Queen Flavia (Nate Archibald)

A Scam

Later that day.

Serena and i were walking down the street of Gabriel's apartment. Apparently, he left town with the money Serena had made mom give him. He left with Poppy's money too.

I was with Chuck on the phone "Gabriel didn't just skip town. He took off with the money he got my mom and the co-op to invest. And he took Poppy's money too. The entire thing was a scam"

Chuck "Well, his suits never did fit tight. How much did he get?"

Me "I'm not sure. Serena and i are on our way home to tell my mom . when are you back?"

Chuck "As fast as i can, given my current transportation situation"

I sighed "Hey, Chuck, i'm really sorry for not believing you and Blair. But you never did tell me how you found out he was lying about meeting me that night at the after party"

Chuck "I'll explain when i get there"

Then he hung up.

I looked at Serena "Why the hell did you do that for him?"

Serena drove a hand through her head, sighing "i don't know, i guess, i fell for his charm"

I nodded "so have i"

Serena "What are we going to do now?"

I nodded "I'm gonna handle this, don't worry"

She nodded.

At home.

Serena and i walked inside and saw Mom sitting there.

Mom "i didn't even know you were out. "

I nodded "yeah, i had to go and try to catch-"

Mom "Gabriel? We had a nice time with you last night. He is so charming. And that idea."

I nodded "he is charming. Deadly charming. I wanted to talk to you about that idea, though. "

Mom nodded "okay, well, before you do, there is something i want you to have. "

She handed me a box "i was gonna wait until you two were 21 but i've been so proud of you lately"

I opened it and smiled "oh my god. "

A golden diamond bracelet.

Mom "it was your great-grandmothers. I took it out of the safety -deposit box this morning. Since it's only one bracelet it would mean a lot to me if you two would share it"

Serena nodded "we will"

I smiled "It's beautiful, mom, but it's too much. I can't accept it. I don't deserve it"

Mom nodded worried "well, of course you do. Flavia, Serena, you're becoming wonderful women and i want you to have something that represents that"

She took the bracelet out of the box and put it around my wrist "now, tell me, what were you gonna say about Gabriel?"

Suddenly her phone rang.

Me "just take that, and we'll talk later, okay?. And thank you, this is beautiful"

Mom "don't forget, we have to leave for brunch in 10 minutes"

I nodded and looked at Serena "Call Blair"

She nodded and took her phone out.