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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 3.03 "The Lost CruSadie", in the street, Harry and Bree were walking together.

"I would like you to meet my nephews and their girls at least," Harry told her. "Alex, Nate, Hope and Noe."

"Introducing me to more of your family?" Bree asked. "The good ones anyway? I'd be honored."

From 3.03 "The Lost CruSadie", in the loft, Dan was on the phone with Georgina. "I really think we should cool things off for a while. You know, take a little break. We did say no strings."

Georgina nodded, looking cold. "Right. No strings."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", in the loft, Rufus made a paper ring for Lily. "Marry me, Lily."

From 3.03 "The Lost CruSadie", outside the auction house, Marie was talking to Carter emotionally. "Noe, Serena and Eric, and Dan and Jenny think that Andrea was their sister. And they know that she's dead. And Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck and Hope... I wanted to get to know them just as much as Noe, Serena, Eric, Dan and Jenny because they're my adoptive siblings too. And I wanted to get to know Zaya and Sadie, and Laureen, because they're my cousins and aunt, and my parents. I need to at least meet Lily before I tell anyone else."

Georgina was listening from around the corner of the building, smirking.

Georgina: (voice over from 3.03 The Lost CruSadie) "It's just too fun to mess with your little Crew."

From 3.03 "The Lost CruSadie", at the auction, Georgina was talking to Alex, smirking. "I think the only ones I haven't messed with now are Zaya, Sadie, James and Nate. And Carter."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", at the Boston bar, Georgina was clearly trying to get Marie more drunk so that she would be more willing to talk. Marie looked at Georgina with slight suspicion though she did just want to drink to forget for the night.

Georgina: (voice over from 3.03 The Lost CruSadie) "I'm gonna have to find a way to do that."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", in the café, Olivia stood with Dan. "I didn't really give you a chance to get to know both sides of me and I'm wondering if you still want to."

Dan looked down as if in thought. "I don't even know why I'm pretending to think about it. Yes, of course."

Olivia smiled, sitting next to Dan.

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", in the Rhodes/Bass apartment, Lily pointed between Rufus and Laureen. "This is your fault."

Rufus shook his head. "That's not fair."

"Not fair?" Lily repeated. "I go away to take care of CeCe. I come back, and Serena's not going to college, but going to live with Noe, who is also not going to college."

"Because Noe is not ready for that kind of burden yet," Laureen told her, very annoyed with how she was trying to blame them. "And Serena not being ready, and wanting to stay around because she's worried about Noe, and Zaya and Sadie, is completely rational. Especially everything going on with my daughters, me and their father."

From 3.03 "The Lost CruSadie", in the street, Bree sat in her limo, looking out at James. "I'm headed home to face the family firing squad. Considering what your brother did to us, being able to find him is gonna go a long way. Do you know what Carter did, James?" James looked at Carter. He clearly did know, but didn't want to say anything. Carter looked numb, guilty. Bree looked at Carter. "Oh, and, um, go ahead and run if you want. You know how much Daddy loves to hunt."

From 3.03 "The Lost CruSadie", in Laureen's home office, Richard looked at Laureen. "This isn't going to end any time soon."

Richard tried to stop Laureen from leaving by grabbing her arm, pulling her back, hurting her, but Laureen twisted free of his hold, turning to push him into the wall, making him fall against the bookshelf, before he fell to the floor.

Laureen: (voice over from 3.03 The Lost CruSadie) "I'm also not going to give up until it does."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", in Laureen's Ostroff office, Laureen looked at Richard, wet after he threw water on her. "I know you had an affair. Amanda Stry."

Richard was stunned she knew that, looking away, deeply effected. "Did your boyfriend Dominic Driton tell you that? You'd be smart to tell Dominic to mind his own damn business, Laureen. Ater I lost Amanda and her baby, I refuse to lose you, Zaya and Sadie too."

Laureen frowned a bit. "Baby?" Richard realized that he slipped up on that because of Laureen's ploy to get answers from him by using Amanda's name. He became furious, triggered by this subject, pushing Laureen against the wall, clearly taking her by surprise and hurting her. Laureen took Richard's wrists, twisting them off of her to break his hold on her, twisting his arm around, kicking him in the back, punching him in the face, making him fall. "I see I hit a nerve and made you fess up about something."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", at the premiere, Lily, Laureen and Rufus were talking.

Lily was surprised but intrigued. "Dominic Driton? He was your best friend growing up. You did like Dominic at one point. Dominic would be a far more better fit for you, Zaya and Sadie than Richard."

From 3.02 "The Freshmen", at the restaurant, Laureen and Dominic were having dinner.

"Zaya's into Broadway," Dominic stated. "I'm actually quite good with a singing voice too."

"Oh, I remember," Laureen replied. "You were fantastic from what I recall."

"Neurology and psychology for a 12 year old?" Dominic asked. "I see Sadie wanted to take after her mother in the early stages of her life. Actually, my sister is a neurologist. I'm sure that if I asked her for material for study, she would be able to loan me some, and than if I give to you, you would be able to give to Sadie. She's going to find a way to get what she wants anyway, Laureen. If you help her, then maybe you could make sure she takes it more easy so that her heart's not in danger from her condition."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", at the movie premiere, Laureen and Dominic were talking.

"I don't care about whatever threats he makes against me, Laureen," Dominic told her. "If I have the chance to help you with getting free from him, and helping you free and protect Zaya and Sadie, then I'm taking it."

"Even if it puts you in danger?" Laureen asked.

"Why not?" Dominic asked. "We were best friends once. And I wouldn't mind being that again, even if things have changed for both of us since then."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", in Dominic's office, Dominic was working on learning more about Richard and Amanda's past and what happened, but he hit a server block that kept him from going too far in finding out about Amanda, from just a year ago in time. Dominic frowned in confusion, unable to get past the firewall blocking him. Taking out his phone, he prepared to tell Laureen about the block, but Laureen stood at the doorway, knocking. Dominic looked up. They both shared a small, sad smile.

Dominic: (voice over from 3.04 Zaya de Fleurette) "Well, now that we know that Richard 'lost Amanda' and her baby, it should be more clues and helpful for me to find out whatever we're missing. How he lost them, what really happened that caused this psychotic break."

From 3.04 "Zaya de Fleurette", in Carter's suite, Marie walked in. Carter turned to face her in surprise, sighing in relief.

Marie smiled a bit, taking Carter's hands, biting her lip. "You know, I had to leave, but then I had to come back. I'm still trying to figure out how to tell my family about everything. I kept a part of myself hidden for a while now. And I didn't give anyone a chance to accept me. And because of that, everyone lost. I..."

"Yeah, but maybe you can end up winning now," Carter pointed out.

Marie nodded. "Maybe. I just have... to find the right way to tell them. And find a good time. You planning on helping me again?"

Carter smiled, placing a hand on her cheek, and Marie smiled, leaning in to kiss him passionately.

Carter: (voice over from 3.04 Zaya de Fleurette) "You know I will, Marie."

In the closing, there was a screen shot of the Gossip Girl website, with a picture of Marie and Carter in his suite in 3.04.

The headline read: Crazy Queen's Return

The caption underneath the picture read: Marie Rosson was spotted getting off the train at Grand Central Station, and we can only guess which lucky Upper East Sider she went to see first when she returned. Carter Baizen. I hope it was a happy reunion for the Queen of Hearts and Dark Prince, since the crazy queen and broken bad boy may be my favorite thing to watch out for recently. Will match made in hell flourish, or will secrets from both their pasts break out and make their dark paradise come crashing down?

X•O°X•O

Worlds Colliding (Gossip Girl)

X•O°X•O

Day One

Morning - Noe/Nate's Apartment - Living Room

(Song:) Lessons Learned - Matt and Kim

Noe was listening to some music and swaying to the song. Nate came up from behind Noe, wrapping his arms around her to surprise her, making both of them laugh and smile. Noe turned to face Nate, wrapping her arms around his neck as they kissed passionately.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some say love is a silly song."

X • O ° X • O

Archibald Mansion - Living Room

Alex and Hope stood together, both going over some of the other's designs and sketches. Alex held up a sketch of architecture, smirking, tilting his head back. Hope smiled, impressed and proud. Alex tossed some of the papers aside, and pulled Hope in by her waist. They looked at each other with slight smiles before they started to kiss.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some say love is a river."

X • O ° X • O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Brooklyn's Room

Brooklyn was going through some hair-crown accessories to show Thyra, which she would wear regularly for now on since it was something just for her. They both tried some of the crowns on, smirking. Thyra took off both the recent crowns they tried on, dropping them to the side, holding Brooklyn's head as she pulled her into a kiss. They made out passionately.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some say love is all around us."

X • O ° X • O

Waldorf Penthouse - Wyatt's Room

Dylan was holding Wyatt's punching bag that he had set up for times when his perfectionism/anger got out of control, and Wyatt was delivering quite a few of good punches. After a moment, they stopped, and Wyatt smirked, taking Dylan by his head, pulling him into a heated, feverish kiss. When they pulled away, Dylan smirked, before kissing him more passionately.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "It lifts us up where we belong."

X • O ° X • O

James's Room

James had been working out shirtless, his scars from the car crash with Caroline visible. Serena leaned against the doorway behind him. James turned to face Serena, seeing her checking him out, smirking in amusement, raising his eyebrows. Serena smiled, laughing lightly. James smirked a slight smile, taking Serena by the hand, pulling her closer, and Serena met him halfway with a passionate kiss.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some say love is like a rose."

X • O ° X • O

The Downing - Carter's Suite

Marie stood at the vanity, looking into her reflection, pulling on a necklace. Carter stood behind Marie, kissing her neck. Marie closed her eyes in pleasure, smiling contently. She turned to face Carter, biting her lip. Carter smirked slightly. Marie reached up to kiss him slowly, and Carter deepened the kiss heatedly with passion.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some say love is a burning thing."

X • O ° X • O

Chuck's Hotel Room

Blair was sleeping in bed. Chuck leaned over Blair and kissed her good morning, laying next to her. Blair smiled.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some say love is hearing laughter in the rain."

X • O ° X • O

Driton Dominatrix - Dominic's Office

Laureen and Dominic were talking at his desk, while Dominic was trying to figure out how to get past the technical block that prevented him from finding out what happened with Amanda and her baby. They looked at each other but then away, knowing that even though they did have feelings for each other, they most likely couldn't do anything about those feelings until they dealt with Richard's refusal to let Laureen, Zaya and Sadie go.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But on the Upper East Side, we all know love is pain."

X • O ° X • O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Rufus woke up on the couch, looking annoyed, walking toward the windows to look outside. Lily walked downstairs wearing a white robe, walking past Rufus. Rufus turned to look at her. Lily was not happy when she looked back at Rufus, not stopping her walk on the way to the kitchen.

(Song Ends)

X • O ° X • O

The Downing - Carter's Suite

Carter and Marie were sitting at the counter/bar.

"When Hope, Blair, Wyatt, Thyra and James came to see you earlier with Dorota, that was a surprise, but it was nice to see them, and Dorota's kinda funny," Marie told him.

Carter chuckled. "Yeah." He slid over a tray of breakfast for them. "Breakfast."

Marie smiled in surprise. "Toasted blueberry? You spoil me."

Carter held his arms out in a shrug. "Before they left, Dorota offered to make eggs, but I thought it was the duty of the devoted lover to provide. Just wanted to show how much I'm glad you're back."

Marie smirked. "Yeah, you showed me just how much when I got in yesterday." Carter smirked, leaning closer so they could kiss. Marie took a bite of food. "I shouldn't still be staying here though."

Carter shrugged. "You can stay a little while longer until you sort things out with your family. I know it might take a little while. And no, I'm not asking for you to permanently move in. We'd be like... hot college roommates. Maybe I'll need some 'help' with homework or something."

Carter smirked coyly, cheekily.

Marie turned her head to look at him in amusement. "I'll stay until I sort everything out. But we're not having 'midnight study sessions' or whatever it is you're implying."

Carter shrugged. "The offer's on the table if you change your mind."

Marie smirked, trying to stop from smiling. Carter smirked a slight smile in return, both of them happily content.

"Thank you," Marie told him. "Everything you've done, it means a lot."

Carter nodded. "You may not be used to other people being nice to you and helping take care of you. But maybe you could get used to it now."

Marie smiled. "I doubt I'll ever get used to it, but it's a nice thought."

Carter smiled. "Yeah."

"And you know I'm gonna find some way to make up for all you've done for me," Marie told him.

Carter shook his head. "You don't have to."

"I know," Marie agreed. "But I want to."

They both smiled.

"So you got to see Hope, Blair, Wyatt, Thyra and James, and Dorota, this morning," Carter told her. "Aurora is getting back to town after her business trip, and Cyrus and Eleanor are away for a bit, but I'm sure you'll get meet both of them soon enough."

Marie nodded. "Yeah, at least I got to meet your family, so..."

"Now you just have to figure out when to tell your family about you," Carter finished.

"Mm-hmm," Marie agreed. 

"I know you said that you wanted to meet Lily before you told anyone else, and she is back," Carter explained. "And you've met Noe, Serena, Eric, Laureen, Zaya, Sadie, Rufus, Dan and Jenny. Hope, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck as your adoptive siblings."

"Yep," Marie agreed. "Noe's been kind and she even tried to set us up more romantically." Carter smirked. "And Serena, Zaya, Sadie and Eric have been really nice to me. Laureen wanted to help me, she seemed so caring and concerned that even gave me her card before I left so that I could call her if I needed to. And I probably should've called her after the things that went down back home."

Carter frowned, concerned. "What happened?"

Marie shook her head, looking down. "Nothing worth repeating."

"Obviously it is," Carter replied.

"Well, then I'll tell you later," Marie told him. "But, uh, Rufus was really nice given the lessons and everything, and I know Dan talked to Hope about helping me because Vanessa told him about me. So at least he was nice enough to ask her about helping me even though he didn't know me."

Carter chuckled. "I still can't believe Brittany was using Vanessa for info about your family."

Marie tilted her head back. "Don't laugh, okay? I mean, Brittany doesn't feel guilty about it, and I don't really given that Vanessa was so annoying about judging all of them and it made me not like her at all, but I still can't believe that we went that far."

