

Marie looked at the flowers. "I just... don't know if I'm ready for anything like that."

"You're never gonna find out unless you don't try," Vincent pointed out.

Clearly, Vincent did like Marie, subtly seducing her because he actually did want to be with her, though there was a hidden manipulation behind what he was doing, like there was something that she didn't know but he did. Marie was very resistant and cautious. Neither of them were aware how bad Vincent could really be and how badly this would end up at this point. Vincent seemed almost normal, though with his cocky and smug attitude and anger and aggression issues, it wouldn't take much for his obsession with Marie to take control and change everything.

"Why are you even asking me?" Marie asked. "You lost a bet or something?"

Vincent chuckled, smirking a bit in amusement. "Wow, someone's got trust issues."

"After everyone found out about my disorder, yeah," Marie replied. "My last real friend outed my disorder because she was pissed off over nothing, and now everyone in town thinks I'm a crazy freak. So, yeah, trust issues. Why are you even here?"

"For one, watching you serve," Vincent answered, coming off charming and sweet as he put on the act that he knew would get her to lower her guard. "For two, I find you interesting. And maybe I might actually like you. So yeah, I'm gonna keep asking you out."

"You don't give up, do you?" Marie asked.

Vincent smirked, shaking his head. "When I know what I want? Never."

"Yeah, and why would you want me?" Marie asked.

"You clearly don't know how pretty you are, Marie," Vincent told her.

Marie scoffed a laugh at the flirting and the fact he was hitting on her. Vincent gave a wolfish grin.

"I'm really messed up," Marie told him. "So why?"

Vincent shrugged. "Isn't everybody a little messed up?"

Marie still wasn't sure, though she was curious about something. "There's something about you that seems so familiar, but I can't think of what it is."

Vincent just looked at her. "We've grown up in a small town where everybody knows everybody, and I'm the Sheriff and the Mayor's son. Of course I'm gonna be familiar."

"Not just that," Marie told him.

Vincent tilted his head, looking slightly tense, raising his eyebrows. "You really don't remember your childhood much, do you? Because the disorder."

"No," Marie answered. "Why?"

Vincent shook his head, relieved, smirking. "No reason." He looked the flowers that Marie kept looking at to change the subject. "You like those?"

"They're okay, I guess," Marie answered.

Vincent took a rose, a petunia and a dahlia off the flower bush, placing the small petunia in her hair, and handing the other two flowers to either of her hands. "Well, you might be cautious and resistant given that your last real friend outed your disorder. I get that. Not all people are like that though. And I know people at school have been giving you a hard time since she exposed your disorder. Though as long as they know you're hanging out with me, they won't be. Could make things at school a lot easier. No one else would be able to mess with you, Marie."

Marie narrowed her eyes at Vincent slightly, though the 'sweet' gesture was lowering her guard a bit, the two 16 year olds not knowing how dark and twisted things could really get between them since this was before Vincent completely snapped, though clearly he was manipulative and dangerous even at this point. Marie looked kind of nervous, but Vincent had tried long and hard enough to get her to say yes.

X•O°X•O

Now

Day - The Empire - Hallway

Marie was still sitting, reeling and overwhelmed, tears in her eyes as the flowers made her remember everything else Vincent did to her and the other times he sent those flowers to her.

Angela walked into the hallway, seeing Marie, sighing in relief, walking closer. "Marie?"

Marie looked up, swallowing, looking down. "Angela."

"Zaya, Carter, Prince and I were looking for you after you took off," Angela told her. "Do you want me to call..."

Marie shook her head. "No, please don't."

Angela nodded barely, not knowing what to do for a moment, before she sat across from Marie on the floor, resting her arms on her knees. "Do you want to talk? About why those flowers sent you off like that?"

Marie swallowed. "Not really."

Angela had a feeling where those flowers came from, nodding, looking away. "Okay." She bit her lip, knowing that it was finally time to come clean about her own issues with a guy obsessed with her and what he did to her family, looking down, hoping it would help both of them. "I never told any of the Crew about why Giselle disappeared." Marie looked up in confusion. "How in a way, it was my fault."

"How was it your fault?" Marie asked. "You, Emilia and Ivan were looking for Giselle. I..."

"Of course, but..." Angela trailed off. "The guy that was behind Giselle's abduction? His name was Joffrey Campbell. Campbell is one of the leading families sitting at the Council table for the Silence." Marie nodded, frowning in confusion. "And Joffrey... he liked me. A lot. And he was unrelenting with trying to convince me to be with him. Said that he could show me the world if I just gave him the chance." Marie gazed off at remembering how Vincent never gave up in asking her out. "I kept saying no, and I never changed my answer. And that's why..."

"He took Giselle," Marie finished sadly, sympathetically.

Angela nodded in agreement. "And he destroyed my family, because the man who killed my father in front of me worked for that bastard. Leaving me and my mother alone until I had Theo."

Marie was stunned, swallowing. "Angela, I'm so sorry. I..."

"You don't have to be," Angela told her. "I know you know what that feels like. At least the part where Joffrey never gave up and the things he could do to the people I cared about. But I know it was different with Vincent."

"Yeah, he hurt the people around me," Marie agreed. "He tormented me, us. Playing games with us. Threatening my sister Andrea, until she wasn't around to defend me against him anymore, when she died."

Angela nodded knowingly. "Those flowers were from Vincent, weren't they? I know that sometimes, jailbirds can have flowers sent to someone. Depends on what jail they're in, if they're in an actual prison or not. He sent those to you."

Marie swallowed. "Yeah. He saw me looking at roses, petunias and dahlias one day when he kept asking me out. And he gave me them. Saying that no one else could mess with me if they knew that I was hanging out with him. People were giving me a hard time because my last friend before that had outed my disorder to the entire school and soon it was all over town and everyone was treating me like I was crazy. A freak. And Vincent said that no one else could mess with me if I was with him. Else being the key word. No one else did. They all steered clear of me, so when things got bad with Vincent, when he snapped..."

"No one believed you or helped you," Angela finished.

Marie had tears in her eyes, nodding. "But I don't even remember why I agreed to be with him. I was so stupid."

"You wanted people to leave you alone," Angela told her. "To give you a break. You didn't know how bad it could be. That's not your fault, and that's not you being stupid."

Marie swallowed, taking a deep breath, looking down. "Did Carter or Prince tell you that Vincent's the reason why I have most of the alters?" Angela shook her head. "Not Lacy, because she was from growing up with emotional abuse from my adoptive parents and intense bullying from asshole boys that was also very shattering. Boys who chased me and ended up with me breaking my arm twice or drowning me or a lot of other things that I can't remember. And I'm glad that I don't have to remember any of that. But after I agreed to be with Vincent, one night, we got really drunk, and he..." Marie bit her lip, sighing heavily. "He tried to force me into something I wasn't ready for. Andrea stopped him before it could get too far when she came home." Angela nodded, looking down knowingly. "The alter that came after that, making me not remember everything from the attempt to, that was Brittany. After that, I was at this party and I was drinking, but not enough to black out. But I don't remember that night because something happened that caused Nick to form another trauma, and he holds the memories of what Vincent did to me that night. I woke up the next morning in my own room and Vincent called me... to taunt me about how he drugged me and..."

Angela closed her eyes. "He raped you."

Marie nodded, letting out a shaky breath. "He said that he let me go after that so he could tease me with the idea of freedom, that I was free of him, before he would come back for a game to mess with me to break me down more and more. Taunted me with the fact it would've been so easy for him to lock me up somewhere to keep me to himself, but he didn't want that. He wanted me to try and run so he could hunt me down each time and bring me back. And he could. He could do it each and every time since his mother was the mayor and his father was the sheriff. So of course even when I tried to tell them they wouldn't believe me, and they would protect him. Military family, so he knew how to defend himself, especially since he was training for the military and taught himself how to fight, but he was rejected because he failed some test, and I bet he failed the 'You're not a psycho' test." Angela barely managed a smirk at how Marie could even attempt to make a joke while talking about all this. "You wouldn't believe how many times I tried to run. How many times he had been following me to stop me. He ended up beating up a guy in front of me because I asked for a ride out of town. Put him in the hospital, nearly dead. Just because I asked him to help me out of town."

"That wasn't your fault, Marie," Angela told her.

"Yeah, well, it felt like it was," Marie replied. "Still does. Because Vincent warned me that he would do that to anyone who tried to help me. Even Andrea. He threatened to do the same thing when he showed up at the political party if I even attempted to scream for help. Said that even though he loved to hear me scream, he didn't want anyone to ruin his fun, his time with me."

Angela set her jaw, clearly getting more intense and angry at the thought that Vincent did more to Marie than even Joffrey did to her, but also how Vincent had threatened Marie with Andrea the same way Joffrey kidnapped Giselle and ruined Angela's family just because she said no to him. "Okay. What else?"

Marie looked down, shaking her head. "Nothing."

Angela gave her a look. "Marie. I know there's more."

Marie looked up, sighing. "You're just gonna want to kill him. Carter already wanted to make him disappear but it would put all of you guys in danger again with the Silence, and I can't risk that."

"You know by now that we always find another way," Angela replied. "And we're not gonna let anything happen to Carter, James, Hope, Thyra, Aurora, Harry, Brooklyn, Alex, Zaya, Sadie, Laureen or Dominic. So what else?"

Marie hesitated. "Other times, when Vincent knew that I was running because of spying on me... even leaving a camera in my house when he brought me back from the party when he raped me... he would call his dad and make sure that the Sheriff could stop me from leaving. Threatened to have me arrested and put in a cell more than once and taunted me about the things he could do with me if I was in a cell like that. And the last thing... the worst... I told Noe, Zaya, Sadie and Hope this, but no one else. I had to tell someone after the political party, I had been drinking, and I... I was so overwhelmed that I had to tell them."

"Tell them what?" Angela asked.

"After that night at the party..." Marie trailed off, biting her lip. "I had to get an abortion."

Angela looked taken aback by that more than anything else, tilting her head back. "Okay. I'm... really sorry you had to go through all of that, Marie. Alone for the most part. Besides Andrea, I mean." Marie closed her eyes, letting out a heavy breath. "How much of that did you tell Carter? If you told him everything, he would've already said 'screw it' and did something to Vincent by now."

Marie tilted her head back. "I told Carter almost all of it. Except for the things Vincent did to keep me in town. Or the things he threatened like keeping me locked away to himself or putting me in a jail cell. The guy he beat up in front of me. The flowers. He knows most about the hunting game, as Vincent called it, but not how bad it could get. And he doesn't know about the abortion. But Carter knows everything else."

Angela nodded. "That's a lot to tell Carter, but that's also a lot not to tell him. And you didn't because you knew what he would do. You wouldn't have even told me if I didn't tell you about what Joffrey did to me and Giselle."

"And you wouldn't have told me about Joffrey and Giselle if those flowers wouldn't have shown up," Marie replied.

"That's true," Angela agreed. "I wasn't planning on telling anyone because you, Noe, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen already had enough to deal with in that department. Vincent's in jail, Tripp's in prison, Richard's in the ground, and Joffrey is still out there in the Silence. Every time I tried to take him down, he knew how to get away from me before I could finish the job. I would've killed Tripp if Preston hadn't been there to pull me back, because people like those psychos, they don't stop until they're put down."

Marie shook her head, looking down. "I can't risk anyone getting into danger because of me. And that means you, and Carter, and making sure that you both keep a low profile and not go out and do something that catches the Silence's attention because it puts everyone back in risk."

Angela knew she had a point, sighing, looking away. She looked at Marie. "And even if that wasn't the case, you wouldn't want anyone to die because of you. Would you? Not even Vincent." Marie looked down. "It wasn't your fault, Marie. You have to believe that. Nothing of what he did to you or others to get to you is your fault."

"The abortion was," Marie whispered.

"That was a choice you had to make so that you could move on, no matter how big or small," Angela told her. "No one could blame you for making that decision after everything he did to you." She looked at Marie curiously. "How did you..." 

"What?" Marie asked.

"How did you survive everything he did to you?" Angela asked. "Some might say Vincent's worse than all the damn psychos Noe, Zaya, Sadie, Laureen and I had to deal with. Even Joffrey never hurt me that badly. I mean, in a different way because I lost Giselle and my father because of him and Mama and I lost our family... though we knew how to take care of ourselves and how to stay strong. You..."

"I'm what?" Marie asked. "Already broken into pieces? I can't take care of myself like you? Yeah, I know."

"I don't mean it in a bad way," Angela told her. "I just mean... you and the alters managed to survive all of that, and... I don't even know if I could have."

Marie swallowed. "When it hurts, smile. When they yell, smile. When they hit, smile. When you bleed, smile. When you cry, smile. When you finally give up, smile. That's how we did it."

