Serena walked into Grand Central Station with the air of someone who knew her worth in the world. As an elite New York socialite returning after an extensive period of time away from the city, she exuded confidence and beauty that most girls in the world would sell their souls to possess. As she sauntered through the ornate station, she kept her eyes locked forward, keeping her gaze above the many flip phones that had started to take pictures and record videos. It wouldn't be long before the blogs caught ahold of the footage. Serena, for her part, didn't very much care as to whether or not there were posts about her on the blog. As long as her secrets stayed secrets, she could live with undue speculation.

She stepped out of the station and hailed a taxi, intent on heading to the palace. She knew that the Archibald's were throwing a party and knew without a doubt that Blair would be there. She knew Nate would be too, but that was a problem that she would deal with when the time came. As she slid into the yellow cab and took a moment to look up at the massive skyscrapers, she quietly sighed and thought, "Here we are…it's back to life in the city."

Alex sat in the driver's seat of his old truck, staring out at the endless rows of traffic, trying not to lose his cool as driver after driver laid on their horn while trying to get him to hurry forward. Alex, to his fury, was cut off time after time as he tried to merge and navigate the busy traffic. He growled under his breath and muttered, "What I would give to turn this car around where we came…"

Sitting in the passenger seat of the fifteen-year-old Toyota 4Runner, Alex's mother reached over and lightly smacked the back of his head. Alex shot her an apologetic glance before turning back to the road in time to see a town car slam on its brakes, nearly starting an accident before Alex managed to swerve into an opening in the right lane. He pulled off to a side street, following the MapQuest directions and map that he had sitting in between he and his mother. She looked over at him and softly said, "You know that if you just come to terms with it-"

Alex reached over, squeezed her shoulder with his free hand, gave her a tight smile, and said, "You don't have to try and sell me, Mama. I know you're doing what you think is best for us. I'm okay with that."

She gave him a sympathetic look. "You don't have to lie to me, honey. I know you're hurting…"

Alex stared straight ahead, trying not to betray his heartache at moving away from everything he had ever known. "You did what you had to do. You know that I support you no matter what you do, even if it's hard for me. It's just high school. I'll be alright."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. Claire Martin was a slight woman with short blonde hair. She and Alex bore little resemblance to one another, but they were close as a parent and child could be. The two shared everything and could read one another like a book. Claire confided in her son, who was mature far beyond his years, and Alex did likewise. Both were strong, compassionate, loving, and willing to sacrifice for those they loved. Claire loved reading, something she passed down to her son, and both shared a sharp wit and a sarcastic demeanor when life was good. When things got tough, concern and kindness flowed out in abundance. And their eyes…both had striking blue eyes that seemed to cut through a person's soul. The blue orbs' piercing gaze reflected two people who preferred the wallflower approach to life, content to sit on the sidelines and piece apart the world around them before hesitantly dipping in.

Claire slid over to the middle seat, sliding the map onto her lap and leaning her head on her sons' shoulder. "This is a chance to start over, honey. Opportunities like this don't come around often."

Alex nodded. "I know they don't, Mama. That's why I'm here. This town is big enough to start over. I'm okay with that. But…St. Jude's? I mean, c'mon, Mama!"

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Well, they ARE the school that gave you a scholarship to attend…"

Alex shrugged. "I can get a scholarship anywhere."

Claire rolled her eyes. "I raised you to be humble, Alexander."

Alex chuckled. "Well you lost that battle when I came out this gorgeous and talented."

The two shared a quiet laugh, Alex's faux ego a running joke between the two. In the backseat, they heard a yawn, a few bones cracking, a stretch, and then a girl with a bright demeanor slid over the seat and into the passenger seat, joining Alex and Claire on the front row.

Kat was one year younger than Alex. Despite being smart for his age, his mother had held him back so that he and his sister could start school together, so the two were both preparing to start their junior years at St. Jude's and Constance, respectively. While Alex's personality was subdued, sarcastic, witty, and incredibly reserved, almost shy, Kat was always smiling, ready to engage anyone in happy conversation, always quick to make a friend. The beautiful teenager didn't share the blue eyes of her mother and brother, her eyes instead a beautiful amber brown. Her long hair was a gorgeous strawberry blonde. She and her brother, despite a plethora of differences, were practically inseparable.

Kat looked up at the buildings and her eyes widened in shock. "Wow…I didn't know humans could build things that high. I always knew they existed, but to see them up close…"

Alex shrugged. "I think it's kind of sad, honestly. You shouldn't have to look up like that to see the sky."

Kat rolled her eyes. "You're gonna be a real downer, aren't you?"

Alex grinned. "Someone has to keep you in check, Kat."

Claire put her hands on both of her children's heads, tussling their hair and smiling. "I love you two. I know this is going to be hard…but we're going to make it. Together."

Alex nodded and kissed his mother's head, trying to give a false confidence that he didn't have. "We're gonna do great here, Mama."

Serena walked into the foyer of the massive Archibald penthouse, searching for faces that she recognized. She didn't have to look far. Catching a tall blonde woman droning on about her living room furniture, Serena steeled herself and walked over to speak with her mother. "Mom. Mom! Hey."

Her mother turned around, clearly surprised to see her daughter home from Connecticut despite having sent Serena the information about the party. She offered a shallow smile and replied, "Oh! Good to see you. Serena, darling."

Serena looked around, searching for a familiar head of floppy blonde hair that would be running around, trying to find some diversion in this barren wasteland of entertainment. Not seeing Eric, she gently grabbed her mothers arm and pulled her to the side, away from conversation, and asked, "So…where is he? What, they haven't let him out yet?"

Her mother looked away and muttered, "Oh, let's not discuss that right now, okay? I thought you might wanna see some of your friends."

Serena, not ready to pick a fight, nodded and replied in a soft tone, "…Thanks…"

Serena saw a brunette striding towards her with a purpose emanating from every step. Serena swallowed the massive lump in her throat as her former best friend Blair Waldorf appeared, offering a fake smile and a painfully bogus tone of happiness. "Hi!"

Serena, willing to play along with the roll of necessary pleasantries, managed to adorn her face with a smile and replied, "Hey, Blair."

Blair, seeming to radiate joy although Serena could see through it clear as day, said, "Serena, It's so good to see you! How are you? Come, we're about to have dinner. I'll set a place for you."

Serena, catching sight of a tall and lanky brunette staring at her from across the hall, hastily lost any appetite for social life and replied, "Yeah, actually, um…there's somewhere I have to go."

