CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

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The Undergraduates

Ella was in the kitchen with Eric

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Ella was in the kitchen with Eric.

"Still nothing." He said checking his phone.

"Good. I forgot how exciting the first day of school can be - a new fall wardrobe, fresh slate. The fact that Gossip Girl isn't around to stir up trouble only makes it that more perfect." Ella said.

"Or she could be planning something big for your first day. After all, the site says 'under construction,' not 'out of service.'"

***

Ella was at the Columbia campus with Blair.

"Well, the good thing about no Gossip Girl - no Chuck. What about you? You're the one who has to start college with an ex boyfriend loose on campus." Blair said.

"There won't be any issues. Nate and I are still friends, even if he is dating some gorgeous blonde named Juliet." Ella replied.

"Oh, please. You are Ella Walker. We've been on campus, what, five minutes? I bet there's already an entire frat house filled with guys fighting over you. And don't worry. My jealousy issues are as over as surf fabrics for evening wear. And besides, we're carrying on our divide and conquer strategy from Paris." Blair rambled.

"But where will our neutral meeting ground be? Hot and Crusty will not possibly do after Cafe Louis-Philippe."

"But Hamilton house will."

"So they do have a Columbia chapter. You know, I always suspected Nate was a member, but he would never fess up."

"He was right not to. Their membership is so restricted they make Soho House look like a halfway house." Blair told.

"So then how do we apply?" Ella asked.

"We don't. Incoming students are selected by an anonymous board of alumni. If you dare to think you were chosen, you have to find the key master on the first day of class. Either a key or white hot shame awaits you."

"Then let's go receive our new accessories."

***

When they got inside, there was only one key left and it belonged to Blair which meant Ella had to leave.

***

Ella called Blair.

"Hey, how far are you? I'm starving."

"I am so sorry, E. I totally lost track of time. Can you hang on a second?"

"Where are you?" Ella asked.

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