Angela looked at her sadly in understanding, trying to change the subject to something that might be less painful. "Tell me about Andrea. The real one. Your sister."

Marie managed a small smile. "Andrea was full of love, loyalty and gratitude. She was like this fierce warrior that would always protect me, no matter the consequences. That's why when she died and I shut down, I formed another alter, for her."

"If she was anything like you, if the introject Andrea is anything like how the real Andrea was, I know she was amazing," Angela told her.

"She was," Marie agreed. "She was my best friend. But she's gone. And my adoptive parents are strangers to me."

"But you're not alone," Angela told her. "You have a family now. A Crew that you're clearly apart of now."

Marie managed a small smile. "Same goes to you. If Giselle is anything like you, then I know she's amazing and badass." Angela managed a small smile. "And I'm saying 'is' because we don't know what really happened to her." Angela nodded in agreement. "And you have all of us too."

Angela thought for a moment. "Are the alters how you're able to survive all that?"

"Yeah," Marie answered. "We're all very real. We think. We understand each other. We love each other. With this disorder, I'm five different people, and I could have become a lot more, so I didn't go insane after everything that I went through. I could have become a drug addict and an alcoholic, and I danced a fine line between being those for a while, but I never became those things because the alters were there for me, we were there for each other. And Andrea was there for all of us. We're not insane, just emotionally unstable. The human mind is a strange and wonderful place. And we are living, breathing, walking about proof of that, because, my God, we work. Brittany has a very good sense of humor, and part of her role is to help us experience enjoyment and lift our mood. She often comments on things I see or hear by putting a funny image in my mind about it to make me laugh. I'm usually okay with this sort of contact with my alters, even when what they are leaking through to me and making me have to experience if painful things like flashbacks or difficult emotions, although some of them think and feel in ways that conflict with other personal morals which can be difficult. What I find really hard though is when I'm faced with evidence of them actually having switched out and done things. I find that really confronting and scary because then I can't deny to myself that they are real and separate from me."

Angela nodded in understanding. "I get it. I mean, not really, but the way you explain it... it's easy to follow."

Marie nodded. "I try to make it easier to understand."

Angela bit her lip, thinking. "Um, you should go see Zaya. She's probably blaming herself for bringing the flowers to you."

Marie shook her head. "Zaya couldn't have known. I didn't even know until I opened it, though I should've."

"You might wanna go tell her that," Angela pointed out. "I know it's not Zaya's fault, and you know it's not Zaya's fault, and Carter and Prince know that it's not Zaya's fault, though after everything Zaya probably still blames herself..."

Marie sighed, standing. "Yeah. Thanks for listening, Angela."

Angela nodded. "Of course. You too, Marie."

Marie walked off. Angela watched her go for a moment, before getting up, and walking down the hallway in the other direction, texting Carter and Prince.

X•O°X•O

Angela's Hotel Room

Carter and Prince walked into Angela's hotel room, while Angela was checking public jail records on her laptop.

"If you found Marie, where is she?" Prince asked.

"She went to talk to Zaya," Angela answered. "Carter, you said you wanted to do something about Vincent, but nothing that could raise any red flags or get any attention from the Silence since they would be keeping an eye on us, right?"

"Yeah," Carter answered, confused by what she said. "I knew it was Vincent that sent those flowers as soon as Marie took off like that."

"Mm-hmm," Angela answered. "There are some things Marie hasn't told you about what he's done to her."

"I figured," Carter stated.

"But I'm not telling you, because that's her place, not mine," Angela told him. "But I think that we both want to do something to make sure he doesn't come around Marie again. Give him... a little warning. Because killing him is just gonna make Marie punish herself more for the past."

"And why is that?" Prince asked.

"One of the things that I can't tell you," Angela answered. "Do you two wanna help or not?"

"How?" Prince asked. "Vincent's in jail. Isn't he?"

"I double checked with records, and yes, he still is in jail, for now at least," Angela answered. "But not in prison. People in jail can still send some things like mail and gifts like that, depends where you are though. And it's not the first time I've broken into a jail. I'll explain everything to you, Prince, but... this is something that could keep Vincent at bay for good, and put Marie's mind more at ease. Her and the alters."

Carter didn't even have to think about his answer. "I'm in."

Prince nodded slowly. "After what I saw Vincent do to Marie at the political party, yeah. But what exactly is your plan?"

Angela shrugged slightly, tilting her head. "Not entirely sure yet, but it's a good thing that we have all night to figure it out. It's a good thing Marie's taking a break tomorrow and letting Andrea go to the state dinner with that Damien guy, because the three of us are gonna be doing a jail break in to give their psycho stalker a little vicious warning about what will happen if he ever comes near them again. We might be late to the state dinner because of it, but it'll be worth it."

Carter and Prince nodded in agreement. Angela crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her head, as the three of them were determined to keep Vincent away.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Marie Rosson may not have had the power to stop her adversary back outside of Boston, but Marie Rhodes in New York City does... especially with the help of lovers Carter Baizen, Angela De Los Caballeros and Prince Shea. Careful, Vincent. You went after the wrong girl."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Day Two

Morning - The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Alex's Room 

(Song:) Crystallized - The XX

Alex and Hope were sleeping in bed. Alex had his arms around her waist, his hands resting on her back, and Hope had her head resting on his chest, her arm draped around his shoulders underneath him. Hope started to wake up, seeing Alex next to her and the way they were sleeping, smiling, running her fingers through his hair softly. Alex was starting to wake up too, though enjoyed the feeling of her fingers in his hair, shifting position, causing Hope to pull her hand away.

Alex left his eyes closed for a moment more. "You don't have to stop. That felt really good, Hope."

Hope smiled, snuggling in closer to Alex, pecking a kiss on his lips. Alex let go of her waist so they could both sit up a bit, leaning back on their pillows and looking at each other.

"Good morning," Hope told him.

Alex propped himself up on his elbow, grinning. "Good morning."

Hope eyed his grin in amusement. "What? What are you so smiley about?"

"I thought you'd find this romantic," Alex told her.

"Maybe," Hope answered. Alex chuckled, pushing himself out of bed. "No! Don't go." Hope caught his hand. Alex laid back down. "Just stay in bed with me a little while longer."

Alex chuckled. "We gotta get up, Hope. FIT and Columbia for you. I'm still auditing classes. Not to mention clocktower work today too."

Hope groaned, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Fine."

They both stood, going to get ready for the day, getting dressed while they were talking.

"You and Aurora told Thyra, Blair, Wyatt, James and Carter about the assistant chance in Paris, right?" Alex asked. "Just for fashion week, but still."

"Yeah, I told them," Hope answered. "Thyra, James, Carter, Wyatt and Blair all super excited for me and tell me that I should go. I would tell my adoptive family, but Jenny's still being a bitch, Dan's being weird again, and Dad's avoiding everyone... also again. Though I told Laureen, Lily, Marie, Zaya, Sadie and Serena too, and they're happy for me. Brooklyn too. Dylan and Chuck even gave congrats. I'm gonna tell Noe later, because I didn't know what to say to her yet."

"See?" Alex asked. "I told you they would. And Noe will be so happy for you too. Just like Laureen, Lily, Marie, Zaya, Sadie, Serena and Brooklyn. Even Dylan and Chuck."

Hope smiled, tilting her head. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. And you guys are right. Even though I wish things were different, I'm gonna go. I'm gonna make my future. My career. My dream come true."

Alex wrapped his arms around Hope's waist, pulling her closer, smirking. "That's my girl." Hope smiled. "I love you, Hope."

Hope nuzzled closer. "I love you, Alex."

Hope and Alex smirked slight smiles, kissing passionately and deeply, holding each other close.

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Kitchen

Noe and Nate were getting breakfast.

Nate was helping Noe with taking her medication, which was a lot more than it used to be.

Noe was very annoyed with the heap of prescriptions. "I had to take a couple of medications from the first accident, the amnesia and the issues that came from that. Of course with a second crash and everything, I would have to take a lot more. Just to help with controlling brain trauma and making sure I don't lash out too much."

Nate organized a pill container. "That's not your fault, Noe. And some of them you can stop taking after the birth, so..."

Noe and Nate both paused because of the unknown future.

Noe tried to keep on subject so neither of them thought about what could happen. "I'm never gonna be able to remember which ones I'm supposed to take at what times, and how many."

"I'll help you with that," Nate assured. "It's okay."

"There's just too many colors," Noe admitted. "When I tried to figure it out yesterday, I had to lie down and sleep away the headache."

Nate walked around the counter to stand next to Noe, helping her out with the medications. "It will get easier, Noe. I promise."

Noe looked up at Nate, sighing heavily, tilting her head. "Please tell me we're still good to go to the state dinner tonight."

"As long as you get plenty of rest before then," Nate answered. "The doctors said if you get as much as you can, then it's less likely that..."

Noe looked down, nodding. "I know. It's not gonna happen." Nate sighed, closing his eyes, both tense, though trying to be okay, brushing back some of Noe's hair, kissing her head. Noe closed her eyes as she leaned her head on his shoulder. "We're gonna be okay, Nate."

Nate left his eyes closed, nodding, not wanting either of them to get more overwhelmed or upset, though he knew it was only a matter of time for Noe before the denial of the danger went away. "I know."

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Marie's Room

Marie was looking for a dress to wear for the dinner, on the phone with Carter.

"You sure you're okay with switching to Andrea for the dinner tonight with Damien?" Carter asked.

"Yeah," Marie answered. "After yesterday especially, I just need some time resting in my own head. Andrea can take the wheel for a little while."

"All right," Carter agreed.

Marie sighed, hesitating. "Have you talked to Angela about yesterday? Did she tell you or Prince anything?"

"Just that you haven't told us everything about Vincent before," Carter answered. "But Angela didn't tell me or Prince what else exactly there was. And I'm not pushing to know, all right? If I knew, I'd probably do something incredibly stupid."

"Okay," Marie whispered. "I will explain. I just... I couldn't bring it up before because of everything else. And I was only able to with Angela because she went through something similar, so..."

"You don't have to explain, Marie," Carter told her. "Angela and Prince might be running late to the dinner tonight, and I might be too. But Preston and everyone else will be there, so in case there's any more switches, you can find one of them and they can help."

"Okay," Marie agreed. "I'll call you later."

Carter nodded. "Yeah."

Marie hung up, finding what she wanted to wear, which she knew Andrea would like, and though it wasn't a typical dress, it was a long black lace formal pantsuit with a black lace skirt attached to give it a very nice, formal look. The neckline was flower cut out designs, off the shoulder, and long sleeved.

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Angela's Hotel Room

Carter hung up, turning to Angela and Prince. "Are we ready?"

"More than," Prince answered. "Even though I'm just the getaway driver, at least I get to help. Can't believe I'm actually agreeing to help with something like this, but it's not exactly the first time. It's like the third time since getting involved with all of you." He pointed at Angela. "Actually, just since I met you, Angela."

Angela smirked, shrugging. "Well..." She sighed. "Let's go, because we do have to make it to the dinner eventually. And it's a good thing we're already dressed for the dinner, because we're gonna have to get there right away."

Carter, Angela and Prince walked outside.

X•O°X•O

Trio Penthouse - Living Room

James and Serena were talking while they got ready for the state dinner.

"So everything is going okay?" James asked. "I mean, better at least?"

"Not exactly, but it hasn't been hectic as much as it was before, at least," Serena answered. "Zaya, Sadie and Laureen are finally relaxing. Marie even was for a bit. She even finally accepted her Rhodes girl trust fund. She didn't want to accept it before because she didn't want money before, but we finally convinced her that it was okay." James nodded in understanding. "And Noe..." Serena looked worried. "She's still in denial. And we know that it's gonna be bad when the denial slips, but Laureen said not to shake her out of it, because that could be worse. The doctors said she could hemorrhage with major stress, so we're just making sure that everything is calm for now."

James nodded, sadly. "I'm sorry that all of you have to deal with this."

Serena managed a small smile. "It's all right, James. Noe's gonna be okay. So is the baby. Zaya, Sadie, Laureen and Marie are okay. Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck and I are okay too after the crash. I have them, my family. And I still got you at the end of the day." They smiled slightly. James used his camera to take a picture of Serena to lighten the mood a bit. Serena lowered his camera teasingly, smiling. "Stop that."

Serena sat on James's lap, so they started to kiss passionately.

James pulled away slightly. "Serena... as much as I want to continue this, we do have a state dinner to get to."

Serena sighed, giving in. "Yeah, you're right."

They both chuckled.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes Girls's Hotel Room

Zaya, Sadie and Laureen were getting ready for the state dinner.