"Oh, stick around the Upper East Side and you'll probably go farther for other schemes," Carter pointed out.

Marie smirked. "Is that supposed to be a good thing?"

Carter shrugged, smirking. "Depends on you and the alters, beautiful."

Marie smirked, still thinking about her family. "And Jenny hasn't really shown much interest whenever I've seen her when I was taking lessons with Rufus, but, uh... I don't know if that'll change after I get the chance to meet Lily and tell them about me. Though meeting Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck that day at your family's place with Hope, Thyra, Wyatt, Blair, James and Aurora, at least Brooklyn was nice, and Dylan and Chuck weren't mean, though obviously they didn't show much interest in anything besides trying to embarrass you in front of me with stories about your past. And Brooklyn teased us about how we had a glow, so..."

Carter smirked. "Right, yeah. So the Basses were already teasing their adoptive sister and embarrassing her guy in front of her. At least they were ahead of the curve."

They both laughed lightly.

Marie sighed heavily. "So I guess I just have to find a way to meet Lily before being able to tell everyone."

"Well, I don't know how easy that's gonna be, but considering the amount of parties and events that happen in our lives, and the fact that you can get back to planning events and parties, maybe it'll be easier," Carter pointed out.

Marie smiled a bit. "You weren't kidding about 'of course I'll help you'."

Carter tilted his head. "I don't kid about these things." They both smiled. "Do you think you're gonna be ready? I know you weren't before, since you were scared, and your adoptive mother didn't make things easier when she psyched you out of telling the truth at the auction."

Marie rolled her eyes. "Yeah, she played on the fear big time. And so did Chris, my adoptive dad, when we went back to my hometown. Tried to tell me 'don't you dare change who your family is'. But seeing his anger, I was already dissociating. After a moment while he was angrily ranting, Andrea switched out, and she really let them have it."

"Good," Carter replied. "Would've actually liked seeing Andrea tear into them after everything you told me about them." Marie chuckled. "You know, I do have some contacts that could foreclose a house like that." Carter snapped his fingers. "Could leave your adoptive parents out on the street for what they've done to you."

Marie smirked. "No, but kinda sweet to offer. But I am cutting ties with them completely. I can't deal with them anymore."

"Oh, I know the feeling," Carter told her. "I had to cut ties with my own parents. They were pretty horrible to me, James and Caroline, and there's a lot of other stuff that's hard to explain. Since Cyrus and Eleanor adopted James so our parents couldn't get to him until he turned 18, they cut me off, but thanks to Cyrus looking out for me and James, neither of us had to worry about anything. And I'm pretty sure that you won't have to worry about anything once you get in touch with your family for real."

"I'm not doing this for the money, Carter," Marie told him. "I couldn't give a damn about the money. Even if they're complicated, I just want to see what my family really could be like."

"I know," Carter agreed.  "And I'm sure once they really know who you are, it'll be better off either way."

They both chuckled. 

Marie looked worried, looking down. "Do you think they'll be mad after I tell them? You think they'll like me once they know who I really am?"

Carter slid closer. "They're going to love you, Marie. I can tell you that already. If I liked you since the first night, then yeah. They will."

Marie smiled, nodding. Carter cupped Marie's cheeks in his hands, strong yet gentle, and they shared a kiss.

X • O ° X • O

Street

Hope and Alex were standing together.

Dan was using Hope's tablet to IM Olivia. "One second. I'm telling Olivia to say hi to Godzilla from me. It's funny, right?"

"More so than your awful sushi puns," Hope answered.

"Well, I'm a terrible IM flirter," Dan told them, closing Hope's tablet, handing it to her.

"And you had to crash a walk between me and Hope, while we're on our way to meet up with Noe, Nate, Harry and Bree, just so you could use her tablet to IM Olivia," Alex told him.

They walked along.

"Yeah, sorry about that, guys," Dan told them. "But as long as Olivia's on this Asian press tour with Prince Shea for the Endless Knights movies, I have--I have no choice. And you know, 'Sashimi later' is charming."

"Yeah, did you know that Prince Shea is actually an old friend of Serena's from boarding school?" Hope asked. "And Prince and his little brother Preston both know Sadie and the three of them had a little adventure before the auction? And Noe and Zaya both got to meet both of them too at the premiere the other night."

"You're kidding me," Alex told her.

Hope smirked, shaking her head. "Nope."

Alex smirked, tilting his head, shrugging. "Well, I'm actually not surprised that Serena knows Prince Shea. She's known a lot of celebrities, so has Noe. But knowing that Sadie met both Prince and Preston is a surprise. And now Zaya."

Hope smiled. "I know, right?" She looked at Dan. "But tell me why you're using my screen name to flirt with Olivia."

"Because every time I log on, Georgina pounces on my IM," Dan answered. "I broke up with her. I don't know how much more clear about my feelings I can be."

Alex nodded sarcastically. "I warned you that Georgina could get obsessive and crazy in no time at all, and I'm proof of that since she got obsessed with me in sixth grade and was still interested enough in her game with me to make me and Hope break up two years ago. I owe you the biggest 'I told you so' ever."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Dan replied.

"You could tell her you're dating someone else," Hope told him. Dan looked skeptical. "You live on the same floor as her, Dan. When she gets back, she's gonna figure it out."

Dan nodded. "Point taken. I'll email her later."

"I saw on Gossip Girl that Marie's back in town," Alex told them. "How do you two feel about that? Knowing that she is Andrea's sister?"

Hope shrugged. "Well, I liked her before she fessed up about being Andrea's sister. I think Marie's pretty cool. I like her."

"I do too, actually," Dan told them. "I guess 'cause in a weird way, we were kind of related since Marie was Andrea's sister. I mean, I don't know her that well, I barely even saw her, but still."

Hope nodded in agreement. "I mean, for me, it's a little more distant since I'm adopted too, but it definitely felt like Marie could've been family. I just saw her this morning, actually, when Blair, Wyatt, Thyra, James and I went to go visit Carter in his suite so we could talk, and Dorota came with us, but yeah, getting able to talk to Marie again, definitely felt like it could've been family like."

Alex nodded in understanding. "I get it."

Dan's phone went off. He checked a text from Olivia. "Oh, the--the toilets in Tokyo talk."

Alex rolled his eyes, wrapping an arm around Hope's shoulders, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Let's get out of here. We have to meet Harry, Nate, Noe and Bree at the restaurant anyway since Harry wants to introduce Bree to us, so shall we?"

Hope smirked. "We shall."

Hope and Alex walked off.

Dan nodded. "All right, see you later."

X • O ° X • O

Café

(Song:) Lhasa Groove - APM Music

Vanessa walked in, up to the counter. "Hi, um, I'll have a non-fat latte."

Georgina walked up behind Vanessa, placing her hands over her eyes. "Hi. Did you miss me?"

Vanessa turned to look at her. "Georgina."

Georgina smirked.

X • O ° X • O

Chinese Restaurant

Harry, Bree, Nate and Noe were sitting at a table. Hope and Alex walked up to them, sitting down.

"Hey, sorry we're late," Alex told them.

"Thank you for coming," Harry told them. "Bree, you already got to meet Noe and Nate this morning. This is Alex and Hope."

Bree smiled. "Hi."

Nate gave Alex and Hope an amused look. "What got you two running late?"

"Dan's using Hope's IM login to text Olivia while she's away with Prince and Preston Shea, because he's dealing with Georgina's psycho drama," Alex answered.

"Is that so?" Harry asked in amusement.

"Yeah," Noe answered. "She's a bloodsucker. With a coffin and broom and everything."

Nate chuckled. "Vampires don't ride brooms, Noe."

"Leave it to Georgina to start a mutant strain," Noe told them.

"I hate her," Hope told them.

"You know, I didn't get along with my brother's girlfriend at first either," Bree told her. "So one night, I bought ice cream cone cupcakes from the treats truck, and we bonded. She taught me how to say 'hello' in Swahili. Jambo."

Hope nodded sarcastically. "Aw, that's nice, but I'm pretty sure she wasn't also a psycho ex of your boyfriend's."

"Who has tormented everyone in our little Crew," Noe added.

Bree chuckled. "Uh, no."

"So, Bree, you went home last week?" Nate asked.

Bree smiled, nodding, looking at Harry. "Yeah, tried to mend the 'I'm dating a Vanderbilt' fence. It didn't work. We're southern, so family loyalty's really big down there."

Harry chuckled. "So what's the rest of the Crew up to, huh? And Aurora. I know that she was away on business for a little bit, trying to help Laureen find something to deal with Richard, while Laureen was also working with Dominic Driton."

"Yeah, it's kinda a mess," Alex answered. "But where to begin?"

"Oh, I know," Nate told them. "Alex and Hope have been working with Aurora, Thyra, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck to create a restaurant and speakeasy club vault, and it should be getting ready soon. James and Serena got to speak with Preston and Prince Shea, celebrities, and their parents Sherry and Simon gave Serena a job as Preston and Prince's publicist. Zaya, Sadie and Laureen have been able to kick Richard's ass whenever he comes around, so at least fighting lessons worked for them." Harry nodded, relieved to hear that. "Dominic Driton has been looking into the past to see if anything can help. Blair and Wyatt have been kind of struggling at NYU, but Hope and James have been doing good at FIT, Columbia and SVA. Alex is doing great at auditing classes, and I'm doing pretty good too. Noe's got some modeling gigs with Eleanor lined up. And if we're really considering Carter apart of the Crew now, since he's actually been pretty decent and all, I think he's still dating Marie Rosson. Andrea's sister."

Noe nodded. "Yeah, I heard Marie's back in town. How is she?"

"Oh, she's good," Hope answered. "Blair, Thyra, Wyatt, James, Dorota and I saw Marie and Carter this morning. Carter and Marie look like they're really happy."

Bree was failing at hiding her interest in this subject. "You are talking about James and Carter Baizen?"

Hope looked at Bree, narrowing her eyes at her interest.

"I wasn't aware you knew James and Carter," Alex told her.

Bree nodded. "Yeah, our families used to vacation together on Sea Island."

"That's funny," Hope told her sarcastically. "They've never mentioned you."

"Well, it's been forever," Bree told them. Noe narrowed her eyes critically. Alex and Nate were also suspicious, giving Bree a look. Harry was confused, giving the four teens a look. "I've been trying to track James and Carter down. You guys mind if I order for the table?"

A Chinese man walked closer with a cart of food.

"She was in Shanghai last year," Harry explained.

Bree spoke in Chinese to the waiter.

"I don't like tofu when it's called bean curd, and I haven't eaten pork since I saw 'Babe'," Hope told her.

"Well, okay, um, I'll let you guys fend for yourselves," Bree told them. "If you'll excuse me."

Bree stood, walking away.

Hope, Alex, Noe and Nate watched her go in suspicion.

Harry leaned forward against the table, giving the four of them a look. "What are you four doing?"

"What?" Nate asked. "We've been nice... sorta."

"Sorta being the operative word," Harry told them.

"I don't trust her," Noe told him. "Did you see the way she was asking about James and Carter? That seemed to be too sketchy to be just asking about family friends."

"And neither James or Carter ever mentioned Bree even though they knew that you've been dating her since the end of summer," Alex added.

Harry seemed to know they were right, but none of them knew what was really going on, frowning, puzzled.

"Look, Carter was an ass two years back, but he's been a friend the rest of the time," Nate told them. "And James always has been. So..."

"I should call them and talk to them, whenever James is off from SVA, and Carter's free to talk," Hope told them.

They nodded in agreement.

(Song Ends)

X • O ° X • O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Lily was sitting on the couch, looking at a wedding picture of her.

Laureen walked in, seeing the picture Lily was looking at. "That was, by far, your best wedding. The flowers, the Foie gras. Who would have guessed nine months later, Klaus would've auf'd?"

Laureen walked around the couch to sit down.

"Well, the worst thing is I thought he would make me happy," Lily told her. "I thought all of them would. What are you doing here? I thought you were with Dominic."

"Dominic hit a technical road block in finding out something about Richard's affair from last year that might be able to help us with having leverage against him, and it might set him off or completely take him down," Laureen explained. "So we have to be careful. But it looks like we're going to need Zaya and Sadie. Sadie's able to hack into things, so..."

Lily sighed, worried. "Laureen, I'm sorry. I really had no idea how bad it had gotten for you, Zaya and Sadie while I was away."

"I know," Laureen agreed. 

"And I'm not angry at you," Lily told her. "I'm angry at Rufus. Another man who doesn't get it." Laureen frowned, puzzled. Lily sighed, standing. "I think I need to rest, but I will be back to talk more with you later. If you, Zaya and Sadie haven't left to go talk with Dominic."

Laureen nodded. Lily walked away.

The elevator dinged, and Serena, Eric, Jenny, Zaya and Sadie walked in, and Brooklyn, Dylan, Hope, Noe and Serena soon followed for breakfast.

Laureen looked back at them. "Good, you're here. Breakfast is ready. Kids, sit, eat."

"Good thing I didn't eat at the restaurant," Noe joked.

"Right," Hope agreed.

Serena smiled. The kids went to sit with Laureen.

"Yeah, breakfast it is," Sadie told them.

Eric smirked. "Please, Sadie, don't say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It's so cliché, and you're better than that. Way smarter too."

Sadie nodded in agreement. "You're right, I am smarter than that, which is why I was going to say 'breakfast lowers LDL cholesterol and prevents fluctuating glucose levels which can lead to type two diabetes. Is that cliché?"

The others smirked.

"Touché," Dylan told her.

"Still trouble in paradise for Lily and Rufus?" Brooklyn asked.

"Apparently," Laureen answered.

"What's going on with Mom and Rufus?" Serena asked.

"Oh, you didn't know?" Jenny asked.

"Know what?" Noe asked.

"They've been in a cold war since the day Serena left," Zaya answered.

"Over Brown?" Serena asked.

"Oh, on the surface, yeah," Eric answered. "But I have a feeling Mom's flipping out about other things, too."

"Yeah, I think they could be in a real trouble," Sadie told them.

Serena, Hope and Noe exchanged a confused, concerned look.

X • O ° X • O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Dan was sitting at a desk, studying.

Rufus walked in.

"Dad, hey," Dan greeted. "What are you doing here?"