Blaire gave her an incredulous look, feigned a saddened expression, and asked, "You're leaving?"

"Yeah, I…I just…I don't feel well."

"Aw."

"I just wanted to come by and say hi. I'll see you at school tomorrow."

A couple of Blair's friends walked up to her and Blair remarked in a snarky tone that quickly betrayed her true feelings for Serena's return, "So I guess she's back for good."

One of her friends asked, "Didn't you know she was coming?"

Blair, attempting to cover her tracks, hastily replied, "Of course I did. I just wanted it to be a surprise."

Just as darkness was beginning to fall, Serena slipped down a side street further into the city, well away from the Manhattan elite that she had grown up around and slipped into a pretty but nondescript brick building. She slipped through the entrance, went up a back staircase, followed several room numbers, and then finally came to rest at a door near the receptionist desk. Serena leaned against the door and sadly stared at the teenager with floppy blonde hair lying in bed in the meek establishment. The receptionist, a tall African American woman, looked over, noticed the presence of another human being, and said, "Young lady, you can't be here. Visiting hours are over."

Serena, never taking her eyes off the boy, softly replied, "I'm family. He's my brother."

A young blonde man with bandaged wrists and a quiet demeanor sat up from his slumber in the Ostroff Center the next morning, stretching and yawning before realizing that there was someone sleeping in the visitor's chair. Surprised, knowing that his mother never stayed overnight, he leaned over, trying to catch a view of the strangers' face. Upon recognizing his sister, he asked in a surprised voice, "Serena? Serena? Hey!"

Serena woke from her slumber, caught sight of her brother, and smiled as she sat up and wrapped him in a hug. "Hey, how are you?"

Eric shrugged and replied, "You know I've been better."

Serena sighed and lowered her head, staring at the ground as a feeling of immense guilt welled up inside her. She had been at boarding school when Eric had tried to take his own life and had stayed away from the city that summer over selfish concern for her own circumstances. She quietly said, "Eric, I know I've been a terrible sister-"

Eric interrupted her, smiling and squeezing her, simply happy to have his sister back. "Oh, I'm just so happy to see you. Must be a lot of rumors why you're back."

Serena nodded and replied to his comment that was clearly fishing for information, "Yeah, but none of them mention you."

Eric sighed and muttered, "Just like mom wants, huh?"

At that moment, their mother appeared, sliding through the door with quiet grace and civility, saying pointedly, "What do I want, baby? For Serena to sleep in her own bed, possibly wearing pajamas."

Serena grimaced and then offered a tight smile. "Morning, Mom. Hey, I was just about to ask the doctor If I could take Eric to breakfast. Wanna come?"

Her mother shook her head, searching for words before replying, "Um…no. I think what I'll do is go get him a croissant down the street."

Her mother turned on her heel and made for the door, leaving an angry Serena staring back at her mother in silence before sliding off the bed. Eric shook his head and pleaded, "Serena, don't."

Serena ignored him, her willful personality intent on having a chat with her mother. She caught up with her just as she was about to get on the elevator. Serena stuck her hand in the door, stopping the elevator from closing, and in a tight tone, demanded, "Let me guess, you told everyone Eric's just visiting grandpa in Rhode Island."

Her mother stared back at her, unabated. "Your Aunt Carol in Miami."

Shocked and disappointed despite already knowing the truth, she angrily replied, "So you're actually hiding him? He tries to take his own life, And you're worried it's gonna cost you mom of the year?"

Her mother snapped back, "Serena, you've been gone doing who knows what with god knows who."

Serena replied with a heat of her own, "I told you, boarding school was not like that."

"Then you know what? As happy as I am to have you home, you have no idea what it's been like."

Alex Martin stared out of the bus window at the massive buildings that shot into the sky like dark nails being driven into a cold, gray coffin of a morning. The metaphor was more than a little dramatic, of course, but the ghastly turn of phrase more than accurately described his mood as he prepared for his first day in this massive city that he had just the day prior come to call home.

The young man sighed and leaned his head against the window. His short brown hair, chiseled jaw line, slight brown stubble, and striking blue eyes caught the attention of several girls on the bus, who stared at him, talking amongst one another, giggling and sending him suggestive smiles in an attempt to gain his attention. He was having none of it. Alex was lost in his own little world…

Alex sighed and watched as the bus pulled to a stop outside of his new school. He slowly slipped the earphones out and stood up, nearly bumping into two guys who, judging by their attire, Alex assumed were some of his new classmates. One of them, the shorter of the two, whipped around, his choppy hair bouncing as he glared up. "Watch where you're going, dude."

The other guy, slightly taller and with longer brown hair swept to the side put his hand out and remarked, "Chuck, it's not that big a deal."

Chuck looked Alex up and down before giving him a sneer and remarking, "Judging by his look, I'd have to agree with you, Nate."

Alex's anger boiled over, but he said nothing. Instead, he simply glared at Chuck, allowing his nearly six and a half feet tall muscular figure do the talking for him. Chuck, to his credit, didn't seem to be easily intimidated, returning the glare before Nate grabbed his arm and pulled him off the bus. Alex rolled his eyes and thought as he stepped off the bus, "Nice to know that wherever you go in the world, there will always be a trust fund kid looking to pick a fight."

Alex was the last to step off the bus, taking the time to stare up at the school in front of him as the bus pulled away. The tall and classical structure of brown brick and white limestone radiated elitism, money, and power. All things that Alex did not have. He turned around to the city behind him, gave the real world one last, long look, and then turned to walk inside and start his new life.

Kat's day had started considerably better than her brother's. Kat, a gifted artist, had arrived at school early and gone to take an art assessment with the head of the school art department, who had given her glowing remarks for her skill with calligraphy and oil paintings. At that moment, Blair Waldorf had happened to walk by and catch sight of the beautiful calligraphy job that Kat had demonstrated free hand to the teacher. After a bit of convincing and promise of an invitation to her party Saturday night if Kat could have multiple invitations done in the next hour, Kat had agreed. After an hour of furious work in the lab, Kat walked up to Blair and handed her the prints of the invitation she had designed free hand.

Blair admired the invitations in her hand. "These should be framed or something. Not bad work. And here's yours, as promised."

Kat smiled with glee and replied, "Thanks."

At that moment, Serena walked up, having finally found her friends after a search that had taken much longer than she had anticipated. "Hey. Here you guys are. I looked all over the dining hall for you."