Dominic knocked on the door lightly, stepping inside. "Excited for the state dinner tonight?"

"Some of us are," Sadie answered.

Zaya gave Sadie a slightly teasing look. "Yeah, and for you, that has nothing to do with how Sherry and Simon Shea got Preston to be able to sing a song tonight at the dinner, right, Sadie?"

"Shut up, Zaya," Sadie replied.

Laureen and Dominic smiled slightly.

"Well, it's good to see you and Sadie bickering and teasing each other again, Zaya," Dominic told her.

"It really is," Laureen agreed.

"You three seem to be doing a lot better than before, at least, Laureen," Dominic told her.

Laureen nodded. "It's hard work, and it took over two months, and we're still healing, but we're getting there. And you're a huge help with that, Dominic."

Zaya and Sadie nodded in agreement. "Thank you."

Dominic nodded. "You're welcome. Though I can't take the credit for how strong you three are. And the rest of your family." Zaya and Sadie smiled slightly. "I guess I'll see you three at the state dinner." Dominic kissed Laureen's hand. "Laureen."

Laureen nodded. Dominic turned to leave.

Zaya and Sadie both gave Laureen a look, nodding after Dominic. Laureen tilted her head.

"Hey, Dominic," Zaya said before he left. Dominic turned to face them. "Maybe you'd like to come with us."

Laureen chuckled, not surprised.

"I think we'd all like that," Sadie agreed. "Please, Dominic."

Dominic looked at Laureen, also not surprised by Zaya and Sadie trying to set them further up, more so at least. "Um, if that's okay with Laureen."

Laureen nodded. "Very okay."

The four of them smiled slightly.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Bathroom

Dylan and Wyatt were in the bathroom.

"You shower first," Wyatt told him.

"Wanna shower together?" Dylan asked.

"What?" Wyatt asked.

"Let's shower together," Dylan told him. "Brooklyn and Thyra are with Theo. We can do it."

"Yeah, but we don't have a lot of time before we have to head to the state dinner," Wyatt told him.

"Enough time to take a shower," Dylan replied. "Us taking a shower together gets us out faster."

Wyatt smiled. "You're right. Come on, hurry up."

Dylan pulled Wyatt into the enclosed shower, sliding the door closed, pushing Wyatt lightly against the wall as they turned on the water and started the shower, making out passionately as they did.

X•O°X•O

Living Room

Brooklyn and Thyra (ready for the state dinner) were keeping an eye on Theo, smiling at how Theo smiled and squealed at his aunties.

Thyra brought coffee to Brooklyn. Brooklyn smiled when she caught sight of Thyra.

"You look beautiful," Thyra complimented.

"So do you," Brooklyn replied. "Hey."

"Hey," Thyra said.

Brooklyn and Thyra smiled, clinking their coffee cups together, drinking, smiling, kissing.

Brooklyn looked at Theo. "And you just look adorable too, don't you, Theo?" Theo smiled, giggling, causing Brooklyn to smile in return. "Yeah."

Blair walked downstairs, also ready for the state dinner.

Dylan and Wyatt walked downstairs once they were ready.

"There you guys are," Blair told them.

Chuck walked into the room, looking at Brooklyn and Dylan, waving his phone at them. "I was about to say the same thing."

"What's going on?" Blair asked. "Why aren't you dressed?"

"Look, Blair, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to join you for diner ce soir," Chuck told her. "Brooklyn, Dylan and I have business."

Brooklyn and Dylan realized that he had information on Elizabeth Fisher, looking conflicted.

"You can't do this," Blair told him. "You already missed the lunch. You know my dreams are dead without a proper introduction to Monsieur Duris."

"Look, I left word with his people that you'd be there, okay?" Chuck asked.

"I'm sure you'll find a way to make an impression," Thyra told her.

Wyatt looked at Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. "This is about her, isn't it? The girl from your father's grave. You said you had no interest in finding her."

"It appears we may have spoken too quickly in that regard," Dylan admitted.

Thyra gave Blair and Wyatt both a look. "And go easy. Like I said yesterday, if it was some woman at my parents's grave, I would be doing the same thing."

"Thank you for understanding, Thyra," Brooklyn told her.

"Yeah," Thyra agreed. "But you could have told me."

"I didn't know what to say until we found out more," Brooklyn admitted.

Blair gave the Bass siblings a look. "First, you three lie to us about looking for her." She looked at Chuck. "And now you're going to sacrifice my Table Elitaire charter to go and look for some random woman."

"You obviously read the file, so you know she's not random," Dylan told her. "She knew our mother's favorite flowers. She had a picture of our father in her jewelry, and she knew our names."

"And she clearly has no interest in being found by you," Wyatt pointed out. "You've been looking for a week, and nothing."

"One dinner with us won't make a difference," Blair told them.

Chuck gave Blair a look. "I know you may find this hard to comprehend, but some things are more important than your social-climbing agenda."

Blair looked hurt, walking toward the elevator to leave. Chuck looked like he regretted what he said, about to stop her, but Blair was already walking into the elevator. Thyra, Wyatt, Brooklyn and Dylan sighed, and with Theo, they walked into the elevator.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

(Song:) Spirit Horse - Sea Wolf

Dan was drinking coffee.

Rufus was making some toaster waffles. "I thought you'd be at school today."

"I thought you lived in the Upper East Side with your wife," Dan replied. "Lily came by yesterday looking for you. Uh, what's--what's going on?"

"Lily and I had a fight," Rufus answered. "It's complicated."

"Israeli-Palestinian complicated by the looks of it," Dan told him. "Is this--is this why you shipped Jenny and me off to Mom's for Christmas while Hope spent Christmas with her other family and Marie was with Lily, Noe, Serena, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen?"

"Well, this was your mother's year for you and Jenny, and it's the first Christmas since Hope found out she was adopted, so of course she wanted to spend it with her other family," Rufus told him. "And first Christmas since Marie's been with us, even though you and Jenny were with Alison and I was gone, but... it wasn't one of those 'Parent Trap' situations that you kids could swoop in on again. Lily and I need time to figure this out."

"And, um, and you're doing that by not telling her where you are?" Dan asked.

"It's not the best strategy, but until I actually talk to her, at least I can hold out hope that I'm wrong about what happened," Rufus told him. "And I didn't want to involve you kids and Marie."

"Well, so you're not talking to her because you--you don't want to hear what you think she might tell you?" Dan asked.

Rufus sighed. "You know, I'm not willing to explain myself, Dan."

Dan shook his head. "All right, fine. Fine. You can make your own damn waffles."

Dan walked away to grab his stuff.

Rufus stood. "Come on, Dan."

Dan turned back. "Listen, you're--you're the one who's always saying to be honest and talk about things. So I really hope you're not gonna let your marriage die because you're scared to take your own advice. Pretty sure that Jenny wouldn't care, but it's the last thing Marie and Hope need after everything."

Dan walked out, leaving Rufus to think about what he said.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Jenny's Room

Jenny did a spin while wearing the jacket she made with the pills in it. "Ta-da! All the girls are gonna want to wear pharmaceuticals."

Damien smirked. "It's perfect. I'm impressed."

"Thanks," Jenny told him. "I'm really excited about tonight."

Damien nodded, walking over to take the jacket off of Jenny. "Yeah, yeah, me too. Um, unfortunately, we're gonna have to do our little dinner some other time."

"What?" Jenny asked. "I... thought we were doing this together. It's my plan."

Damien looked down. "Yeah. I know, and--and I thank you. It's just that, uh... anyone can check the jacket." Jenny gave him a look, raising her eyebrows. Damien chuckled nervously. "Uh, I'm going with someone else. Marie, actually."

"My sister Marie?" Jenny asked.

"Half-sister, according to Serena," Damien answered. "Serena, Prince and I are old friends from boarding school, and Serena wanted to set me up with Marie."

"Marie's with Carter Baizen, so I'm guessing Serena's setting you up with one of her alters," Jenny corrected. Damien raised his eyebrows. "She has multi-personalities. Her psycho ex Vincent revealed it in front of everyone at this party a while back. I thought you knew."

"It must've been before I got to town," Damien replied.

Jenny remembered that it was before Damien got to the city. "Oh. Either way, Serena and Marie should be going with James and Carter, and there--there's no way Marie or her alters are gonna go to a state dinner wearing a jacket filled with pills."

Damien shrugged. "I probably won't tell her about that then."

"Well, then maybe I will," Jenny told him.

"See, if you were to do that, then I would have to tell her how you know, obviously," Damien replied. "Might be awkward to tell that to your older half-sister." Jenny glared at him. "Anyway, um... don't worry, you'll still get your cut."

Damien walked out of Jenny's room, while Jenny was very angry.

X•O°X•O

State Dinner

(Song:) Downtown Jail - Bikini Machine

Everyone was arriving for the dinner, as couples, families or friends.

Zaya, Sadie, Laureen and Dominic arrived together, stepping out of the limo.

"Well, at least this place looks clean," Sadie told them. "Normally I can see germs in the air."

Jenny charged past them, purposely pushing her way between Zaya and Sadie just to make a point about not backing down from fighting with them and Brooklyn and Thyra, walking off.

Zaya glared after Jenny. "Well, I see one germ."

Laureen reached out to Zaya and Sadie to stop them from retaliating. "Not here, okay? It's a state dinner."

Zaya and Sadie knew she was right, sighing.

"Fine," Zaya agreed, looking away.

When Damien and Andrea walked past, it was clear by the way Andrea walked, almost sensually, that it wasn't Marie.

Laureen frowned a bit. "That's not Marie, so..."

"Yeah, it's Andrea," Sadie explained. "Serena set Andrea up with that guy."

Dominic nodded in amusement. "Got it. Shall we go in?"

"Definitely," Zaya answered.

Zaya, Sadie, Laureen and Dominic walked up to the building, while paparazzi was taking their pictures, along with the other Crew/family members arriving.

Noe was clearly nearly freaking out.

Nate turned to Noe. "Noe? Hey, what's wrong?"

Noe tried desperately to calm down. "I haven't exactly voluntarily put myself in the limelight since... well, since the crash. And I didn't think much about it, not at all really, until I came here and realized every single one of the people out there have been reading Gossip Girl or the tabloids. And then there's press here too, which of course there is, as always. But I just didn't think about it. I actually looked forward to coming here, but now it's like..."

Nate nodded in understanding. "Like how everyone was clamoring all about you after everyone found out about the car accident and that you didn't have memories. Gossip Girl, tabloids, the press, everybody."

Noe whispered. "Yeah. I just don't know how to make small talk without thinking about how much people know... or think they know. These people, they all just love to gossip so much. It's exhausting."

Nate rubbed Noe's back reassuringly to help her calm down. "So don't small talk if you don't want to then. Keep to to the family and Crew. And then when it's time, you smile that smile of yours..." Noe smiled, which caused Nate to smile in return. "That's the one. And you wave to the cameras, and I'll be there ready to whisk you away before anyone has the chance to approach you for chit chatting or interviews. Deal?"

Noe nodded. "Deal. Thank you, Nate."

Nate kissed Noe's head. "Come on."

Noe smiled slightly, nodding. Nate and Noe walked in.

X•O°X•O

Inside

Andrea and Damien walked by coat check.

The coat check girl looked at Andrea. "Can I take your coat?"

Before Andrea could answer, Jenny walked up behind them, smirking as she played dumb with which alter it was. "Hey, Marie. Or, is it Marie?"

Andrea turned to give Jenny a look. "Could you talk any louder? You know that we like to keep a low profile because of a bad past of people messing with us when they know the truth, so lower your damn voice. If you want to be a loud, obnoxious teenager, you're in the wrong place. Prom's down the street."

Jenny was not surprised that Andrea was being a bitch.

Damien raised his eyebrows, nervous. "Jenny, what are you doing here?"

"Just finishing what I started," Jenny answered. "I love the jacket you gave to Marie, or her alters, by the way. It's so beautiful."

Damien stepped closer to Andrea. "Yeah, actually, let me help you with that."

Andrea shook her head. "No, it's okay. I'm gonna go get a drink. Many."

Andrea walked away. Damien knew things were not going his way, walking with her. Jenny smirked, watching them go.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Jail - Outside

Prince drove up his car to the jail, and Angela and Carter got out of the car.

Carter looked at Prince. "Wish us luck."

Prince nodded. "Good luck."

Angela tilted her head. "Not like we're gonna need it."

"I don't know," Carter admitted.

"Yeah, Marie said don't underestimate him," Prince agreed.

"Well, at least with both me and Carter going in, it's two against one," Angela pointed out. "We'll be fine, Prince."

Carter and Angela turned around, walking away.