Rufus sighed. "I've been running."

"You've been running with jeans on?" Dan asked. "They didn't chafe?"

"If you don't mind, I--I need to sleep in my own bed tonight," Rufus told him. "Maybe longer."

Rufus walked into his room.

Dan was puzzled, picking up his phone, calling Hope.

Hope was still at breakfast with the others. "Oh, it's Dan." She answered, putting the phone on speaker. "Hey, you're on speaker so we can all hear you."

"Who's we?" Dan asked.

"Noe, Serena, Zaya, Sadie, Brooklyn, Dylan, Eric and Jenny," Hope answered. "And Laureen, but she's making sure we get food."

"Good, because this is something you all need to hear," Dan told them.  "Uh, I know that my dad and Lily have been having a rough go of it lately, but, uh, this may have taken a turn. He's spending the night here."

The kids exchanged a look, sighing.

Noe closed her eyes, putting a hand to her head. "Oh, no. They--they just need to sit down and talk. Remind themselves of how much they love each other, before this gets anymore out of hand."

Serena nodded in agreement. "We--we gotta figure out a way."

"Good luck with that," Dylan told them.

Brooklyn chuckled. "I can tell you guys are about to 'Parent Trap' it up, so have fun."

Zaya and Sadie smiled.

X • O ° X • O

Café

Vanessa and Georgina were sitting at a table.

"Why won't he respond to any of my calls or--or texts or my animated e-cards?" Georgina asked.

Vanessa scoffed. "Are you serious?"

"The last one I sent him was an adorable singing dog," Georgina told her.

"Okay, Dan didn't write you back because A, he broke up with you, B, he's seeing someone else, and C, even though I tried to defend you, you're a full-on crazy person," Vanessa told her.

"Wait, can we go back to B for a second?" Georgina asked. She laughed. "He can't be seeing someone else because we just broke up and... Okay. Then you're gonna get Dan to dump her."

"And why in the world would I do that?" Vanessa asked.

"I didn't visit my family when I was away," Georgina told her. "I was in this little town outside of Boston. You know, I met this sweet girl, but everyone thinks that she may be as crazy as I am. I think you know her. Marie Rosson."

"What were you doing with Marie?" Vanessa asked.

Georgina smirked. "That's the best part. Before she left, I heard Marie tell Carter Baizen outside the auction that she's not the adoptive sister of the Rhodes-Humphrey sister Andrea. Marie is the Rhodes-Humphrey sister. She just had so much on her mind, and after several glasses of alcohol, slightly enhanced, you wouldn't believe what she told me. Their adoptive parents lied to Lily and Rufus saying that Marie was Andrea to make them thing that their daughter was dead when she's really been alive this whole time. And Marie was going to tell the truth before her adoptive mother came to scare her out of it by using the fear that they wouldn't accept her because of multi personality disorder called DID. And you people thought that I was crazy."

Vanessa was in shock. "Oh, my God."

Georgina smirked coldly. "Get Dan to dump the whore or I'm gonna tell the whole world Marie's secret. Not just about her heritage, but her disorder too. And that would be too bad, because, A, that's the last thing she wants because people would really start to think that she's crazy and would look at her like a freak. And B, how do you think Dan's going to feel when he knows that your the reason why his sister is going to be publicly humiliated, and C, who are you going to hang out when all the Humphreys hate you like the Crew already does? Should we review B again?"

Vanessa glared at Georgina. Georgina raised her cup off of coffee, smirking, taking a sip.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some say love is a secret you keep sealed. But to Georgina Sparks, love's always a battlefield."

X • O ° X • O

X • O ° X • O

Street

Dan was walking along, on the phone. "All right, so what's the emergency?"

Vanessa was in her dorm room, pacing nervously, her phone on speaker so Georgina could hear Dan's voice from where she was sitting on Vanessa's bed. "Dan, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but, uh, according to the, uh, 'Star', Olivia's been spotted all over Japan canoodling with... Orlando Bloom."

"You know, I'm not--I'm not worried," Dan told her. "They're apparently very good friends, so... Uh, am I on speaker?"

Georgina made a pregnant motion over her stomach.

"Also, uh, 'Us Weekly' has her on baby bump watch," Vanessa told him. "Probably just bloat, but I thought you'd wanna know, especially with the Orlando Bloom connection."

Dan was skeptic. "Right. Since when do you read gossip magazines?"

"They're Olivia's," Vanessa lied. "She subscribes to both, which also speaks a lot to her character, don't you think?"

Georgina nodded.

"Look, Vanessa, I don't believe that, obviously and--and neither do you," Dan told her. "So what are--What are you trying to tell me here?"

Georgina held up a dry erase board with a list for Vanessa to read from:

Not a stupid movie star

New York

History

"I was thinking, don't you think that dating a movie star is gonna be kinda hard?" Vanessa asked. "I mean, wouldn't you rather be with someone from New York? Who you have history with?"

Annoyed with Georgina trying to get her to say more, Vanessa mouthed a 'shut up' to her.

"Look, I--I don't know if you're joking, or if Lenny made brownies for your floor again," Dan told her. "But, uh, I'm--I'm kind of in the middle of something here, so, uh, we'll talk later, all right?"

Dan hung up.

X • O ° X • O

NYU - Vanessa/Olivia's Dorm Room

Georgina threw her stuff down. "Well, that was just pathetic. Haven't you ever tried to get somebody to dump a celebrity before?"

"No," Vanessa answered.

"That's okay," Georgina told her. "Plan B. You're familiar with Photoshop, I presume."

Vanessa rolled her eyes.

X • O ° X • O

Restaurant

Hope, Dan, Jenny and Rufus were sitting at a table.

Rufus sighed. "This is a great idea, guys. I needed some family time. Let's order."

"Uh, no, no," Jenny told him. "I'm still deciding."

"Jenny, you've eaten the same thing here every time since you were 11," Rufus told her. "What's going on?"

"Some people like variety once in a while," Hope told them.

Noe, Serena and Eric led Lily into the restaurant.

"Well, we can do family lunch any time, especially a time where Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck, Zaya, Sadie and Laureen can join us," Lily told them. "So it's a real family..." She trailed off when she saw Hope, Dan, Jenny and Rufus. "You're kidding."

Rufus looked at his kids. "I knew I let you kids watch 'The Parent Trap' too many times."

"Y--it's time for you two to talk," Dan told them.

"You love each other," Eric told them.

"And it's not Laureen or Rufus's fault that Serena made the decision not to go to Brown, and that I wasn't ready, Mom," Noe told her.

"Please sit down with Dad," Jenny told her.

Lily sighed, smiling a small smile. "Well, I do love the Bolognese here."

Hope, Dan and Jenny stood, walking toward Noe, Serena and Eric. Lily sat at the table with Rufus.

Eric smiled. "I can't believe that actually worked."

"I know," Noe told them smugly. "I'm a genius."

"I should go check on James at his studio," Serena told them.

Hope looked at Serena. "Oh, can you tell James to call me when he has time?"

"Yeah, sure," Serena answered, walking out.

Eric shrugged. The other kids looked toward Lily and Rufus.

X • O ° X • O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Dylan's Room

Dylan was working at his laptop. Wyatt snuck up behind Dylan, covering his eyes, kissing him.

Dylan laughed. "Wyatt."

"Come on, Dylan," Wyatt told him. "Give me some love."

"You're supposed to be helping me," Dylan reminded him in amusement.

"Take it from someone who was obsessed with trying to be perfect," Wyatt told him. "It's not about perfect. It's about living your life and doing the best you can."

Dylan smiled. "You're pretty great, you know that?"

Wyatt grinned. "Yes." They laughed. "I'm so great, that I'll make you a deal. For every sentence you write of your essay, I'll give you a kiss."

Dylan smiled, nodding approvingly. "You think I could get an advance?"

Wyatt raised his eyebrows, smirking, kissing Dylan. "Come on. Let's get to work."

X • O ° X • O

Brooklyn's Room

Thyra was laying on her stomach, as Brooklyn was massaging her back, positioned above her.

Thyra sighed in pleasure. "What is this? It's incredible."

"Buntautuk," Brooklyn answered. "I learned it from a master in Chiang Mai." She placed a knee on Thyra's back, pulling Thyra's arms back to arch her back. "Damn, Thyra. You have massive amounts of tension."

They both laughed lightly, before Brooklyn rolled to lay next to Thyra, both looking at each other with a slight smile.

Thyra sat up to look at Brooklyn. "After this, what do you say we relieve some more? We could use more training, Brooklyn. Keep in shape."

Brooklyn nodded in agreement. "I was about to suggest the same thing." She smirked coyly. "But training isn't the only thing to keep us in shape."

Thyra looked at Brooklyn in amusement, smirking. "Maybe you should show me more of the other thing, Brooklyn."

Brooklyn smiled, sitting up to roll Thyra around and ended up straddling her. "My pleasure."

They smiled, kissing passionately, holding each other close.

X • O ° X • O

Driton Dominatrix - Dominic's Office

Dominic was still working on his computer but unable to get past the block.

Laureen walked in with Zaya and Sadie. "Dominic. I have a feeling that you'll be happy to see who I've brought."

Dominic looked up, surprised to see the girls, but smiling, standing. "Zaya. Sadie. Nice to see you."

"You too, Dominic," Zaya agreed. "Mom said that you were having issues with finding out about Dad's affair because of a technical block."

"Firewall, most likely, and probably a lot of other stuff, but I can see about what I can do to drop it," Sadie told them.

Dominic smirked. "That's right. Laureen told me how you learned to hack from some of your father's family."

"A cousin older than us but he was decent compared to others in our father's family," Zaya explained.

"Well, at least one good thing came from that side of the family, huh?" Dominic asked.

"One good thing," Sadie answered, gesturing to the computer. "Can I?"

Dominic nodded, holding out the chair for her. "Of course."

Sadie walked around the desk to sit down at the computer, crossing her fingers over each other on either hand to pop her knuckles when she pushed her hands out, starting to type.

Zaya, Laureen and Dominic watched in amusement.

Zaya sat down on the couch at the far wall. "So Mom said that during one of your meetings, that you said you might have been able to help with both of our dreams in the future."

"That's right," Dominic agreed. "I had some musical and dancing training while growing up, and I was pretty good at it."

Laureen smirked. "Pretty good? You were phenomenal."

Dominic smirked, shrugging. "Well, I can't lie." Zaya and Sadie smiled in amusement, laughing lightly. Laureen and Dominic smiled. "And my sister's a neurologist. She's into everything from biomedical to--"

Sadie paused, looking up in interest immediately. "I'm sorry, what?"

Zaya, Laureen and Dominic smiled at her reaction.

Dominic walked over to some books on a side table, picking them up, walking toward the desk, placing them down. "I got these from my sister, like I promised Laureen I would."

Sadie picked up the neurology books, in awe. "Oh, my God. I haven't been able to find these books anywhere. Not even Wyatt could since they were usually restricted for the actual doctors from colleges and stuff." She was very excited. "Oh, my God, Wyatt's gonna love this too. I love it. Thank you, Dominic. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Zaya laughed lightly. Laureen smiled.

Dominic chuckled, smiling warmly. "You're welcome, Sadie. I told Laureen that if she and Zaya helped you with this, if I did, at least it would make things easier on your heart, and make sure that all three of you were more at ease."

Sadie smiled. "Thank you."

Zaya smiled. "You know, you help more than Dad has in... forever. And not in psycho ways either. So thanks, Dominic."

Dominic chuckled. "I would love to get the chance to hear your voice sometime, Zaya. Either of you. But I know that you're more into music, dance and Broadway than Sadie, so..."

Zaya chuckled. "Yeah. Into sports and physical activities in general given everything. But thanks."

Laureen was happy to see Zaya, Sadie and Dominic getting along and looking happy while they did.

Sadie went back to hacking.

Laureen walked closer to sit on the desk. "If this is too much for you, trying to hack our way into your father's past..."

"It's not too much, Mom," Sadie told her. "If there's something in here that can get us free of Dad, and if I can help break our way in, then I'm doing it."

"She's right, Mom," Zaya told her. "We have to get away from Dad and make sure he can't keep messing with us anymore."

"That's what I told her," Dominic agreed. "Zaya, Sadie, I didn't want either of you to get hurt again, or Laureen."

"Thank you for helping this much, Dominic," Zaya told him. "I know you didn't have to."

Dominic shrugged. "It felt right, for more reason than one."

Sadie smiled a bit, as she continued to hack. "This might take a while."

"Thank your time," Laureen told her. "Don't push yourself."

Sadie nodded in understanding.

X • O ° X • O

Street

Noe, Hope, Eric, Dan and Jenny were walking down the street.

"So maybe I'm crazy, but I think Vanessa is trying to get me to break up with Olivia," Dan told them.

"Ooh, evidence?" Hope asked.

"No," Dan answered. "It--it was this tabloid magazine thing. And then she gave me this whole speech about how she thought I should be with somebody I share history with, you know?"

"Oh, mystery solved," Eric told him.

"Uh, yeah," Noe agreed. "Duh. I mean, everyone in the state knows how she feels about you."

Dan shook his head. "That's--no. Come on, Noe. That was--that was years ago. That can't be--"

"Come on, Dan," jenny told him. "Have you ever seen a romantic comedy? This is the scene right before you chase after her and tell her that you can't believe how blind you were this whole time."

"You really like Olivia though, right?" Hope asked.

"Yeah," Dan answered. "Yeah, I do."

"Then you better tell Vanessa that," Noe told him.

"Yeah, before things get ugly," Eric agreed.

They continued to walk.

X • O ° X • O

Restaurant

Rufus and Lily were sitting across the table from each other, both smiling.

"Do you remember that night at Amherst?" Rufus asked. "We just opened for Sonic Youth, and it was pouring rain and we couldn't bear another night in the van."

Lily nodded in remembrance. "Oh, and we sprung for a room in that quirky little inn."

"The Skylark," Rufus agreed.

Lily smiled. "You remember."

"Of course I do," Rufus answered. "They served us wine in 'Welcome Back Kotter' mugs. I swiped horshack for you." They laughed. "That was a perfect night."

"It was," Lily agreed, laying her hand on Rufus's.