Upon catching sight of Kat, she said, "Oh, hi, I'm Serena."

Kat reached out and shook the hand presented to her. "Hi, I'm Kat."

Catching sight of the invitations, Serena turned her head to Blair and asked, "So when's the party?"

Blair coldly replied, "Saturday. And you're kinda not invited since until 12 hours ago, everyone thought you were at boarding school. Now we're full, and Kat used up all the invites."

Kat, already having sensed that Serena was a former Queen Bee and that she was about to get caught in a social power struggle, slipped the invitation up to Serena and said, "Um, actually, you can go now. Sorry…"

Serena, seeing the look on Kat's face and knowing how hard it was to make friends as a new girl at Constance, held up her hand and shook her head. "No, that's okay! I got a lot of stuff to do anyway."

Blair, still cold, said, "Well, we should get going then. Unless you want us to wait for you. Looks like you got a lot of yogurt left."

Serena offered a fake smile and said, "No, go ahead."

As Blair and her minions stood up to leave, Serena reached out, grabbing Blair by the arm and in an icy tone of her own said, "Blair, think we could meet tonight?"

"I'd love to, But I'm doing something with Nate tonight."

Serena simply said, "The palace. 8:00? Nate will wait."

Defeated but not willing to acknowledge the fact, Blair begrudgingly replied, "I could probably do a half-Hour."

Serena smirked and released her arm. "Thanks for making the time, best friend."

Alex stood at the edge of the Octagon that was in the center of Front Street Gym. After the long first day at school, he needed to blow off steam the only way he knew how. Fighting. Training. Losing his thoughts as he focused on the bag in front of him. A friend that he had trained with had made the rounds through some of the top gyms in Philadelphia and New York before making his way down south, where he and Alex met. When Alex told him that they were moving, the friend had recommended the place. The gym had a long and distinguished history of fighters that had trained there and an exceptional owner that Alex had known a long time ago. Now, after a tough first day (even if it was a Friday), he had run several miles and then driven to the gym, where he had now been training for hours, locked in on the bag in front of him and letting any thoughts about the world outside drift away.

Alex had Hip Hop turned up in his earphones and his lightly bandaged hands wailed blow after blow on the punching bag in front of him, occasionally punctuated by kicks and slide steps as he worked on his conditioning and form. An old man slowly walked over, having observed him for a few minutes before making his move. He said, "You need to bring the elbow up!"

Alex, noticing the presence but not hearing a word, slid his earphones out and asked, "Sir?"

The man responded in a thick Jersey accent, "You need to bring your left elbow up. If you're gonna fight from a southpaw stance, your elbow needs to come up to generate more power."

Alex nodded, tested the new stance, and then after a few punches, stepped back and nodded his appreciation. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate the help."

The man looked at him for a few moments before saying, "I've never seen you around this gym before."

"Yes, sir. I'm new in town. Heard from a buddy that stopped here a few years back that this was the place to go train."

The man nodded. "Yeah, I could tell that much from your accent. How far South you come from?"

"Hilton Head, South Carolina, sir."

The man analyzed Alex for another moment before asking, "So…are you trying to fight?"

Alex quietly replied, "We're all fighting, whether we know it or not. I'm just trying to stay a step ahead."

The man nodded. "Spoken like a fighter, whether you are one or not."

He held out his hand. "The name's Rocky, kid."

Alex smiled, reached out, and shook Rocky's hand. "Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Alex."

"This is my gym, son. Opened it years ago. Always enjoy when respectful young people come around and hone their craft. It's rare to see these days."

Alex nodded. "I can imagine, sir…I like it here. I hope to stick around and train here. I'd love to learn anything you have to offer."

Alex felt his phone buzz. He stopped the music on his iPod and slid the phone out to see a text from Kat that said, "Emergency! Need help! Bendel's ASAP!"

Alex shook his head and rushed off the floor, hopping in an ice bath that was meant for icing down rather than rinsing off porous amounts of sweat, before toweling off and throwing on a clean pair of clothes and taking off for his car. He kicked the old 4Runner on, threw her into gear, and drove off, rushing for Bendel's and hoping that his sister wasn't in too much trouble.

Serena rushed into the Ostroff Center, and after a few minutes of talking to the nurse, banged on Eric's door and said, "I talked to the nurse, and I'm kidnapping you. We're going shopping, we're going to Bendel's. Just for an hour, though, I swear…I had a really bad day."

Eric raised his eyebrows and joked, "Really? Cause I had a day. A couple of pills, bunch of Rorschach tests. They had this green Jell-O for lunch."

Serena laughed and replied, "Mmm! Why didn't you save me any? We gotta get you out of here before mom shows up."

Alex rushed into Bendel's and quickly spotted his sister trying on dresses. "Kat, what is it? What's wrong?"

Kat looked over and asked, "Do you like this on me?"

Alex, confused and now slightly annoyed, asked, "Wait a second. Is that why you needed me? I thought this was an emergency."

Kat rolled her eyes. "A fashion emergency! I mean come on, I've never been to a big dance before."

Alex glared at her before relenting and replying, "Neither have I."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but Mama's at work and I need someone to help me."

Alex sighed before looking at her and smiling, struck by the absolute beauty of his sister. "You look beautiful, Kat. I mean it. You're stunning."

Kat looked up and smiled at him. There weren't many things that she felt that she needed a father for but speaking goodness into her was one thing that she always needed. Alex always, despite his sarcastic nature, came through in the moments where he could tell she needed it. Kat loved him for it. Her big brother doubled as her father figure and she was always thankful that he took that on.

Kat smiled and replied, "Thanks. I mean, too bad it's more than our rent. But I think I can sew something like it."

At that moment, Serena walked inside the mall, accompanied by Eric, who was thankful beyond words to be out of Ostroff, even if it was only for a few hours. Kat looked up and remarked, "Oh my god, that's Serena Van Der Woodsen!"

Alex looked up and caught sight of Serena. The tall blonde girl emanated grace and beauty. Her smile radiated joy and kindness. Alex instantly felt drawn to her, attracted not by her looks, but by the presence she seemed to create. Of course, because Alex felt any level of attraction to her, it also meant that he forgot how to speak, his cool demeanor leaving him in an instant. Kat waved, despite Alex's objections, and Serena walked over, smiling widely as she did so. "Hey. Kat, right?"

