Sinners and Saints

Chapter 10

Hey, Upper East Siders. 

It's Christmas in New York, and along with the season comes the Constance Billard/ St. Jude's bazar, where the only things bizarre are the donated items for sale.

Blair and I walk through the bazar looking at some antique items. 

"This is pretty." I point to a vanity in the corner. 

Blair agrees with me as we walk into the hallway on our way to grab something to eat. 

"Blair. London." Lily calls us out, hugging us each. 

"Happy holidays Ms. Van der Woodsen" Blair says.

 "Mr. Bass? I didn't think you were still in town. I figured that you were with..." I start 

"With Charles? No, Sadely, I am stuck here on business while he suns himself at my hotel in Monaco. I have staff keeping an eye on him, and I'll join him for New Year's" Bart tells us. 

"Oh, okay" I respond. I felt bad that Chuck was by himself for the holidays and a little confused at why Chuck hadn't told me that or now that I think about it much of anything over the last few days. We exchange goodbyes with Mr. Bass and Ms. Van der Woodsen. 

Blair asks "Are you okay?" 

I assure Blair that I'm fine and that I just have a lot on my mind right now.

Later that day I'm listening to some music in my room while I paint my nails. 

There's a knock at my door so I pause my music before telling whoever it is that they can come in. 

"Serena! Hey. What's up?" I ask. 

"Do you like Chuck.. as in more than friends?" she questions rather abruptly. 

"Where is this coming from?" I ask, puzzled. 

"I mean the signs have always been there. I just have been too blind to pick up on them until last night at the ball." she explains. 

"I don't know what signs you are referring to but to answer your question no I don't like Chuck like that." I answer avoiding all eye contact. 

"I call bullshit. Your hands are shaking which you always do when you're lying." she tells me. 

I quickly stand up, closing my door before turning back around to face Serena. 

"Look, if I were to say I like Chuck as more than best friends you wouldn't dare say a word about this to anyone?" I question. 

Serena sighs before replying "No. I would not tell anyone. London, you should tell him how you feel. I can tell that he has feelings as well." 

"Chuck Bass does not have feelings for me. The boy fucks anything in sight." I respond.

 "I don't think the way he acted last night would indicate that he views you as just a best friend." she explains. 

"Well we are and I've accepted that so you should too." I state. 

Serena studies me carefully before reminding me to come over tomorrow night for her family's Christmas party. 

I tell her I won't forget. 

On her way out my room she tells me, "You should tell Blair about Chuck. I think she'd want to know." before closing the door and leaving. Weird.

The following night I am laughing on the couch as Eric tells a funny joke. 

Lily reels us back in by making an announcement about how she has something she needs to share with us all.