Starting Over: rewrite

Trouble in Paradise

"You wanted to see us." I say with less than enthusiastic tone.

"Yes, please sit down."

"Will this take long?" Chuck is trying to leave as quickly as he can.

"As you both know I have proposed to Lily van der Woodsen..."

"Yes at a Christmas we weren't invited to." I say with a smirk on my face.

"I needed everything to be perfect when I asked."

"Without your children involved? Because if we were there we could possibly bring shame to the Bass name?" Chuck asks joining me in the sass.

"I thought you two would be more mature about this."

"And I thought if you were going to marry someone you would at least tell us you were serious about dating someone other than a prostitute."

"Eloise I thought you would like this."

"You marrying my best friends mother? Why would I like this?"

"You and Serena could spend more time..."

"And if you and Lily decide you two tire of each other and divorce what does that mean for my friendship? Did you even care? Serena has been my best friend for my whole life and you marrying her mom could be the worst thing."

"I thought you would see this differently."

"I, on the other hand, do not care who you marry father. I am happy if you are doing what you want." Chuck is being a kiss ass.

"I brought you all here today to let you know she will say yes and when that happens we will be a family. And things will change."

"Like what?"

"We will be living under the same roof as a family should and do family activities."

"Because you and Lily are so family-oriented." I fire back at him.

"Eloise please..."

"No! You barely speak to us unless it's to remind us how not to behave. I didn't walk in Fashion Week because you didn't approve of the dress the designers had me in. You kept me from doing something I loved because you thought it would bad on you."

"You will thank me one day when you sign with a designer worthy of your class and talent."

"You mean your approval."

"I wanted to inform you both that when things change you will be expected to change with them. No fighting against what this new family needs."

"I guess we have no choice."

"I expect respect and..."

"Nice meeting." I stand up grabbing my bag.

"Eloise..."

"Let me know if and when Lily says yes." I head out not needing this bullshit.

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Blair calls me up telling me that there is a party at the school's pool later tonight and this is exactly what I need. Something to take my mind off the stress and horror that is my life. Carter is busy traveling with his family for work. We've only communicated through text not enough times for calls. We've been doing this long distance for so long I forget that we're actually in a relationship. He's amazing and supportive but I wish he was around more than what he is. Martini's and swimming is just the combination we all needed. Chuck has taken it upon himself as being the lifeguard for the night even though he has no lifeguard experience. It's mostly so he can check all of the girls out. Blair, Kati, Iz, and I clink our Martini glasses together. "E your swimsuit looks fabulous."