Kat nodded and smiled. "That's right. I'm kind of surprised you remembered. I mean, not that you wouldn't remember, just that-"

Serena smiled and interrupted Kat's rambling. "Yes, I remembered your name. You're a sweet girl."

Kat, remembering social ques and courtesies, said, "Oh, I should introduce you. My brother…"

She turned around to find Alex not standing next to her, but rather, pretending to stay busy about ten feet away, looking through articles of clothing that he would never wear and couldn't afford, even if he wanted to wear them to begin with. Kat tried to wave him over, but Alex pretended to be occupied, simply offering a small wave to his sister and her new companions.

Serena chuckled, appreciating what seemed to be a genuine awkwardness from Alex, which was much different than the overinflated egos that she was used to dealing with from boys. However, as she waved back, she gave him a wide smile, which he softly returned. His lips curled slightly, and his eyes locked with hers. In that moment, Serena felt a slight spark of electricity racing between them and both immediately felt the urge to step towards the other, almost as if gravity itself were trying to pull the two together.

The moment was broken by Kat, who said, "You'll have to forgive him. He's not usually like this…it's kind of weird, actually."

Serena looked back over, gave him another smile, and the replied, "I think it's kind of sweet, actually."

Serena managed to take her eyes from Alex and said, "Speaking of brothers, I should introduce mine. This is my stylist and personal shopper Eric."

Eric nodded and Kat and smiled. "Hi."

Kat smiled back and greeted him. Serena, whose gaze had once again drifted to Alex, managed to focus on the girl who was actually making an attempt to talk with her and noticed several dresses lying around her new classmate. "So, is that your dress for the kiss on the lips party?"

Kat nodded. "Sort of.…I'm having a little bit of trouble trying to decide. Unfortunately, when your personal stylist is your brother, the creative input is somewhat limited."

Serena replied, "I'd assume that creative input is also limited when the critic doesn't talk."

The two blondes shared a sincere laugh while Alex's face turned a shade of dark red on the other side. While embarrassed, he knew that they only laughed at him in good fun. It wasn't like he had much room to say anything anyways, he knew. He still couldn't move his feet and was still struggling for words. While he wallowed in his embarrassment, Kat replied, "All jokes aside…he's doing his best. I just appreciate him helping, even though this isn't really his thing."

In an attempt to get off the conversation that had suddenly turned somewhat sullen, Kat bent down and pulled out an invitation. "Speaking of the party, here.

I made you one during art when Blair got us to do some forced labor, but if anyone asks where you got it, I know nothing."

Serena looked down at the invitation that now appeared in her hands. She smiled and said, "Thanks."

Kat shrugged and replied, "No problem. You were nice to me, so…I figured it was only fair. Sounds like it used to be your thing, anyways."

"Yeah…that was a long time ago."

Anxious to get back to her day with Eric, which was growing ever shorter, Serena nodded and said, "Kat, it was good to see you. I'll see you tomorrow at school."

Kat turned to walk away with Eric, but after a moment, turned back around and said, "You know…that red you have on is great, but I think black is better."

Kat nodded and smiled. "Thanks, Serena."

Serena waved and walked away, at which point Alex managed to make it back over to his sister, rubbing his forehead as he did so. "I cannot believe that just happened…"

Kat laughed and said, "What are you, a middle schooler?"

Alex shook his head and replied, "Let's pretend that never happened. It's not like she'll remember, so let's try not to either."

Alex chuckled at his lame elite joke, but Kat thought about the look in Serena's eyes when she first caught sight of Alex and the moment when the two had locked in gazes. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure…"

A few hours later, Kat and Blair sat at the bar of the palace, drinking martinis and talking, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Serena asked, "So…how's your mom doing with the divorce and everything?"

Blair rolled her eyes. "Great. So my dad left her for another man. She lost 15 pounds ,got an eye lift. It's been good for her."

"I'm really sorry."

"Yeah, I could tell, since you didn't call or write The entire time it was happening."

"Yeah, I'm sorry…you know how boarding school is-"

Blair interrupted her, snapping, "I don't even know why You went to boarding school to begin with. Do you know how it felt calling your house when you didn't show up at school and having your mom say, "Serena didn't tell you that she moved to Connecticut?"

Serena wiped her eyes, her voice getting tight. "I just I-I had to go. I just…I needed to get away from everything. Please, just trust me."

Blair, not satisfied, replied in a snarky tone, "How can I trust you when I feel like I don't even know you?"

"Let's fix that. I saw you at school with Katy and is, And I get it. I don't want to take any of that away from you-"

Blair rolled her eyes and interrupted, "Because it's just yours to take if you want it."

Serena shook her head and said, "No, that…that's not what I mean. I miss you. I just want things to go back to the way they used to be, you know? Walking to school together, Dancing on tables at bungalow, Night swimming at your mom's country house. You were like my sister. And with our families…we need each other."

Blair stared at her for a moment, still angry at her friend, but her feelings were slowly melting away. After a few moments, she relented and joked, "Well, you missed some classic Eleanor Waldorf meltdowns. If it wasn't such a tragedy, it would've been funny…Actually, it kind of was."

Both laughed and Serena said, "Hmm, well, I wish I could've been there."

Blair squeezed her arm and said, "You are now. I have to meet Nate. Kinda have something special planned."

Serena nodded and said, "Well, I don't want to keep you, but, um I love you, B."

Blair and Serena hugged, Blair whispering, "I love you, too, S."

Blair stood up and walked off, heading out to meet Nate for their special night, while Serena anxiously watched her go, taking a long sip of her martini as she tried to block out memories from months ago that still haunted her. The memories that she knew would crush her and Blair's relationship forever.

Alex was in his room trying to stretch out a muscle that he had pulled during one of his sparring sessions. Kat, as usual, was there to help him work out the knots and roll out the muscles. She felt it was the least she could do, considering all that he did to help her. She noticed how quiet he was, a rarity when the two were together for one of their makeshift PT sessions. She guessed that she knew the reason. While twisting him onto his side and using the roller to begin working on the right side of his torso, she remarked, "You know, she's actually nice. And if she got to know you, I think she'd really like you."

Alex rolled his eyes and remarked, "I don't know. I think she might be a tad overwhelmed by the glitz and the glamour of the Martin lifestyle."

Kat shrugged. "Well, I heard she's living at the Palace Hotel."

Alex twisted around, gave her a look, and replied, "My point exactly."

