Gossip Gay

Five: TGIF

Eric practically leaps off his bed, tackling Dan into the wall and wrapping him in a bear hug when the two older kids come in. Serena has been trying for most of the afternoon to cheer Dan up, still unsure as to why he's so upset.

Jenny snaps a picture on her cell, still determined to collect memories of even the little things. Serena smiles, putting an arm around Jenny's shoulders as it finally feels like their whole little family has been reunited.

"Heard you had a rough first day," Eric says softly, pulling Dan to sit on the bed. Dan shrugs as Jenny and Serena join them.

"Will you please at least try to tell us what happened?" Jenny asks, squeezing her older brother's hand.

"Come on, Dan," Serena chimes in.

Looking down at his hands, Dan sighs softly. He then explains what happened with Nate and Chuck and brings up his concerns about Blair. 

"You think that its our fault she's like this," Serena says in a tone that says she may have been thinking the exact same thing. Dan nods but Jenny and Eric intervene.

"Didn't you guys hear yet?" Jenny asks. "Blair's mom and dad split up..."

"He left her for a man," Eric continues. "Blair was heartbroken. She tried to call you guys repeatedly, but the school you were going to wouldn't pass her messages along."

Dan's eyes widen. "Oh my god..." His thoughts race as he wonders momentarily if that's why he was always drawn to talking with Blair's dad at her slumber parties. But only momentarily, as he deems that's a dumb conclusion and not important in this moment.

Serena simply gasped.

"Therefore," Eric states. "Its not your fault Blair is a bitch. At least, not entirely."

Jenny nods. "She might still take her anger out on you, though."

"I think we can handle that," Dan says, seeming to be in a bit of a better mood now than he was earlier. Serena nods, smiling again.

Jenny grins. "Thank god its Friday, huh?"