Rufus looked at Lily's engagement ring on her finger. "I know we talked about 'The Pierre', but an inn like the Skylark might be a cool place to get married in. No offense, but you've already done the fancy wedding thing, a few times. Don't you want to do something more us?"

Lily looked irritated. "Well, yeah, that's great, Rufus. I'm sure that Mayor Bloomberg would feel perfectly comfortable toasting us with a Freddie 'Boom Boom' Washington cup. That is so you, not us."

"I'm sorry I didn't realize the mayor was coming," Rufus told her. "I've never even met the man."

"Well, there are certain expectations that come with being Lily Bass," Lily told him. "You do understand that, don't you?"

Rufus shrugged. "Maybe I don't, because every time we get to a good place, I do or say something that makes you angry."

"Well, that's because you can't compromise," Lily told him.

Rufus looked away. "You know what? Maybe we aren't ready to talk."

"Maybe we're not," Lily agreed, standing, walking away.

Rufus sighed heavily.

X • O ° X • O

NYU - Vanessa/Olivia's Dorm Room

Vanessa was in the middle of photoshopping very badly on her computer.

Dan walked in to see this. "Oh, my God."

Vanessa jumped, removing her headphones. "Dan. Oh, my God. What are you doing?" She stood. "I can explain."

Dan shook his head. "You know what? It's okay. It's okay. You can tell me, all right? I'm your best friend. I can handle it."

"You're my best friend, too, but I don't think I can," Vanessa told him.

"You know what?" Dan asked. "I know anyway. I think I've known deep down inside for a couple months now. The way you're weirded out by me hanging out in the Hamptons, the way you were telling me not to let this life change me."

"What, huh?" Vanessa asked. "How does that have anything--"

"It's all right," Dan told her. "I gotta be honest, you know. I really like Olivia."

"Whoa, whoa, Dan," Vanessa said. "You're way off base right--"

"And I mean..." Dan trailed off. "I mean, I've always cared about you. Always."

Vanessa was mortified. "Stop, stop. I'm not in love with you, you moron. Georgina's been blackmailing me."

"What?" Dan asked. "Why?" Vanessa didn't know how to say it. Dan walked closer. "Vanessa. Vanessa, look, I'm your best friend. You can tell me. You have to tell me. What does she have on you?"

Vanessa sighed heavily. "It's not me. It's, uh... it's Marie."

Dan frowned. "What about Marie?"

"She..." Vanessa trailed off. "She's your sister."

Dan looked at her in shock, processing.

X • O ° X • O

James's Studio

(Song:) Antenna - Sonic Youth

James was in the middle of redecorating his studio.

Serena walked in, looking around. "James?"

"Over here," James told her.

Serena walked closer, noticing that he was rearranging everything, and that there were cans of paint on the table next to James. "Hope told me to tell you to call her when you have time."

"I'll talk to her later," James told her. "I'm a little bit busy."

Serena chuckled. "What are you doing?"

"I've gotten tired of the dark and depressing studio," James explained. "I needed to do something different to remind myself that my work wasn't just coming from my pain, but from the things I love about my life too. I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I never really had the inspiration."

Serena smiled, walking closer, looking at the many colors of paint. "Sounds fun. What color?"

"I don't know," James admitted. "I couldn't choose. But then, I don't have to, since I could use all of them for whatever I create."

Serena smiled in agreement, watching as James opened each can. "They look like a fun type of paint too." They chuckled. Serena picked up stirring sticks to swirl some of the paints. "Can I help? But I've never painted walls before though."

James smirked. "Well, I knew that. And sure. Go get a clothes guard and we'll paint together."

Serena smiled, walking away to grab a clothes guard, walking back as she put it on. "Okay, ready. I'm so glad I didn't completely dress up today." James chuckled. Serena nearly tripped over one of the art sculptures nearby while she had a paintbrush in hand. James instantly went to catch her, not realizing that his face would be covered in paint as she fell into his reach. They both sat on the floor in shock. Serena suddenly couldn't help but laugh as James tried to wipe the paint away. "I'm so sorry." It was obvious that Serena was amused by this, and that her apology was far from sincere, but was still being kindhearted and playful. James reached for the closest can of paint, the rich, navy blue, and dipped his hand in. Serena smiled. "James, don't you dare."

James smeared the paint on Serena's face, smirking smugly in amusement. "Now we're even."

James got up to get a towel. Serena grabbed the can of taupe paint and a handful of paint from it, flicking it at James. James dodged most of it, save some drops that landed on his arm, and the paint ended up on the wall behind him. Serena threw paint at him again, this time getting a large amount on the middle of his shirt. She brought up a can of paint to drown James in color, getting a lot of it on herself as well. James laughed, taking a step back, tilting his head at Serena as he narrowed his eyes at her.

Serena grinned, raising her eyebrow in triumph. "Your turn."

James chuckled, shaking his head, taking his shirt off, his torso partially covered by the paint dripping from his collarbones down to the top of his boxers peeking out from under his jeans. He reached for the navy blue paint by the base, swinging it in Serena's direction, letting the paint fly towards her. It splattered all across the wall, floor and onto Serena. Serena's jaw dropped as she stared down at her body covered in blue.

James smirked, walking closer. "So much for clothes guard." He fiddled with the hem of Serena's top. "Maybe we should take this off?"

Serena ducked down, slipping out of her top, in her bra, still slightly covered in paint over her skin. James tossed her shirt aside, placing his hands on Serena's cheeks, strong yet gentle, and kissed her passionately. Serena returned the kiss feverishly. James wrapped her in his arms, and she laughed as he picked her up and twirled her around, kissing her even more deeply. Serena put her arms around his neck as he put her down, while still kissing. After finally pulling away, they looked around at the paint splattered studio.

"Is this what you were going for?" Serena asked in amusement.

James smirked, shrugging. "It'll do for now. I like it. It looks like modern art. I'll add more to it later."

Serena shrugged. "Why wait? And we should sign it since it is art. And I helped with this."

James chuckled. "Yes, you did." James took his palm, dipping it in the grey paint, covering his palm with it, beckoning for Serena to come over and do the same. While Serena coated her palm in grey, she watched James walk over to the wall that there was no paint on. James placed his hand against the wall, marking it. Serena made her way over as well and placed her hand besides James's to mark the wall as well. They released their hands together. Their palm prints were different in size and width, hers petite and elegant, and his large and strong, making a perfect contrasting match. "At least you're a part of my studio now."

Serena smiled. "I like that I'll be a constant reminder to you."

James smiled. "So do I, Serena."

James took Serena in his arms once again, and they kissed passionately.

X • O ° X • O

Driton Dominatrix - Dominic's Office

Sadie was in the middle of hacking, while there was still some fun talk with Zaya, Laureen and Dominic, and they were all smiling and seeming to have a good bonding time.

Sadie was still focused. "Watch and be amazed. Super sub net firewall. Demolished. Ooh, dual-homed gateway. Crushed. Rotating integrated matrix. Impressive and yet... done for."

Zaya and Laureen smiled proudly. Dominic was very impressed, smiling. There was more happy chatting as Sadie was still hacking.

X • O ° X • O

Waldorf Penthouse - Living Room

Brooklyn, Thyra, Hope and Alex were training, while Blair and Chuck were watching, impressed, when Aurora walked in from the elevator. 

Aurora was very impressed and proud with seeing how far they had come. "Impressive."

Hope smiled, walking over to Aurora. "Mom. I missed you."

Aurora smiled. "Hey, Hope. I missed you too."

Hope and Aurora embraced.

Thyra walked closer so that she and Aurora could embrace.

Brooklyn, Alex, Blair and Chuck smiled slightly.

X • O ° X • O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Dylan's Room

Wyatt and Dylan were building something for Dylan's project at school.

"Did you do it right?" Wyatt asked.

"Did I do something wrong?" Dylan asked.

"Let me see," Wyatt told him. They continued working, while Wyatt was very advanced in knowledge of tech and wires. "The wires are in the right place. There's nothing wrong with the circuit."

"Then what's wrong with it?" Dylan asked.

Wyatt found the battery place, looking amused, showing Dylan. "Hey, Dylan?"

Dylan looked up, seeing what the issue was, starting to laugh. "I forgot to put the batteries in."

Dylan put the batteries in.

Wyatt smirked. "It's going to work now."

They hit the recording, listening to the words.

Dylan smiled at their accomplishment. "You heard it. It's working."

"Say something," Wyatt told him.

Dylan hit the button to record. "Wyatt. I love you."

The recording repeated the phrase, causing Dylan and Wyatt both to smile.

Wyatt smiled. "I love you too."

X • O ° X • O

The Downing - Carter's Suite

Carter and Marie were sharing a drink, and clearly talking about what they could do about her family more, and Marie did still look nervous but not as scared as before. Carter took her hand. They both smiled a bit, and kissed.

X • O ° X • O

Humphrey Loft/Rhodes-Bass Apartment 

Rufus and Lily, in their separate homes, were looking at pictures of the two of them, both clearly thinking about how they messed up today and wanted to make it right.

(Song Ends)

Later, Rufus was walking into the dark Rhodes/Bass Apartment living room, calling Lily.

Lily's voice was on the other line. "Rufus?"

"Lily, where are you?" Rufus asked.

Lily was looking through the dark loft. "Where are you? I'm at the loft. I--I came to apologize." Rufus chuckled because they both had the same idea. "I don't know why I got so crazy."

"You were right," Rufus told her. "I am never really gonna understand this world I am now a part of. But that doesn't stop me from loving you. It never has."

"I love you, too," Lily told him.

"Well, we can keep asking each other if we can do this, we can keep planning and talking and adjusting and talking some more or we can just leap," Rufus told her. "So let's leap. Let's get married."

"We're already getting married, Rufus," Lily told him.

"I mean soon," Rufus told her. "I mean tomorrow. We leap."

Lily laughed, excited yet nervous. "Oh, my God. Yes! We leap."

Rufus and Lily both smiled.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Put on those dancing shoes, kids. Looks like we're going to the chapel."

X • O ° X • O

X • O ° X • O

Day Two

Morning - Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

(Song:) Lisztomania - Phoenix

Noe, Hope, Brooklyn, Thyra, Zaya, Sadie, Serena, Blair and Jenny were all gathered to try and get things ready.

"Where's Marie?" Serena asked.

"I suggested to Dad as soon as he told me about the surprise wedding that there probably wouldn't be a better last-minute planner than the adoptive sister of our sister," Jenny explained. "Did anyone call Marie or Carter?"

"I did," Noe answered.

"I tried," Hope answered.

Marie walked in. "I'm here." Noe, Hope, Jenny, Zaya, Sadie and Serena smiled. Brooklyn, Thyra and Blair chuckled. "I've been looking at venues on the way over. The Whitney is a no, Harvard Club is a no and Colicchio laughed in my face when I asked about craft."

"The only time we want to hear a 'no' is if Ruth Madoff wants an invite," Blair told her.

Marie pointed at Noe sarcastically. "Or if I'm talking to Noe?"

The girls smiled, impressed with Marie's sarcasm and comeback.

Noe nodded sarcastically. "Constance crew, what have you got?"

The girls that took after the queens and princesses of Constance walked closer. 

"My sister's a florist," Celeste told them. "She can handle flowers."

"Great," Thyra told her.

"We've got cake," Adriana told them. "My aunt owns a bakery. She said she found a cancellation."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Jane told them. "My family's in investment banking. They're all broke."

"Then you can go," Brooklyn told her.

Sadie waved bye sarcastically. "Bye."

Jane walked out, leaving.

Blair looked at Brooklyn, Thyra, Zaya and Sadie, clearly happy with their leadership, and they smirked in response.

Hope and Jenny were making dresses.

"Lily asked if Brooklyn, Sadie and I could sing at the wedding, so at least there's that," Zaya told them.

"Acceptable," Brooklyn agreed.

"Hope, Jenny, you okay?" Serena asked. "You've been working on those dresses all night."

"Yeah, I'm good," Jenny answered.

Hope smirked. "Yeah, it's like our own 'Project Runway' challenge."

Marie was working on arrangements that would be made at the actual wedding, in a hurry and focused, but she was very nervous while looking at the others.

Aurora walked closer, seeing the dress that Hope was working on. "Is that Rain's design?"

"Inspired by, but I made a few modifications," Hope answered.

"Like what?" Thyra asked.

"Well, if you cut the leg higher, it's less coverage, but it's actually more flattering, and a halter is way better for faking buff, Madonna arms," Hope answered.

"How did you even find Rain's design?" Aurora asked.

Hope looked up at Aurora, tilting her head. "You know how good I am with a computer? Luckily some of his designs were in pictures on the web."

Aurora smiled. "Rain would be so proud of you."

Hope smiled. "Thanks, Mom." The girls smiled. Hope took a piece of clothing from one of the girls. "Oh, no. No, no, that is bridal hell code red. I'm on it."

Hope took it away, causing the girls to laugh.

Laureen walked in, seeing Aurora. "Oh, Aurora, hi. You're back."

"Hello, Laureen," Aurora told her. "I might not have found much, but, uh..."

"It's okay," Laureen assured. "Zaya, Sadie and I might have hit a lucky break with Dominic Driton. I'll explain later."

Aurora nodded, though was confused. "Dominic Driton? As in Driton Dominatrix?"

"Yeah, I'll also explain that later," Laureen told her.

Aurora chuckled. "All right."

Laureen saw Noe, Serena, Zaya, Sadie, Hope and Brooklyn going through a file of guys. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to find you a date for the wedding," Noe answered.

"Yeah, since you're about to be my adoptive step aunt, Laureen, I figured that I really wanted to help," Hope told her.

"What about Nick Hayworth?" Zaya asked.

Laureen scoffed. "Zaya, please. That would be like dating your father all over again."

"You're the one who stayed married to the guy for 15 years," Sadie pointed out.

"And look how well that turned out," Laureen replied.

"But you yourself said that it was good for 14 years," Serena reminded her. "And you two did build an empire together."

"Well, which seemed important when I was your age, but it's the last thing I'm looking for in a man now," Laureen told them.

"Yeah?" Brooklyn asked. "What are you looking for then?"

"Uh..." Laureen trailed off, chuckling. "Someone who would take the time to understand me."

"Well, that's no easy feat," Noe told her, smirking.