Kat continued talking nonchalantly, intent on trying to twist her brother into going over there to talk to her. She innocently continued, "Probably sitting at the bar by herself, Sipping martinis, all alone. You know, it's actually kind of sad. Oh, and Mom's at the gallery working late. She left money for dinner, so I was thinking Italian."

She stood up and gave Alex her hand, helping pull him up after their half an hour of work. Alex, curious, remarked, "You know what? I think I'm gonna go out."

He stood up, threw on a pair of jeans, a hoodie, and a leather jacket, and then walked out, giving his sister a kiss on the forehead and a hug as he walked out. She smirked, her job done, and said after the door closed, "Ok good, because I already ordered and only got enough for one."

Serena was waiting for yet another martini, hoping to drink away her guilt, when someone slid into the seat next to her. A painfully familiar voice said, "I love this town. I'm going to have to tell my parents the hotel they just bought is serving minors."

Serena looked up at Chuck, glared at him, and then replied, "And if you get a drink, they're also serving pigs."

"I love it when you talk dirty."

Serena retorted, "You just love when a girl talks to you."

Chuck chuckled and replied, "Actually, I prefer them when they're not talking."

Serena went back to her martini and remarked, "Mm, I've missed your witty banter."

"Well, let's catch up, take our clothes off, stare at each other."

Serena knew that she shouldn't, but she wanted company and knew that as much of a scumbag as Chuck was, going back and forth with him was certainly preferable to going back and forth with her mother. "How about I just get a bite to eat? I've been drinking on an empty stomach."

Chuck observed, "I heard you didn't do that anymore."

Serena scoffed at Chuck mentioning anything relating to abstaining from worldly pleasures and replied, "Special occasion."

"Oh. Well, how about a grilled cheese with truffle oil? You do love truffles."

Serena countered, "Enough to know it's not on the menu."

Chuck's eyes narrowed and he pointedly replied, "Good thing I'm connected."

A few minutes after their conversation, Chuck guided Serena into the kitchen, where in spite of her skepticism of Chuck and his intentions, she had to admit her delight in the food placed in front of her. "Whoa…Only cause I'm hungry am I here with you, but I have to admit…I am impressed."

Chuck nodded, a sly smile betraying his approval. He told the chef, "Alfonso, you're a stud. Now, have a good night. We're closing the kitchen early."

Serena took her first bite, closed her eyes, and said, "Oh. My. God. This is so good."

Chuck leaned forward, lightly pinning her against the metal table that she was sitting on and running a finger down her cheek. "Well, if you're looking for a way to thank me, I've got a couple ideas."

She rolled her eyes and said, "It's a sandwich, Chuck."

Chuck ignored her, moving closer. Now slightly worried, she responded more firmly, "This is-This is not happening right now."

Chuck looked up and pushed all his chips to the center of the table, attacking her with the one card that he held over her. "You worried Nate will find out?"

Shocked, her earth shattered, her world spinning, Serena attempted feebly to deny it. "What? What are you talking about?"

Chuck laughed, a dark edge appearing to his voice. "Last year, the shepherd wedding. You think I don't know why you left town? Best friend and the boyfriend. That's pretty classy, S. I think you're more like me than you'd admit."

Serena shook her head as Chuck pushed closer. "No…No, that was then. I'm trying to change."

Chuck looked up, smirked, and replied, "I liked you better before."

Chuck moved in closer, kissing her neck, and Serena, now scared, began to push him away, telling him, "Chuck, stop it. Stop. No! Chuck, stop it! Chuck! No! Get off of me!"

Using all her strength, Serena managed to push him back and slide a knee into his torso, knocking the wind out of him. As he fell back, Serena grabbed her purse and rushed out of the room, trying to get away from him as quickly as possible, not believing what had just happened.

Alex walked in, managing to slip past the security desk as he searched for Serena. He didn't know why he was there. He didn't know what he would say when he saw her. He didn't know how to explain why he was there. All he knew was that he wanted another shot at a first impression. As he walked in to the bar, he saw a blonde bullet rushing out, colliding with him as she moved through the restaurant, her head squarely on the ground. Her purse spilled open as she went to the ground and Alex immediately dropped to the ground, doing what he could to pick up her things and avoid the mortifying embarrassment that he no doubt had caused for himself and her at the front of the restaurant. He feebly offered an apology, saying, "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

He looked up, hoping to catch a response, and saw that it was Serena that he had collided with. But she didn't seem happy. She had tears at the corner of her eyes, her hair was a mess, her facial expression was tight, and she refused to make eye contact with him. She simply got up, stuffing whatever she saw in her purse, and rushed away. Noticing her phone on the ground, he picked it up and called after her, but she never turned around as she hurried away. Confused, Alex shrugged, rolled his eyes at the stupidity of his idea, and was just about to try and chase after her when Chuck walked past him, his hair also a mess and his top shirt buttons unbuttoned. Chuck noticed him and sent Alex a glare that Alex happily returned, but no words were exchanged, which Alex noted seemed odd, all things considered. Alex turned back around to see that she was sliding onto an elevator and rather than chase after her, he decided he would return the phone in the morning. He sent one last glare to Chuck, who was watching him from afar, and then turned back, walked through the lobby, and out into the New York night.

The next morning, Alex woke up well before the sun rose over the horizon, intent on getting in his workout. He drove to the gym, ran and shadow boxed for roughly and hour, and then proceeded to drill work, running up a serious sweat as he did so. After several hours with Rocky, who Alex could already tell was falling into the role of a coach, Alex showered, changed into jeans and a t shirt, and headed for the Palace to return Serena's phone. Upon arriving, Alex expected a gracious thanks and genuine appreciation that he was used to in South Carolina. This, he quickly found, was not the case in New York.

The security guard grilled him, asking, "How do you know it was Miss van der Woodsen's if you didn't read it? And if you're not a guest at the hotel, what were you doing here?"

Confused, Alex shook his head and sarcastically asked, "What? Look, when Prince Charming found Cinderella's slipper, they didn't accuse him of having a foot fetish."

The guard glared and Alex bit his tongue, knowing that the sarcastic remark had not endeared himself and further made him look like somewhat of a creep. The guard replied, "And you're prince charming?"

At that moment, the elevator door opened and revealed Serena, who looked like she was ready to leave for a day out on the city. Her white blouse, designer jeans, and heels were stunning, just like her, and in spite of himself, Alex found himself staring at her, his mouth nearly falling open. The guard remarked, "Well, well, there's Miss van der Woodsen now."

