𝒩𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓃

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Christmas in the city, nothing Talia loved more. Tourists flocked from all over to see the Rockefeller Tree, ice skate, shop and celebrate. This Christmas, however, was one to dread.

No traditions of her own, instead forced to partake in new ones. Though Talia couldn't be too upset after the take she and Max shared the night of Eleanor's Hanukkah dinner.

"I'm so sorry the paparazzi stormed us. It had to have been Jack, making one last grand entrance before he left for hiding" Talia said as she stripped her coat and shoes at the entrance.

Max walked into the new residence, it was grand... and expensive.

"So like my new home? It doesn't have the Central Park views but I could do without" Talia said as she walked over to the kitchen grabbing two mugs. She quickly whipped up coffee before suggesting they head to her room.

"Is it possible your even richer than we thought?" Max asked as he entered her grand bedroom. It was originally a guest room but Blair and Chuck had surprised her, making it more homey.

"At 18 I own 50% of Bass Industries, not to mention Jack skipping town means Chuck and I split everything in half. I don't think I'm ready for any of it but... you said you wanted to talk?" Talia asked as they sat down in the chairs near the window. Talia took the mug to her lips, slowly sipping the coffee that instantly warmed her up.

"I tried so hard to take my mind off of you, normal the ballerina is wonderful-"

"If this is sex advice you need to talk to someone else" Talia interrupted feeling awkward.

"-no, look. I couldn't stop thinking about you. I tried to but I couldn't. I want to commit"

"Commit?" Talia questioned.

"I want to commit myself to you. Look, I know it sounds crazy. Especially coming from me but I want this" Max said. Suddenly the elevator pinged and Talia could hear Chuck, Blair and Henry had arrived home.

"Talia?" Blair called out. She walked into her room to find Max and her talking. "I'm sorry to intrude but we need to talk. As a family" Blair said. Talia got off the seat and Max did the same.

"I'll call you tomorrow" Max muttered before excusing himself out of the room.

"Talia. Welcome back!" Audrey shouted in joy as Talia walked up the steps of Constance. It had been two weeks since she had shown up last.

"I wish I could say I'm glad to be back but we all know I hate school" Talia joked. Julien and Obie both laughed.

"So, are you in?" Aki asked. Talia looked at him confused as to what she was agreeing to.

"In for what?"

"New Years Eve? Hudson?" Julien asked.

"I would never miss! Count me in" Talia said. Audrey and Julien clapped their hands in excitement.

"So what are you doing for Christmas?" Audrey asked.

"I'm going to the Van Der Woodsen Christmas Gala. Fun right" Talia said all sarcastic. Julien, practically jumped off her seat, "the Van Der Woodsen Christmas Gala. T, that's like the most talked about thing before the New Year"

"Well it's Chuck's adoptive Mother so as the newest family member I am now invited" Talia said. She was far from thrilled. The only thing she was looking forward to was being Max along with her.

"Is Nate Archibald going to be there?" Audrey asked. Luna and Monet who had walked over immediately jumped into the conversation.

"Who cares about Archibald, Talia Bass needs to show everyone up" Monet said showing Talia some outfit ideas.

"Hey what are we talking about?" Zoya asked joining the group.

"The Van Der Woodsen Christmas Gala" Julien said filling in her sister.

"Who's going? Everyone in Buffalo talked about the theme" Zoya said. Talia found it fun Zoya was enthralled with this conversation.

"I am. She's like my step-adoptive mother or whatever. And yes Nate Archibald will be there. He's best friends with Blair and Chuck" Talia said before someone came from behind, scaring her. "Max" Talia muttered, hitting him on the chest. A smile beaming on both of their faces.

"Did we miss something?" Obie asked. His finger bouncing between the two of them.

"I was going to tell you before you brought up the whole Archibald, Van Der Woodsen talk. Max and I are kind of"

"- together" Max finished. Everyone smiled and hugged the two.

"Okay. It's like not officially official. We are just going to see if this works out" Talia said. "Get through the holidays"

"Well this is exciting. So everyone's coming to Hudson right?" Julien asked. Everyone shook their head agreeing to going. "Good. I'll see you guys after Christmas"

Talia and Max dispersed from the group, making a lap in the hall before heading to class.

"You're okay with the whole Van Der Woodsen Gala right? I mean I know it's big and stuff but I just don't want to go alone"

"Hey, I'm here for you. We've done plenty of things together. This is no difference" Max reassured her before heading to class the other way.

𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 // 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘱 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘵 Where stories live. Discover now