Laureen chuckled. "And it shouldn't be."

'Come on, Laureen," Hope told her. "Hasn't Dominic Driton been trying to woo you?"

"Well, Dominic has much to learn if he ever wishes to win me back," Laureen told them.

Sadie frowned. "I'm sorry, back? You dated Dominic Driton? How did we never hear about this?"

"It was a crush," Laureen corrected. "And did you ever really want to know about your mother's romantic history?"

"God, no," Zaya answered. "But dating Dominic Driton?"

"It wasn't dating," Laureen told them. "Dominic and I were best friends, and Dominic merely had a crush, and I did like him, but I left New York and went to LA, where everything changed. It wasn't Dominic that I fell in love with. And if it had been, then I wouldn't have Zaya and Sadie. But Dominic did send me an orchid for every day we were apart."

"Well, he must have been smitten, Laureen," Serena pointed out. "Dominic sounds like such a gentlemen. You know, taking away the fact that he has a media empire called Driton Dominatrix."

Laureen managed a small smile. "Yeah. He was. Still is. Dominic may have been a ladies man, but he was a gentlemen with a good heart."

Brooklyn smiled. "Sounds like you might like him. And Driton Dominatrix aside... Come on, Laureen. Give Dominic a chance."

Noe smiled. "And give yourself a chance to really be happy, Laureen. With Dominic Driton or not."

Lily had been outside the room, listening, smiling, walking inside. "So the girls finally know about you and Dominic Driton, huh, Laureen?"

"Oh, don't you start, Lily," Laureen told her. "They're just trying to set me up with a date for your wedding, so..."

Lily smirked knowingly. "Hmm. Right. I think I may have already taken care of that."

"What do you mean?" Laureen asked.

Lily smiled. "Well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we, girls?"

Noe, Serena, Zaya, Sadie, Hope and Brooklyn smiled.

Laureen gave them an amused look. "Whatever. Go ahead and try to set me up, but I need you girls to promise me one thing. I know that Noe, Serena, Hope and Brooklyn are happy with Nate, James, Alex and Thyra. Like with Dylan and Wyatt, Blair and Chuck. And I know that you're meant to be with Rufus, Lily. Even if he gets on my nerves constantly." The girls laughed. "Zaya, Sadie, I really need you to hear me when I say this. Promise me that when you pick the one you're really gonna be with that they'll be someone who respects you and treats you well. And who makes your heart race, but makes sure that your heart will be safe. And who you love because of what they are, not what they do. Because that's what we all deserve, and all need to give. That's how I want you to feel one day. Use your heads and follow your hearts. All of you."

Noe, Serena, Zaya, Sadie, Hope and Brooklyn smiled, nodding. Lily took this seriously, though she looked very nervous given her wedding day.

Laureen walked a small distance away, nearby where Marie had been planning for the wedding and she had been listening, looking emotional.

Marie looked at Laureen. "Sorry to speak in, but, uh... that was some very great advice."

Laureen smiled. "Thank you."

"I see why all the Crew comes to you when they need advice on what to do, and why they trust you with all their issues," Marie told her. "It's pretty great, Laureen."

Laureen chuckled. "Well, I try my best to try to understand all of them. And I've done a lot more studying in DID, for whenever you came back so that I could help you, if you ever took me up on my offer to help you, Marie."

Marie swallowed nervously, managing a small smile. "Thank you. I hope that you get to be happy one day again too. Like maybe with Dominic Driton like they were talking about."

Laureen chuckled. "I don't know, but thank you. I think that what I said about love should also apply to you. Are you happy with Carter?"

Marie smiled. "Very. I mean, Carter's done so much for me. More than anyone I've known. And I've only been with a couple of guys because I could only feel really drawn to to people that I've made a strong bond with, let alone attracted to in that way. And before I realized that it meant that I was demisexual, I, uh... I tried to be with a guy that asked me out because I thought something was wrong with me, but that ended very badly. But Carter has been so helpful and supportive."

"I can tell, which how much Carter was asking me about how to help you," Laureen told her. "I know that it's scary to let someone in, for most people, but especially for you. And I just wanted to let you know that you don't have to be afraid with Carter. Or me for trying to help you. Or any one of the Crew members that have wanted to try to be your friend, like Hope, Noe, Serena, Thyra and James."

Marie nodded in understanding. "I do want to try to talk to people after the wedding day is over. I hope that I'm ready for that. Ready for all of this."

Laureen smiled kindly.

Lily looked around at all the planning. "Wow. This is really happening. Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"Oh, we already have help," Zaya told her. "Lily, this is Marie." Marie looked up at Lily, looking nervous, though she was relieved to finally meet her mother. "She's an event planner, and she actually did a lot that we went to over like a month, and she did the Sotheby's auction."

"Oh, that's nice," Lily said.

"Marie's actually An..." Sadie trailed off.

"Uh, we can explain that later, so not to disrupt your day," Marie pointed out. The girls nodded in understanding. "It's nice to meet you."

Lily nodded. "Likewise."

Laureen smiled and looked at Lily. "For once, don't worry about any of the wedding details. You work on getting married, and write those vows."

"Oh, I just finished," Lily told them.

Noe smiled, walking closer. "Then let us hear them."

(Song Ends)

X • O ° X • O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Dan was on the phone. "Yeah. Yeah, Aunt Irene. So--So I'll see you then?" Vanessa walked in behind Dan. "Okay. Yeah, the socks fit perfectly. All right, bye." Dan hung up, turning to face Vanessa. "Don't make me do this."

"You know it's only a matter of time before Georgina spills," Vanessa told her. "And not just about Marie's birth truth, but about her disorder and everyone will literally think that's proof that she's crazy."

Dan sighed. "I know, I know. And I don't want that, obviously, but... this is exactly why we should tell the others."

"Dan, this was your idea," Vanessa told him. "Everyone is too precarious right now. This is Lily and your dad's wedding day. You can't drop a bomb like that."

Dan was thinking. "That's probably why Marie hasn't told them herself, even though Hope and Jenny told me that the girls called her to plan the wedding, since the girls thought it would be nice that who they think is the adoptive sister to our sister, who is actually our sister, helps plan it."

"Exactly why you have to hold Georgina off for one more day," Vanessa told him. "You can do this. Be strong."

"Okay," Dan agreed. "Just, um, remind me later to kill you, please." Rufus walked out of his room, getting ready. "Hey, Dad, listen, so I gotta go out for a couple of hours, but I will be back as soon as I can."

"It's my wedding day," Rufus told him. "Where are you going?"

Dan sighed. "You don't wanna know, but it's absolutely, absolutely important. I promise."

X • O ° X • O

Rhodes/Bass Apartment - Living Room

Lily was reading her vows to Noe, Serena, Brooklyn, Laureen, Zaya and Sadie. "And watching the sun set over the ocean in Santa Cruz that day, I knew that Rufus Humphrey was meant for me."

"Mom, are you kidding?" Serena asked. "Those could be the exact same vows you wrote for Klaus. You substituted Lederhosen for Doc Martens and Nice for Santa Cruz."

"No, they couldn't," Lily told them.

"Yes, Lil, they are," Laureen told her.

Lily sighed, closing her eyes. "Oh, God, I'm terrible at this. What do I say?"

"This wedding isn't like your others," Noe told her. "You're marrying Rufus. Your soulmate, the love of your life. Talk about that and your futures together, what you'll do, all that kind of stuff."

"You got this, Aunt Lily," Zaya told her.

"I did just get off the phone with the mayor's office," Brooklyn explained. "He's agreed to expedite permits."

Sadie smiled. "You and Rufus can get married at the Brooklyn Botanic Garde, Aunt Lily."

Lily gasped happily.

All the girls reacted happily in excitement, including Marie, Blair, Thyra, Hope and Jenny nearby where they were working.

Aurora watched them with a chuckle, smiling at how happy they all looked.

Serena smiled, squealing. "It's perfect. Okay, what are we waiting for?"

"I'll go to the garden and get to work," Marie told them. "Deal with the caterers."

"Mom, just please work on those vows," Noe told her.

"Okay," Lily agreed.

"We'll handle everything else," Zaya told her.

They all smiled.

X • O ° X • O

Park

Georgina and Dan were walking.

"Wow," Dan said. "I wondered what happened to Poppy. I had no idea it was that easy to get someone deported." Georgina smiled. "That--that is, um, that--that's so thoughtful. That's so Georgina. You know, I really missed you while you were away."

Georgina smiled. "You did? I--I heard you were seeing someone."

Dan nodded. "I was, but she... it turns out she was dating Orlando Bloom behind my back. Can you believe that?"

"No," Georgina said. "Huh. It is amazing how down that guy's star-o-meter has gone."

"I shouldn't have been with someone like that," Dan told her. "You know, there--there's no... there's no history there. In fact, I was thinking that maybe we could... hit the reset button on us. You know, like go on a date, something like that."

Georgina smiled. "Really?" They stopped walking. "You want me to be your date at your dad's wedding today? I read about it on Gossip Girl."

Dan shook his head. "Uh, y-y-you know what? That's kind of a... it's a private event. It's small. Uh, so tomorrow."

"Oh," Georgina said. "Yeah, okay. Uh, that--that works."

"Great," Dan told her.

Testing Dan, Georgina grabbed him by his head and pulled him into a kiss. Dan was shocked but went with it to try and not blow his cover, placing a hand on the back of her head and on her back. They pulled away, and Dan walked away.

Georgina looked at a cart vendor nearby. "What does it mean when someone used to grab your ass but now doesn't? It means that someone's a big fat liar."

Georgina walked away.

X • O ° X • O

The Downing - Carter's Suite

Carter was on the phone. "How is my favorite planner?"

Marie was on the other line while she was working. "Working my ass off, and nervous like hell. But weirdly happy. I mean, how many girls can say that they planned their parents's wedding before their parents realized who their daughter really was?"

Carter chuckled. "Uh, I don't know, but I'm guessing not that many. You're a one of kind, that's for sure. Did you get to meet..."

"My mother?" Marie finished. "Briefly. Not enough to know what's going to happen when I tell the truth. And I, uh... I can't drop a bomb like this on their wedding day. I can't do that to them and distract them or ruin the day or..."

"Marie," Carter said. "Breathe."

Marie took a deep breath. "Right. Thanks."

"Even if you don't get to tell the truth today, because you don't want to ruin things, that's fine," Carter told her. "There's gonna be more time."

"You're coming, right?" Marie asked.

"I wouldn't miss it," Carter answered. 

"I mean, if I dissociate or switch and one of the alters decide to tell them before I get the chance to, and things could go very badly..." Marie trailed off.

"You worry too much, though for good reason," Carter pointed out. "You don't have to today. I'll be there and try to make things easier. Like at the auction."

Marie smiled in relief, sighing. "Thank you, Carter."

"Of course," Carter agreed, turning to see James, Alex, Nate, Dylan, Wyatt and Chuck walk in. "I gotta go."

"Okay," Marie agreed.

They both hung up.

"Marie?" James asked.

Carter sighed heavily, putting his phone away. "Yeah."

"Make what easier?" Dylan asked.

Carter pressed his lips together, looking to the side, tilting his head. "Long story. Though an explanation should be coming soon. What are you guys doing here?"

"Alex, Hope, Noe and I've spoken to Bree Buckley," Nate explained. "We know that she's interested in you and James, but mostly you."

Carter nodded, sitting down. 

"Does she know where we're going to be?" James asked.

"I'm sure that she'll see posts on Gossip Girl or newspapers," Alex answered.

"Carter, what did you do to the Buckleys?" Wyatt asked.

Carter sighed. "That's a, uh, a long story too. But one that happened a couple years ago. One of the things I did that I regret most."

"Must be pretty bad then," Chuck told him. "If you go to the wedding since you clearly want to be there for Marie for some reason, but then you'd have to deal with Bree, her family and what they would call Southern justice."

"Or you can run like Bree said that could do," James told him.

Carter shook his head. "I'm not running."

"Carter..." Wyatt trailed off.

"Look, whatever you did, even if you know how to fight and defend yourself, these Buckleys have people that can take you down," Alex told him.

Carter nodded in agreement, knowingly. "Believe me, I know. Some of Bree's cousins can fight pretty damn well."

"And you're staying," Dylan stated.

"This is about helping Marie with what you were talking about on the phone, isn't it, Carter?" Chuck asked.

Carter didn't answer, tilting his head.

"If you care that much about Marie, you need to tell her the truth," Nate told him.

"She's got enough to deal with today, and every day, believe me," Carter told them.

"She might have to deal with more," Dylan replied. "These guys might have a tough time against you, Carter, but if they see that you care that much about Marie..."

"They could use her to get to you," Alex finished.

Carter sighed heavily, nodding, knowing they were right.

"Come on," James told him. "I'll help you."

"We can help you, you know," Wyatt told him.

Carter scoffed a chuckle. "James and Caroline have spent most of their lives helping me out of the messes I've made, Wyatt. I didn't want them to but they did. And I didn't want any of that to fall on anybody else either. Least of all Marie."

"Well, at least that's proof that you have changed," Nate pointed out.

Chuck sighed. "What are you going to do?"

Carter didn't know, sighing as Alex, Dylan, Wyatt, James, Nate, Chuck and Carter all exchanged a look.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Looks like this wedding song just became 'Stormy Weather'. But don't worry. Here comes the sun."

X • O ° X • O

X • O ° X • O

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

(Song:) Lost in the City - The New Cities

Everyone was in their formal attire.

Marie was busy bustling around, planning the last touches on the wedding, seeing that boys were hanging streamers, but stopping them. "Guys, guys, this is a wedding, not a prom. Would you please get rid of those repulsive streamers before I hang you by them?"

Noe, Serena, Zaya, Sadie, Brooklyn, Thyra, Hope and Blair were walking when they heard Marie, all looking impressed.

"Damn," Brooklyn stated. "Marie's got skills."

"And can still make people do what she wants with a little fear," Blair added. "Didn't think I'd like Marie that much, but I think Carter chose her well."

The girls laughed.

"Speaking of the boys, have you seen them?" Noe asked. "I don't see them."

"I haven't been able to reach them on their cells," Hope added.

"It's still early," Thyra pointed out. "They'll be here."