Prince leaned back in his seat, hands on the steering wheel, watching them with a slight smirk.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "So much for diplomacy. Let the games begin."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Inside

When Carter and Angela were making their way inside, they rendered any guards who caught them unconscious, and turned cameras to the walls so they wouldn't get caught on camera. 

Angela made her way to the electrical room, glad that since it was a dingy jail and not a maximum prison, so it was fairly easy to do this, especially for her. She opened the electrical box, putting a spoon balanced perfectly on top where, and set up a bottle of water up above just right so that a drop of water would spill onto the spoon slowly so it would tip when she and Carter were ready and short circuit the breakers just for a split second before they would reset and fix.

Vincent was in his cell, punching the wall repeatedly, breathing heavily, but not breaking a sweat, using more and more strength.

Carter walked up outside the cell door. "You might as well stop. You're not getting out of here. You see what blown out muscles give you? All show and no go."

Vincent turned toward the cell, seeing Carter, recognizing him, smirking. "I got plenty of go. Carter Baizen. I take it that means Marie got my flowers. Did she tell you the story behind that?"

Angela walked up on the other side of the bars. "Marie told me."

Vincent pointed at her. "I knew that Marie was the Queen of Hearts from Gossip Girl before anyone else knew who she really was online. I'm the one that said her name for everyone to hear. That was right around the time that you left town last year. And then this year, right before I got arrested, they talked about how you were in a coma. Angela De Los Caballeros."

"Well, at least you know the names of the two people who will kick your ass," Angela told him. "And of course a stalker like you would use the stalker website like Gossip Girl to keep track of Marie and those she's close to."

Vincent shrugged. "It made my life easier before getting arrested. Here in this city, I had to be more careful than going right up to Marie since I didn't have this city on lock like I did back at our hometown. Back there, I was invincible. Here, I could just keep tabs on Marie with ease with that site and not even have to go up to her... until I lost control and needed to."

"Yeah, well, your loss of control and your little stunt when you finally went around Marie again landed your ass in jail, where you belong," Carter told him. "Here, you don't have the power. Marie does. And so do we."

Vincent smirked, tilting his head. "But do you two really believe that you could beat me in a fight?"

"You might have military and fight training, but you have no idea what we can do," Carter replied. "Just us and you. We will beat your ass for everything you did to Marie."

Vincent gestured to the cell bars. "Well, if you can get in, or get me out, go ahead. I could use a good fight. Lock's electronical. I can't get it from in here obviously."

"We've already got that covered," Angela replied, walking closer, glaring at Vincent. "One locked door, 12 inches of electrical wire the only thing keeping this closed between us, and yet..."

Angela looked up when she knew when the water would overpower the circuit.

The electronic lock on Vincent's door opened when the power short circuited for just a split moment.

Vincent watched in surprise, but was impressed. "How did you do..."

"You have more important things to worry about," Carter told him.

Vincent smirked. Carter and Angela walked into the cell, circling Vincent.

Vincent laughed lightly. "Hmm. All of us fighting for Marie, huh? What about the movie star the alters were dating when I got arrested? Prince Shea."

"Prince?" Angela asked. "Oh, he's right outside with the getaway car."

"Of course he wouldn't be able to put up a fight," Vincent told them. "He already loses Marie in that respect. And you two will too. Marie doesn't even know you three are here, does she? She wouldn't want anyone to get hurt because of her, believe me, I've hurt people to get a point across to her." Angela glared at him because Marie explained how. Carter glared at him. "Imagine how Marie will feel knowing that we're all fighting for her. She was mine long before she was any of yours."

"She was never yours, and you're delusional," Angela told him angrily.

Vincent shrugged. "Delusional with nothing left to lose. You're not gonna have a lot of time to do whatever you came here to do. The guards's schedule means they're gonna check in on us in about 10 minutes."

"Which is 4 minutes longer than we'll need," Carter replied.

"And you've been clocking the guard schedule?" Angela asked. Vincent smirked. "You're one of those twisted psychos that can get your way out of everything, aren't you?"

"Everything in time," Vincent answered.

"Well, at least this beating will keep you from breaking out anytime soon," Carter countered.

Vincent smirked, lunging toward Carter to punch him in the face. Carter punched Vincent in the face, kicking him in the stomach, making him back away, leaping up to grab a bar on the ceiling, swinging to kick Vincent in the face, making him fall into the wall, then to the floor, jumping down to land on his feet.

Angela backhand punched Vincent fiercely in the face, making him reel back, spinning around to kick his legs, though Vincent just fell to his knees for a split second, punching Angela in the leg and chest as he stood, pushing her into Carter, making them both stumble back.

Carter grabbed Vincent, throwing him up to hit him against the wall, making him fall, trying to punch him. Vincent caught his arm, kicking it hard, but Carter pulled his arm free, pushing Vincent face down to the floor, kicking him in the side, making him roll onto his back.

Angela kicked Vincent in the leg as he got up, punching and elbowing him in the chest and face, grabbing his head, slamming it on the wall, grabbing his arm, holding it between the doorway, slamming the cell door on his arm, making him groan a scream, but Vincent started to laugh at the pain, causing Carter and Angela both to look at him incredulously.

Vincent pulled his arm free, reaching up with one arm to catch Carter's wrist as he went to punch, using the other arm to punch Carter in the face, turning to kick Angela's legs, making her stumble slightly. Angela kicked Vincent with her high heel, stabbing his leg with the heel, punching him in the face.  Vincent stood, swinging at both Carter and Angela on either side of him. Carter and Angela both ducked, spinning to backhand punch Vincent in the face, the double effect having enough force to make Vincent stumble back into the wall. Vincent swung at Carter. Carter caught Vincent's arm, punching him in the face, kicking him in the leg. Angela spun around behind Vincent to kick his legs out from underneath him the same time Carter slammed his arm into Vincent's head, both making Vincent flip through the air and land on the floor. Vincent stood quickly, going back and forth between kicking and punching at both Carter and Angela on either side of him, grabbing Carter and pushing him into the wall, trying to punch him.

Carter ducked, making Vincent punch the wall instead, grabbing his head, slamming his head against the wall, pushing him to the floor. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do something like that."

Vincent stood, swinging at Angela. Angela caught his arm, spinning Vincent around, looping one of her legs around his, flipping backward over his arm to kick him in the face with the other leg, flipping him to the ground, landing in a crouch, looking up, standing.

Vincent pushed himself up, as Carter grabbed Vincent from behind while Angela went to attack from the front. Vincent used both feet to kick Angela back, flipping forward to kick Vincent to the ground, rolling over him, standing up, hitting him hard in the head, turning to kick Angela in the stomach. Vincent managed to duck quite a few of Carter's swings as Carter stood. Vincent kicked Carter in the stomach, turning to kick Angela in the stomach behind him, spinning to backhand punch Carter in the face, but Carter ducked, catching Vincent's arm, and as Vincent tried to kick her again, Angela caught his leg, and they both flipped Vincent to the floor. Angela kicked Vincent in the head hard enough to stun him and keep him down.

Once Vincent was down, Carter and Angela continued to punch and kick until he was beaten down enough to not fight back. Vincent couldn't help but laugh still.

Angela glared at Vincent, punching him in the crotch, making him groan and laugh. "You ever come near Marie again, and you'll get a hell of a lot more than this. You got that?"

Vincent coughed lightly. "Yeah. Yeah, I got it."

Carter kicked Vincent once more hard enough to make him splutter. "Stay the hell away from her."

Knowing they were out of time, Carter and Angela took off out of the cell, making sure it was closed and locked. Angela stepped up onto a bench to a ventilation shaft, removing the lid, climbing in so that she would be able to crawl through and get away with ease, taking the exit right out of the building through the shafts. Carter was able to follow.

X•O°X•O

Outside

Angela and Carter pulled themselves onto the building rooftop, running across it, climbing down a ladder, and reaching Prince in the car.

"We good?" Prince asked.

Angela and Carter got into the car.

"Go, go, go," Angela told him.

Prince drove away, tires squealing.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Who knew that a getaway could look this good? With these smooth criminals, anything is possible."

X•O°X•O

State Dinner

There was a group of people playing classical music on their cellos, violins and violas. A woman walked up to them, shushing them to stop them.

A man started to speak to the crowd. "Mesdames et messieurs, je vous presente l'ambassadeur de France et sa fille Violette. [Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Ambassador of France and his daughter Violette.]" The ambassador and Violette descended the staircase together. There was applause. "Salut. Salut."

The classical music began again. The ambassador and Violette started to dance.

Hope and Alex were walking through the party, taking in the sites, standing with Blair,  James and Serena.

"There you guys are," Thyra told them.

"Hi," Alex greeted. "What are you doing?"

"Blair is eye stalking Monsieur Duris," James answered.

"Even his entourage is perfection in bone structure and styling," Blair told them. "Well, without a formal introduction, I have no choice but to stalk him."

Serena was amused. "Blair, you know you don't need Chuck. Anyone that meets you can see you're an elitist snob who's perfect to run a secret society."

Hope smiled. "Bonne chance. [Good luck.]"

Blair smiled. "Ah, merci. [Thank you.]"

They all split up.

Nate and Noe were talking.

Noe was bored. "When does Preston get to sing? I have a feeling that will be a whole lot less boring."

Nate smiled. "I'm sure it will be too. I think it's after the first dance with the ambassador and his daughter, but not sure."

Noe nodded, looking away, seeing Blair across the room, flashing back to the night of the Shepherd wedding, and now she could remember how guilty she felt about sleeping with Nate while he was with Blair when they were both drunk. She was stunned that she could remember how she felt about that, turning to look at Nate. "I'll be right back, okay?"

Nate nodded. "Yeah."

Noe walked over to Blair. "Blair."

Blair turned to look at her, surprised but relieved to see her. "Hey, Noe. We've all been worried."

Noe nodded knowingly. "I know. Can we talk?"

"Sure," Blair answered. Noe and Blair walked away to talk alone. "What's going on?"

"I wanted to apologize," Noe told her.

"About what?" Blair asked. "You didn't do anything."

"Yes, I did," Noe told her. "Nate. The Shepherd wedding."

Blair was confused. "You've already apologized to me about that, Noe. And you got a clean state because of the car accident and forgetting everything."

Noe shook her head. "Doesn't change what I did. I honestly didn't feel like it was real before. Since I didn't remember anything of what happened after that night. I didn't remember what I felt. We were never that close, Blair, but we were close enough. And I felt so horrible for what I did. I hated myself for it. And I was scared that you would hate me, too. I knew that you would. You had every right to hate me. When it happened, I had no idea what to do. I had to go back to my dad, and I wasn't sure if I would even be able to look at you after what I did. Serena was at boarding school. I didn't want to drag Eric into it. This was before meeting Hope, or Marie, and Zaya and Sadie didn't need to be brought in either, or... I couldn't talk to any of our friends because what I did was so horrible. I had no one to talk to about it. And before I knew it, the accident happened, and..."

Blair nodded sadly. "Yeah. That year of the accident, when I heard what happened between you and Nate, I didn't even care about the accident, I was just so angry at you for what you did, and at Serena for keeping it secret and leaving without saying goodbye and never talking to me again. I mean, from you, it was expected, because like you said, we weren't that close, but close enough. But from my best friend? It was a betrayal. I wanted to destroy both of you, and I nearly succeeded. Outing Serena for a drug problem she didn't have at the Ivy League party... where you bravely stood in front of everyone and admitted that you didn't remember anything and that Serena was only protecting you. If it wasn't for me, none of us would have had to ever know that you had amnesia. The rest of the city and Gossip Girl wouldn't have had to know, and your life would have probably been a lot easier. And it was all because of me why it was so hard after for making you and Serena go through that. I went too far, and I'm sorry too."

Noe had tears in her eyes. "Thank you."

Blair nodded in agreement. "Thank you. You just got all of your memories back and you're going through things you shouldn't be going through. You found out that you and the baby could die, and all you wanted to do was apologize to me. So thank you."

Near tears, Blair and Noe embraced.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Damien walked up to Violette, speaking in French, and Violette replied in French.

Jenny walked closer. "Uh, hi, I'm Jenny." Violette just glared and walked away. Jenny chuckled. "Wow. French people really are rude."

"She's usually a much happier customer," Damien told her.

Jenny looked smug. "Yeah, looks like the plan's off the rails thanks to Marie/Andrea, huh?"

Damien turned to face her. "That jacket is not leaving this party on Marie Rhodes." Damien walked away. Jenny smirked. Damien walked over to where Andrea was casually talking to a guy. "Marie, there you are." Andrea went with that name since they liked being more subtle with the disorder even if people knew about it, which there were a lot of people in that  dinner party who didn't. "Why don't I introduce you to some people?"