The guard waved her over, despite Alex's passionate protest, and said, "Miss Serena? Do you know this young man?"

Alex shook his head, dropped the phone on the desk, held up his hands, and said, "She doesn't know me. Nobody knows me. It's cool. It's fine."

Serena walked over, a confused expression on her face until she caught sight of him. She quickly recognized Alex and said, "Uh, from last night. Are you…um, I'm sorry about that."

Shocked, Alex asked, "You remember me?"

She smiled and nodded. Alex turned back to the guard, held his arms out, and sarcastically replied, "Well, what do you know, she remembers me."

Serena chuckled at his words, but the guard was not in the least bit amused. He told Serena, "Well, he claims he found your cell phone."

"Oh! You found it. Thank you, I've been looking everywhere for it."

As the three were speaking, Lily van der Woodsen walked up with an elaborate dress in her hands. Serena greeted her, "Hey, Mom."

"Guess what I got for you? A dress for kiss on the lips. I saw the invitation on the nightstand."

"Oh, uh, I'm not going to that."

Confused, Lily asked, "What do you mean? Blair's throwing it."

Serena nodded, searching for answers, treading water as her mind went blank. "Yeah, um, see, the problem is, um, By-By the time I got the invitation, I, um, actually already had plans!"

Lily, nowhere near convinced, pressed. "Plans with whom?"

Serena glanced over and saw her chance to hit two birds with one stone. She hastily replied, "My friend, Alex."

Alex, who had zoned off and was waiting for the awkward encounter to end, heard his name and his eyes widened as he realized what she had just said. He managed to keep his composure and shake her hand, saying, "Hi, ma'am. My name is Alex Martin. It's nice to meet you, Miss van der Woodsen."

Lily, still not convinced, asked, "What are you and Alex Martin doing?"

Serena was once again at a loss for words, but Alex managed to cover for her. He slipped up a couple of tickets and said, "We're going to a concert tonight."

Lily read the tickets, and with a stunned expression, read, "Rascal Flatts?"

Alex nodded. "Yeah, they're one of my favorite country groups. I'm into that kind of music, in case the accent didn't tip you off to that."

Lily raised her eyebrow at the snarky remark from Alex, who was giving her a large smile, a twinkle in her eye. Serena, trying to cover for herself, cheered lightly and said, "Whoo! I'm a huge fan."

Lily was still not convinced of her daughters' story and definitely was not convinced of her companion, but she knew that she had been beaten. She dropped the attack and remarked, "Mm. Well, this party would've been the perfect opportunity for you to announce your return, but I guess I'll just keep the dress for myself."

Lily walked off, leaving the two alone. Alex, now at a loss for words, the moment of thinking on his feet broken, offered a small smile. Serena smiled back and said, "Thank you."

Alex nodded and replied, "Really, Miss, I'm glad to help out wherever I can."

Serena chuckled and said, "So, he speaks."

Alex nodded and replied, "Only when there's something to say."

Serena smiled at that. The remark was incredibly insightful and wise, something that she wasn't used to when she talked to guys her age. She could already tell that Alex was wise beyond his years. It was attractive to her. And now that she saw him up close, her high opinion of his looks shot through the roof. Even with a small cut above his eye, his spiky hair and chiseled jaw line were like those of the models that all her girlfriends wanted to hang around. But that wasn't what caught her attention.

It was his eyes.

As she locked eyes with him, she saw the deep, electric blue orbs staring back at her, seeming to pierce her soul. They were stunning, beautiful, and she felt as if she were getting lost in them. Alex coughed, breaking the moment, and Serena said, "Thank you, really. It means a lot."

Alex nodded. " Yes ma'am, it's not a problem, really. I'm glad to do what I can. Have a good day."

Alex turned to leave, shaking his head at the lack of courage he felt, but he was stopped dead in his tracks when Serena called after him, "So you'll pick me up at 8:00?"

Alex turned around and looked back at her. She gave him a small smile that he already was melting for, but in spite of his better judgement, he plainly responded, "You'd really go out with some guy you don't know?"

She shrugged and replied, "Well, you can't be worse than the guys I do know."

Kat walked into the party adorned in the black dress similar to the style that Serena had suggested to her. She immediately had the eyes of the room on her, including a certain choppy haired elite. Chuck leaned over to Blair and asked, "Who's the newbie?"

Blair looked over, following his gaze and pretending to not have noticed Kat. "Kat Martin. She's a transfer."

Chuck licked his lips and narrowed his eyes, saying, "I love transfers."

Blair scoffed and replied, "Why? Because they actually talk to you?"

Chuck looked over at her, glared for a moment, and then asked, "Anything about her on Gossip Girl?"

Blair shook her head. "No. Until you're done with her, anyway."

Chuck nodded, looked over at Blair and winked, and then walked over to Kat, introducing himself. "Hi. I'm Chuck."

Kat looked up and smiled at him, happy that someone new was talking to her and completely oblivious to his true intentions. "HI, I'm Kat. It's, um, it's nice to meet you."

Chuck nodded, turning on the charm and giving her a smile. "You, too."

Kat smiled at him as he slid his arm around her waist. "Thank you."

Alex arrived at the Palace in good jeans, boots, and a dress shirt, as was acceptable for a first date where he came from. He quickly felt mortified at his appearance when Serena walked down the steps of the Palace in a gold dress and fur coat. He walked up the steps, gave her a smile, and then offered her his hand. She accepted the gesture as she walked down the steps, trying to remember when the last time was that someone who wasn't an employee had helped her down the stairs. She smiled at him and said, "Thank you."

Alex replied, "You're welcome. You look fantastic, by the way."

She smiled at him and replied, "Well, you're looking quite handsome, yourself."

Alex shrugged and joked, "I mean, I guess handsome is one way to describe it."

Serena chuckled and retorted, "Oh, you have a better description in mind?"

Alex pretended to search for a moment before replying, "Well, gorgeous, stunning, exquisite, or Greek god like would have all sufficed, but handsome is good too."

Serena rolled her eyes and replied, "Didn't you say that you didn't speak unless there was something to be said?"

Alex nodded and grinned. "Yeah, I did say that."

He looked over and gave her a wink, to which she burst out into laughter before recovering herself and saying, "Well then…you certainly aren't lacking for confidence, are you?"

Alex shrugged and said, "It certainly makes starting over a little easier. But I guess I could tone it down a bit."

