The New Queen in Manhattan [Based on Gossip Girl - Nate Archibald]

Chapter 1 - New Girl in Manhattan.

Good morning Upper East Siders. It's that time of the year, where new friendships are formed, old clans rejoin to fulfil their missions, the outsiders try to fit in and the royalty regain their territory. You guessed it, it's the first day of School. Today's focus is geared towards two schools in particular, Constance and St. Jude's. Rumour has it, there's a new girl in the city, who might just turn everyone's world upside down.

"Dad, do I have to go?" Astrid said, walking into the kitchen to make a cup of iced coffee, while her dad made pancakes and eggs for breakfast. "I hate always being the new girl in town...especially in Manhattan where everyone else thinks they're so much better
than us."
"I know how you feel about moving, but maybe this time will be different. Maybe Manhattan will love you and you'll feel at home here," her dad replied, placing some pancakes, onto the plate in front of her.
"Fine, but only since you want me to," Astrid replied, sighing and eating her food. A few minutes later, she grabbed her bag, hugged her father goodbye, and walked out of their apartment. She put on her earphones and walked to Constance, arriving 30 minutes before her first class. She sat on the Met stairs, next to the railings at the centre and pulled out her phone. Maybe that'll make her look less awkward.

Rookie mistake, Newbie. No one sits higher than the queen. Didn't they teach you that in school wherever you came from?

"Yeah I'll catch up with you later," Dan said to his friend Nate, walking over to his girlfriend Serena. He sat next to her, among her many other friends, including the queen herself, Blair. Suddenly there were whispers among them, with a few glances at the new girl. Nate, noticing the fear in Dan's eyes, realised that that this friend group, were plotting their next mission, and their next target, the new girl.

Nate walked up to Astrid on the stairs, and tapped on her shoulder to gain her attention.
"Hi, I'm Nate. You're new here right? Maybe I can show you around a little bit before school starts," he said, eager to get her off the stairs.
"Hey, I'm Astrid. I'd love for you to show me around," she replied, wrapping up her earphones, and shoving them into her bag.
Together they walked off, with Nate updating her on everything there is to know about the way things are done at their schools, to the nearby cafe, and took a table near the window.

"So you're telling me, I'm not allowed to sit higher than her on the stairs?" Astrid said confused.
"Not just you, but everyone. She's kind of the leader at Constance, and her friend group would do anything she says. Which would have included, you being publicly embarrassed, on your first day of school if I didn't get you away in time," Nate relied casually, with a smile.
"The power belongs to her huh? I have a feeling, I'm in for a very long senior year."
"Yeah, and she'll do anything to keep it. I should know, I'm her ex." Nate replied, rolling his eyes, looking annoyed.
Astrid almost spat out her drink at that remark,
looking uncomfortable.

At lunch, Astrid sat all by herself, at one of the outside tables when everyone's phones beeped and all eyes were on her.

Think you could escape the spotlight, Ash?I have a feeling, it follows you wherever you go. As for this one... well it includes a certain golden boy, who was all smiles at a cafe this morning.

Astrid checked her phone, only to find a picture of her and Nate staring back at her.

Welcome to the world of Gossip Girl, where you spread gossip about others, to avoid your own truth being revealed. You can do everything in your power to avoid it, but sometimes, you'll get caught in your own lies.

Blair, Serena and three of their other friends walked up to Astrid's table. Maybe it was time for a late welcome. Blair motioned for the other three girls to leave them, and so they did. Blair and Serena sat down and introduced themselves, with Astrid returning the favour.
They seemed friendly enough from the outside, but let's get a some inside intel shall we?

"Look, I know you're new here, but it's time you figure out how this works, and for you, it's a simple rule: the new girl must stay away from Nate Archibald. He's off limits," Blair said, looking smug and proud.
"The last time I checked, he was available. Besides, he's the one who approached me first, asking to go to the cafe with him. Maybe you should get used to someone new around here," Astrid replied with a smirk, walking off.
Blair and Serena were shocked. Surely they didn't expect that Astrid would talk back like that. But one thing was for sure, if she had her eyes on Nate, she had to go down.

"Hey Astrid," Nate called out to her, after school, as she was making her way back home. "How was your first day?"
She slowed that so that he could catch up with her. "It was good. Blair and her minions paid me a visit at lunch, so that was a nice surprise," she replied sarcastically.
Nate laughed and watched her. "I guess you found out about gossip girl huh? She has tabs on every student at our schools. My life, and soon yours, will always be drama filled."
"Wow, I can't wait," Astrid replied, obviously faking her excitement. They laughed and continued walking.
"What are you doing this afternoon? Like right now? I was thinking maybe we could grab a bite, and I could get to know you better and where you're from," Nate asked, passing his fingers through his hair.
"Uh sure. If it means that I'll finally have a friend here," Astrid said, laughing lightheartedly.
Nate gasped playfully and look offended. " I thought I was your friend, when I saved you this morning," he relied softly, obviously playing hurt.

Obviously, Astrid was about to learn about just how much Blair would do, in order to have her way. Look out, Nate, you might get caught in the crossfire, in the battle between B and A.

"Come on B, she's new here. Doesn't she at least deserve a chance?" Serena pleaded with her best friend, who was only partially listening to what Serena was saying as she was too busy stalking Astrid online.
"S, she needs to know whose grounds she stands on and the only way to do that, is by making sure, she doesn't cross us. So we need to send a good message," Blair replied, lying on her bed next to Serena.