"Sure," Andrea answered.

Andrea and Damien walked away.

"So, Jenny said some things about this disorder," Damien explained.

Andrea was annoyed. "Of course she did. She doesn't know how to keep her mouth shut or mind her own damn business. Marie might try to play nice with her because she's our half-sister, but the rest of us don't like her one bit because of the way she treats her family, our family."

Damien was slightly amused. "Got it."

"And honestly, Damien, I don't know if I would be here with you right now if it wasn't for our other sister setting us, even though I did want to have some fun," Andrea admitted. "And before you get any ideas, not sex fun. I just like to mingle. No romance though."

Damien nodded in amusement. "Well, I'm flattered you think I'm up to the task."

Andrea took a glass of champagne from a nearby tray, turning to face him, looking coy and teasing. "I'm not sure if you are."

"Well, I can prove that I am," Damien replied, reaching to take off the jacket. "Let me take off this jacket."

Andrea stopped him, stepping back, pointing at him, glaring. "No, I'm good. Don't do that again. You won't like what happens if you do. This was probably a huge mistake."

Damien chuckled. "No, we can make it better. No strings attached."

Damien went to kiss Andrea.

Andrea pushed Damien off of her, slamming him into the wall. "There are millions of words, but I could never string enough words together to express how much I want to hit you right now, but I won't because we're at a state dinner. Back the hell off because I do something worse than slamming you into a damn wall."

Andrea let Damien go, glaring at him, turning around, walking away.

Damien turned after her. "Marie. Or--Andrea. I'm sorry, that--that wasn't--"

Andrea walked past Jenny back on the way to the rest of the party. Jenny watched her go, smirking at Damien.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Nate and Noe were dancing a slow dance.

"What's wrong?" Nate asked.

"We've just been through so much," Noe answered.

"You've been through so much," Nate told her. "Sometimes I wonder how you keep yourself together."

"I have you," Noe answered. "I gave you my heart. When you fall short... when we fall short... I know we're gonna be okay. You're my forever. You're my always. God, the way you look at me sometimes."

"I think I know the look you're talking about, because you're always looking at me like that," Nate told her.

Noe and Nate shared a sweet, passionate kiss.

Aurora walked through the dinner party, finding Harry. "Hey, Harry. It's been a little while since you've been around."

"Yeah, just had to do some things for the family after everything with Tripp," Harry explained.

Aurora nodded in understanding. "Ah. Damage control for the Vanderbilts."

"Basically," Harry answered. "But, uh... thanks for being there for me, Aurora."

Aurora nodded in agreement. "Are you ever gonna answer the question I keep asking?"

"If you are referring to how you keep asking me if I'm okay, then no, I'm not," Harry answered. "But thanks, Rory."

Aurora nodded knowingly, looking away. "Okay."

Harry and Aurora walked over to where Lily, Laureen and Dominic sat, while Lily was holding Theo. The adults looked over to where the Crew was gathered, including Carter as he walked closer with Angela and Prince, and Preston was nearby getting ready for the song he was going to sing. Even Chuck was here now.

Andrea was dissociating, switching to Marie, looking rattled and confused, looking around.

Carter placed a hand on her. "Marie?"

"Yeah, yeah, it's me," Marie answered.

Hope looked at Carter, Angela and Prince. "Where were you guys?"

Alex noticed that Carter and Angela had some bruising on their faces. "And what happened to your faces?"

"Long story," Angela told them. "Don't ask."

Marie embraced with Carter. "Hi."

Carter brushed his lips against Marie's ear during their embrace. "Hi yourself. You know, you look great."

Marie smirked. "I do know."

James looked at Marie. "So what happened with Damien Dalgaard?"

"He got physical, kissed us and Andrea shoved him into a wall and threatened him to back off," Marie answered.

Serena frowned in concern. "My God, Marie. I had no idea he would do that."

"Clearly," Zaya agreed.

"Well, nice going, Andrea," Sadie complimented.

Prince looked at Marie in concern. "Are you okay?"

Marie nodded.

"But Carter, Chuck, Angela and Prince made it just in time," Brooklyn told them. "Preston's about to sing his song."

"Right on time," Thyra agreed.

Preston looked at Chuck, Carter, Angela and Prince sarcastically. "Yeah, glad you guys could make it, even if it's late."

They smirked in response.

Dylan shrugged. "Well, better late than never."

Blair walked over to Chuck. "I knew you'd see the error of your ways. Monsieur Duris just stepped out for his cigarette break which gives us two and a half minutes, maybe four if it's a Gauloise."

"Wait a second, Blair," Wyatt told her.

Noe looked at Carter, frowning. "I can't believe I stole a yacht with you in Santorini. I mean, Serena told me, Zaya and Sadie about it before, about how she and James helped us out of trouble, but now that I remember..."

The ones who hadn't known about this before all reacted in surprise and amusement.

Carter laughed lightly, looking down.

Zaya, Sadie and Marie smiled at the way Noe so bluntly said it.

Serena and James exchanged an amused look.

"Hang on, that's what happened in Santorini?" Chuck asked.

Nate smirked a bit in amusement. "Yeah, apparently."

Alex laughed lightly. "Damn."

Hope smiled. "Wow."

Noe looked at Hope and Alex. "What? It's not like you two can say much. You two might be two of the least problematic and dark ones here, but your first official date started out with Alex blindfolding Hope."

"And I've got to say, Alex, that impresses even me," Chuck told him. "Even I've never blindfolded a girl on a first date."

Alex scoffed softly. "Oh, please, Chuck, you didn't even start dating until you got with Blair."

There were plenty of smiles and happy reactions from the Crew, each glad for the lighthearted moment after much time in darkness.

Thyra pointed at Hope and Alex. "Don't forget that you two suggested horror movies to me and Brooklyn after Hope told us about a Scream movie marathon where you and Alex quoted all the damn lines and loved acting dark, you two little psychopaths."

"I banned Humphreys from going to a masquerade, and Alex helped sneak Hope and Jenny in," Blair explained. "A Prince Charming helping his Cinderella sneak into a ball is definitely different. You two were scheming back then."

"And Hope and Alex might be 'pure' to the rest of us, but they've slept with some of the worst," Brooklyn added.

Thyra nodded in agreement. "Hope with Chuck and Alex with Georgina."

"Oh, come on," Alex complained.

"Oh, can we all just let that go?" Hope asked.

There was some laughter.

"Oh, no," Zaya answered. "It's too funny to let go."

Sadie and Preston both smiled in amusement. "Mm-hmm."

"And should we even mention Rome?" Brooklyn asked teasingly.

"I'd rather you didn't," Hope answered.

Angela looked at Dylan and Wyatt. "At least Hope and Alex didn't show horror movies to Theo. Unlike Brooklyn and Thyra."

Dylan and Wyatt both looked at Brooklyn and Thyra in surprise, who both smiled sheepishly.

"You showed horror movies to Theo?" Wyatt asked.

"What?" Brooklyn asked. "He loved it."

"He really did," Thyra agreed.

"Brooklyn, Thyra, that's not the point," Dylan told them.

"No, it's not," Wyatt agreed.

"And while you did call Hope and Alex out on their darker sides, let's not forget that a couple years ago, it was Noe and Nate's scandalous hookup that started all of this, and it stemmed to a whole bunch of other dramas that involved all of us, who were in town at the time at least," Dylan added. "Not Zaya, Sadie, Marie, James, Carter, Angela, Preston or Prince."

Nate nodded in acknowledgement. "Well... you've got a point there."

Noe winced. "Yeah."

Hope, Alex, Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan, Wyatt, Serena, Blair and Chuck all nodded as if to say 'exactly', causing Zaya, Sadie, Marie, James, Carter, Angela, Preston and Prince to smile or smirk in amusement. Noe and Nate couldn't help but smile.

Prince smirked in amusement. "And here I thought this dinner would be boring compared to what Carter, Angela and I just came back from."

Angela put a finger to her lips. Carter hit Prince lightly on the shoulder. Marie frowned.

"And what did you just come back from?" James asked.

"Long story," Carter told them. "Explain later."

"Or not," Angela told them.

Preston gave them a weird look. "Okay."

"How did it go from Noe and Carter stealing a boat in Santorini, which James and Serena helped them get out of, to all of this?" Zaya asked in amusement.

Serena shook her head in amusement. "Don't ask me."

"I don't know," James agreed.

"But it's incredibly amusing," Chuck told them.

Dylan and Wyatt nodded in agreement. "Mm-hmm."

"Well, Noe and Carter get to say they stole a vehicle of water," Sadie told them. "Can anyone else around here say they've stolen a vehicle?"

Preston was still setting up the mic stuff for his song. "Nope, I'm pretty sure that's just us, Sadie."

All the older ones looked at Sadie and Preston in surprise, as both smiled sheepishly.

"Hang on, what?" Nate asked.

"Back up for a moment," Serena told them.

"Yeah, hold up," Marie agreed. "Pause. Rewind. Start again."

Blair chuckled. "No way."

Prince pointed between Sadie and Preston. "You two stole a car?"

Sadie smiled, before changing the subject real quick to get Preston to start singing so they didn't ask more questions. "Preston, start your song already."

Zaya pointed at Sadie and Preston. "We're not done talking about this."

"No, we are not," Prince agreed.

Carter chuckled, shaking his head. "Wow."

Marie smiled. "Yeah."

Preston sat at the mic. "Hi, everyone. I was asked to sing a song at the state dinner, do to my parents. They decided what they wanted me to sing, but I wanted to sing something else. For my friend. Who I lied about knowing to try and protect her, but those of you from the city know how that turned out."

The Crew and even Prince were surprised that Preston was doing this, but not much, though Sadie definitely was.

"Oh, my God," Noe said.

"Sadie..." Serena trailed off. "Oh, this is so sweet."

Blair smiled. "Yeah."

Preston smiled. "Sadie Rhodes. Her friends, who I like. The Crew. You've all been going through a difficult time. I hope this kind of helps for the moment."

"That's nice," Angela commented.

Sadie was in disbelief. "Is this happening?"

James nodded in amusement. "It's happening."

Laureen, Dominic, Harry and Aurora all exchanged a look, smiling slightly, looking over to the Crew.

Preston started to sing a mash up of Don't Give Up on Me by Andy Grammer and I'll Be There by Gabriela Bee. "I will fight / I will fight for you / I always do, until my heart is black and blue." Carter, Angela and Prince exchanged a look since they literally just got back from a situation like this, looking at Marie. "And I will stay / I will stay with you / We'll make it to the other side like we always do." Noe looked at Nate, remembering what they had talked about. Nate took Noe's hand. "I'll reach my hands out in the dark / And wait for yours to interlock." Preston and Sadie looked at each other as Preston sang. "I'll wait for you / I'll wait for you / 'Cause I'm not giving up / I'm not giving up, giving up, no, not yet / Even when I'm down to my last breath / Even when they say there's nothing left / I'll be here for you / I'm not giving up, I'm not giving up, giving up, no, not me / Even when nobody else believes / I'm not going down that easily / So don't give up on me." Noe and Sadie both took that lyric to heart given what they were both going through. "I'll be there for the highs and lows / Give you mine if your heart gets broke / By your side when you're all alone / I will be there / When you're down, d-down on your luck / Things got tough and you had enough / When you fall down, I will pick you up / I will be there." The Crew all looked very moved by the lyrics and song because even though there could be a lot of bickering and infighting between them, they were also there for each other in ways no one else was, impressed and touched that Preston dedicated this song to Sadie, and for the Crew during their dark times, knowing it fit them. "And I will hold / I'll hold onto you / No matter what this world will throw / It won't shake me loose / When your heart could use a break / And it's too broken to be open / I'll be patient, I will wait / Until you're ready to be open / Everybody needs somebody / And you got me / You know that I know that you know that / I'll reach my hands out in the dark / And wait for yours to interlock / I'll wait for you / I'll wait for you / 'Cause I'm not giving up / I'm not giving up, giving up, no, not yet / Even when I'm down to my last breath / Even when they say there's nothing left / I'll be here for you / I'm not giving up, I'm not giving up, giving up, no, not me / Even when nobody else believes / I'm not going down that easily / So don't give up on me." The crowd parted away from the Crew, as Preston stood, stepping down from the podium, making his way across the floor toward them. Sadie had tears in her eyes that she tried to fight. Noe was incredibly moved by the song because she wasn't willing to give up on life either. "I will fight / I will fight for you / I always do until my heart is black and blue."

When Preston stopped singing, there was light, polite applause, while everyone clearly loved the song choice/s.

There was a reporter inside, showing a camera at the Crew, specifically Sadie and Preston after it was revealed to everyone else they lied.

Sadie was annoyed, as was Preston. "Would you get out of our faces?"

