Echoes of the Upper East Side

The Reality

The honeymoon had been a dream come true. Beyond the paradise-like destinations and luxury, their days were a blur of sunbathing, moonlit swims, fine dining, cocktails, and night-long romance. They had been inseparable. Serena had hoped it would last longer, but on the flight home, Dan had already started working on his novel. She was glad he was so engrossed, but couldn't he let the romance bloom a little longer instead of stifling it?

Back home, Dan would shut himself off in his study, not wanting to be disturbed. Serena found herself dining alone, falling asleep alone, and waking up alone, wondering if he had slept at all. She was scared; it had only been three months since their marriage, and already she feared they would soon be sleeping in separate beds, then separate rooms, leading to an ugly divorce before their first anniversary.

A few times a week, Dan would cook and sit with her for a while, but then he would retreat back to his writing, like a man in a trance. She had bought some hot new lingerie to surprise him, knocking on his door only to be met with annoyance. One time, she even donned a sexy nurse uniform, but he wasn't in the mood.

Today, Dan had been out most of the day, and when he got home, he brought takeout instead of cooking. They sat in silence, the distance between them palpable. Dan knew there was a high chance of shocking her with his news. To his surprise, she was very positive about the idea of stopping her birth control, even though she had hoped they would wait a year to simply enjoy being husband and wife. She didn't voice her reservations. They hadn't had sex for almost two weeks, and she couldn't help but think that if he wanted a baby, it would require him to start making love to her again.

After about two months, her period was late. She was both excited and scared. She had already bought a dozen pregnancy tests to be ready in case of a delay.

She walked slowly toward Dan's office, knocked, and quietly opened the door, poking her head in.

"Do you have a moment?"

"Not really. Can it wait?"

"I just wanted to show you this."

He looked up from the computer, a little confused until he realized what it was. He stood up, walked toward Serena, and gave her a big hug and a kiss.

"That is amazing. I am so happy."

"Babe, how about we go out tonight? I'm going crazy sitting here every evening by myself."

"Baby, I have to write. I'm sorry. I promise that when we get to LA, things will be different. Try calling Blair."

She said it was okay, but she was annoyed. Didn't he know a marriage needed to be nourished? Right now, this marriage sucked.

She didn't know what she was going to do. She was bored and turned on the TV. Nate Archibald was giving a speech on international television. Nate was no longer just a pretty boy; he was a grown man and successful with The Spectator and now Mayor of New York, as of yesterday. She had forgotten to congratulate him, so she texted him instead of calling since the interview was live.

She took out her phone and typed:
"Nathaniel Fitzwilliam Archibald Mayor of New York Today, President of the United States of America tomorrow. Congratulations, Nate. You're amazing. Just saw you on TV. You deserve it. XoXo S"

She dialed Blair's number and called her.

"Hey S, I'm so sorry, but I just don't have time right now. Henry is going crazy; he is so hyper, and I have a deadline. HENRY!!! NOooo!! Bye, S, gotta go."

Serena hung up and Nate had already replied.

"Hey S, who knows, but thanks for the thought. I know this is a lame question, but do you happen to know a nice and preferably hot girl who can be my date tonight? My grandpa is throwing a celebration for me, and I don't want to be the only one without a date. I've just been so busy."

"Yes, I know the perfect girl to help you. I guarantee she's sweet and super hot."

"Really? Wow, thanks! Who is it?"

"It's me!"

"You? Really, you would do that for me?"

"Yes, Nate. Take me out before I kill myself from boredom."

"Haha, if you mean it, then yes, please. I couldn't think of anyone better. I'll pick you up at five."

"Deal. But what kind of celebration?"

"When my grandfather says simple celebration, it can be just him or all the elite class within a 5000 km radius."

"Okay, see you later."

She stood and looked in her closet. She had nothing to wear. She went up to her mother.

"I'm here to borrow a dress and some bling."

"So, you're going on a date?"

"No, I'm going to be Nate's date for tonight's celebration."

"Serena..."

"I'll die if I have to stay home one more night, and Dan is so busy. Nate and I are just friends; I have no feelings for him. We are just friends."

"If you say so. Let's see what we have." They tried on many dresses, but when they saw the backless Elie Saab dress, they knew it was perfect. She tried it on; it was so sexy but also so classy.

"You look so beautiful," her mother said.