【 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ━━ 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 】

𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, picture-fucking-perfect
𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 - 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘃𝘆.
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❝ WHAT HAPPENED TO NOT using the picture?" I ask my best friend, "I didn't use the picture." she tells me. Folding my arms I raise a brow, "Serena did a bad thing, and I just—" B tries to justify.

"Wanted to get back at her?" I guess. Where she nods too, "You should have done it another way. Not like that."

As a third party walks over, "Serena's not a patient at the Ostroff Center." Eric announces, "Eric, you're a sweet kid. And I understand that you want to help your sister." I say, looking sadly at the boy.

"I am." he tells us, "I have never even seen you take a drink."

Thinking back, I nod. Realising I never saw him drink either, "I'm not an alcoholic." he tells us, "I did this." he says pulling his sleeve up. Showing his barely healed scar, "And today Serena protected me."

"Eric, I- I didn't..." B stutters, "See that coming? Yeah. That must be a shock for someone who thinks she knows everything." he scuffs.

Glancing between us he leaves. Seeing B her state, I pull her into a hug, "What was that all about?"

Squeezing her to my chest, I take a deep breath, "Not now, Chuck." I shake my head, "Let's go home." I whisper to the girl. Nodding she wraps her arms around my waist, leaving to our home.

The girl falling asleep in my arms, running my fingers through her hair. Before deciding to face the problem head-on. Covering B with a blanket.

Catching a cab downtown, "Oh, uh- I... I'm sorry." I apologize seeing Jenny with him, "What are you doing here?" Eric questions, seeing me in his room. Holding up the baked goods and drink, "Your favourites."

Smiling softly at the boy. A desperate attempt to making it up to him. Just looking back at me, I place them down, "I- I will just leave you two alone." Jenny says accusing herself quickly, and leaving the room even faster.

"I know that what happened is horrible and I should have done something."

"It's not your fault." he denies patting the seat next to him. Shaking my head I take a seat, "But it is. I knew about it and I didn't reach out to Serena. Or asked, and I'm sorry."

"I'm also sorry you felt like you couldn't come to me."

Taking my hand in mine, he sighs softly, "We used to be so close. You were like the little brother I always wanted." I reminisce.

A sad smile tucking up both our lips, "Is it chocolate croissant and orange juice?" he asks, "What else could it be?"

Grinning, he takes the bag. Splitting the dough, handing me half, "Truce?" he offers.

"Truce."

Taking the piece. Eating it, we talk some more. About what we missed, what we want, nothing yet everything. Having my ringtone go off again, we ignore it, "You know you can answer it, right?" he reminds me, "If I do this moment will break."

"That's okay. We always have another time." he reassures, "We do." I nod. Picking up my phone, I take the call, "Can you meet me at the bridge?" Blair asks immediately.

"What bridge?" I ask confused, "The bridge." she empathises. Sitting up, I run my hand over my hair, "Upset bridge?" I ask, "Yes." she replies, before ending the call.

"You need to leave, huh?" Eric asks, "Yeah."

Putting my shoes back on, I take my coat, "Call you tomorrow?" he asks, "Yeah." I nod, stepping closer I kiss his head, "Please, rest." I tell the boy, tracing my thumb over his cheek.

As he nods, I smile softly at the boy before leaving. Arriving at the bridge I catch up with B, "Whenever something's bothering you, we can always find you here." Blair tells the blond.

"Here for another catfight?" S asks annoyed. Making Blair shake her head as I raise my hand, "I'm here to prevent them."

Making S hum, as B takes a deep breath. Nudging the brunette, she opens her purse. Taking out the letter, "What's that?"

"A letter. I wrote it to you when you were away at boarding school."

Closing the purse she licks her lips, "I never sent it." she adds. Taking it out of the envelope she clears her throat, "Dear Serena." she starts.

"My world is falling apart. Val hasn't come out of her room in days, and my father left my mother for a thirty-one-year-old model." Blair says reading up the letter.

"A male model."

Glancing between them, Serena bites her lip at our friend's words, "I feel like screaming because I don't have anyone to talk to." she confessed, "You're gone, my dad's gone, Nate's acting weird and Valerie breaks down at the mention of you."

"Where are you? Why don't you call?" she asks. Her voice breaking as she does, "Why did you leave without saying goodbye?" B continues to question, "You're supposed to be our best friend. I miss you so much." she tells her, "Love, Blair."

Lip quivering at the letter, "Why didn't you send it? I would have—" Serena starts, "You would have what?" B asks, "You knew, Serena, and you didn't even call."

"I didn't know what to say to you. Or even how to be your friend after what I did." the blond tries to explain, "I'm so sorry." she sniffs, "To the both of you." taking both our hands in hers, "Eric told us what happened." B blurts out.

Serenas' eyes fall to the ground, I squeeze her hand, "I guess your family's been going through a hard time, too." she continues. Humming Serena nods, as I take B her free hand, "I feel like this a group hug moment."

Making them chuckle, pulling closer, wrapping our arms around each other. It's all good — for now. Yet what happens next, only time will tell.