Preston took the recorder from the reporter to speak into it. "I lied about knowing Sadie Rhodes. 'Cause the truth is, I know Sadie Rhodes. Sadie Rhodes is a know-it-all but she's painfully honest, and a genius, and a little evil."

Sadie couldn't help a smile. The Crew and the adults were watching with smiles.

"More than a little evil," Chuck corrected.

"Shut up, Chuck," Sadie replied.

The others smiled.

Preston continued. "And when she makes a promise, she keeps it. Even if it's a threat. Especially if you've hurt her or someone she loves. She understands me like no one else does. And I only lied thinking that it would protect her from her father. But clearly that didn't work. Sadie, I am so sorry. I know that you went through hell. And the entire Crew and your family did."

"Yeah," Sadie agreed. "But you were there to help me through it. And some of the others.'

Preston nodded. "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm done letting people dictate our lives. My life. Especially my parents like they did. And I'm not letting anyone tell me to stay away from you anymore. If you continue to let me be, I wanna be here for you."

Sadie nodded with tears in her eyes, embracing Preston, as the crowd all said, "Aw."

The Crew and family all smiled at seeing this.

The reporter was still filming this.

Sadie looked at the reporter in annoyance. "Go away. Now."

The reporter hurried off, while the Crew smirked, not surprised by Sadie's response in the least, but smiling at Sadie and Preston, looking like they were all thinking, 'finally something like this happened'.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "First love can be so sweet, no matter how old. International ovation for Sadie Rhodes and Preston Shea. Let's pray these two can make it through more to come."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Later, Hope was having a drink, while talking to Noe, both sitting down so that Noe was not wandering around, but resting for the moment, looking at her. "How are you?"

"Reeling," Noe answered. "But, uh... I think I'm okay, for now."

Hope nodded sadly, knowing about the denial and knowing not to push. "Okay."

"Alex and Nate said that you have something to look forward to for fashion week," Noe told her.

"Yeah," Hope answered. "My fashion design teacher at FIT asked me to be her assistant for fashion week in Paris in a few weeks."

Noe was surprised and happy for her. "Oh, my God. Hope, that's amazing."

Hope smiled. "Thank you. I was just worried about going, because of everything going on here. With you, with everything else. The baby, Theo. Everything that the Crew's been through lately. Mom, Laureen, Harry and Dominic too."

Noe tilted her head. "No. No, you are not letting all this hold you back. You have been looking forward to this since you were a kid, long before we ever even met you, and you used to talk about how much you wanted something like this. You're not gonna hold yourself back because of us, Hope. You deserve this."

Hope smiled sadly. "That's what Alex, Mom, Thyra, Wyatt, Blair, James and Carter said. And Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck, Zaya, Sadie, Serena, Marie, Laureen and Lily when I told them."

"Well, then listen to Alex and your families," Noe told her. "And you're my stepsister, too, so that means you listen to me too. Though Alex, Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan, Wyatt, James, Zaya, Sadie, Marie, Serena, Blair, Chuck, Carter, Laureen, Aurora and my mom is a lot of people to listen to. And Alex told Nate, so..."

Hope chuckled lightly, tilting her head, happy that Noe could still be her funny and relaxed self even with all this going on, before returning serious. "But if something happens when I'm away..."

"Nothing is going to happen," Noe told her. "It's just a week, a few weeks from now. And if anything did happen, you're just a phone call and a G5 jet plane ride away."

They both chuckled a bit.

Hope bit her lip. "I love you, Noe. As my best friend and my step sister, added with adoption or not."

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

Noe and Hope embraced.

Alex and Nate walked closer with some water.

"Hey, you two," Alex told them.

Noe and Hope pulled away, looking up at Alex and Nate with small smiles.

"Hey, you two," Noe replied. "Alex, you must be proud of Hope."

"Yeah, I am," Alex answered.

Nate chuckled. "Yeah, I heard the big news. Alex told me. Congratulations, Hope."

Hope smiled a bit. "Thanks, Nate. Next major step in a series of next major steps, but I'm ready."

Nate nodded in amusement. "Of course you are. Wouldn't expect anything less."

Alex and Hope smiled slightly.

"How you doing, Noe?" Alex asked, concerned though knowing she got annoyed by too much worry, so he didn't make it obvious.

Noe reached for her water that Nate held. "Thirsty. Thank you, boys."

Noe, Hope, Alex and Nate chuckled a bit, as Hope, Alex and Nate were still worried about Noe's state, though Noe was trying to assure them and herself that everything would be okay.

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Lily was holding the fussy Theo, turning to her sister. "Laureen, would you mind telling Dylan I'm heading home with Theo in case he shows back up here with Brooklyn and Charles? Theo's getting fussy and I should put him down for a nap."

"No, it's fine, Lily," Laureen answered. "Go ahead."

"See you another time, Lily," Dominic told her.

Lily nodded in agreement. "Bye, Dominic."

Lily walked away with Theo.

Chuck led Brooklyn and Dylan to the side, which caused Thyra, Wyatt and Blair to follow.

"Chuck," Dylan told him.

"While the story-telling with the Crew was a nice change of page and so was the Preston song, I came here to apologize and talk to you guys," Chuck explained.

"What happened?" Brooklyn asked. "Do you think that Elizabeth could be..."

"Think that she could be what?" Thyra asked.

"Guys, what's really going on here?" Wyatt asked.

"We think that woman may be our mother," Dylan answered.

Thyra, Wyatt and Blair looked at them in surprise and confusion.

"You know your mother died during childbirth," Thyra told them, glancing at Brooklyn and Dylan.

"What if she didn't?" Chuck asked. "What if it was just another of our father's many lies?"

"Look... it makes sense that when you finally let your father go, your mother would reappear," Blair told them.

Brooklyn shook her head. "She's not a ghost. Don't you think we know how crazy this sounds? We've been telling each other for the past week that we're crazy. This is why we couldn't tell you or anyone."

"We're aware that one of Bart's old girlfriends may have known our names, and maybe even look like old pictures of our mother," Dylan told them. "But our father only had one of these lockets made with an E on it. This woman had it."

"Whoever she is, it just seems like... she'll make losing your mom hurt all over again," Wyatt told them.

Brooklyn scoffed softly. "Do you really think anything could be more painful than killing our own mother and having our father tell us that it was my fault our whole lives because I was the last one out? And she was fine when Dylan was born. But me?"

"If there is any chance this isn't what happened, we have to know," Chuck told them.

Thyra and Wyatt nodded in understanding.

"Okay," Thyra agreed. "Brooklyn... I'll go with you if you need me."

"And I'll get Theo from Lily and we can go, if you want, Dylan," Wyatt told him.

"No, leave Theo here," Dylan answered. "I don't want to bring him in case we're wrong."

"But thank you," Brooklyn told them.

Thyra and Wyatt nodded in agreement.

Chuck looked at Blair. "I don't want to keep you from your business with Monsieur Duris. We just all needed to talk about this."

"Nothing is more important than being with you for this," Blair assured all of them.

Brooklyn, Thyra, Dylan, Wyatt, Blair and Chuck walked out of the dinner party together to head outside and get into the limo.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Sometimes despite the risk, the only thing to do is seize the moment."

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Marie was standing alone, looking around, seeing Carter getting a drink with James, and Angela and Prince with Preston as they were working around the party.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "No matter the consequences."

Marie's phone rang. She pulled it out to answer. "Hello? Yeah, this is she."

Marie processed whatever was said on the phone, looking toward Carter, Angela and Prince in realization, hanging up, walking toward Carter and James.

"Hey, Marie," James told her.

"James, can I steal Carter for a second?" Marie asked.

"Yeah, sure," James answered. "Go ahead."

"Thanks," Marie told him, taking Carter's hand, pulling him toward Angela and Prince.

"Okay, what's going on?" Carter asked.

"You three should be telling me that," Marie told them.

Angela and Prince both had a glass of champagne.

"What's wrong?" Prince asked.

"I just got a call from my mom's lawyer who helped make sure Vincent would stay in jail until the last possible second," Marie explained. "Apparently he got beat up by two assailants who then disappeared like smoke."

Angela acted surprised, sipping her drink. "Oh, God. No way. Wonder how that happened."

Carter chuckled, looking down, tilting his head.

Prince smirked, drinking his own wine.

Marie just looked between the three, knowing that none of them were really surprised, and just looked at Carter and Angela, seeing the marks on their faces from the fight, knowing now how they got them, crossing her arms, tilting her head. "Anything you three would like to share? Carter, Angela, I know you two did it. The marks on your faces prove it. I told you not to underestimate him."

"And we didn't," Carter replied. "But he definitely is better than what I thought."

"Same here," Angela agreed.

Marie just gave them a look, before looking at Prince. "Why aren't you surprised, Prince?"

"I might have been the getaway driver," Prince answered sheepishly.

Marie was not surprised by that in the least, nodding, scoffing a laugh. "All three of you were apart of this. Why am I not surprised? That's why you three were late here."

Angela looked around. "If we're gonna talk about this in detail, we shouldn't do it out here."

Knowing she was right, Marie took Carter's hand and led Carter, Angela and Prince away so they could talk alone without anyone overhearing them.

X•O°X•O

Coat Check Room

(Song:) Sweet Little Lies - Bulow

Marie led the other three in, turning to look at them. "Talk."

"Don't be mad," Carter told her. "Look, after yesterday with the flowers, and whatever you told Angela, it set her off, and obviously I've been trying to find a way to get him to know to stay away from you. We can't do anything to make Vincent disappear for real because of the contract and the fact Hope, Alex, Brooklyn, Thyra, James, Zaya, Sadie, Angela, Harry, Aurora, Laureen, Dominic, Emilia and I can all be put back in danger if we did, so we went about it another way to make sure that he stayed away from you even after he got out of jail."

"This is not gonna keep him away from me," Marie told them.

"Maybe not," Angela agreed. "But at least he knows if he comes after you again, he'll get a whole other round of us kicking us ass. And not just from us, but from Hope, Alex, Brooklyn, Thyra, James, Zaya, Sadie, Serena. And Laureen, Harry and Aurora would go to bat for any of us too. Preston's song earlier dedicated to the Crew? It was dead on. How all of you fight for each other no matter the consequences. Even with some infighting from time to time."

"Angela, Carter and I weren't just gonna let Vincent get away with putting you through all of that again yesterday, Marie," Prince told her. "And we weren't gonna let him come after you again."

Marie sighed, tilting her head.

Angela nodded. "I'll tell you something else. Yesterday, you told me that you walked a fine line of darkness when you were bordering on alcoholic and drug addict to get you through the pain of what Vincent did to you. I know how that feels like because I went through that too. And so did Carter and Prince, even though for different reasons, with Caroline and Lucas." Carter and Prince nodded in agreement ."When I lost Giselle and my father, things got pretty dark there for a little while. Nobody could talk to me. My mother waded into that darkness and pulled me to safety, and said, 'I know you want some answers. But what is the right answer? Because there is no answer. There's just life'. Just life. If we don't live it, anything less will make this a much greater tragedy than it already is, right? It means that Vincent and Joffrey and Tripp and Richard won."

"Marie, you know you were the one that helped pull me back from that darkness this last time," Carter told her. "That first night we met, even though you turned me down, you were still trying to help me, though because a badass flirt while you were at it."

Marie couldn't help but smirk a slight smile at that, which Carter smirked back too. Angela and Prince smirked.

Angela sighed. "Human life is almost pure chaos. It's passion unattended, a flame that burn to its own destruction. Zaya, Sadie and Laureen are pulling themselves together. Noe has to face the fact that her life could still be ruined by what Tripp did to her, and to Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck and Serena. But I think Noe will pull through, and so will her and Nate's baby." Marie nodded in agreement, though she was still scared of losing Noe. Carter and Prince nodded. "And I spent a long time punishing myself, just like you're doing to yourself. Prince and Carter punish themselves because of Prince's ex and James and Carter's sister Caroline. Even though we hide the fact that we are punishing ourselves very well."

"Not that well," Marie replied.

Prince nodded, tilting his head. "We deserve some kind of reward for persisting through life so long alone. And to make the decision to ignore or simply rise above the pain of the past."

Angela shrugged slightly. "We're all bound by what we went through, and that's why the four of us are already working well together, isn't it, Marie? The alters and you, Prince and Carter and even me. We all get through things better with each other. Two is always stronger than one. Imagine how four... or eight is if we're including the alters." Marie chuckled. Prince and Carter smirked. "We're like a team, braced against the tempest of the world. And we will always be the guiding force in our lives."

"There will always be something to ruin our lives," Carter told them. "It all depends on what or which finds us first. You're always ripe and ready to be taken. But what is it that you want, Marie?"