"Come on, let's go, flit, mingle," Zaya told them. "We'll keep an eye out."

"Don't worry," Sadie told them. "Things are gonna be okay. I can't wait to sing tonight."

Zaya and Brooklyn smiled. "Me too."

X • O ° X • O

Elsewhere

Harry saw Bree, walking closer. "There you are. I didn't know that you got an invite."

Bree smiled. "Well, I'm full of surprises."

Bree looked around.

"You looking for someone?" Harry asked.

"No, no," Bree lied. "I'm just taking it all in."

X • O ° X • O

Elsewhere

Jenny and Eric were walking.

"It's perfect," Jenny told him. "It's the perfect location, the perfect weather. Eric, it's the perfect wedding."

Eric smiled. "I know."

Dan was walking along, on the phone. "I nearly choked. She shoved her tongue right down my throat. I--I did some great acting, though. Totally pulled it off."

On the other line, Vanessa was getting a cab. "It'll be worth it when you see them finally happily married."

"And saving Marie from Georgina outing her darkest secrets," Dan added. "DID is a huge thing to out on someone without their say-so."

"Exactly," Vanessa agreed. "I'll see you soon. Try not to worry."

"Yeah," Dan agreed.

They hung up.

X • O ° X • O

Elsewhere

Laureen was walking, when she saw Dominic across the way. They both had a wine glass, raising their glasses in toast to each other, smiling a bit to the other.

Laureen was not surprised to see Dominic there, turning to look for the girls, seeing Noe, Hope, Brooklyn, Thyra, Zaya, Sadie, Serena and Blair watching with knowing smiles. Marie was also watching, smiling a bit.

Laureen walked up to the girls. "You girls think you're slick inviting Dominic here, don't you?"

"Oh, it wasn't us, Laureen," Thyra told her. "Promise. We didn't invite Mr. Dominic Driton."

"But it does look like you and Dominic could have fun, and maybe you'll be soon-to-be Mrs. Driton," Blair teased. "Think on that, Laureen."

"Yeah, Lily did say that she already invited someone here for you, when we were talking about Dominic earlier," Hope agreed. "Jenny and I are about to go help Lily with her dress, so..."

Laureen nodded. "Yeah, I need to talk to Lily."

Laureen and Hope walked off, as the other girls laughed lightly.

(Song Ends)

X • O ° X • O

Dressing Room

Hope and Jenny were now helping Lily with her dress.

"Oh, Hope, Jenny, it's gorgeous," Lily told them.

Jenny smiled. "Thanks."

Laureen walked closer to Lily, putting a hand on the mirror. "You really think you're slick enough to invite Dominic here without me knowing that it would've been either you or the girls?"

Lily smiled coyly. "I take it that means Dominic's outside. Well, I'm glad he took the invitation."

"Oh, very funny," Laureen told her sarcastically. "Lily..."

"Laureen," Lily replied. "You may have to deal with your husband a little while longer, but in the meantime, you can still admit what you feel for Dominic and try to have some form of happiness while trapped inside a hell. Go on. Go talk to him."

Laureen sighed, tilting her head, seriously thinking about it, before smiling. "Thank you."

Lily smiled. Hope and Jenny smiled at them.

"Go get him, Laureen," Hope told her. Laureen walked off outside. "You know, Lily, it wasn't easy realizing that I was adopted and everything else that came with that. But I do love both of my families very much. And being your stepdaughter, added with adoption or not, and having family in the form of Noe, Eric, Serena, Zaya, Sadie, Laureen, and Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck... I think I'd really love that. I'm so excited for it."

Lily smiled, touched. "That is so sweet."

Lily turned to kiss Hope on the cheek. Hope smiled.

Jenny smiled, taking Hope's hand. "Truth is, I've never seen Dad happier than he is with you. I--I can't wait for you to hear his vows." Lily suddenly looked nervous again. "They--they're all about your future together and I don't wanna spoil them, but they're really beautiful. Okay, we're gonna go, but you look amazing. And we'll see you out there."

"Okay," Lily agreed. "Thank you."

Hope and Jenny walked out of the room.

Lily walked toward where she was supposed to write her vows, only to throw the empty paper away since she couldn't think of what to write.

X • O ° X • O

Outside

Hope walked outside toward Noe, Brooklyn, Thyra, Zaya, Sadie, Serena and Blair. "Hey, I think everything's ready."

"Marie, is everything done?" Sadie asked.

Marie walked closer. "Yeah, I think so."

"You've done such a great job," Noe told her.

"Thank you so much, Marie," Serena told her.

Marie managed a smile even though she was overwhelmed. "You're welcome."

Zaya rubbed Marie's arm. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just a little overwhelmed," Marie answered.

"Well, you're doing great," Brooklyn told her.

"Keep this up, you'll probably have endless jobs lined up of all kinds," Thyra told her.

The girls laughed lightly.

Alex, Dylan, Wyatt, James, Nate, Chuck and Carter walked up to Zaya, Sadie, Hope, Brooklyn, Thyra, Serena, Noe, Blair and Marie.

"Well, look at this," Alex told them. "You're all together."

"And apparently so are all of you," Blair replied.

The boys smirked.

"Yeah, we came together, ironically," Carter told them.

"Well, it's about time you showed up," Brooklyn told them.

"Sorry we took so long," Dylan told them.

"Long story," James told them.

"With people like us, it's always a long story," Thyra pointed out.

They all nodded in agreement.

"That's a severe understatement," Hope told them.

"Understatement of the Year," Alex agreed.

Sadie was amused when she realized something. "You know, all of us have pairs here except for me and Zaya."

"Well, if Zaya found herself a fling and if you admitted to a crush on Preston Shea, maybe that'll change, Sadie," Carter told her tauntingly.

Sadie pushed Carter. "It is not a crush. Shut up, Carter."

The others all laughed.

Zaya smiled to tease her sister. "Whatever you say, Sadie. Even if you don't like Preston Shea, pretty sure he likes you."

"I think that's obvious," Serena agreed. "And I can say that for sure since I work for Preston and Prince."

Sadie was annoyed. "Can we talk about something else?"

Blair smiled. "Why? Are we a little too close to the truth?"

Nate smiled. "Ease up, guys."

Chuck smirked. "Hmm."

"This place looks amazing," Wyatt told them.

"I'll say," Dylan agreed.

Marie smiled.

Wyatt chuckled. "I take it that this was Marie's planning."

"A lot of it, yeah," Marie answered. "I'm glad you guys like it."

"It's pretty incredible," James told her.

Chuck nodded in agreement. "Impressive even by my standards."

The girls smiled. Marie was pleased they all liked it.

"How are you girls?" Nate asked.

"We're good," Noe answered.

The boys looked at Carter, knowing he needed to talk to Marie.

Across from the garden, Bree saw the group together, including Carter, and pulled out her phone.

"Uh, we should go, disperse," Alex told them. "Try to have fun today."

"Yeah," James agreed. He gave Carter a look. "You tell me if you need anything."

Carter raised his eyebrows. "Normally it's the big brother telling that to the little brother."

Alex, Dylan, Wyatt, Nate and Chuck looked at them knowingly. The girls were all confused.

"What's going on?" Noe asked.

"We'll explain later," Dylan told them.

"Let's just try to have fun today," Wyatt told them.

"Okay," Hope agreed.

They all split up, dispersing, leaving Carter and Marie alone.

Marie noticed something off with Carter. "Hey, you okay?"

"No," Carter answered. 'And you might not be either when you hear what I have to say." Marie and Carter started walking. "A few years ago, I, uh, ran up some gambling debt. I owed a lot of money to some scary people. And then I met this woman, Beth. She was shy, kind, and well, she... fell in love with me, and I saw an opportunity."

Marie bit her lip. "She had money?"

"Her family did," Carter answered. "And I knew they'd take care of my debts if... it looked like I was about to be one of them, so... I proposed." Marie turned to face him. "The wedding was all planned, and she had her dress, flowers. And I... nearly went through with it, but I... I didn't love her."

"So, what, you--you just disappeared?" Marie asked.

Carter clearly felt guilty. "It's the worst thing I've ever done."

Marie was overwhelmed, looking away. "You buy this girl a ring. You tell her you love her. What, did you make her breakfast in the morning, too? Did you help her like you help me?"

"Marie, it's not the same," Carter told her. "You know that. That's why I'm telling you. I care about you, Marie. So much."

Marie held her head in her hands. "God. I can't believe you're telling me this at my parents's wedding right now."

"I didn't want to," Carter admitted. "But they're here and they might be coming for me. And I can defend myself against them, but you... Bree, Beth's cousin, knows I'm with you."

Marie was breathing unevenly, clearly trying to stay calm. "Carter, I have to go."

"Marie..." Carter trailed off.

"Please, just stop," Marie told him, walking away.

Carter tilted his head back, closing his eyes in guilt, sighing heavily, not liking that this whole situation could make everything worse, not just for him, but for people he cared about, including Marie.

Bree was watching them, smirking slightly.

Harry, across the way, saw the way that Bree was watching Carter and Marie, very suspicious.

Aurora walked up to Harry. "Hey, Harry."

"Hello, Aurora," Harry replied.

"What's going on?" Aurora asked.

"Pretty sure Noe, Hope, Alex and Nate were right not to trust Bree," Harry told her. "She's been watching Carter and Marie like a hawk."

Aurora saw the way Bree was watching Carter now. "Like a predator circling their prey. You think she's using you to get to the Crew? To Carter?"

"Yeah," Harry answered.

Aurora nodded, biting her lip. "Sorry, Harry."

Harry sighed heavily. "You don't need to be, Rory. If she does anything to any of the Crew, I'm gonna make her regret it."

Aurora nodded in agreement. Harry and Aurora exchanged a look before watching Bree again.

X • O ° X • O

Elsewhere

Laureen walked up to Dominic. "Hello, Dominic."

"Laureen," Dominic replied. "I was surprised when Lily invited me."

Laureen smirked, shaking her head. "Oh, believe me, I wasn't. I'm glad you came though."

Dominic chuckled. "So am I. Sadie's hacking yesterday and her little program she set up is still running its course, but I'm sure by the end of the day, or beginning of tomorrow, we'll know what we were missing before about Amanda Stry and her baby." Laureen nodded in understanding. "I hear that she's singing tonight, by the way. With Zaya and Brooklyn."

Laureen smiled. "Yeah, they are. I'm sure you'll be impressed."

Dominic chuckled. "No doubt in my mind about that. I see your sister's trying to be slick in setting us up though."

Laureen chuckled. "Oh, Noe, Hope, Brooklyn, Thyra, Zaya, Sadie, Serena and Blair were too. At least talking about it anyway."

Dominic smirked, nodding in amusement, looking away. "So even the girls of the Crew, huh?"

"Yeah," Laureen answered.

"Well, if that's not a sign, I don't know what is," Dominic told her. Richard was walking into the garden behind Laureen. Dominic saw him first, looking worried, concerned and angry that he was here. "Laureen. Laureen, look."

Laureen turned to follow Dominic's gaze, seeing Richard, incredulous that he came here, glaring at him in anger.

Richard walked toward Laureen and Dominic. "Well, I'm not surprised to see the two of you together."

"What the hell are you doing here, Richard?" Dominic asked.

"Well, I'm here to be with my wife and my daughters, Dominic," Richard told him. "I think that you need to be reminded of the fact that they are in fact mine. Not yours."

"They're not your objects or property," Dominic told him in controlled anger.

"Get the hell out of here," Laureen told him.

"Why would I do that?" Richard asked. "I mean, it is my sister-in-law's wedding day. I couldn't miss out on that, could I? And seeing the two of you together... hmm, I couldn't resist popping in to say hello. You both could do better."

Laureen gave him a pointed look, angry. "God knows I've done worse. I can assure you that Dominic is certainly better."

Dominic smirked, walking past. Laureen smirked a slight mocking smile at Richard, walking away. To get a rise out of Richard, Dominic put an arm around Laureen as they walked off together. Richard watched them go, glaring in anger.

X • O ° X • O

Elsewhere

When it was almost wedding time, Noe, Serena, Eric, Hope, Dan, Jenny, Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck, Zaya and Sadie stood together as they were ready for Lily and Rufus's marriage.

Georgina walked up to them, looking at Dan. "I've been looking all over for you."

Dan was nervous, leading her away from the others, while they watched. "Geor--Georgina, hey. What a--what a great surprise. Uh, I thought our date was tomorrow."

Georgina nodded. "It is, I just stopped by to give Lily and Rufus a wedding present."

Georgina walked away. Dan, realizing that Georgina could have been planning on telling everyone about Marie, was nervous, turning to look at Noe, Serena, Eric, Hope, Jenny, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck.

"Hey, what was that about?" Hope asked.

Dan didn't know what to tell them.

X • O ° X • O

Trail

Lily and Rufus were walking on their way to the garden for their wedding, and Lily was coming undone by nervousness.

"You look beautiful, Lil," Rufus told her. "Come on."

Lily was flustered. "Can we just talk for a second?"

Rufus turned to Lily, seeing how nervous she was, and seeing how she was having second thoughts. "I don't get it. E--everything came together for today."

"I'm sorry," Lily apologized. "I can't write my vows. I mean, how could I when we don't agree on how to raise our children or how to get married or anything?"

"What happened to taking a leap?" Rufus asked.

Lily sighed, gesturing desperately. "But the stakes are too high."

X • O ° X • O

Garden

Everyone else was gathered for the wedding.

Zaya and Sadie, standing at the alter with the other Rhodes-Humphrey-Bass kids, saw Richard across the garden several feet behind the wedding chair seats, both looking nervous.

Sadie turned to her sister. "Zaya..."

Zaya took Sadie's hand. "I know. It's okay."

Noe, Serena, Eric, Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck and Hope followed their gaze, seeing Richard, glaring at him. Sitting in their seats, Alex, Thyra, Wyatt, James, Blair, Nate and Carter followed their gaze to Richard, also glaring.

Harry and Aurora were also in their seats, turning to follow their gazes, seeing Richard, realizing why they were all glaring, and gave glares of their own, ready to stand and do something about it before they saw Laureen walking up to Richard.

Laureen walked up to Richard. "You need to get the hell out of here before you cause a scene and make things worse for Zaya and Sadie. Now."