They walked for a few blocks in a comfortable silence before taking a turn down a side street, heading for the small music venue that the band was playing. Serena looked at the people around her and remarked, "So? Little overdressed, aren't I?"

Alex shrugged, trying to play it cool, and replied, "Honestly, I don't really have a problem with your appearance."

Upon seeing Gary LeVox, the lead singer of the band, helping unload some of the equipment onto the loading dock, Alex told Serena, "Hey, come on. I want you to meet one of the guys in the band."

Serena raised her eyebrow and joked, "Oh, so you're a groupie?"

Alex wiggled his hand a bit and said, "Ehhhhhh…well, not quite."

They walked up to Gary, who upon seeing Alex, rushed over and wrapped him in a bone crushing hug, which Alex returned gratefully, happy to see one of his mentors for the first time in a long while. Gary told him, "Alex! I'll tell you what, son, you get bigger every time I see you."

Alex chuckled and replied, "Thanks, Papa G."

"What's it like being in the city?"

Alex shrugged. "It's different, to say the least. But I think it's gonna work out alright."

Gary wrapped an arm around him and asked, "You been out to Front Street?"

Alex nodded. "Started training there yesterday."

Gary gave him a look. "Did Rocky recognize you?"

Alex shook his head. "I look a lot different than I did fifteen years ago, G."

Serena watched the scene unfold in front of her. She was interested in Alex but him taking her to meet his father on the first date was throwing her for a loop, to say the least. After standing there in silence for a few moments, she coughed uncomfortably, hoping to get Alex's attention. Alex looked back over, remembered basic social courtesies, and told her, "Serena, I'd like you to meet Gary LeVox. G, this is Serena."

Gary held out his hand, which Serena gratefully shook, and he said to her, "Serena! Nice to meet you."

Serena smiled and replied, "Nice to meet you, too."

Gary looked over at all the equipment that was being unloaded and told the pair, "You guys are a little early! It's gonna be a while before we take the stage."

Alex shrugged, bit his tongue, and said, "Yeah, I may have slightly overbudgeted for travel time."

One of the band members walked out to the loading dock, holding up Gary's guitar. Gary looked back over at the two teenagers and sensed his cue, telling them, "Hey, I should go tune that. Excuse me. Enjoy the show. Son, talk to you later."

Alex nodded, gave him a fist bump, and said, "Talk to you later, G."

Gary walked off and Serena gave him an inquisitive look as they started walking to the front of the building. "You took me to meet your dad on a first date?"

Alex, trying to pivot from the question, asked, "So this-This is a date?"

Serena gave him a look and then nodded as if he were missing something. Alex nodded in response, chuckled, and replied, "Oh. Maybe I should've worn my loafers then. Dressed up a little bit."

Serena and he both laughed before she pressed and said, "No, really. Answer the question!"

Alex chuckled uncomfortably, looked away, and then said, "He's not my dad."

Serena furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "But…he called you son, you called him papa, so…"

Alex nodded. "Yeah. That's our nickname for one another. He and my dad were good friends, so I always kinda took to him."

Serena was quiet for a moment and then mentioned, "You said were."

Alex nodded. "Yeah…my dad's not really with us anymore."

Serena replied, "You mean…"

"He died when I was a baby. Not too long after Kat was born."

Serena nodded and pursed her lips, not really sure what to say. "I'm sorry…I didn't know."

Alex shrugged. "It's alright. Not that big a deal. I never knew him. But he and Gary were close, so Gary checks in on me from time to time."

Serena was quiet for a moment before saying, "Really, I'm sorry. I wouldn't have asked if I would have known."

Alex smiled and shrugged again. "Really, Serena, it's okay. You were curious. If you had known, you wouldn't have had to ask. We did just meet a few days ago, so there's bound to be a few awkward questions."

Serena smiled again and bit her lip. Alex continued to impress her with his insight and even keeled personality, something that she found incredibly attractive. She said, "You know…you're a lot different than all the other guys I know."

Alex turned his head and asked, "Is that a good thing?"

Serena looked up at him, smiled, and said, "Yeah…yeah, I think it is."

Chuck gave Kat a sly grin and said, "Let's go and talk somewhere quieter."

Kat was beginning to get an odd vibe from Chuck, but against her better judgement, she decided to follow him. He locked hands with her, grabbed a bottle of champagne, and guided her up a private stairwell that was hidden away from the rest of the party. She remarked, "Okay. Well, this is definitely quieter, But, um, do you actually know where we're going or-"

Chuck pulled them into an alcove in the brick wall and told her, "Here looks pretty good."

Kat hoped for the best, despite her growing suspicions that she had gotten herself into a bad situation, and said, "So uh, you said you wanted to talk. Um, what'd you want to talk about?"

Chuck moved in close and said, "How into you I am."

Serena recoiled as Chuck moved in to kiss her. Chuck shook his head, appearing to relent, and said, "Okay, I'm-I'm sorry. Uh, if you don't want to do anything, that's cool. Let's start over."

Kat nodded, thankful that he appeared to be taking a step back. "Yeah."

"Yeah?"

"Um, do you want to start over back at the party?"

Chuck held up the bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses. "Have a glass of champagne. Please?"

Kat stared at him and then at the expensive alcohol for a moment, trying to decide her next move. Seeing that he had stepped back and appeared to be relenting his advances a bit, she decided to throw him a bone and have a drink with him. She nodded, gave him an uncomfortable smile, and said, "Maybe one."

Serena and Alex had slipped inside a nearby coffee shop and grabbed a cup of coffee and hot chocolate, respectively, to warm up while they waited for the band to come on. After a couple minutes inside, the two slipped out and headed for the venue next door. He held the door open for her, another gentlemanly courtesy that she wasn't used to. She gave him another smile and said, "Thanks, Alex."

Out of instinct, Alex replied, "Yes, ma'am."

He gazed at her and when she locked eyes with him, she could tell that he was somewhat surprised by something. She chuckled uncomfortable and asked, "What?"

Alex shook his head and said, "Sorry. No, nothing, nothing. I just, um…my sister was right. You're nice."

Serena raised her eyebrow and said, "But you asked me out on a date, and you didn't think I was nice?"

Alex shrugged and said, "No, uh, I just thought you were hot."

Serena recoiled in a fake anger and said while laughing, "Rude!"

Alex laughed and replied, "And technically, you asked me out."

Serena nodded and rolled her eyes while the two went back and forth. "Oh, okay. Okay, I see. So, um, sensitive, shy, kind, southern boy is actually kinda superficial, huh?"