Marie, getting overwhelmed and shaky, was pacing, taking off the jacket at last, and put it on a rack, but it fell to the floor instead as she paced back toward them. "I just want it all to be over, to where I never have to think about it again, but you three doing a jail break in could have raised red flags to the Silence, and I don't want you three getting hurt because of me. Because of us. And I don't want anyone else getting hurt either. I just.. I just want all of us to be happy."

Angela looked down. "Sometimes pain becomes such a huge part of your life that you expect it to always be there because you can't remember a time in your life when it wasn't."

Marie nodded in agreement. "But then, one day, you feel something else, something that feels wrong, but only because it's so unfamiliar, and lately, I realized that it was because I was happy."

Prince looked between Marie and Angela. "It's okay to let yourselves be happy. Because you never know how fleeting that happiness might be."

Marie looked at Carter and Prince sarcastically. "Oh, right, like you two have a whole lot of room to talk about letting ourselves be happy when you two have a tough time letting yourselves be."

Carter tilted his head. "Yeah, well, we're getting better at it. All of us."

Angela looked between Carter, Prince and Marie, knowing the similarities between the four of them. "It does get better from what I hear, even if I haven't felt it get better for me... not until moving here."

"Me neither," Marie agreed. "It feels wrong when it feels better by moving here."

Angela nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it does. Time takes it all. Whether you want it to or not. Time bears it away. And in the end, there is only darkness. Sometimes we find others in that darkness. We found each other, didn't we?" Marie, Carter and Prince nodded in agreement. "Seven billion people in the world, seven billion souls, and sometimes, all you need is one. Or four."

"Or a Crew," Prince remarked.

Marie, Carter, Angela and Prince smirked slightly.

Carter looked at Marie. "So..."

"So, it was still stupid of you three to do something like that and risk getting noticed by the Silence," Marie answered. Carter, Angela and Prince looked like they knew she would react like that, sighing. Marie hesitated, sighing. "But after everything that's happened, I can't judge you guys for going after Vincent like that. And... it surprised me more than anything. That all three of you would go after him together like that."

"Well, I've seen what Vincent does to you, and so has Carter," Prince told her. "And after you told Angela whatever you told her... we just couldn't do nothing."

Marie looked conflicted about what to feel, but was touched that they did this for her to try and protect her and the alters, though she was worried about what could happen as a consequence. "Look, we're really happy with this new thing between us. And I know we probably shouldn't feel touched or relieved that you did something like that for us, but we do, and... I'm just so worried about what could happen if the Silence found out, or if Vincent tries to retaliate whenever he gets out, or..."

Carter trailed a hand on Marie's arm. "It's gonna be okay. The Silence is not gonna find out."

"And as for Vincent, he wouldn't be able to get close enough to hurt you like he used to, not with all of us," Angela pointed out. "And there's nothing he could use against you, is there?"

Marie frowned. "I don't know. I mean, with the disorder, and with how he is, I either don't remember, or..."

Prince shook his head. "Hey. Don't worry about it. Just relax for the rest of the night, okay? Try to anyway."

Marie sighed heavily, nodding. "Should I say thank you or kick your asses? Or both?"

Carter, Angela and Prince smirked slight smiles. Marie couldn't help but smile.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Lily was sitting at home alone after putting Theo down for a nap.

Rufus walked in. "We need to talk."

Lily stood, relieved. "Rufus, finally. I-I-I must have called you a hundred times."

"I told you I'd call you back when I was ready," Rufus told her.

"Well, I guess I just didn't expect it to take quite so long," Lily told him.

"Well, I guess you should have thought about that before you... spent the night in a hotel room with your ex-husband," Rufus replied. Lily sighed, scratching her head lightly. Rufus scoffed. "Well, I'm here now. So why don't you tell me exactly what happened? And Lil, I'm not interested in any more lies."

Lily sighed, tilting her head.

X•O°X•O

State Dinner

Noe walked over to where Laureen, Dominic, Harry and Aurora were sitting. "Hey."

"Hey, Noe," Dominic told her in concern.

"Hey, Dominic," Noe replied.

Harry looked up, worried. "How are you?"

"Gonna get really annoyed if I keep getting looks like that until I have this baby," Noe answered. "I know you guys are worried, but I'll be fine."

Dominic, Harry and Aurora looked at Laureen, knowing that Noe was still a little in denial. Laureen tilted her head silently to tell them not to push it, and they nodded in agreement.

"Right," Aurora agreed. "Of course."

"How is your night of distraction going?" Laureen asked.

Noe tilted her head. "Yeah, well, I need a distraction from the distraction because the distraction is really boring." Laureen, Dominic, Harry and Aurora chuckled. "The only thing that wasn't boring was talking to the Crew and Preston telling the truth about his friendship with Sadie and that song. Now all they have to do is admit they actually like each other."

Dominic smirked. "Right."

"And that was so sweet of Preston," Laureen told her. "Trying to cheer up all of you."

Noe smiled slightly. "Yeah."

Someone nearby whispered into someone else's hear, who started to laugh, slightly screeching laughter. The kind of laughter that caused everyone around her to laugh as well.

But to Noe, the screeching laughter reminded her of both of her car accidents, the first when she was forced to forget everything, and the second she was forced to remember everything else she still hadn't remembered. She held a hand over her baby bump, accidentally dropping her glass, which shattered, with glass landing on her salad bowl, cascading onto her lap, and on the floor next to her chair. A waiter and a waitress nearby hurried over quickly to help clean up.

Laureen, Dominic, Harry and Aurora all stood to do something, worried and concerned.

"Are you all right?" Aurora asked.

"Noe, are you okay?" Dominic asked.

Noe looked paralyzed in place, unable to speak, but slowly nodded, starting to stand.

Laureen reached out to grab her arm. "Watch the glass!" More shattered glass rolled off of Noe's dress to the floor. "You're bleeding. Noe..."

Noe followed her gaze to her arm, where there was a bleeding cut.

"Here, let me help," Harry told her.

Nate had been walking closer when he heard the glass breaking, just now seeing that it was Noe near the glass, walking closer quickly, holding his hand out for Noe. "I got it, I got it. Come on, I'll help you clean it off. I got you."

Nate took Noe's hands, leading her past the glass, as Laureen, Dominic, Harry and Aurora watched them go in concern and worry. Hope, Alex, James, Zaya, Sadie, Preston and Serena just now saw what happened, and so did Carter, Marie, Angela and Prince as they were walking out of the coat check, all watching Nate and Noe go in concern as well, more and more worried.

X•O°X•O

Bathroom

Nate helped lift Noe up so she could sit on the sink, resting her there carefully, examining her arm, seeing the place where a glass shard had pierced her skin, carefully pulling it out, making Noe wince, before grabbing a towel, wetting it under the sink water, and carefully dabbed the cut.

"I'm sorry," Noe told him.

"Why are you sorry?" Nate asked. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"I just..." Noe trailed off. "The mess."

"Noe, that wasn't your fault," Nate told her. "After everything you've went through, no one could blame you."

Noe gazed off. "I guess the screeching, the glass... that's what set me off. And the blood didn't help."

"It'll get better," Nate assured. "You know that from the first experience."

"The first time, I didn't remember the car accident," Noe told him. "Not really, subconsciously, even though I had nightmares about what it was like. Now I remember both crashes. And everything else."

Nate looked at her worriedly in concern, desperate to help her. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Noe tried to be okay, nodding. "You're doing everything you need to right now."

They embraced, while Noe was trying everything in her power not to break.

Nate stroked her hair reassuringly, calmingly. "It'll get better. Sooner than you know."

X•O°X•O

Hallway

Damien had just gotten his coat from the coat check.

Jenny walked up behind Damien mockingly. "Not having any fun?"

"No," Damien answered, turning to face her. "No, but you go ahead and have yours. Please, gloat. You've earned it."

"Well, you're always telling me that this is a business and not my social life, but yet..." Jenny trailed off. "You're the one who screwed up a major deal because you had the hots for my sister. Well, at least Marie has the Rhodes charm and appeal. One of the things that annoys me most about Rhodes girls, they can get anyone and everyone to fall for them without even trying, including you, apparently."

Damien nodded. "Irony duly noted."

"Maybe next time you won't be so quick to dismiss me," Jenny told him.

Damien winced. "I don't know if there will be a next time. Word of this botched job will get around to my other clients and... I owe Violette more money than I could possibly steal back from my father. I think it's time for me to head back to the continent."

Damien turned to walk away.

Jenny turned her head to look into the coat check room, seeing the jacket that Marie had left in there, calling after him. "Hey, Damien." Damien turned back. "What is that jacket doing on the floor?" The coat check girl turned to look at the jacket, as Damien walked closer. "It belongs to the ambassador's daughter. She'll be furious. Hang it up and make absolutely sure that Violette gets it when she leaves." The coat check girl did as told. Jenny looked at Damien smugly. "Looks like you can cancel that transatlantic ticket."

Damien was impressed. "I guess so."

X•O°X•O

Hotel - Bar

Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck looked across the way toward Elizabeth. Thyra, Wyatt and Blair were here for them, as they walked up to her.

"Elizabeth?" Chuck asked.

Elizabeth put on an act. "I'm sorry. Have we met?"

"You ran away from us at our father's grave," Brooklyn told her.

"Dylan, Brooklyn and Chuck Bass," Dylan explained.

They each shook her hand.

Elizabeth looked nervous. "Oh, of course. I apologize for my sudden departure. It was a very emotional day for me."

"Believe me, us too," Brooklyn told her.

"You must have known our father very well," Chuck told her.

Elizabeth tilted her head. "I'm not sure what gives you that impression. Your father and I simply shared a few memorable months many years ago. I was actually visiting my mother's grave and I just stopped to pay my respects."

"At that time of the night?" Dylan asked skeptically. "On the anniversary of our father's death?"

"We saw you had his favorite flowers," Brooklyn told her. "And you knew who we were."

Elizabeth shook her head. "Sorry, I... I read that Bart had three children, and you look just like your father."

Chuck looked away. "Most people say I more closely resemble our mother. Brooklyn and Dylan are another story."

"I wouldn't know," Elizabeth told them. "I never had the pleasure of meeting her."

Dylan pulled out the locket. "Well, maybe you can tell us why you had her locket."

Elizabeth took the locket. "Your father gave it to me. The E is for Elizabeth. I loved to believe it was a special gift, but I'm fairly certain he gave it to all his girlfriends at the time." She offered the locket to them. "You're welcome to keep it if you'd like. I'm sure it means a great deal more to you than it does to me. I'm sorry I can't help you find whatever it is you're looking for."

Brooklyn looked rattled, taking a deep breath, lowering her head. Dylan and Chuck even looked effected and disappointed. The three of them turned to face Thyra, Blair and Wyatt.

"I'm sorry to waste your time," Chuck told them. "Blair, you should have stayed with Monsieur Duris."

Blair shook her head. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Dylan sighed. "This was a waste. I don't know what we were thinking."

"You're emotional because of everything that happened since the crash," Wyatt pointed out. "Noe, your father's anniversary. It's understandable."

Brooklyn held her head. "Part of me wonders if we were just distracting ourselves from that. From Noe. What could happen to Noe, and to Noe and Nate's baby." Dylan and Chuck looked like they were wondering the same thing, all worried. "Though I was so sure that we were right too."

Dylan and Chuck nodded in agreement.

Thyra looked toward Elizabeth in suspicion, looking at the others. "I'm just going to visit the ladies' room, then we'll leave."

Dylan nodded. "We'll bring the car around."

Brooklyn, Dylan, Wyatt, Blair and Chuck walked out.

Thyra walked up to Elizabeth, her voice cold. "Elizabeth."

Elizabeth turned to look at her. "I already told your friends everything I know."

"And they may have bought it in their emotional state," Thyra told her. "But my aunt Aurora and my parents taught me how to see through that innocent doe-eyed stare. To see past liars when able. Brooklyn and Dylan spent their entire life believing that their birth killed their mother. Bart pit them and Chuck against each other by blaming Brooklyn so harshly and being so cruel to Dylan and Chuck. If you know anything... that could take away even a second of that pain, it would be just as cruel not to share it. Otherwise, leaving town means never having to say you're sorry."

Thyra turned around, walking away.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Could there be a secret even Brooklyn, Thyra, Blair, Dylan, Wyatt and Chuck can't crack? Only time will tell."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Rufus and Lily were sitting on separately.

"I was exhausted," Lily told him. "I was scared. I thought my mother was going to die. He's a doctor. He knew people that could help her. And like Serena, I wanted to find him and get answers for Nevaeh. I had to seek him out."