"Why waste the time and effort of trying to get rid of me when you know you can't?" Richard asked.

Laureen glared at him. "It's that smug smirk I'm going to miss the least after this is over."

"It's not going to be over," Richard told her. "But keep trying to get rid of me, and keep getting closer to Dominic, and if you so much as kiss him or lay a hand on him? Now there's an action that may compel me to spend a little more quality time with Zaya and Sadie during this dreadful time."

Dominic walked closer, overhearing them.

Laureen was very annoyed and overwhelmed. "Are you threatening Zaya and Sadie to keep me by your side and away from Dominic?"

"You know, I believe I am," Richard answered.

"I've already alerted security, and they should be here any minute to get you out of here, and you're only making things worse," Laureen told him.

Richard refused to listen, grabbing Laureen's arm. "You forget that the world is a dangerous place out there, Laureen. And I am not looking forward to any more loss. You, Zaya and Sadie need my help, because in the world out there, you'll be lost without me."

Laureen twisted Richard's hand off of her, twisting his arm to push him away from her. "You've truly gone mad and delusional. You're not helping anyone. You're only further poisoning our family, and I won't have it."

"If you value Zaya and Sadie, you know, you may want to find some worth in the von Miller family that all three of you are still apart of," Richard warned. Laureen glared at him. Dominic was angry, protective. Laureen noticed Dominic. Richard turned to follow her gaze, seeing Dominic, smirking. "Oh, Dominic. We were just talking about you. If I were you, I'd stay away from my wife, and my daughters. You wouldn't want to be the reason why they get hurt or worse, would you, Driton?"

Dominic looked away in anger, nodding sarcastically, before he reacted on instinct rather than thought, and punched Richard hard in the face, making him fall. Laureen was in shock but pleased.

Zaya, Sadie, Noe, Serena, Eric, Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck and Hope watched from the alter, and Alex, Thyra, Wyatt, James, Blair, Nate and Carter watched from their seats, all looking shocked, pleased and impressed as well. Harry and Aurora were watching from their seats, looking shocked, pleased and impressed, and smirking knowingly since they could tell Dominic did it because of his feelings and protectiveness.

Dan and Jenny also were watching, raising their eyebrows in shock, laughing lightly.

Other guests noticed the confrontation and the punch, exclaiming in surprise. Georgina smirked, raising her eyebrows.

Dominic fixed his suit jacket. "Wow. That felt better than I thought it would. And I always thought that it would feel great." Richard smiled sarcastically, chuckling with anger and darkness, standing. "I think you're the one that needs to stay away from Zaya, Sadie and Laureen. They don't need you. And you've already lost them. Open your eyes and see that. You're only making yourself look ridiculous by not letting them go. They're better off without you."

Richard backed away. "Maybe it's you they're better off without. I'd be watching my back if I were you, Driton."

Security came and grabbed Richard's arms before leading him away from the event. The Crew, Harry, Aurora, Dominic and Laureen watched them go, glaring at Richard in anger as he was escorted from the wedding.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "When there's a Crew, a family war, and a media empire man, Dominic Driton from Driton Dominatrix, you know that this wedding is going to be a blast. If Dominic is this adamant about keeping Richard von Miller away from Zaya, Sadie and Laureen, and Laureen and Dominic have been seen spending a lot of time together lately, it could mean that there's a forbidden war of romance at the wedding of the year. I can honestly say that everyone thinks Laureen, and Zaya and Sadie, deserve Dominic over the crazy man they've had to deal with."

Zaya and Sadie walked toward Dominic and Laureen, and Laureen reached out to her daughters to make sure that they were okay.

Dominic checked on them. "Are you two okay? Zaya, Sadie, I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Don't be," Zaya told him. "That was the most fun I had watching something in a long time."

Sadie smiled. "Dad deserved that. And you did that for us. Thank you, Dominic."

Dominic nodded.

Laureen spoke to the crowd. "Uh, I'm sorry, everyone for the disturbance, but it won't happen again. And there's been a slight delay for Lily and Rufus." Georgina walked past them. "I'm sure there's just a tear in her hem or something. I'll--I'll check and I'll be right back."

Laureen went to go see what was wrong.  Zaya, Sadie, Noe, Serena, Eric, Brooklyn, Dylan, Chuck, Hope, Dan and Jenny followed Laureen. Alex, Thyra, Wyatt, James, Blair, Nate and Carter stood to follow. Dominic, Harry and Aurora watched them go, but did not follow.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Looks like the wedding dress might have a runaway train."

Carter looked at the boys while they were walking. "You haven't seen Marie, have you?"

"No," James answered. "Is she okay?"

"I take it Marie didn't react well," Dylan told him.

"Not at all," Carter answered. "But I can't blame her. After everything..."

"Come on," Alex told him. "We'll help you find her. Marie's gonna be okay."

X • O ° X • O

Trail

Marie was walking the trail, still not okay after earlier, clearly trying not to have an episode, since she knew that Carter did care about her a lot and it wasn't the same, but she was worried about everything, and everything seemed to be stacked on top of each other for her, especially at a wedding like this with all of her family. She saw Lily and Rufus ahead, arguing, which did not make things easier.

"I can't believe you," Rufus told her. "You want to know what our future looks like, Lily? It looks like this. We are going to fight. We're gonna wanna kill each other sometimes. That's what marriage is about. Not running away from every little problem. Sticking it out, you know, committing. Do you think you can do that or not?"

Lily looked away worriedly. "I, uh... I don't think I can."

Marie, not thinking clearly because of her near-episode and everything, spoke without thinking. "Wait. So you're not getting married?"

Rufus turned to look at her. "Marie?"

"What?" Lily asked. "What are you doing? This is a private conversation." Laureen, the Crew, Eric, Dan, Jenny and Georgina walked up to them. "You might have planned this, but you have no right stepping into this conversation. How dare you?"

Marie was even more upset, but walking away before things could escalate.

Carter tried to stop her because he heard what Lily said to her. "Marie, wait."

Marie continued walking.

"Who does she think she is?" Lily asked.

"Your love child," Georgina answered. Carter looked at Georgina in shock since he hadn't known that Georgina knew. Dan made a face. "Yeah, not dead." Laureen, Jenny, Eric and the Crew all looked at Georgina in shock. "Congratulations, it's a girl. And she's a broken one at that. DID. I'm sure Laureen as a psychologist can explain that to all of you."

Georgina was very pleased with herself, leaving. Everyone looked at each other in shock.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Ooh, ooh, love child. Things didn't get any easier. Might have to move the honeymoon suite to the Heartbreak Hotel."

X • O ° X • O

X • O ° X • O

Lily was very flustered. "Wait, wait, what was she talking about?"

"Don't believe her," Serena told them. "Georgina is a liar."

"What is she even doing here?" Hope asked.

"Our daughter is dead, isn't she?" Lily asked.

"Isn't she?" Laureen asked.

"Yeah, of course she is," Rufus told them. He looked at Lily. "That was, uh, Marie Rosson. Andrea's sister."

"You all knew she was Andrea's sister?" Lily asked.

"Or that's at least what she told us," Laureen told them.

"Dad, Dad, Dad," Dan told him. "Lily... um, Marie, um... Marie is your daughter." Carter tilted his head back, annoyed that this choice was taken away from Marie because of Georgina, and happened because Marie had been too overwhelmed. "I'm so sorry. I was gonna tell you after the wedding. I--I found out just yesterday."

They were all in shock, aside from Dan and Carter.

"Marie is..." Zaya trailed off. 

"How is that possible?" Noe asked.

"The Rossons lied," Carter answered. "Andrea wasn't Lily and Rufus's daughter. Marie is. She wasn't ready to tell you because she was scared that people think would she was crazy, because of the disorder Georgina said."

Brooklyn looked at Carter in disbelief. "You knew about Marie. Carter..."

"That's what you wanted to come here to be there for Marie for?" Dylan asked.

Carter nodded.

"Oh, my God," Sadie whispered in shock.

"This is insane," Alex told them.

Thyra was worried. "But it explains so much. Poor Marie."

"What is DID?" Lily asked.

"It's a multi-personality disorder that stems from trauma from a young age," Laureen answered. "I'll explain more later, but you need to find Marie now."

"Yeah, Marie's not safe alone right now," Wyatt told them, not just talking about her mind state at the point, but because of the Buckleys.

"And she probably won't wanna see me right now," Carter told them.

"Okay," Nate agreed. "I mean, after you said Marie didn't take it well earlier..."

"We have to find Marie," Chuck told them.

"Carter, where do you think she went?" Rufus asked.

"There's this trail she goes to when she's upset," Carter answered. "Central Park. She likes the secret places, ones where she can hide."

"I'm going to find her," Rufus told them.

"Well, I'm going with you," Lily told him. "She's our daughter. We're doing this together."

Lily and Rufus left.

Jenny and Eric looked at them in shock.

"Marie's really our sister?" Eric asked.

Carter and Dan nodded.

Jenny was trying to process. "Oh, my God."

"Someone's got to deal with Georgina before I beat the hell out of her for doing that to Marie," Noe told them.

Blair nodded in agreement. "I'm on it."

X • O ° X • O

Central Park

Lily and Rufus were looking through the park to try and find Marie.

Carter was also here, but he knew that Marie might have needed her distance from him, he just wanted to make sure she was okay. He saw Bree with two men nearby, sighing.

Bree walked closer with the two men. "Hey, Carter. You remember my cousin Beth's brothers, right? Played defensive line for Arnett Mead? Took quite a bit of fighting lessons to please their father. You know, you might be able to protect yourself from them because I know you're good, but you can't always protect that girl you're with. Marie Rosson, her name is, right? I doubt she can protect herself."

Carter glared at them, but making a decision quickly. "I'll be at the Downing tonight. We can't do this here. I'll go without a fight if you leave Marie alone."

Bree nodded in agreement. "They'll be watching you."

Carter nodded, glaring at the Buckleys, turning around, walking away.

X • O ° X • O

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Everyone was leaving, and Georgina was enjoying the food, amused by the looks she was getting from two people as they walked by. "What? It's not like somebody else is gonna eat this now." Noe, Hope, Thyra and Blair walked up behind Georgina, glaring. Georgina turned her head to look at them. "Mm. Hey, guys. Great wedding, huh?"

"That's funny for a girl who should be watching her back after what you did to Marie," Hope told her.

"Hope Diamond, are you threatening me?" Georgina asked.

"Let's just say payback's a bitch," Hope told her.

Georgina smirked. "You really do hate me, don't you?"

"We all do," Thyra answered. "At least we know you'll get what's coming to you."

Noe walked up to Georgina to slap her hard in the face, causing Georgina to smile in surprise but was very pleased by this reaction. "Bitch."

Hope, Thyra and Blair smirked in amusement, impressed. Blair sighed, taking out her phone, making a call, walking away. Noe, Hope and Thyra walked with Blair.

X • O ° X • O

Central Park

Lily and Rufus were still looking.

"Look, Rufus, we can't just keep searching the secret places of Central Park where Carter said that Marie likes to hide in, because those are endless," Lily told him. "She's not here. Carter was wrong."

"I don't think he was," Rufus told her. "You know, Marie could be anywhere. We should keep looking. Maybe she's not in her usual place because Carter even said that she might not want to see him right now. She might chose a different place to go to because she doesn't want to be found by him right now."

"But, uh..." Lily trailed off.

"What are you doing?" Rufus asked. "Let's go."

"But what's the point?" Lily asked.

"The point is, we can still find her," Rufus answered.

They continued walking.

"Well, and if we do, after what..." Lily trailed off. "After what I just did. I... what am I supposed to say to her? Laureen said that this disorder she has, it comes from so much trauma. And that happened... because I gave her up. What am I supposed to say?"

"That we're her parents and that we're here for her," Rufus answered. "And that love can fix things."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Oh, we both know that's not true."

"You know what?" Rufus asked. "I don't. You... what Marie saw was you grasping at anything you can to push me away."

Lily shook her head. "That is not true."

"First it was Serena and Brown, and the fact Noe wasn't ready for college period," Rufus told her. "Then the mugs and the mayor. Then you can't see the future."

"Well, I'm scared of the future," Lily told him. "I'm scared of a lot of things."

"You're scared because you're in love with me like you've never loved any of your husbands," Rufus told her. "And unlike a Bart Bass, someone like me can break your heart. And that's terrifying. And I know that, because right now, you're breaking mine." Lily knew he was right, and felt guilty for what she was doing. They continued looking for Marie. Further down the path, Rufus saw Marie in a stone archway, barely visible, jogging down the path toward the archway. "Marie? Marie?" Marie had clearly been dissociating but was unable to switch due to so many mixed, conflicting emotions. Rufus reached out to touch her shoulder, hoping to bring her out of it. "Marie."

Marie startled out of her daze, looking confused and lost, seeing Rufus. "God, please don't do that."

"I'm sorry," Rufus apologized.

Marie stood. "This was a mistake. All of it."

"Don't say that," Rufus told her. "We know now. Who you really are."

"Did Carter tell you?" Marie asked.

"No, Georgina," Rufus answered.

Marie was confused since Georgina had used a different name when she got her drunk enough to spill some secrets about her. "I don't... Georgina? You mean Sarah?"

"That's one of the names she's used, yes," Rufus answered.

Marie had tears in her eyes, looking away. "I didn't know I was adopted until after Andrea died. And me, the alters, we wondered so much about all of you. And when we found out who you were... I wanted to get to know Noe, Serena and Eric. Dan and Jenny. Hope, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck since they are still my adoptive siblings. And Zaya and Sadie and Laureen." Rufus nodded in understanding. "And I heard that you and Lily were back together and you were getting married." Lily was walking closer. "I guess I hoped that I'd find out that you gave me up 'cause you weren't ready. Not 'cause you didn't love each other."

"The difference is now I know both want you, need you in our lives," Rufus told her. "Sure, we got our problems." Lily joined them, looking guilty and heartbroken by how sad and upset Marie looked. "But Lily and I love our family. And despite what you just saw, we love each other."

"He's right," Lily agreed. "He's the best father and the best man I've ever known." She looked at Rufus. "Uh, I am scared, because marrying you means finally giving myself a real partner, my children a real father, and finally letting myself truly love."