Alex nodded. "Yeah, just-Just a little bit."

Serena gave him a slight playful shove and said, "Good to know!"

Alex felt his phone buzz. He reached down into his pocket and slipped out his phone to see a text from Kat. "Emergency. Need you, sorry. 911! U know chuck?"

Alex furrowed his eyebrows, gone from annoyed at remembering her last emergency to having a bad feeling. Serena noticed him staring at his phone and asked, "What, better offer?"

Alex shook his head, his worry breaking through on his expression. "No, it's my sister. She's at that kiss on the lips party, you know? She's having some problems with this guy Chuck. I'm sorry. I have to go."

Serena nodded, wrapped her arm around his, and said, "I'll go with you."

Alex shook his head, knowing that she was probably just trying to be nice. "No, really, that's okay."

Serena shook her head, now serious and worried herself. "No, no, listen. If it's Chuck, it's not okay."

Alex and Serena arrived at the party a few minutes later. Serena had to grab Alex's arm to keep up with him as he rushed out of the cab and into the party, searching recklessly for his sister. After combing the crowd quickly, Alex turned back to Serena and said, "Look, I'm-I'm gonna do a lap, okay? Look for her."

Serena nodded, squeezed his arm to try and relax him, and said, "Okay, yeah. I'll look around."

Alex nodded at her and drifted away, rapidly moving through the crowd and searching for his sister. Serena did the same, looking around for the younger Martin sibling. As she moved through the crowd and searched, the crowd erupted into murmurs, the appearance of Serena quick to stir up controversy in the party. As she searched, the crowd seemed to part, revealing Blair standing there, glaring at her. As Serena locked eyes with a furious Blair, Serena knew. She knew that Blair had realized why she had left. She knew that her old life was finally gone. Serena stared at her for a moment, wrestling with whether or not to go over to her and try and make peace. At that moment as she took a step forward, she caught a glance of Alex rushing around the party behind Blair, searching frantically for Kat. At that instant, she realized she had a choice. Any attempt to talk with Blair would no doubt spiral out of her control, but she would have a chance to get her friend back. But if she did that and walked away from the search for Kat, there was no doubt in her mind Alex wouldn't forget it. Just like Blair wouldn't forget if Serena walked away from her in his moment. Serena stared back at Blair and made her choice. She walked up to Alex, grabbed him, and asked, "Hey, no luck?"

Alex shook his head. "No, I haven't seen her anywhere."

Serena grabbed his arm and said, "Come on. Let's try upstairs."

They walked through up the flight of steps and began searching the darkened alcoves. The longer they searched, the more frustrated they got. As they got to another set of stairs, Alex shook his head and growled, "There isn't gonna be anybody up here. This is pointless."

Just as the pair were about to turn around and walk back downstairs to continue searching for her, Serena caught sight of a cloth scarf on the stairs leading up to the roof. She pointed and yelled, "Alex!"

"What?!"

"That's chuck's scarf."

"Oh, God."

Alex instantly tore up the stairs, rushing for the roof with the speed of a lion. He saw two people, a man on top of a woman, on the skylight. He heard a voice protesting and instantly recognized his sister. Alex sprinted towards them, furiously throwing Chuck off Kat and onto the ground. He didn't move forward to finish him off, instead grabbing his terrified sister and wrapping her in a tight hug. "Are you okay?! Are you okay?!"

Kat stopped whimpering and nodded. "Yeah-yeah. I'm okay."

Serena, who had been standing back and yelling at Chuck, rushed up to the siblings and wrapped Kat in a hug before checking her to see if she was physically okay. While she was checking Kat, fury rose in Alex, who strode towards Chuck, who was smirking off to the side, and yelled, "You son of bitch!"

He shoved Chuck, sending him flying backwards against the skylight, which cracked as he hit it because he had fallen back so fast. Alex grabbed him and picked him up by the collar. "What the hell is your problem?!"

Chuck rolled his eyes and said, "It's a party. Things happen. Who are you, anyway?

Alex glared at him, furious, and said, "My name is Alex Martin and she is my little sister, asshole!"

Alex threw a punch, connecting with Chuck's left eye and sending him flying to the ground. Alex was immediately on top of him, throwing several more loaded hooks before Serena rushed over and pulled him off, saying, "Let's go. Come on."

As Alex stormed away from Chuck, Serena smacked him with her purse, screaming, "Chuck, don't you ever touch her again!"

As she followed the two siblings off the roof, Chuck yelled, "Hey, your life is over, slut! Don't forget, I know everything!"

Alex guided Kat down the stairs and slipped his coat onto his sister, who was shivering, and asked, "You sure you're okay?"

Kat nodded. "Yeah, I will be. Just take me home, okay?"

As they walked down the stairs and through the dance floor, Alex felt someone gently squeeze his hand. He turned around to see Serena, who offered him a small smile of support. He managed to give her a slight smile and squeezed her hand back, leading both her and his sister to the door.

By the time they got to the ground floor, hailed a cab, and gotten Kat inside, Alex had managed to calm down a bit. He looked over at Serena and said, "Hey…thank you."

Serena nodded and said, "It was the right thing to do."

Alex looked up and noticed all the people with their phones out, taking pictures of the two of them. He remarked, "Being the new kid, I doubt they're taking pictures of me, so…I meant it. I know he's probably got influential parents or something. I know that probably wasn't easy for you."

Serena gave him a small smile and said, "I'm happy to help where I can. I believe someone told me that this morning."

Alex grinned and nodded before asking her, "So…think I got a shot at a second date?"

Serena laughed and said, "Well, I don't think you could top this one."

Alex shrugged and replied, "I did punch someone."

Serena beamed and said, "True. We'll talk about it in the cab."

As the cab pulled out, Alex put his arm around his sister, whispering comfort in her ear as she tried to close her eyes and forget about what had just happened. As she drifted off, Alex slowly leaned back and looked over at Serena, who squeezed his leg and then turned her head to the window, intent on letting the brother and sister have a much-needed moment with one another. As she leaned her head against the window and stared out into the night, she felt and arm reach around her shoulders and give her a squeeze. She turned back around to see Kat already falling asleep and Alex, who gave her a soft smile. She returned his gaze and then slowly slid closer to him, putting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes as they drifted through the New York landscape.

Alex Martin- Liam Hemsworth

Katherine Martin- Katherine McNamara