"I already knew about CeCe being sick," Rufus told her. "And I know that she got better. And I know what he did to Noe with the accident. I'm not gonna sit here for another hour while you talk around this thing."

"What do you want me to tell you?" Lily asked.

"Tell me that you weren't with him while I was home taking care of our kids," Rufus told her. "Tell me that you didn't sleep with your ex-husband."

Lily sighed heavily. "I didn't sleep with him. I did kiss him, but that's all."

"Well, it must have been one hell of a kiss for you to build all these lies around it," Rufus remarked bitterly.

"Look, I-I-I promise," Lily told him. "It didn't--didn't mean anything."

"We were engaged," Rufus pointed out. "It means something to me."

Rufus stood to leave.

"Where are you going?" Lily asked.

Rufus walked away. "I need time to figure this out, away from you."

Lily sighed. "Oh, Rufus, please, would you come back home, so we can..." Rufus walked around the corner to the elevator to leave without waiting for her to finish. "So we can work this out."

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

(Song:) Map of the World - Monsters of Folk

Dan was pacing, leaving a message. "Hey. Hey, Vanessa, it's, uh, it's me. I haven't heard from you in a while, so I'm--I'm guessing that means you don't want to hear from me. Um, but, uh... yeah, well, anyway, things around here aren't... aren't so great right now. You know, with Noe and the baby in danger of hemorrhaging whenever, and with my dad and Lily, and Hope and Marie are getting more distant from me, Jenny and Dad each day, mostly because Jenny's being a brat to everybody even after what she did to Laureen, Zaya and Sadie, and Dad's avoiding them because of his drama with Lily, so... I... I don't know. If you get a minute, I--I could use a friend."

Dan hurriedly hung up.

X•O°X•O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment Building - Elevator

Rufus was leaving the penthouse to go down, watching the numbers go down. Before he got down far, he hit the button to go to level 24. Once there, Rufus got off the elevator, walking up to the apartment door in front of him, knocking.

Holland opened the door, and the two exchanged a look, before Holland let him inside, and closed the door behind him.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

State Dinner - Outside

Jenny and Damien watched Violette walk outside with the pill jacket.

"It's a perfect fit," Jenny told him. Damien chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you're sticking around for a while."

"Me too," Damien agreed, offering his arm to Jenny. "Here."

Jenny turned to face him. "No. This wasn't a date. If you want one, you'll have to ask."

Damien smiled, as Jenny turned around and got into the Rhodes limo.

(Song:) Wild Wolves - Athlete

Laureen and Dominic walked outside together, toward their limo.

"Nate said that he got Noe home okay," Laureen explained.

Dominic looked into the limo. "And Zaya and Sadie aren't out here yet. Though things seem a little calmed down now, Laureen."

"Been a long year, Dominic," Laureen told him.

Dominic nodded in agreement. "Maybe things will slow down now."

Laureen took Dominic by the hand. "While I wish that all the bad did slow down, there are some things that I don't want to slow down. Like you and me."

Dominic smiled slightly. "Well, what if it's a good kind of slow?"

Laureen and Dominic looked at each other for a long moment, before Dominic placed a hand on her cheek and they started to kiss passionately and sweetly.

Zaya walked outside, seeing Laureen and Dominic kissing, smiling slightly.

Sadie and Preston walked outside, laughing lightly, glad they could finally be friends out in the open, looking at each other with slight smiles.

Sadie paused when she stood next to Zaya, seeing Laureen and Dominic, also smiling, as Zaya and Sadie looked at each other, happy for their mother and Dominic.

Hope/Alex and James/Serena walked outside, both couples arm in arm, while Carter, Marie, Prince and Angela also walked outside, seeing Zaya, Sadie and Preston, and seeing Laureen and Dominic, all exchanged an amused, happy look for Laureen and Dominic.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "With enough time, eventually we all see what was right in front of us."

X•O°X•O

Harry's Mansion - Living Room

Harry was sitting down, having a drink, hanging up his phone, reeling.

Aurora walked closer. "How's Noe and Nate?"

"Nate said he got him and Noe home just fine, but she's rattled," Harry answered. "I think denial's slipping out fast."

Aurora nodded sadly in agreement. "I just... thought I'd come to check on you after everything. It's been a rough day. Rough last few months for everyone if I'm being honest. You all right?"

"You keep asking me that," Harry pointed out.

"And you never give me an answer," Aurora replied.

Harry turned to look at Aurora, placing down his drink, walking closer. "Aurora... You remember how we were talking, before all of this with the Crew and Tripp went down, when Hope and Alex told us what was going on? We said that we knew something between us changed. I told you that I would never give up on helping you with everything you're trying to do, with the Crew, the family, the Silence. And I just had to have faith that you wouldn't give up on me either."

"I remember," Aurora answered, surprised by the turn of conversation, but not that surprised. "And if me staying by your side after everything that happened and still asking you if you're okay, no matter how many times you don't answer that doesn't prove that I'm not giving up on you, I don't know what will, Harry."

Harry placed a hand on Aurora's cheek. They both looked each other in the eyes for a long moment, before finally giving in and kissing slowly, more passionately as time went on, holding a hand to each other's heads. They continued to make out with a fiery passion, holding each other close.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And realize no matter how long it took, it was worth the wait."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Trio Penthouse - Living Room

Chuck sat on the couch, having a drink, gazing off.

Blair sat next to Chuck. "Are you okay?"

"Brooklyn, Dylan and I spent 16 years accepting the fact our mother was dead," Chuck told her. "We were misguided... to let one of our father's girlfriends allow us to question that, to hope things may be different. Maybe Brooklyn was right, and we were trying to distract ourselves of the danger Noe and the baby are in, and knowing that realistically, no one can stop it if it happened. If Noe..."

Blair looked at Chuck sadly, thinking back to the moment Noe/Blair had earlier that brought them both to tears. "I know. But Noe's gonna get through this, and so will the baby. And your real mother would never turn her back on a chance to know you three."

"We don't have a real mother, Blair," Chuck told her. "We never will."

Blair looked down. "That doesn't mean you're alone. I love you, Chuck. And you'll always have Brooklyn and Dylan. The Crew, family. All of us. And even if you lose everything else, which you won't, but if you ever did, Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra, Wyatt and I? We will always be your family."

Blair kissed Chuck's cheek, holding an arm around him.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Penthouse - Theo's Nursery

Dylan and Wyatt were putting Theo down to sleep for the night, watching him sleep, arms around each other.

Wyatt let Dylan lean his head against his shoulder. "It's gonna be okay, Dylan."

Dylan nodded. "Yeah." He frowned. "Wyatt?"

"Yeah?" Wyatt asked.

"Thank you, for coming earlier," Dylan told him. "You, Blair and Thyra. With me, Brooklyn and Chuck."

Wyatt gave Dylan a kiss. "Of course."

They embraced.

X•O°X•O

Thyra's Room

Brooklyn was sitting on Thyra's bed, looking at the locket, thinking pensively, laying down next to Thyra. Thyra put her arm around Brooklyn comfortingly.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But for some, that time never comes."

X•O°X•O

The Empire - Carter's Hotel Room

Carter and Marie walked in for the night to go to sleep.

Marie saw the box for the flowers from Vincent on the table.

"I meant to get those out of here earlier," Carter told her. "With the jail break plan, it kind of slipped our minds that they were still here."

"It's okay," Marie told him. "I got it."

Marie slowly walked toward the box, opening it for a split second to look at the red rose, dahlia and petunia. She saw a glass of bourbon nearby, picking up the glass, pouring the alcohol over the flowers in the box numbly, taking a book of matches on the table, striking a match, watching the flame for a moment, before dropping the match onto the alcohol-doused flowers, watching them burst aflame with no expression, eyes glassy with tears. Carter watched in concern. Marie picked up the box as the flowers burned, turning to drop the box with the burning flowers into the metal trash can so that they could watch the flames burn the flowers and the box to ash without any other harm. Carter walked toward Marie, as Marie turned to him. Carter wrapped his arms around her. Marie held onto him, leaning her head against Carter's shoulder, gazing off as she tried her best not to remember any more, both Marie and Carter still watching the flowers burn.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Instead of healing old wounds, the wait just opens new ones."

X•O°X•O

Noe/Nate's Apartment - Bedroom

Noe and Nate had been home for a while now, both having tried to go to sleep. Nate was asleep, but Noe was not, manic, pacing.

Nate woke up from her pacing. "Noe? What's wrong?"

Noe kept pacing. "I'm just not feeling that good."

"You want to talk about it?" Nate asked.

Noe shook her head. "I have a headache. That's it."

Nate sat up, wanting to be there for her. "Come on. We used to talk, about everything we could. After the crash..."

"Every time someone brings up the crash, you look so guilty because of Tripp," Noe told him. "How am I supposed to talk to you about that? I don't want to make you feel guilty."

"My guilt, is my problem," Nate told her. "I'm just trying to help you with yours. And my guilt is justified. I trusted Tripp, and he betrayed that trust in the most horrible way."

"We both trusted him," Noe pointed out. "We all did."

"Yeah, but my cousin went after the girl I love," Nate replied. "The mother of my child, was so obsessed with her, that he nearly killed you, and Serena, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. Some of my best friends, and your sister, and adoptive siblings. And now the doctors think that there's a chance that you might..."

Noe looked down, fully struck by the fact that she and the baby could die, no longer in denial. "That we might die. From anytime from now until then."

Nate shook his head desperately. "Noe..."

"I just... I don't want to talk about that, Nate," Noe told him. "I'm exhausted. Of everything."

Nate reached out to Noe. "Of me?"

Noe shook her head sincerely, urgent. "No, not you. I'm just... exhausted with the job before everything that happened with Tripp, his obsession, worrying about what he would do and that no one would believe me, worrying about Zaya, Sadie, Laureen and Marie after everything, and everybody else, Bart's anniversary, the crash, the pregnancy. The threat of... And I'm so tired of feeling so broken that people think they can prey on me. That I'll be an easy target. Like Catherine, and Tripp."

Nate reached out to take her hands. "Noe, you don't have to worry about them anymore. Remember what the doctors said. You cannot do this to yourself. The stress can make the condition worse, for you and the baby."

"I know," Noe agreed, trying desperately to calm down. "I'm just..."

"Just what?" Nate asked. "Say it. Noe, please say it."

Noe started to cry. "I'm scared. I'm scared about what could happen to me, and the baby. If she's going to be... damaged like me. If we can even survive. Because there's so much wrong with me, and everyone is so worried that I could..."

Nate gently rubbed her hands with his to try and calm her down. "Hey, there is nothing wrong with you. You've gotta stop thinking like that. What happened to you with the car crashes, that is not your fault. I know what the doctors said, but we'll have the best ones to make sure that there is little to no risk, to you or the baby."

"Even if something does happen to me, you're gonna be okay," Noe told him emotionally. "And you can raise her on your own. And you won't be alone. You'll have Hope, Alex, Harry. Serena, Eric, Marie, Zaya, Sadie, Laureen, my mom. Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck. The family, the Crew."

"Don't talk like that," Nate told her. "I believe that we were meant to have this baby. And I know the danger, but I'm not losing either of you. And this isn't denial talking, Noe. It's just... I believe in that, that you both are going to be okay. Maybe... maybe every single moment we've spent together has been leading us up to the moment where we finally build a family of our own. Us, the baby. But that does not mean that's where our story ends. Because I can't live without you, Noe. Either of you. And I don't have to, and I'm not going to. I know it. I can feel it. We're going to be happy, all three of us. Do you believe that? Are you worried that she's going to be different, physically, or mentally, or that she's not going to make it?"

Noe was really starting to worry and become manic, not for herself but for the baby. "I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't--"

Both looked near tears from the unthinkable situation they were put in. Noe began to pace again, quicker and quicker.

Nate got on his knees on the bed, reaching out to Noe, trying to calm her down, stopping her where they could look at each other. "Noe."

Noe stopped moving, turning to look at him, the panic in her eyes replaced by a blank stare. "I don't know what I'm doing, Nate. What we're going to do."

Nate continued to try and soothe her. "We'll figure it out. Together. And we won't be alone, like you said. I promise. Come lie here with me. You need some sleep."

"Nate..." Noe trailed off.

"Come on," Nate gently urged.

With tears streaming down Noe's cheeks, she slipped beneath the covers as Nate held them up, sliding as close to him as she could, letting him wrap his arm around her as she did the same to him. She buried her head in his chest, right beneath the collar bone, feeling the warmth of his breath as he pressed his lips to her hair. They laid there, in each other's arms, without saying a word, until eventually, they both fell asleep.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And the longer the wait, the more chances new wounds can form... and can destroy everything you hold dear. XOXO, Gossip Girl."