Rufus smiled. "Lily."

"I'm sorry, Rufus," Lily told him. "And I'm sorry, Marie. That this is how you had to truly meet me." She was getting very emotional, her voice thick with tears. "Because all I thought about for the last 20 years is... holding our child in my arms." Marie was very close to crying, breathing shakily. "I don't know about anything that you've been through, but I do know that I hate myself for being the cause of it. If I hadn't given you up..." Marie shook her head, looking down, some tears falling. "And I don't know how we can make anything better, but I would like to try. Please give us a chance."

Marie took a very deep breath, looking at Rufus. "I lied before because I was scared. And my adoptive mother made that fear worse. I was scared because I didn't know if you any of you would hate me or think I was crazy, or... And everything with Carter, he has made things so much easier than anyone else, and today, one  conversation was bad, really bad, and I walked away... and I didn't tell Carter the truth for the longest time because I was scared. He said that I was scared of getting hurt. And he was right. Because even if he was better to me, I couldn't risk getting hurt again. And I think that's why I couldn't tell you either."

Lily and Rufus looked at each other knowingly, since they had just had a conversation where Lily had been pushing him away because of fear, and Marie just admitted she was doing the same.

Lily managed a small smile. "You might not believe it, but you are already a little like me. We're not going to hurt you, Marie. I promise."

When Lily went in for an embrace, Marie let her, and mother and daughter wrapped their arms around each other for the first time, both incredibly emotional, having to overcome their fears about letting others in.

Rufus smiled a bit to see this. 

Lily and Marie pulled away, and Lily wiped Marie's tears. Marie chuckled lightly, and Lily smiled.

Rufus pulled Lily and Marie both into an embrace.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted. A family reunited and it feels so good."

X • O ° X • O

X • O ° X • O

Night - Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Everyone was gathered for Lily and Rufus's wedding. The loft was decorated with lights beautifully. Carter was the only one not here.

Rufus was giving his vows, adding humor. "And I promise to eat caviar without spitting it in my napkin when we go to dinner at Mayor Bloomberg's, uh, as long as he knows when he comes to our house, he's eating my chili."

People laughed.

Aurora was acting as the marriage officiant. "Lily?"

Hope smiled at the fact that her real mother was acting as the wedding officiant for her adoptive father and now stepmother. Aurora smiled at Hope in return.

Lily gave her vows. "And, Rufus, um, I know that our future will be just like us. Flawed and fragmented and full of more love than I ever thought possible." She looked at Marie, since that could also describe Marie's condition. "Like our daughter." Everyone looked at Marie warmly, and Marie managed a small smile. "I am so excited for you to be my husband." The kids smiled. Lily looked at Noe, Serena, Eric, Marie, Hope, Dan, Jenny, Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck. "And for our children, all of them, to be my family."

"Well, by the power vested in me because I'm one of the best lawyers in the states..." Aurora trailed off. They all laughed. Harry smirked. "And in doing this for our beautiful daughter Hope." Hope smiled, and Lily, Aurora and Rufus smiled at her. "I pronounce you husband and wife."

Lily and Rufus kissed passionately. Everyone applauded happily, cheering.

Serena smiled. "Yay!"

Rufus gestured for more applause while still kissing Lily.

Noe smiled. "Okay, we got it. Enough."

They pulled away. Rufus smiled, walking toward Hope, Dan and Jenny, pulling them into a hug. Lily, Serena, Eric and Noe embraced, and Lily embraced Brooklyn, Dylan and Chuck, who all smiled. Rufus and Lily both embraced Marie, as everyone smiled at them. Marie could actually smile, happiest she had been in forever.

Serena, Noe, Eric, Hope, Dan and Jenny each gave Marie a hug, who smiled and was so happy for all of this. Zaya and Sadie also hugged Marie.

"I knew I liked you," Sadie told her.

Marie laughed.

Laureen smiled, walking over to Marie. "How are you?"

Marie nodded. "Adjusting. But this has got to be my happiest moment ever."

Laureen chuckled. "Come here."

Laureen embraced Marie. Marie closed her eyes in relief to be accepted.

Brooklyn walked over to Marie. "Well, I knew there was something about you that I liked."

"Yeah, Brooklyn, Dylan and I teasing Carter like that in front of you, that normally doesn't happen, but, uh..." Dylan trailed off. "Guess it happened for a reason, right?"

Marie smiled. "I wanted to meet you guys too. So... thanks."

Chuck smirked. "Today's been a roller coaster, huh?"

Marie nodded in agreement. "One of the most intense ones I've had, and that's saying a lot."

As Marie also got to mingle with Alex, Thyra, Wyatt, James, Blair and Nate, her family all smiled.

Lily stood with Serena and Noe. "She looks happy."

"Yeah," Noe agreed.

Lily looked at them. "You know all I want is for you all to be happy, right? Look, I have to admit, if you two did go to college, this wedding probably never would have happened, so thank you."

Serena smiled. "Of course. And I really am so happy you finally found the right man. You're very lucky."

Marie looked around. "Is, uh, Carter..."

"He thought that you needed some space," James explained. "But he didn't have to come clean to you. He wanted you to know everything because of the danger that you could've been in. He really cares about you, you know. More than any girl I've seen him with. Including Noe."

Marie nodded in understanding, worried. "Do you think the Buckleys would really hurt him?"

"They want revenge," James explained. "And I know that Bree was willing to hunt Carter down and even gave him a chance to run, but he didn't. He stayed here. Not just for our family, but for you too."  Marie looked touched yet very worried. "I know that they could've gone after you to hurt him too. I can call him, if you want."

Marie sighed, nodding. "Yeah. Thanks, James." James nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder before walking away. Marie walked toward her siblings and cousins again. "Sorry for not telling you who I was."

Dan chuckled. "You know what? We should have guessed. No one under 40 has ever shown that much interest in Lincoln Hawk."

"See, I told you," Jenny told them. "She has my nose."

"Uh, maybe, but those are my eyebrows," Eric told them.

"And can't judge by her hair, since like Noe and Eric, Marie likes to dye it," Serena added.

They all smiled.

"So, Marie, what do you think about board games?" Noe asked.

"Love them," Marie answered.

Hope smiled. "Fantastic."

"You thinking about sticking around?" Zaya asked.

"Yeah," Marie answered. "Yeah, I need to figure things out, but... I definitely want to stay."

Sadie smiled, wrapping her arms around Marie. "Good. Because we want you to stay too."

Marie smiled.

"Hey, Marie, would you like to sing with me, Zaya and Sadie?" Brooklyn asked. "We know you can sing."

Marie smiled. "Sure, yeah, I'd love that."

Zaya and Sadie smiled, taking Marie by the hands as they and Brooklyn walked toward a place to sit so they could sing, while the others smiled.

Nate walked toward Noe. "Seems like today ended up perfect even though it started pretty badly."

"Yeah," Noe agreed. "Thanks for being here. Very important. No matter how many times Mom's had events like this before." Nate laughed. "But, uh, Marie makes it special. This is so perfect."

Nate smiled. "Yeah. So are you."

Noe was very touched, blushing, smiling, looking down. Nate lifted her chin to meet his gaze with his. They looked at each other before kissing passionately. Noe wrapped her arms around his neck as he put his hands on her waist.

Brooklyn, Zaya, Sadie and Marie started their song, 'I Want You Anyway' by Jon McLaughlin.

Marie started the song. "I gave up a long time ago on trying to find love / TV told me it was like the movies / But it never was." Everyone was very moved by Marie's voice, and Lily and Rufus were emotionally happy to hear their daughter singing at their wedding. "I couldn't beat it or join it / So I just avoided it / Come what may / Then you came."

Marie looked like she was thinking about Carter.

Carter was watching from outside the loft, making sure Marie was okay, and seeing how happy she was with her family, smiling a bit, but knowing he had to leave.

Alex walked toward Hope. "Would you like to dance?"

Hope smiled. "I'd like nothing more."

Alex took Hope's hand, spinning her in a slow circle to match the tempo of the slow song.

Brooklyn sang the chorus. "And I wanna hold you in my arms / I wanna let you break my heart / I wanna feel the way it feels to make you stay / And I know you'll bring me to my knees / I know you're way out of my league / I know I can't afford the price I'm gonna pay / But I want you anyway."

James walked toward Serena. "Carter answered and said that he was okay, that he just wanted Marie to be. He said he had to hang up though. I wanted to be here for you too."

"Well, you can take a break from worrying so we can dance, right?" Serena asked.

James smiled a bit. "Right."

James took Serena's hand.

Zaya sang her verse. "It's so self-betrayal of me / I'm about to say all the things / Swore I'd never say / But my heart's in my mind / Drawing lines I can't erase / And all of a sudden / All that wasn't so beautifully is, when we kiss."

Wyatt made his way over to Dylan. "Intense day. A lot to take in."

"Yeah," Dylan agreed. "But today somehow seems better. With Marie, with everything."

Wyatt smiled. "Yeah. Let's dance."

Dylan smirked. "Let's."

Sadie sang the chorus. "And I wanna hold you in my arms / I wanna let you break my heart / I wanna feel the way it feels to make you stay / And I know you'll bring me to my knees / I know you're way out of my league / I know I can't afford the price I'm gonna pay / But I want you anyway."

Laureen and Dominic stood together at the back of the loft, listening to the girls sing, smiling.

"Zaya and Sadie are great," Dominic told her. "Beautiful voices." Laureen smiled, nodding. "Marie and Brooklyn too. Laureen? You all right?"

"I'm fine," Laureen answered. "I told you that my husband was going to threaten you again."

"And I told you that I don't care," Dominic replied. "After the way he was threatening you, Zaya and Sadie, he was begging to be put down like that. Begging for worse, actually. I just want to make sure that you're safe, Laureen. You, Zaya and Sadie."

"Even if it means putting yourself in danger," Laureen finished. "Maybe I shouldn't have brought you into this. I'm sorry, Dominic."

"You did what you had to do to get the answers and leverage that you needed," Dominic pointed out. "And whatever happens, it's not because of you, Laureen. And you will be able to take him down eventually. I promise you."

Laureen slowly nodded, biting her lip, still nervous and worried, but willing to let him in, and let him help. "Thank you, Dominic. For stepping in like that at the wedding. I got to admit, seeing you take him down like that... that was impressive. I surely enjoyed it."

Dominic and Laureen chuckled, smiling at each other.

Dominic offered Laureen a hand. "Would you like to dance?"

Laureen smiled a bit, unsurprised that he asked, and took Dominic's hand. Dominic spun Laureen around into a dance.

Brooklyn sang slowly. "The way the light hangs off you / I never stood a chance / See you changed every plan I had with one glance."

Noe/Nate, Hope/Alex, Dylan/Wyatt, James/Serena, Laureen/Dominic and Lily/Rufus were all dancing while Brooklyn, Zaya, Sadie and Marie were singing.

Lily and Rufus smiled at each other.

"Well, it took 20 years, but we finally made it," Rufus told her.

Lily smiled. "Well, I wouldn't have done it any other way."

Dan stood with Blair. "This would be a perfect night except for the fact that Georgina got away unscathed."

"I wouldn't be too certain about that," Blair told him. Chuck walked closer. Blair smiled. "Hi."

Blair and Chuck also started to dance.

X • O ° X • O

Bar

Georgina was sitting at the bar, having a drink.

Vanya walked up to her. "I couldn't help but notice you." Georgina turned to look at him. "I am Prince Alexi from Belarus."

"Nice to meet you, prince," Georgina told him.

Vanya took Georgina's hand to kiss it. "I am flying back to my home country right now to celebrate my new oil pipeline. Any chance you want to join?"

"You know, I'm pretty much over college, and, uh, well, who am I to say no to a prince?" Georgina asked.

Vanya smirked. "Wonderful."

Georgina stood, and Vanya led her away.

Dorota was watching from behind a menu, a scarf around her head. She turned to watch them go with a smirk.

X • O ° X • O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Marie sang the chorus. "And I wanna hold you in my arms / I wanna let you break my heart / I wanna feel the way it feels to make you stay / And I know you'll bring me to my knees / I know you're way out of my league / I know I can't afford the price I'm gonna pay / But I want you anyway."

Thyra watched Brooklyn singing with Zaya, Sadie and Marie, smiling. Brooklyn stood, and Thyra met her halfway so that they could dance, while Zaya, Sadie and Marie smiled at them.

Aurora walked toward Harry. "I'm sorry about what Bree did. I know that you liked her, Harry."

"Yeah, but she's playing with fire if she comes after anyone in the Crew," Harry pointed out. "I know she threatened Marie. Carter told me. And I haven't heard from her since. She's gonna regret hurting them, Aurora."

Aurora nodded in agreement.

Zaya sang the chorus. "And I wanna hold you in my arms / I wanna let you break my heart / I wanna feel the way it feels to make you stay / And I know you'll bring me to my knees / I know you're way out of my league / I know I can't afford the price I'm gonna pay / But I want you anyway."

X • O ° X • O

On the Road - Limo

Carter was being driven in a limo with Bree and the two Buckley men from Central Park when they threatened Marie. As promised, he went without a fight so they would leave Marie alone.

X • O ° X • O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

At the wedding, Noe/Nate, Hope/Alex, Dylan/Wyatt, James/Serena, Blair/Chuck, Laureen/Dominic and Lily/Rufus continued to dance the rest of the wedding night away, while Brooklyn was dancing with Thyra while still singing, Zaya, Sadie and Marie stayed sitting while they danced, Harry and Aurora standing together and talking about what to do about the Buckleys, and Dan, Jenny and Eric watching everyone with small smiles.

Brooklyn, Zaya, Sadie and Marie sang the chorus, and ended the song together in harmony, while Brooklyn was still dancing with Thyra. "And I wanna hold you in my arms / I wanna let you break my heart / I wanna feel the way it feels to make you stay / And I know you'll bring me to my knees / I know you're way out of my league / I know I can't afford the price I'm gonna pay / But I want you anyway."

There was a slow pan over everyone as the girls sang the song, during Gossip Girl's closing voice over.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "There are songs that make us want to dance. Songs that make us want to sing along. But the best songs are the ones that bring you back to the moment you first heard them. And once again break your heart. XOXO, Gossip Girl."